The three Broncos documented completing the Rubicon Trail in 2020 weren't stock. They ran upgraded tires, a steel bumper, and in two cases, actual beadlock rings. Here's what a real Rubicon build needs.
In This Guide
Tires: 33-Inch Minimum
Every Bronco that finished the Rubicon in Ford's 2020 test ran at least 33-inch tires, with mud-terrain compounds on two of the three. Given the granite ledges and rock sections the trail is known for, mud-terrain tires suit this specific terrain better than all-terrains, which are built for a broader mix of conditions. See what tire size actually fits a stock Bronco before ordering, since fender clearance limits this on non-Sasquatch trims.
A Steel Front Bumper
Every vehicle in the documented test ran a steel bumper, not the factory plastic piece. It's what absorbed the impact damage that showed up in the post-trail photos instead of that damage reaching the frame or radiator. Our Tube Series Front Bumper is built for exactly this kind of use. See our full front bumper buying guide for how to pick between styles.
Rock Sliders
The Rubicon's narrow granite passages are precisely the scenario rock sliders exist for: a direct hit against a rock ledge lands on the slider instead of the rocker panel. We carry 2-door and 4-door versions. See our rock rails vs running boards guide to confirm you're buying the right category, since the two get confused often.
Full Underbody Skid Plate Coverage
A trail with obstacles like Cadillac Hill and Big Sluice puts the entire underside at risk, not just the front. A complete setup covers the front skid, the rear differential, the trailing arms, and the rear shocks: Steel Front Skid Plate, Rear Differential Skid Plate, Trailing Arm Skid Plates, and Rear Shock Guard Skid Plates. See our skid plate buying guide for how these differ from the factory-installed pieces on Sasquatch trims.
Beadlock Wheels and Rings
Two of the three Broncos that completed the trail had actual beadlock rings installed, not just beadlock-capable wheels. This matters because Sasquatch wheels ship beadlock-capable, meaning they can accept a ring, but most leave the factory without one, covered in our airing down guide. We don't currently carry beadlock rings ourselves, so this is a piece you'll need to source separately if a real ring, not just a beadlock-capable wheel, is part of your build.
Locking Differentials
The Sasquatch-equipped test vehicle ran factory front and rear locking differentials, which keep power going to both wheels on an axle instead of the one with the least traction, exactly the scenario that shows up constantly on rock ledges and uneven granite. See our full breakdown of locking differentials and how they factor into the Sasquatch package.
Recovery Gear
A trail this remote and technical isn't the place to find out your recovery gear is inadequate. A winch, either our 12,000 lb synthetic rope winch or the steel cable version, paired with a set of rated D-ring shackles and a proper fairlead, covers the basics. See our winch buying guide and our honest take on what a winch can and can't do for you.
Driver Skill Isn't Optional
A fully built Bronco with an inexperienced driver doesn't change what the Rubicon actually is. Line selection, knowing when to back off an obstacle, and having a spotter for the technical sections matter as much as any part on this list. The parts get you through obstacles you'd otherwise damage the truck on; they don't replace the judgment to avoid the ones you shouldn't attempt at all.
Putting It Together
A steel bumper, a set of rock sliders, full skid plate coverage, a winch, and recovery hardware together represent a meaningful investment on top of the Bronco itself, on top of tires, beadlock rings, and any suspension work. Our full build-out cost guide breaks down what a serious off-road build like this actually runs.
FAQ
What tire size do I need for the Rubicon Trail?
33 inches at minimum, based on the documented Bronco test vehicles that completed the trail. Mud-terrain compounds suit the trail's granite and rock sections better than all-terrain tires.
Do I need beadlock rings for the Rubicon Trail?
Two of the three Broncos that completed it had real beadlock rings, not just beadlock-capable wheels. It's a strong recommendation for a trail this technical, though not sourced through our own catalog currently.
What's the most important upgrade for a trail like this?
A steel front bumper and full underbody skid plate coverage, since every documented completion ran a steel bumper and the trail's obstacles put the entire underside at risk, not just the front.
Is a Sasquatch package enough on its own for the Rubicon Trail?
Not by itself. The Sasquatch-equipped Bronco that completed the trail also had a steel bumper and real beadlock rings added on top of the factory package.
Does armor alone guarantee I can finish the trail?
No. Driver skill and line selection matter as much as the build. A well-equipped Bronco with an inexperienced driver still faces real risk on a trail rated 10 out of 10.
Not sure this build's for you yet? Read our full breakdown of whether a Ford Bronco can handle the Rubicon Trail first.
About This Guide
This was put together by the team at Bronco Forge. We sell aftermarket parts exclusively for the Ford Bronco and reference documented testing and real product data when writing about serious off-road builds. Questions about fitment or anything Bronco-related? Reach out at contact@broncoforge.com or (909) 772-8050.
