5 Must-Have 2026 Gear Recommendations for New Bronco Owners and Overlanding Dads
Congratulations! You’ve finally parked that Ford Bronco in your driveway. You’ve likely spent hours admiring the 2.7L engine’s hum and that iconic, boxy silhouette. It feels like you own the world—until that first family camping trip hits.
The truth about overlanding with children is that much less romantic than idealistic Instagram pics. In their place you are up to your knees in a madly mixed trunk, desperately searching to find a diaper or a pack of goldfish crackers as your wife waits patiently (or not so patiently) and your children start to fall apart. I have been on a three-year survival mission in the mud with my kids, and there is one thing that I have learned: It is not your winch that makes the difference between a survival mission and a luxury trip, it is the organization that counts.
As we head into 2026, here are the 5 essentials every overlanding dad needs to transform from a "logistics grunt" back into a "hardcore hero." These must-have 2025 ford bronco accessories come from blood, sweat, and community tears to ensure your next trip is about memories, not mess.
Let's take a brief preview:
Broaddict Accessories Comparison
Enhance Your Adventure
- 220 lbs capacity
- Aluminum construction
- Rooftop tent ready
- 23.6"x22" surface
- MOLLE panel
- Folds flat
- Dual-layer storage
- MOLLE panel Sleep platform
- 3 compartments
- 6" traction pads
- Rust-resistant
- Easy access
- 300 lbs capacity
- Divides trunk
- Carbon steel
1. The Command Center: Broaddict TrailDeck Slide Out Tailgate Drawer
The Dad Struggle: We’ve all been there. You’re at a remote trailhead, and your kid suddenly needs a band-aid. Of course, the first-aid kit is at the very bottom, buried under a 50-quart cooler and three folding chairs. Unloading the entire car just for a small scratch is a soul-crushing experience.
Why It’s a Lifesaver: The TrailDeck is a dual-layer storage masterpiece. It turns your static trunk into a dynamic workspace. You can mount your heavy fridge on the reinforced top tier while keeping your cooking gear and tools in the customizable lower compartments.
Pro Tip: Broaddict is also launching a matching table board for this drawer, creating a one-stop kitchen setup. But the real "dad win" here is the smart design that preserves access to your factory jack. If you get a flat, you just slide the drawer out—no unloading required. That's the kind of engineering that saves a vacation.
2. Reclaim Your Rearview Mirror: 4-Door Interior Rear Cargo Basket Rack
The Dad Struggle: My original trip was a nightmare in that I had over packed to the extent that I could not see anything in my rear view mirror. It is risky and tense to go through a narrow path and not see the truck of your comrade behind you.
Why It’s a Lifesaver: This rack utilizes the most wasted space in a Bronco: the vertical air. It divides your trunk into two levels.
The Family Benefit: Put the heavy stuff on the floor and throw the light, bulky items—like sleeping bags and pillows—into the basket. It even comes with an elastic rope net to ensure that when you're climbing a steep grade, a stray hiking boot doesn't fly out and hit a sleeping toddler in the back seat.
3. More Than a Step: 6-Inch Wide Off-Road Side Steps
The Dad Struggle: Hardcore enthusiasts will tell you that side steps ruin your "break-over angle." But those guys clearly don't have a 5-year-old trying to "rock climb" into the back seat or a wife trying to hop in while wearing a sundress.
Why It’s a Lifesaver: These 6-inch wide traction pads mean your family can enter and exit safely without you having to act as a human crane every single time.
The Secret Benefit: Here is a pro-dad discovery: these steps act as a shield against "door dings" in grocery store parking lots. Because they stick out further than the body, lower sedans will hit the aluminum step instead of scratching your factory paint. Plus, they give you a stable platform for organizing gear on the roof.
4. The Campsite Social Hub: Tailgate Table with MOLLE Panel
The Dad Struggle: When you finally stop at a campsite, the first thing you need is a clean, flat surface to prep food or mix a bottle for the baby. You don't want to be doing that on a dusty rock or a muddy tire.
Why It’s a Lifesaver: This is your invisible kitchen. It mounts to the inside of the tailgate and stays folded up until you need it. Once opened, you have a 23.6” x 23.2” workspace for coffee, cooking, or even a quick laptop session.
Tactical Detail: When folded, it’s a MOLLE panel. I keep my flashlight, multi-tool, and emergency kit strapped right there. Everything is within arm's reach the second I open the door.
5. Support for Big Dreams: Bronco Roof Rack Cross Bar Kit
The Dad Struggle: You may be comfortable with your family but will now desire to bring in the larger toys, like the kayaks to go in the lake and camping tent to go on top of the car and see those unbelievable sunrise pictures. Devoid of a sound base, the said dreams remain in the garage.
Why It’s a Lifesaver: It is specifically built to fit the Bronco, it holds up to 220 lbs of equipment.
The Real Experience: What I like the most is the aerodynamic design. It prevents wind sound to the minimum when driving long highways hence it does not wake the kids when they finally sleep three hours into the journey.
Final Thoughts for the New Owner
Modifying your Bronco isn't about looking the "wildest" on the trail; it’s about making your outdoor life seamless. For the new dad on the block, I highly recommend starting with the Interior Cargo Rack and the Slide-Out Drawer. Once you've conquered the chaos of your trunk, you’ll find that everyone—from the toddler to your spouse—is a lot more excited for the next adventure.
You bought this vehicle for a reason. Get the gear, grab the family, and go make some memories.
Are you looking for specific installation tips to avoid common pitfalls, or do you want to see how I’ve organized my own setup? Drop a comment below!
