What are the must-have off-road accessories for a new Ford Bronco?

Question

Hey everyone! I finally took delivery of my 2024 Ford Bronco Badlands last week, and I’m absolutely obsessed with it so far. It’s a dream to drive on the road, but I bought this thing to actually get it dirty. I’m planning on hitting some moderate trails and doing a bit of overlanding this summer, but looking at the endless aftermarket catalogs has me feeling a little overwhelmed.

I want to prioritize functionality and protection before I start worrying about the flashy stuff. I’ve already been looking into recovery gear like a high-quality winch and some soft shackles, but I’m also debating if I should upgrade the factory rock sliders or add more underbody armor first. Since I have the Sasquatch package, I’m also wondering if an onboard air compressor is a 'day one' necessity for airing down on the trail.

I’m trying to keep my initial upgrade budget around $2,000 and I really want to avoid anything that might mess with the warranty or require crazy permanent modifications. For those of you who have been wheeling your Broncos for a while, what are the absolute 'must-have' off-road accessories you’d recommend for a beginner to stay safe and capable on the trails?

barrettgriffith · Accepted Answer

Curious about one thing: what kind of 'moderate' trails are we talking about specifically? Like, are you heading into big rock gardens or mostly just muddy fire roads and sandy paths? Knowing the terrain helps a ton with prioritizing armor vs recovery gear.

Tbh, since you’ve got the Badlands, your Ford Bronco Factory Rock Sliders and skids are actually pretty solid for starting out. I wouldn't spend ur budget replacing them yet. If you want a winch that wont break the bank but is still highkey reliable, check out the Warn VR EVO 10-S Winch with Synthetic Rope. It usually runs about $850 and is a total workhorse for a 2024 Bronco.

For air, the ARB mentioned earlier is awesome but pricey and involves mounting. Since you're worried about the warranty, maybe look at a VIAIR 400P Portable Compressor Kit for around $230. It just clips to the battery, so no permanent wiring to worry about, and it'll fill those 35s fast enough. Basically, spend about $1,100 on those two and you still have $900 for a good recovery kit and some trail snacks, right?

foikmshdxs · Answer

Story time: I went through this exact same stress last year!! I was sooo worried about my warranty but also terrified of smashing my oil pan on a random rock. Honestly, my first trail run was basically a panic attack until I added some real underbody protection. I found that the Asfir 4x4 Aluminum Engine Skid Plate for Ford Bronco was a total lifesaver for my peace of mind. It's 6mm thick aluminum—so it's super light—and cost me about $450. It fits perfectly without any drilling, which is huge for keeping the dealership happy!

Also, safety-wise, iirc communication is key when you're starting out. I grabbed the Midland MXT275 MicroMobile GMRS Two-Way Radio for roughly $160. It's amazing because you don't have to hack up your dash to install it. And since you mentioned airing down those Sasquatch tires, I highkey suggest the ARB ARB725 EZ-Deflator Dial Pressure Gauge... it’s only $55 and makes the process so much more technical and precise than just guessing lol. It really helped me see how my traction changed at exactly 18 PSI. Anyway, focus on that protection first and you'll have a blast!! 👍

lyyljgtodw · Answer

So basically, the consensus here is recovery and armor, which makes total sense for a starter build. But from a long-term perspective, once you actually get out there and the sun starts dropping, you're gonna realize the stock lighting is pretty limited for technical spotting. Since you've got those factory aux switches, I'd highly suggest looking into some high-quality pod lights or ditch lights. Just grab basically anything from Baja Designs—their stuff is bulletproof and the color temp is way better for eye fatigue on long night drives. Or honestly, look at Rigid Industries if you want something that integrates really cleanly. Adding some decent lumens is a game changer for seeing those tricky lines before you crunch a skid plate!!! Plus, it's a super easy install that won't give the service department any excuses to void your warranty. Don't overlook the electrical side of things as you plan the rest of the build, especially the amperage draw on those circuits!