The day you receive the keys to your new off-road vehicle might seem momentous, but it’s really just the start of the journey. While many of today’s adventure-ready trucks and SUVs are equipped with a wide range of heavy-duty components right out of the box, further upgrades and customizations are an inherent part of off-road culture. Say you’re in the market for a Ford Bronco for sale; this midsize SUV offers a full arsenal of hardy off-road equipment, especially when opting for the all-new Stroppe Edition or any trim outfitted with Ford’s comprehensive Sasquatch package, but there’s always room for improvement and customization.
According to a 2024 survey by onX Offroad, 57% of off-road drivers will make additional modifications in a bid to create the off-road machine of their dreams. While utility-focused projects like tires and wheels, lift kits, and suspension upgrades tend to dominate the to-do list, accessories aimed at improving an off-roader’s overlanding potential have also become increasingly popular. From roof racks and storage solutions to rooftop tents, portable washrooms, and other vital amenities, let’s review some of the upgrades that can help turn your stock vehicle into a 4WD home away from home…
TrailRax Modular Roof Rack ($1,199 to $1,499)
Modern off-road SUVs like the Ford Bronco certainly aren’t hurting for cargo space, with up to 77.6 cu.ft. of storage room when opting for the four-door hardtop model. That might sound like plenty of room, but when you’re planning an extended off-road journey, there’s no such thing as too much cargo space. Roof racks provide drivers with a great way to improve their off-roader’s cargo space and can even be paired with roof-mounted tents to provide a plush alternative to a night spent sleeping on the ground or curled up in the backseat of the vehicle itself.
There are plenty of options when it comes to sourcing a roof rack for your Bronco, including Ford’s own OEM options, but the TrailRax modular roof rack is generally seen as the gold standard in today’s market. This rack isn’t cheap, ranging from $1,199 for the two-door Bronco to $1,499 for the four-door version, but it justifies the price tag with a robust design and the sort of weight capacity that’ll keep you from having to make hard decisions when you’re packing for your next expedition. The roof rack can accommodate up to 850 lbs while adding less than four inches to the Bronco’s overall height, and it employs rust-proof aluminum side panels that increase durability and allow drivers to mount additional gear at any angle they desire.
Those in the market for even more cargo capacity can spring for the Pak Rax option ($550), which adds side-mounted racks that improve stability and weight distribution while allowing the setup to handle an extra 140 lbs. The TrailRax’s bolt-on design makes for easy installation, and the rack can even provide enough room for a 40-inch light bar thanks to an optional cut-out in the front wind deflector. Best of all, the rack doesn’t stand in the way of the Bronco’s convertible potential, giving off-road enthusiasts the chance to remove the SUV’s front and middle hardtop panels to achieve that satisfying wind-in-your-hair feeling.
Tailgate Table by Rock Slide Engineering ($256)
Cooking a complete meal can be a tricky proposition when you’re exploring the road less traveled. The last thing you want to deal with after a long day of off-road excitement is fiddling with a rickety camp table, hunching over a fire, or making do with a freeze-dried meal out of a pouch. Rock Slide Engineering’s tailgate table turns the Bronco’s tailgate into a sturdy platform on which to prepare your culinary creations and is a relative bargain at under $300.
The textured black aluminum table offers two surfaces to work on, can handle up to 100 lbs, and is designed to fit the typical propane-powered camp stove, but it’s the fold-away design that really earns it some extra points. When it’s time to pack up and hit the road, the powder-coated tailgate table will only occupy a single inch of storage space, leaving plenty of room for water, food, supplies, and other equipment you might need for your off-road odyssey. The tailgate table also provides a bottle opener and garbage bag holder that can be attached directly to the tailgate using the included hardware kit.
Roofnest Condor 2 Roof Top Tent ($2,835)
Few trends have hit the off-road segment quite as hard as rooftop tents. While drivers were once content to cram into the cabin or rough it on the ground, rooftop tents have literally elevated the off-road camping experience. These tents provide an alluring alternative to traditional sleeping solutions in terms of comfort, convenience, cargo space, and security, and they have become an increasingly prevalent sight at popular off-road destinations.
The Roofnest Condor 2 is generally seen as one of the best on the market, offering a queen-sized sleeping area for up to three people or a four-person capacity when opting for the XL version. The rooftop tent can be set up in a matter of minutes and boasts an aerodynamic, weatherproof profile when you hit the road, thanks to its hard shell design and Line-X finish. The Condor 2 prioritizes comfort with an integrated two-inch memory foam mattress with a cover, and it provides a great vantage point for admiring your isolated campsite thanks to its skylight, doors, and windows. The tent even comes with three USB-powered LED light strips built into both the interior and exterior, as well as a 7.5-foot telescoping aluminum ladder for easy access.
Roofnest’s marquee tent weighs in at just 155 lbs (180 lbs for the XL) and provides between 40 and 50 inches of max headroom, but if you need a little extra space to stretch out, the available Condor 2 Series Awnex ($747) is worth a closer look. The combined awning and annex delivers an additional 80 sq.ft. of real estate and is perfect for setting up a mobile dining room, workstation, or changing room. While it represents a real investment, drivers can take comfort in the fact that Roofnest was cited as the leader in the rooftop tent niche, according to that 2024 onX Offroad customer survey.
ICECO JP50 Pro Portable Refrigerator ($599)
An insulated cooler might be fine for a shorter trip, but if you’re trying to keep your steaks cold or enjoy some frosty beverages once you’re off the trail, a good portable refrigerator is a must for any extended off-road voyage. The ICECO JP50 Pro portable refrigerator hits the sweet spot between performance and price, delivering up to 51 quarts of storage and a cooling range between 4°F and 68°F at almost half the cost of some of its competitors. The JP50 Pro serves as both a fridge and freezer and can be powered through the Bronco’s 12-volt utility outlet.
When comparing portable fridges (or fridges of any kind), it all comes down to the compressor. The ICECO JP50 Pro is designed with a Secop compressor that offers consistent performance even when tilted to a 40-degree angle, and it is nearly identical to the compressor found in much pricier options like ARB’s $1,050 47-quart fridge-freezer. The Secop compressor is covered by five-year tech support, which should give drivers some important peace of mind and plenty of ice-cold enjoyment.
Joolca Ensuite Vehicle-Mounted Shower Tent ($299)
Exploring off-the-grid locales, sleeping under the stars, and enjoying your morning coffee in perfect solitude are just a few of the perks you can reap when you embrace the overland lifestyle, but there are a few notable downsides. While you might be miles away from the nearest strip mall or noisy highway, you’re also well out of range of the closest bathroom. This can present some real hygiene problems, especially when it comes to rinsing off the dirt, grime, and sweat that come with intense off-road excursions.
That’s where Joolca’s Ensuite vehicle-mounted shower tent comes in. The tent essentially acts like a portable shower stall, giving off-road enthusiasts the chance to wash the day away in total privacy no matter where the road might take you. The Ensuite tent can be mounted to the Bronco’s aftermarket roof rack and be deployed in a matter of seconds. The aluminum frame is both sturdy and lightweight, and the stall features a retractable rainfly, ripstop fabric, and—unlike many of its competitors—full-height walls that give you total privacy when you’re in need of a wash.
The tent pairs wells with Joolca’s Hottap portable hot water kit ($299), which uses liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to provide users with up to 15 hours of hot water at 1.6 gallons per minute. Efficiency-minded buyers can even upgrade their setup with Joolca’s recirculation- and drain-tray base ($279), which recycles the water while keeping you from having to wallow around in a puddle of mud. Bonus: The Ensuite also doubles as a portable bathroom stall, offering a little extra privacy when nature calls.
Outfit Your Ford Bronco for Even More Exciting Adventures!
While off-road vehicles have come a long way from the barebones 4x4s of old, even the best factory rig is ripe for improvement. Turning your SUV or pickup into a one-of-a-kind adventure machine is a never-ending project and might just be one of the best parts of the whole experience. One survey found that one-third of off-road drivers will spend up to $5k on aftermarket accessories, while over 20% of drivers will invest $10k in the pursuit of perfection.
No matter what your budget might be, it’s important to ensure a proper fit before you set out to accessorize your off-road Bronco. Ford’s midsize SUV is produced in a variety of sizes and designs, so take a moment to ensure you’re choosing components designed for two-door or four-door models with either the hardtop or soft roof. There are plenty of brands, accessories, and designs to explore, and while Ford’s own parts site provides a good starting point, it is by no means an exhaustive catalog of everything on offer. Shop around, read reviews, compare prices, and you’ll soon be turning heads with your customized off-road creation.
