Table of contents for Bronco 2025 in TREAD

For Cody Hill, building wild, fully custom vehicles isn’t a hobby; it’s a way of life. Whether it was a towering squarebody C10, a lifted Ford F-350 dually rolling on 28s, or a tricked-out side-by-side UTV, Cody has always been the type to build big and bring his family along for the ride. But when Ford announced the Raptor version of their reinvented Bronco, something different sparked inside of him. Instead of going the expected route with big wheels or mall-crawler flash, Cody saw an opportunity to go off-grid—literally. Overlanding was a growing trend in the custom scene, but Cody realized no one had yet tackled an overlanding Bronco Raptor. That lone idea ignited a full-blown build concept that quickly snowballed into something the custom world hadn’t seen before. To…

There’s nothing more exciting than outfitting your favorite adventure rig with new parts and products designed to increase that level of excitement. Every Ford Bronco, from the original 1966 model to the current generation, represents the essence of hitting the road and/or trail in search of a great experience. While these vehicles come well-equipped enough from the factory to enjoy right off the lot, we all know that there’s much more fun to be had by swapping in new rolling gear, suspension upgrades, and other accessories built to make your Bronco the very best it can be. While there are so many aftermarket products to choose from within the Bronco platform, we’ve done our due diligence to sort through the newest crop, along with suggesting a few staple pieces that…

Every year, Bronco fans fire up their rigs and hit the road—not just for the thrill of off-roading, but to be part of something bigger. From rock-crawling trail runs and vendor-packed expos to local meet-ups and full-blown Bronco takeovers, these events are where the scene comes alive. It’s about swapping build stories, checking out what’s under each other’s hoods, and connecting with people who live the same dirt-covered lifestyle. Whether you’re dialing in your suspension or just soaking in the views from the trailhead, these gatherings are the heart of Bronco culture. Owning a Bronco isn’t just about the vehicle—it’s about where it can take you and who you meet along the way. This lifestyle runs on rooftop tents, trail maps, impromptu convoys, and the unspoken nod you give when…

Seth Burgett, founder and chief executive officer of Gateway Bronco, has built his company to be one of the leading niche restomod specialists in the world. In fact, Gateway is so steeped in Bronco culture that it owns the very first Bronco prototype, which had once even belonged to the legendary Carroll Shelby. To say that Seth eats, sleeps, and breathes Broncos would be a vast understatement! Gateway Bronco has built lots of beautiful Broncos over the years, each better than the one before. With each iteration, the company infused the latest technology to bring classic Broncos into the 21st century. So, it makes complete sense that the company would be involved in the next historic chapter of the Bronco—electric power! And, of course, since all of Gateway Bronco’s builds…

01/ WeatherTech Kinetic Recovery Rope System WeatherTech’s Kinetic Recovery Rope System uses kinetic energy for smooth, safe vehicle recovery from sand, snow, or embankments. Available in two sizes and built in the USA, this system includes soft, lightweight shackles that won’t freeze or damage your rig. Stronger and safer than traditional tow straps, it’s a must-have for any off-road kit. www.weathertech.com 02/ Bronco x YETI Tundra Haul Cooler YETI’s first wheeled cooler just got a Bronco-worthy upgrade. The Tundra Haul delivers legendary ice retention with PermaFrost™ insulation, a FatWall™ design, and rugged never-flat wheels that roll easily over rocks, sand, or gravel. Topped with a white Bronco logo on a navy lid, this trail-tested cooler is built to follow your rig wherever the adventure leads you. thebronconation.com 03/ Midland ER310…

If you weren’t at the New Jersey Bronco Invasion this year, you missed one unforgettable weekend on the coast. Imagine this: hundreds of Broncos lined up on the beach, tires dug into the sand, with the Atlantic breeze rollin’ in, and the Wildwood boardwalk buzzing just steps away. It wasn’t just a show; it was a full-on celebration of Bronco culture. Hosted by the crew at Blinker Fluid Productions, this event brought Bronco owners together from all over the country for three straight days of rigs, raffles, and rip-roarin’ off-road action. With daily beach parking, access to some of the top names in the industry, and a full-on obstacle course, the Invasion was more than just a meetup; it was an experience. The best part? It didn’t matter if you…

Fat Fender Garage isn’t new to the custom truck scene. In fact, it has carved out a reputation as one of the go-to shops for high-end design and fabrication. Known for its jaw-dropping F-100 builds, Fat Fender is now turning its focus inward, literally, with the launch of an impressive Bronco interior lineup. Drawing on years of experience, the team at Fat Fender Garage brings a unique approach to Bronco interiors. Inspired by the balance between ruggedness and refinement, they aim to elevate the factory DNA without stripping away the vehicle’s soul. Fat Fender’s Gen 2 Bronco kits (1978–’79) are already in production and gaining traction fast. Each kit includes everything you need to bring new life to a tired cabin, including a bench seat, door and kick panels, headliner,…

Velocity Restorations isn’t just cranking out show-quality builds; it’s putting dream trucks in driveways. Based in Pensacola, Florida, this 135,000-square-foot facility is where vintage Broncos get a second life—built better than ever and ready for anything. Whether you’re cruising to the beach, taking the kids to school, or surprising your wife with the truck she’s always wanted, Velocity makes it happen without the headaches of a DIY restoration. From the frame to the final test drive, every step is handled in-house by more than 140 skilled builders, welders, painters, and techs. The results are turnkey Broncos that look period-correct but drive like brand-new vehicles. We’re talking modern V8 power, upgraded brakes, air conditioning, Bluetooth sound systems, and everything else you’d want for a Sunday cruise or a daily commute. During…

If knives were trucks, the Kansept Bison would be a diesel dually. It’s big, heavy-duty, and built to get work done without a lot of fuss. I’ve got two of the eight versions Kansept put out: the thumb stud grey anodized titanium with the frag pattern and the blackwash titanium handle version. Both of them are straight-up beasts. Now don’t get scared off by the size. Yeah, it’s a massive knife, over 9.5 inches overall with a 4.25-inch blade, but it rides in your pocket better than you’d think. It disappears until you need it, and then it fills your hand like it was made for you. This knife features a comfortable grip, plenty of real estate for your fingers, and just enough weight to let you know it’s ready…

This year appears to be the year of the Bronco. The highly anticipated and long-awaited return of the iconic Ford looks to regain its place among the off-road elite. Soon you will see many on the road and on the trails. Sean Jennings is one person who couldn’t wait for the new Bronco, so he decided to build his own modern version. Sean grew up drawn to the outdoors where he would spend his free time camping and fishing. He served two tours with the Marine Corps and would often find himself out in nature riding quads, dirt bikes, and hitting the trails. After his time in the military, he went to college studying marketing and graphic design, and now works with clients in the automotive and firearms industries. His…

Back in the day, Don Backstrom’s ’74 Bronco was just another well-kept rig tucked away with about 40k miles on the clock. But fast forward a few decades, and this thing’s a whole different beast. Retired and wrench-happy out on Camano Island, Washington, Don had a vision, and with help from the crew at Rain City Garage, he brought that dream to life. The result? A slick Bronco that looks classic but drives like it rolled straight outta 2024. Under the hood, Don swapped in a Gen 3 Coyote 5.0L from Ford Performance. That’s right—this old-school wagon is now running modern muscle, backed up by a Ford electronic transfer case and stuffed between Kincer hybrid axles. It’s sitting on a legit Kincer Builder Series chassis powdercoated in Black Magic and…

If you feel like this Bronco looks familiar, you’re probably right. Originally built for Jeff Trapp (owner of Jeff’s Bronco Graveyard) as a promotional display vehicle, the build was well documented on History Channel’s “Detroit Steel TV” show a few years ago when it was customized by Mobsteel. Since then, the old Bronco has been plastered all over the internet, becoming one of the most recognized second-gens out there. It obviously didn’t start out that way. In fact, the ’79 was in pretty rough shape when Adam Genei of Mobsteel first dragged it into the Detroit-based shop. When your client is in the business of selling every Bronco restoration part imaginable, however, you’re already a few long strides ahead in the game. With the entire Jeff’s Bronco Graveyard catalog at…

“Before he even knew what configuration, color, or anything, he signed up to buy it that day. When he got to the dealership, he found a Cactus Grey, black diamond, 4-door 2.3 automatic, hard top, non- sasquatch Bronco waiting for him in all its glory.” If you would have told Kyle Delfel that he would own a shop (Del Fab), build a badass SEMA award-winning Bronco, take home the top Ford Design award, and be shot for the cover of Tread all in a single year—he would have just laughed at you. You see, Kyle is about as humble as it comes, surprising from someone oozing with such talent. He had never set out to do any of this—at least not right out of the gate. Let’s rewind back to…

When you see a rig like this roll through camp, you know it has got stories baked into every cut, weld, and badge. Aaron Hale’s 1976 Ford Bronco Explorer, nicknamed “Pvt. Snuffy,” isn’t just another trail toy; it’s a salute on four wheels to military heritage, backwoods adventure, and getting your hands dirty. Aaron hails from Meridian, Idaho, where he runs his own businesses and still finds time to build Broncos like it’s second nature. This build was a trial run before turning wrenches on his wife’s dream rig. Four months and about 70 grand later, Pvt. Snuffy was wrapped in OD green and ready to serve. Under the vinyl wrap is a solid old-school rig that means business. It’s powered by a 331 ci Ford stroker V-8 from a…

Ever sat around and wondered what would happen if a Bronco and a Raptor met up in college and went on a date? But not just any date, we’re talking a nice high-class reservation-style Valentine’s Day dinner date here. And said date went so well that nine months later that pesky little stork happened to drop off this insane creation right in your driveaway! “As intense as this undertaking would be, Dan knew that Corbin of Sweet Brothers Restomods was ready for the challenge.” Well, we definitely wouldn’t be too mad at that stork if this one—a bouncing baby Bronco Raptor—landed in our driveway. This build was masterminded and owned by Dan Hart from Upton, Wyoming. It all began with the crazy thought to take the chassis, drivetrain, and interior…