New to Off-roading

We all are building to meet our needs/wants/gotta haves. I am building an Appalachian snow machine... Only thing that I would add for your consideration is that you may want to consider going aftermarket for your hitch. The Ford hitch is a class II, attached to the rear most cross member only,, VS a class III or IV hitch which will attatch to the frame. Spreads the torque out a lot wider, making the tow safer and more comfortable. Given the proper modifications, will be able to tow more....

I would really love to be able to tow 7500 like my Ranger does. Probably no chance of that though.

Welsome! Excellent choice for a mild offroader/commuter. It'll handle the easy trails (sruff like the fire roads) no problem, and some of the moderate trails and desert routes. Best to go with a group or club, especially starting out. What part of CA are you in?

I was sold on the anti-matter blue color until I saw it in person. It's a very nice dark blue, but it kinda sparkles a bit too much in direct sunlight for my taste, almost purplish (this was on the painted jerry cans, not an actual Bronco, so it might be a little different on the vehicle). After seeing it in person, I preferred Area 51 or Carbonized Gray.

I'm in Kern county. There are a lot of options for me. From the coast at pismo, salt flats to the snow at big bear. I want to be able to go wherever but not like a90degree hill at wide open throttle.

Some of the mountain trails around Big Bear can be fairly challenging. If you think you might get a little more serious about that kind of off-roading, you might consider a Black Diamond if the budget allows. It's built more for moderate rock crawling. If you plan to avoid any trail that might possibly cause the undercarriage of the Bronco to come in contact with the rocks/ground, then Big Bend will be fine.

For myself, I'll be getting a Base and adding stuff over time to build it up a bit.

I really considered the base but it lacks everything I've come to enjoy about my ranger. Basically everything that makes it an awesome daily driver. Bliss, keyless entry, etc. If i was more off-road serious the base seems like a great pick because it such a blank canvas. Are you going with the 2.7ecoboost? I have the 2.3 ecoboost in the Ranger and its an absolute beast.

No, I want a manual transmission, so it will be 2.3.

I think you will be happy with the 2.3 its an amazing engine

The thing about having a vehicle with more capability is you might find yourself saying I should try that trail because I can. On the flip side to that you might look at your rig and say wow never even used that rear locker in the whole time I’ve owned it. I have always been a “I’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it”kinda guy. Especially when off-road. Also if you are ever going to sell it resale might be higher on the BD than BB but the cost to buy is higher too.

I grew up in Tehachapi and Bakersfield, so here's a virtual wave @meshyf

I will agree with what others have said, BD is a very capable vehicle for off road since it comes with the bash plates and rear locker standard along with MGV seats and washout floors. It will allow you to get more options for comfort but still be a great vehicle for those times you want to go find some off road trails. If you budget allows for it BD has a lot of bang for your buck. If you end up not wanting to spend that much just remember a base bronco with a winch will get you pretty much everywhere too as long as you aren’t trying to go rock climbing all the time. If you are going out off roading no matter what trim you get remember to bring another buddy in a vehicle with so they can help you get out of stuck situations and also can be your spotter.

I wish Ford didn't take away the signature lighting on the Black Dimond model. I worked out my payments and I'd be going up $80 a month in payment. For me I don't know if I'll be getting that much more enjoyment or peace of mind for the extra money. I think I'm going to stick with the Big Bend to leave myself room for Gap, Cilajet, Ford Protect PremiumCARE and Ford Premium Maintenance. I know it isn't as good as a full Steel Bash plate for the undercarriage but should I consider the Rock Rails?

AcesandEights

I grew up in Tehachapi and Bakersfield, so here's a virtual wave @meshyf

Nice! Got any trail recommendations?

What is "Ford Protect PremiumCARE" as it relates to the Bronco?

meshyf

...should I consider the Rock Rails?

I would say yes.

meshyf

Got any trail recommendations?

This is an amazing resource for trails in CA:
http://trails.dirtdevils.org/map5.html

Bryan

What is "Ford Protect PremiumCARE" as it relates to the Bronco?

Its Ford's extended service plan. Its as close to the Factory bumper to bumper coverage as you can get. They have one for mechanical failures and one for all the scheduled service. I plan on getting both. First run vehicle, short production cycle and the cost of repairs can be insane. I work at a dealership and see this stuff save people thousands. I plan on financing for six to seven years so I want to have comprehensive coverage during that time. I might sell it 3-4 years in, (I usually lease) so I can cancel it then if I need to or sell it to the new owner with the car.



@TorgSurv I'm going to add them. They aren't very expensive and it gives me some extra protection.

TorgSurv

Some of the mountain trails around Big Bear can be fairly challenging. If you think you might get a little more serious about that kind of off-roading, you might consider a Black Diamond if the budget allows. It's built more for moderate rock crawling. If you plan to avoid any trail that might possibly cause the undercarriage of the Bronco to come in contact with the rocks/ground, then Big Bend will be fine.

For myself, I'll be getting a Base and adding stuff over time to build it up a bit.

You going manual or auto? I'd like a BD because I really want the 4A but my finances place me firmly in the Base pricing. This will be my first 4x4 and I constantly go back and forth between Base manual with only Aux switches up to a Base Auto V6 with all the bells and whistles :ROFLMAO:.

Current plan is Base, manual, aux switches, and roof rails. Nothing else. I will add bigger tires, lift, and lower gears later. I also would really like to have the advanced 4x4, primarily for the lower gear ratio, but it's unavailable currently. I know it can work functionally with a manual because it's available on other trims, so I might even look into swapping the transfer case in a few years. I have a late reservation so I'll be holding my breath that it's an option on the '22, or I might even decide to get Sasquatch once it's available with the manual.

I love the idea of manual transmission but the newer clutch systems feel so weird. The base is cool because its really inexpensive and is a great blank canvas. I almost went base auto with sas pack.
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