Can I Bring a Stock Bronco or Sport to King of the Hammers?

In one month, Bronco Nation will be attending the world’s toughest one-day off-road race: King of the Hammers. With heavily modified vehicles clocking triple digits of speed between obstacles named Chocolate Thunder, Wrecking Ball, and Aftershock, what place does a stock, straight-from-the-factory Bronco or Sport have out in Johnson Valley?

Every place. Take it from owners who been there, done that. Here’s why you don’t need to have done a single thing to your Bronco to have a great time, plus a couple suggestions for upgrades if you do want to make some changes before attending.

Pure Adventure

First, you get to watch pro drivers and race teams do all the wild stuff. You don’t have to compete. Maybe, after seeing the challenges, feeling the adrenaline, and drooling over the rigs, you’ll find yourself participating in the 4600 Stock Class for the Every Man Challenge in the future, but this time, you can show up, enjoy 96,000 acres of OHV land, and let racers take the damage.  

Johnson Valley’s massive off-highway vehicle riding area lets you play the way you want, from rolling dunes and rocks to dry lake beds. Scale it up or tone it down: JV is terrain the Bronco was born to conquer and where it was tested bone stock, making it the perfect place to bring your vehicle.

The Terrain

As seen in the video above, JV is made up of sand and rock. There are soft dunes where you can practice maintaining momentum, steep slopes of shifting sand for some side-angle fun, rocky washes that’ll have your passengers bracing against the jostle, flat dry lakebeds where you can get some speed, and plenty of rocks to crawl, from easily doable to “we’re gonna have to winch it.” Except for that last part (unless you have an Everglades), all of that is well within the capabilities of your vehicle, no modifications necessary. You’ll come home dirty and dusty, but you can leave damage-free.

At Bronco Basecamp, guests have the bonus of being led and helped off-road by experts: Bronco Off-Roadeo Trail Guides. All Basecamp attendees need to do is get in line; we even supply the radios. Sports, non-Sasquatch Broncos, Raptors, you name it –– all models and trims are welcome! So, if your Bronco or Sport is stock, don’t let that stop you from enjoying a bucket-list event in the perfect Bronco environment.

Suggested Upgrades

Now, if you want to come out for the event and have the time and cash to add parts and accessories, there are some items that can make your trip even better.

Floor mats: If you have carpet in your Bronco, get some mats. Dust has a way of getting everywhere, but at least your carpet can be (somewhat) protected. Think of what works its way underneath as memories.

Chase lights and light bars: You’ll know you’re near Hammertown when you see the mushroom cloud of dust hanging over the valley. Chase lights help people follow/spot you up ahead in all that, and light bars and A-pillar lights will help you see better for night off-roading and let others see you coming. Amber lights are best for cutting through the haze.

Bash plates: If your Bronco came with full vehicle steel factory plates, you’re in good shape. If your underbody is lacking protection for the engine, transmission, transfer case, and fuel tank, and you’re newer to off-roading, sit out the stuff you know you’ll scrape on. There’s plenty to do in JV that won’t have you worried. But if you can, pick up some armor to add on, and you'll be better equipped for the next adventure.

Rock rails: Like bash plates, these are beneficial to protect your Bronco from damage but not necessary for playing in the dunes, high-speed off-roading, or rocky areas that aren’t narrow or have large stones or ledges.

Traction boards and shovel: Both are valuable pieces of equipment off-roaders should carry, especially in a sandy area.

Compressor: Airing down your tires will help you immensely in sand and provide a better footprint on the rocks. You’ll want to re-inflate your tires before getting back on the highway, and even a cheap reliable compressor can get the job done.

Join Us at Bronco Basecamp

If you’re ready to head to the desert, come meet up with Bronco Nation at Bronco Basecamp. We cover the King of Hammers cost of entry for you and a guest, provide you with catered meals, and have the Off-Roadeo guides lead you on drives, plus behind-the-scenes extras. It’s an event like none other, one that makes you feel like a kid again with how much fun it is to get the most out of your Bronco. We'll see you there!