The Ford Bronco is built for situations where things can go sideways. These 8 things make sure you are ready when they do.
1. A tree strap and two shackles.
A tree strap and a pair of rated shackles are the foundation of any recovery setup. They weigh almost nothing, take up no space, and work whether you have a winch or are relying on another vehicle to pull you out. Do not leave without them. A 30-foot strap gives you enough reach in most situations and the shackles connect it to your recovery points cleanly.
2. A hi-lift jack.
A hi-lift jack does things a standard floor jack cannot. It lifts the truck high enough to free a buried tire, can be used as a come-along in a pinch, and works on uneven terrain where a scissor jack is useless. Mount it on the exterior so it is accessible without unpacking the whole truck. A lot of Bronco owners skip this one until the first time they actually need it.
3. A basic tool kit.
Not a full socket set. A small roll with the basics: a multi-bit screwdriver, a set of hex keys, pliers, zip ties, electrical tape, and a handful of common bolt sizes for your specific build. Trail fixes are rarely complicated. Most of them just need the right tool and ten minutes. Not having a 10mm when you need one is a uniquely frustrating experience.
4. A jump starter pack.
Jumper cables are fine if someone else is always nearby. A lithium jump starter pack means you can start your own dead battery without another vehicle. They are small enough to fit in the glovebox, hold a charge for months, and work in cold weather when batteries are most likely to fail. Worth every dollar the first time your Bronco will not start at a trailhead.
5. A first aid kit.
A real one, not the tiny plastic box with three bandages. Off road situations can produce real injuries quickly - cuts from sheet metal, burns from a hot engine, sprains from uneven terrain. A proper kit has gauze, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, an ace bandage, and nitrile gloves at minimum. Keep it somewhere you can reach it in under 30 seconds.
6. A fire extinguisher.
Electrical issues, fuel leaks, and dry brush contact are all real scenarios on the trail. A small ABC-rated extinguisher mounted inside the cab takes up minimal space and could save the truck entirely. Most Bronco owners never need it. The ones who do are very glad it was there.
7. Offline trail maps downloaded before you leave.
Cell service disappears fast once you leave the pavement. An offline map downloaded through onX Offroad, Gaia GPS, or a similar app means you have navigation regardless of signal. Know your trailhead, your planned route, and your bailout options before you leave. Getting turned around on a trail after dark with no map and no signal is a bad situation that is completely avoidable. Our guide on preparing for your first Ford Bronco trail run covers the full pre-trip checklist.
8. Water and an emergency blanket.
Two liters of water and a mylar emergency blanket weigh almost nothing and take up almost no space. If your Bronco breaks down somewhere remote and help is not coming for hours, these two things matter more than almost anything else in the truck. Pack them every single time without thinking about it.
Most of this list costs under $100 total. There is no good reason not to have it.
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About This Guide
This was put together by the team at Bronco Forge. Our founder spent time as a Ford salesman before launching Bronco Forge, giving us firsthand knowledge of how Broncos are sold, what buyers get wrong, and what dealers don't always tell you. We sell aftermarket parts exclusively for the Ford Bronco and spend time in Bronco owner communities paying attention to what people wish they had brought. Questions about fitment or gear for your build? Reach out at contact@broncoforge.com or (909) 772-8050.
