When it comes to off-road adventures, the right gear can make all the difference between a good and bad time — or a good trip vs. a great one. The experienced trail guides from Bronco Off-Roadeo have spent countless hours navigating challenging terrain, putting Broncos and equipment to the test. From essential recovery tools to accessories that will make your drive easier, these experts know what works best when you're miles from civilization.
We've gathered their top picks for must-have Bronco upgrades — proven essentials that will enhance your Bronco and Sport, boost performance and your fun off-road, and keep you prepared for anything the trail throws your way!
You can find these in the Bronco Nation store, with special member pricing automatically applied on most when logged in. And don't forget, if you have redeemed FordPass Rewards points waiting to be used, you have until March 31 to use them in the store.
BRIAN H., TENNESSEE
ARB Twin 12V Portable Compressor
Having an air compressor allows you the benefits of airing down your tires; specifically, increased comfort, traction, and enhanced flotation in soft terrain like mud, snow, and sand. The dual-air compressor has the added benefit of airing back up super-fast!
How I use it: Primarily to air up and down, but it can be used to inflate most anything and with the addition of an air tank, it can even run air tools.
Very handy traction-aiding device for use in a variety of ways; they are incredibly durable and are an easy way to extract your vehicle from soft-terrain.
How I use it: To prevent getting stuck by placing them on potentially difficult soft terrain or as a traction aid after getting stuck.
LUKE S., TEXAS
A cooler brought with you anywhere for a few hours or a few days with ice cold drinks in it is always refreshing after a long hot day. The coolers are also super durable and not flimsy, making them easily securable to your rig. The water drain plugs make draining them out easy. I also enjoy collecting stickers from different off-road parks or places I’ve been and adding them all over the cooler.
RAM Tough-Track paired up with X-Grip Phone Mount with Track Ball Base
I like this interior accessory just for the universal use of the entire system. Any phone can be safely secured to have a trail map up while exploring the outdoors or the camera opened to record the unforgettable terrain ahead. The track ball makes it easy to get the perfect spot for a phone for accessibility. The Tough-Track has so many more attachments and can even secure tablets, portable cameras, and other accessories, to ensure your gear captures every offroad moment hands-free. I especially use both for trail recordings and off-road trail apps for location knowledge down the trail.
ARB Single 12V Portable Compressor
I like this portable ARB air compressor simply for it always being readily available. It’s simple to use and hassle-free. Takes the wiring out of the question due to the vehicle battery attachment clamps, making airing back up after a day of off-roading a breeze. It is also exceptionally faster than any interior 12V socket plug compressor. With it being portable and protected by a case, it is not limited to only one vehicle, which makes it more valuable to me.
ANTHONY C., NEVADA
ARB Single 12V Portable Compressor
This compact, portable 12V air compressor is designed to take with you on-the-go. Conveniently air up after a day on the trails or a weekend at the beach. The impact-resistant weather-proof case provides protection for the compressor in various conditions, making it more versatile and reliable for outdoor use. The stainless steel heat shield covers the hot touch areas of the compressor making it safer for operation.
Why I like it: Airing down your tires significantly improves traction on loose surfaces like sand, mud, or snow by increasing the tire's contact patch and providing a softer ride.
How I use it: I connect the two ends to the battery terminals to power up the unit. Then, by a flip of the switch, the unit will start up and begin compressing air, allowing you to put the air back into the tire for safe on-road/highway travel.
This is extremely useful for our desert and jagged trails found along the mountains in southern Nevada. With the tire aired down appropriately, the user will feel the tires mold and conform to even the sharpest rocks, allowing the sidewall to conform to the obstacle. Gain extra grip and traction, allowing the Bronco to really Go Over Any-type of Terrain!
One of the most vulnerable areas on nearly any off-road vehicle is the rear axle shock mounts. The Ford Bronco shock mounts, like many others, hang below the axle housing and are susceptible to damage from rocks, roots, and other potentially harmful trail debris. Protect your investment with BroncBuster’s lower shock guard kit. The primary plate shares the OEM shock bolt for secure mounting and an additional bolt on the side plate, keeping everything in the correct place at all times.
The BroncBuster team developed rear shock skids that create a protective barrier beneath the shock mounts, allowing them to effortlessly slide over rocks and other elements on the trail. These skids are an inexpensive upgrade to your Bronco that will prevent you from losing shock absorption from a broken shock mount, ensuring the comfortable ride you've come to expect from the all-new Ford Bronco!
Why I like it: Provides much needed protection to sensitive components on the rear shock, allowing the Bronco to stretch its legs more without running into snagging or shearing issues. In a bind, these shock skids could be used as a last resort in case clearance is an issue. Allows for a little more contact and rubbing on the surface while protecting the equipment. Nothing beats a little extra protection!
How I use it: The unit shares the OEM shock bolt for secure mounting. Using a set of sockets and open-end wrenches should be a quick and fun installation. Includes an extra bolt to ensure everything is in the right place at the right time, especially in the great Southwest, where trail riding can go as far as the eye can see. Having every bit of protection from the terrain is a must in my book!
BLAKE T., MOAB
Rock Slide Engineering Step Sliders
RSE’s Bronco Step Sliders are great at providing protection to the rocker panels and doors, while making it easier to get in and out of the vehicle without compromising ground clearance. The power steps can be switched off to keep them from dropping down unintentionally (such as on uneven terrain or with the doors removed). They’re tough, easy to use, and look great. The optional Step Slider Skid Plates add an extra layer of steel for even more durability.
JAMIE M., MOAB
I have been running Old Man Emu 2-3.5” Medium Duty Springs on my personal Bronco now for a little over a month, and I am happy with the performance so far. I have a bumper-mounted winch as well as a constant 300lbs or more of recovery gear and other equipment in my cargo area. With my bronco being a Badlands with the Sasquatch package, I have achieved 1-5/8” of lift up front and 1-7/8” in the rear. OME is known for their attention to detail with all their suspension products; These springs are no different. I have continued to have the same fantastic capability of my Bronco, and now touch my control arm bracket a whole lot less.
Old Man Emu Rear Panhard Relocation Bracket
Anytime you lift a vehicle, you must make considerations to how various geometries have changed. Your panhard bar will be operating in a new arc angle which can cause the rear axle to track offset to the front axle. This could be fixed by using a longer panhard bar to re-center the axle, but you will end up changing the geometry of the rear axle articulation path. This option is better when modifying control/trailing arms and mounting locations for longer travel. But with a simpler modification like a 2” lift, the OME panhard relocation bracket is the perfect solution as it only changes the geometry back to factory positions.
EVAN L., NEW HAMPSHIRE
Ditch Lights
When off-roading in the forests of New England, a light bar is often ineffective because the light is screened by the canopy of foliage, and actually reflects back impairing your vision like high beams in the fog. But ditch lights, mounted near your mirrors, help to illuminate the shadows on the edges of the trail where your headlights can't reach. On tight trails with lots of trees, rocks, and yes, even ditches, these mitigate easily avoidable vehicle damage.
I like these Bronco A Pillar lights from Baja Designs. The different lenses allow you to fine tune what light beam works best for you (spot, flood, or combo). Easy install for Broncos with upfitter switches too!
Pro Tip: you can easily pivot the light pods to adjust where the light beam points, making them more versatile for different situations.
Aftermarket Wheels
Aftermarket wheels are an easy way to personalize the look of your vehicle and help you stand out from the crowd. Along with appearance benefits, most aftermarket wheels are lighter than stock which helps improve performance by reducing unsprung weight and rotational mass. This leads to better braking, accelerating, and handling, especially in higher speed applications.
Both Method and Fifteen52 style their wheels in a way that really compliment the Bronco shape nicely. I own a set of Fifteen52 Analog HD wheels. Classic styling of "steelies" with the performance benefits of lightweight aluminum.
Pro Tip: Lighter wheels are a great way to offset or cancel out a heavier tire set up.
Great way to store a pair of valuable mountain bikes inside a lockable container ... aka your Bronco Sport! Unlike most bike racks, this one keeps bikes out of the elements. Super simple design and easy to use. Able to be installed and removed from the vehicle in less than onw minute.
Pro Tip: This rack can be used in other vehicles with 4 trunk tie-down points ... *cough* Bronco *cough*.
Learn More from the Experts at Bronco Off-Roadeo!
What upgrades and accessories have you done/bought to add capability and make you feel good about heading out? Put them in the comments below!
And if you liked hearing from these long-time off-roaders, you’ll also love learning from them and other trail guides in person. Summer dates are booking now; head to Bronco Off-Roadeo to get started on your adventure.
One (1) visit to Bronco Off-Roadeo is included with the purchase of the following vehicles: 2023 or newer Ford Bronco; 2023 or newer Bronco Sport. Bronco Off-Roadeo is a one-day program and includes a Bronco vehicle to drive during your event, meals, and, campfire (weather permitting). Reservation and guest fees apply. Exclusions include travel, hotel, and transportation to and from the Bronco Off-Roadeo site. Additional featured events and activities are not included. Limited time offer. See www.BroncoOffRoadeo.com for complete details. Special $195 promotional guest pricing not offered on the Bronco Raptor experience.
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