My Bronco Sport Camping / Overlanding Build v2

[Donobrown]

Hi! I made this YouTube video covering off my current Bronco Sport "build". I really haven't seen a lot of people cover this car in detail on YT, so I thought it'd be a good opportunity to walkthrough my setup. I have a 2023 Big Bend, and haven't done much to it, but it's taken me to some pretty awesome places. I've been to Moab, all over the west/east sierras, and roadtripped across 6+ states in this while exclusively wild camping. My "v1" version of the setup can be found here.

In the video I cover off on a few points:

1. Why I like the Bronco Sport
2. Roof Top Tents
3. Starlink, Power Banks, Refrigerators, Solar Panels, and Cooking gear
4. Wooden platform for sleeping in the car

If you're interested in what I use on my trips, thoughts on a RTT, or just looking for inspiration - check out this video or shoot me a message. I truly believe this car is AMAZING and extremely capable for reasonable off-roading and long roadtrips.

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[CactusBS]

Nice video, very informative! I had a similar set up minus the rooftop tent on my old Outback (wooden sleeping platform, storage for bike gear and cooking supplies underneath, and a mattress topper that fit two people comfortably). I have been wanting to do the same with the bronco sport but just haven't had the time unfortunately.

Keep going with it, it's looking great!

 

[Stircrazy]

isn't that way over the rating of the roof rack when you are sleeping in it? any issues?

 

[Donobrown]

isn't that way over the rating of the roof rack when you are sleeping in it? any issues?

Dynamic weight (while moving) is 150 lbs no moonroof. Static weight (not moving) is 600+ lbs, so no issues when sleeping in it. I will say there is a 3-4 mpg decline while driving, and you definitely feel it on top of the car.

 

[wireman]

Just curious, have you weighed your BS fully loaded with a full tank of fuel, you in it and everything loaded as shown?

With all the talk on here about cargo capacity, I was wondering how close you are, or have you exceeded the stated C.C.

 

[Donobrown]

Just curious, have you weighed your BS fully loaded with a full tank of fuel, you in it and everything loaded as shown?

With all the talk on here about cargo capacity, I was wondering how close you are, or have you exceeded the stated C.C.

I've been thinking about that a lot lately actually. Sounds like total payload is 1,170 lbs for the BS. Tent + two passengers nets around 450 lbs, so my setup shouldn't be close to maxing out even with all the other items. I'd estimate I'm close to around 7-800 lbs. That being said, I am worried when I eventually have to move...

 

[wireman]

I figured you would have a higher cargo capacity than my BL which is 887
lbs. That’s good for you and your situation. Nice setup. Get out there and enjoy the back country.

 

[Fishingjts]

Dynamic weight (while moving) is 150 lbs no moonroof. Static weight (not moving) is 600+ lbs, so no issues when sleeping in it. I will say there is a 3-4 mpg decline while driving, and you definitely feel it on top of the car.

just putting roof rails on my Badlands kills my MPG at highway speeds. ?

 

[Stircrazy]

Dynamic weight (while moving) is 150 lbs no moonroof. Static weight (not moving) is 600+ lbs, so no issues when sleeping in it. I will say there is a 3-4 mpg decline while driving, and you definitely feel it on top of the car.

ok there was no mention of static vs dynamic in the owners manual when I was flipping through it, just said nothing over 150lbs should be put on the roof rack.

 

[jkernitzki]

ok there was no mention of static vs dynamic in the owners manual when I was flipping through it, just said nothing over 150lbs should be put on the roof rack.

I’ve seen this pop up in a number of areas. Ronny Dahl had a good explanation in one of his videos.

In short, the max capacity listed (if only a single weight) will always be dynamic, as that’s the more limiting of the two.

Some mfr’s list both, and the difference is massive, sometimes more than 500 lbs between the two values.

 

[Brent@ANParts]

3-4 MPG is less than I would have expected! I had an EV truck and the range difference with the roof tent was... disturbing, even when placed over the bed. Also, that cover image is fantastic, great job with the build this definitely gives me some good ideas!

 

[Mwittke5857]

Just curious, have you weighed your BS fully loaded with a full tank of fuel, you in it and everything loaded as shown?

With all the talk on here about cargo capacity, I was wondering how close you are, or have you exceeded the stated C.C.

One also needs to me mindful of you, anyone that is with you as well as everything you mentioned when you are calculating max tow capacity. Ford states (I believe) 2,000#s and that is with the vehicle empty

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