Essential Items To Take Off Road
When heading out for an off-roading adventure in your Bronco, it’s important to be prepared for both the good times ahead and the unexpected. Here’s 8 categories with a list essential items to bring along to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in your Bronco.
1. Recovery Gear
Tow straps: Heavy-duty straps for pulling your Bronco or helping others.
D-rings/ Soft Shackles: Connect your tow straps securely.
Winch: For self-recovery if you’re in a tricky spot or stuck.
Tree Saver: Its a piece of recovery equipment used to protect trees during winching operations it wraps around a tree and provides an anchor point for a winch point.
Traction boards: Useful for gaining traction on soft surfaces like mud, sand, or snow.
Shovel: To clear debris or dig out of tough situations.
Winching out
2. Tire Equipment
Air compressor: For inflating tires after airing down for better traction on rough terrain.
Tire deflator: Quick and easy tool to reduce tire pressure.
Spare tire & jack: Ensure you have a full-size spare and a sturdy off-road jack, like a Hi-Lift, or tall battle jack.
Airing Back Up
3. Safety Gear
First aid kit: A well-stocked kit for any minor injuries.
Fire extinguisher: Always be prepared for emergencies.
Gloves: Protect your hands while handling recovery gear.
Flashlight/Headlamp: Essential for any night-time or low-visibility situations.
4. Navigation Tools
GPS device: Even if your Bronco is equipped with a navigation system, it’s smart to bring a backup.
Compass: A simple, reliable tool in case technology fails.
GMRS Radio: For communication in areas with poor cell reception.
Ipad with GPS
5. Basic Tools and Maintenance
Socket set: To handle any unexpected repairs.
Jumper cables/ Jumper Box: In case of battery issues.
Wolfbox Jump Starter
6. Comfort and Convenience
Water & snacks: Stay hydrated and keep your energy up during long trail rides.
Blanket or jacket: Weather can be unpredictable, it’s good to have something warm.
Toilet Paper: Sometimes when you gotta go, you gotta go. Better to have it just in case.
Sunscreen & hat: Off-roading means a lot of sun exposure.
Trash bags: Pack out everything you bring in.
7. Miscellaneous
Bug spray: Keep the critters off you especially in thick forested or marshy areas.
Zip ties & duct tape: Temporary fixes for just about anything.
8. Advanced Essentials
Snatch Block/ Recovery Ring: Snatch blocks are used as a pulley point in winch recoveries to redirect the course of a winch line or to lessen the load placed on the winch during the recovery.
Spare Parts: Tie Rods, CV Shafts and the tools required to change them.
Kinetic Rope: A kinetic energy recovery rope is a type of recovery strap designed to actually stretch as you put load onto it.
Tire Plugs & Patches: Used to plug a puncher or mend a sidewall.
Chainsaw/Handsaw: You never know when you might need to clear a trail or use in a emergency situation.
By packing these essentials in your Bronco, you’ll be ready to tackle any off-road adventure with confidence, knowing you have the tools and gear to handle anything the trail throws your way. Be Prepared.
35s vs 37s For Your Ford Bronco
Choosing between 35 or 37-inch tires for your Ford Bronco is a big decision that can significantly impact the appearance and performance of your vehicle. Both sizes offer benefits and drawbacks, so it's essential to consider your driving needs, off-road capabilities, and personal preferences before making a decision. In this post, we will discuss the factors to consider when choosing between 35 or 37-inch tires for your Ford Bronco.
Off-Road Performance: One of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing tire size is off-road performance. Generally, larger tires provide better traction, ground clearance, and overall performance off-road. 37-inch tires will give you more clearance over obstacles, better traction in mud and rocks, and the ability to tackle more challenging terrain. If you plan on doing serious off-roading or rock crawling, 37-inch tires may be the better option for your Ford Bronco.
On-Road Handling: While larger tires offer improved off-road performance, they can also have an impact on on-road handling. 37-inch tires are and in most cases heavier and will affect acceleration, braking, steering response and fuel economy. They may also result in a rougher ride due to the higher load rating. 35-inch tires strike a balance between off-road performance and on-road comfort, providing good traction and ground clearance without sacrificing too much in terms of handling and ride quality.
Lift Kit Requirements for non Sasquatch Broncos: Another factor to consider when choosing between 35 or 37-inch tires is the lift kit requirements. 37-inch tires will typically require a more substantial lift kit to accommodate the larger size and prevent rubbing. They also should have upgraded steering rack modifications like the rack bushings, rack housing and tie rod sleeves or ford performance tie rods. Where on the other hand, 35-inch tires may require a smaller lift kit or a level kit to achieve almost the same thing.
Aesthetics: Lastly, consider the aesthetic appeal of your Ford Bronco with 35 or 37-inch tires. Larger tires can give your vehicle a more aggressive and rugged look, while smaller tires may provide a more balanced and proportionate appearance. Think about your personal style and how you want your Bronco to look when making your decision. Lets face it 37 inch tires do look and preform the best on a 4 door Bronco but when it comes to looks it’s all personal preference.
Consider all of these factors carefully before making a decision, and consult with other’s in the group if you're unsure. Whichever size you choose, upgrading to larger tires will undoubtedly enhance the performance and appearance of your Ford Bronco for all of your off-road adventures. My vote goes towards 37- inch tires just make sure you have the supporting mods to handle them.
35" Tires
37" Tires
35" vs 37"
Choosing the Right Lift Kit For Your Bronco
When it comes to customizing your Ford Bronco, one of the most popular modifications is adding a lift kit and larger tires. Not only does this enhance the appearance of your vehicle, but it also improves off-road performance and ground clearance. Choosing the right size lift and tires can be a daunting task with so many options available. We will discuss the differences between perch collar lifts, spacer lifts and spring lifts to try and help you determine the best combination for your new Ford Bronco.
Lift kits and level kits typically range from 1-3 inches for a mild lift, 4-6 inches for a moderate lift. The size of lift you choose will depend on your desired look, off-road performance, and budget. Keep in mind that larger lifts will require additional modifications and likely to have premature CV shaft and tie rod failure.
Leveling Kit: Leveling Kit is an aftermarket suspension modification designed to raise the front of the Bronco to be level with the rear. This adjustment compensates for the vehicle’s factory rake, where the front sits slightly lower than the rear. By leveling the vehicle, you improve its appearance, achieve better ground clearance, and accommodate larger tires.
Leveling Kit
Perch Collar Lifts: Perch collar lifts are a popular choice for IFS (Independent Front Suspension) vehicles like the Bronco. This type of lift kit installs between the factory perch and the coilover shock, allowing you to adjust the ride height without changing the suspension geometry. This is one of the safest ways to lift your Bronco. Perch collar lifts do take a little time due disassemble each shock but they do provide a moderate lift without sacrificing ride quality. They are a great option for those looking to maintain factory ride characteristics while enhancing ground clearance, keep the oem suspension geometry in check and stay budget friendly.
1" Perch Collar Install
Spacer Lifts: Spacer lifts are the most affordable option for lifting your Ford Bronco. They consist of polyurethane or metal spacers that are installed on top of the factory suspension components to increase ride height. Spacer lifts are easy to install and provide a budget-friendly way to add a few inches of lift to your vehicle. However, they affect suspension travel by pushing your suspension geometry down below factory specs which will lead to premature failure of front driveline components and may not be as durable as other lift options. I recommend this style of lift if you plan to do minimal off roading in your Bronco.
Spacer Lift
Spring Lifts: Spring lifts involve replacing the factory coil springs with taller and stiffer aftermarket springs to achieve lift. This type of lift kit provides a more substantial increase in ride height and can accommodate larger tires. Spring lifts are a popular choice for serious off-road enthusiasts who require maximum ground clearance and suspension travel. Spring lifts can be more labor-intensive to install but no more difficult than installing perch collars if you have the proper spring compressor for the job.
Bronco Eibach Spring Lift
Coilover Lift: Aftermarket coilovers on an off-road vehicle provide several benefits, including improved ride quality, thanks to adjustable damping for smoother handling on rough terrain. They offer increased ground clearance and more suspension travel, essential for navigating obstacles and uneven surfaces. Coilovers also enhance off-road durability and customizability, allowing drivers to adjust ride height and suspension stiffness to match specific driving conditions. Additionally, they reduce body roll for better handling and give the vehicle a more aggressive, performance-oriented look, making them a great upgrade for off-road enthusiasts.
Bronco Eibach Coilovers
The Bronco has been out for awhile now so It's essential to research different lift options or consult with others if you are not sure to determine the best setup for your specific Bronco. Whether you opt for a perch collar lift, spacer lift, spring lift or a full set of aftermarket coilovers, upgrading your Bronco with a lift kit along with larger tires will undoubtedly take your off-road adventures to the next level and you’ll be happy you added them.
Ford Bronco Climbing
Which GMRS Radio?
Staying in touch with your group or fellow off-roaders is essential for safety and communication. That's where GMRS radios come in handy. When it comes to choosing the right GMRS radio for off-roading, there are several options to consider.
One popular choice is a handheld GMRS radio, which is compact, portable, and easy to use. These radios are great for off-roading because they are lightweight and can be easily carried in a pocket or attached to a belt clip. They also have a decent range, making them ideal for keeping in touch with your group while exploring the trails.
Another option to consider is the Midland MXT 275 GMRS radio, which is a mobile unit that can be mounted in your vehicle. This radio offers a longer range compared to handheld radios, making it a great choice for off-roading in remote areas where you need a little more range than a handheld offers. The MXT 275 also has features like NOAA weather alerts and a channel scan function, which can come in handy while off-roading in unpredictable weather conditions.
Ultimately, the best GMRS radio for off-roading will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you prefer a portable and lightweight option, a handheld GMRS radio may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you want a radio with a longer range and more advanced features, the Midland MXT 275 could be the ideal option.
No matter which GMRS radio you choose, having a reliable means of communication while off-roading is crucial for staying safe and connected with your group. So before hitting the trails, make sure to invest in a quality GMRS radio that suits your off-roading needs.
Affordable Recommendations are.
Wolfbox G900 Pro Review
Wolfbox G900 Pro Review.
The G900 Pro is an updated version of the g900. It has larger camera sensors, voice controls, and WiFi to download videos to your phone with the Wolfbox app.
The front image on the Pro has a noticeable improvement over the original version. It’s almost GoPro like. The rear camera also is improved. Watch the video towards the end it shows the difference between the two models when it come to image quality. All of the videos posted were also in low lighting in the late evening.
I do like the added feature's of the Pro version especially the voice control. I use my rear camera on the front of my Bronco to act as a front facing camera to help spot me over obstacles. Now when the screen is in sleep mode or screen saver mode I can just say “turn on rear camera” and it will turn on without me needed to take my hands off the steering wheel, It works great. This model also has WiFi built in which honestly I haven’t used much yet because I haven’t had this mirror long enough but it does seem to work well.
The install is very easy, make sure you get the hardwire kit I’ll include a pic below on how I wired it. I also highly recommend the oem mirror mount. It make is look so clean and you can fold down both of your sun visors without hitting the mirror. The rear camera wire that comes with the kit will work for a hardtop bronco because you will probably be mounting the camera inside the bronco. Where a soft top bronco like mine I had to get the extended wire that’s a little bit longer so I could mount the camera on my spare tire. The whole install is very easy I will show some pics how I have mine done.
Overall I think the Pro model is definitely worth the upgrade especially if you want to have nice footage to use on social media like instagram. It has better image quality and way more options.
Use code Broncog6gen for a discount.
G900 Pro on Top G900 on Bottom
Bronco oem mirror mount
Hardwire to fuse pannel
Wolfbox 39Qt Refrigerator
A Few weeks back I got the opportunity to test out one of the 39 quart Wolfbox refrigerators. This refrigerator was one of our giveaway prizes at a local event we did but I got to test it out for 2 weeks. In that time I used it almost every day. I took it wheeling with me twice and used it on a weekend trip to the Smokey Mountains, here’s my short term review with it.
The cooler looks great it’s very pleasing to the eye, it fits in the back of the Bronco well and doesn’t take up much room. It has wheels which was nice when I had to move it in and out of the bronco when weighted down with drinks and food. It did roll around in the back of the bronco some off road. If it was mine to keep I would find a strap or bungee and tie it down because off road it will roll back and bang the crap out of your rear tailgate if you don’t. The more stuff I had in it the more it wanted to roll.
It’s dual zone you can make it a fridge and freezer if you want or just use it as a refrigerator on both sides depending on what you want to bring with you. It gets cold pretty fast too for its large size about 20 min and it’s chilled enough to start putting items in. I like making my sandwich’s fresh on the trail. I normally bring my lunch meat, mayonnaise, green leaf lettuce, cheese and a bottle of vinegar & oil all separately individually wrapped up. I don’t like my bread all cold and frozen like a premade sandwich tastes out of the refrigerator. It’s pretty awesome really, I loved having it in the back. Works great for takeout at restaurants you can fit 4 large To-go boxes in the bigger section. Used it twice for that so handy just to leave in the Bronco plugged up. It has 3 battery protection levels to keep from draining your battery. Plugged in the 12volt power in the back after tuning off your bronco you still get 15 to 20 min of power which is cool.
Both sides were plenty large enough to bring food and drinks for two adults or a decent size family. The smaller side which most likely you will use for a freezer is deep enough it held a whole 20oz ice tea I made from home. It has led lights on both sides that came in real handy at night getting into it, very bright. There’s also an app you can use to change the temperature and monitor it. I used it a few times on my trip and it was nice to know it was always working and the app alerted me if it wasn’t. I never heard it running in the back like I do my little rougerv cooler. It’s much smaller and is super noisy compared to the Wolfbox. Even Clint the guy who won the cooler said it was more quiet than his Alpicool refrigerator he was using and even cooled faster. He was really happy with it for his 2 door Bronco. Overall I think anyone who buys this will be happy with it.
Use code Bronco6gen for a discount.
Wolfbox Refrigerator
