During the Bronco Sport Meet Up event in Big Bear, California, I had the opportunity to “meet up” with Big Bend trim owner, Joseph Millan. He participates in an off-roading club in California and is typically on the trail with Broncos, Jeeps, and other rigs larger than his own. He’s the only one in a Bronco Sport and he’s earned his spot in the group. He knows the ins and outs of the Big Bend and isn’t afraid to challenge his Sport on big trails and even bigger lines. So many Bronco Sport owners have been told that their vehicle isn’t set up for off-roading and even more so if their trim isn’t the Badlands. Over and over, the car has proven people wrong, and this was my opportunity to see a well-built, well set-up Big Bend easily conquering the trails surrounding Big Bear. I asked if he would be willing to share his story and he was more than willing to do so.
So, without further ado, here’s Joseph.
What is your club name or group you wheel with?
We don't have a group name, but our group has nicknames for each member of friends in the group. The group is made up of full-size Broncos and Jeep Rubicons, and I am the only Bronco Sport. But I can make everything that their highly lifted and more capable rigs can do!
When did you start building your Sport and what was your first mod and why?
I received my Bronco Sport in June of 2021 and my first "mod" was A/T tires because I slashed a sidewall while on a trail in Joshua Tree. Upgrading my tires to the Falken Wildpeaks made the world of a difference. The traction and sidewall upgrades helped me gain confidence in knowing I have durable tires that won't slip and are more aggressive. It also gave me a 1” lift going up a size on tires, which allowed me to air down without losing much ground clearance.
Tell us about your rig and build.
I have a 2021 Big Bend, Carbonized Gray. Some of my modifications are a Rally Innovations skid guard, Rally Innovations light bar, Yucca MFG Roof Rack with Zombie Guards, Baja Designs Squadrons, S2, and S1 as fog lights, JCR Offroad catalytic skid plate and gas tank skid plate, Fifteen52 Wander wheels on Falken Wildpeak A/T3W tires, and lastly, a Rough Country 1.5” strut lift. Of course, I am still planning on adding more modifications to my rig.
Tell us about how you off-road a Big Bend.
I mainly leave my vehicle in Normal G.O.A.T. Mode or engage the lower gear (L button on the shifter) when off roading. I found using the low gear when climbing or rolling through rocky technical areas always allows me to slowly crawl without using too much power to prevent damage to my vehicle. When I need to gain more speed or allow my wheels to spin more when approaching obstacles, I will use sand mode from time to time. The downside of being in a Big Bend is you have less G.O.A.T. Modes, but it allows you to focus more on picking the right lines and putting trust in my spotters. I have learned that since this is a lower ground clearance vehicle, it is best to always take the high point of a rut or rock to prevent underbody damage. I have countlessly gotten out of my vehicle to stack rocks to get me over an obstacle due to the lack of clearance.
What do you think is critical to have on or in your Sport when off-roading?
Every adventure I go, whether it is just for the day or the entire week, I always bring my first aid kit, recovery boards, radio/communication, air compressor, and tools. My group uses CB and GMRS radios when we go out on our voyages and is important to always maintain communication with the group if someone gets stuck or needs a spot. Along with that, I bring my Garmin inReach to use in case of emergency as well. I bring tools to repair or patch up any possible damaged parts and tools to jack up and repair the vehicle in case I get a flat tire. I did invest in a full-size spare tire that I keep stored away as well. I have heard the phrase in the past: “Going in is optional, coming out is mandatory.” So, I always bring the necessities I need in order for me to make it home safely.
What is your toughest trail in your Big Bend to date?
My toughest and most memorable trail would have to be a road called South Park Canyon in Death Valley. You traverse between two giant mountains up a narrow, rocky and steep valley to lead you to an old abandoned cabin. Trail is rated a 7 and is very technical which required me to have multiple spotters and get out constantly to stack rocks and create bridges over obstacles. I just installed my lift right before this trip and I was so thankful I did.
What has gone wrong? What have you broken, what do you wish you’d done differently (if anything)?
I have not broken anything too severe while on the trails but more recently, I have punctured my EVAP charcoal canister that is located underneath the driver's side. I was able to swap it out and replace it, but I am currently in the process of getting an EVAP skid plate on soon to help prevent future damage. Other than that, and a ripped sidewall, this Bronco Sport has been a tank! There are not too many things I would do differently, but I am glad to have purchased a Bronco Sport over the other compact SUVs on the market. This outshines any other “soft roader”-type vehicle out there, is packed with so many useful features, and has never let me down!
Joseph, thanks so much for sharing your story and for your confidence in the Bronco Sport.
What’s Your Story?
Bronco Nation members, do you have a build or story you’d like to tell about your Sport? Or do you have a question or idea for an article? Please message me ([USER=34663]@Melissa Clark[/USER]), and maybe we’ll feature you in the near future.
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