*UPDATED* 3000+ miles - Ongoing Bronco Badlands Cross-Country Roadtrip

[palley6]

11-01-2021 UPDATE - Trip done.

Sorry I've missed a lot of your questions, traveling cross country is a real bitch and staying away from the internet has been kind of nice. Now that I'm back I can confidently say this thing is an absolute beast and I love it more than I did before I left.

Key Details:

- Total distance driven was just over 5,200 total miles across 11 states in 12 days total.
- MPG ended up being a decent 18.8 mpg (last 2,000 miles roughly interstates/highway).
- Had the chance to off-road in sand, dirt, mud, water, rocks, snow and ice.
- Two oil changes in two weeks (done by myself for both).

Honestly, what an unbelievably fun vehicle. As I got further and further it became clear how sporty/lively this vehicle truly is and by default how it makes you feel when driving. When I saw any opportunity to veer off the pavement onto a dirt road or trail I would instinctively begin to do so and not once did the Bronco have an issue. The actual problem was with the driver, as much as it pains to say, but in time you truly grow confidence and realize how capable this thing really is which in turn improves the drivers capability as well.

I've attached new pictures that I've had the opportunity to review/edit that showcase the vehicle in various environments. Some have asked for my Instagram and if that is your thing I do try to post travel/adventure pics on occasion and would love to meet more of you to help get inspired myself to continue this thing now that the big trip has wrapped (https://www.instagram.com/palley6)

Pics at Moab were from the south and north ends of Fins and Things (first ever trip wheeling at Moab, first trail, what an experience). If anyone around the San Antonio area knows the guy driving the Jeep Gladiator I owe him some thanks for reaching out on trail to offer assistance for spotting on a very quiet and low traffic morning.

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[Tellsnow]

Beautiful shots. Really liking the Iconic Silver. Keep putting that thing to use, enjoy!

 

[palley6]

Beautiful shots. Really liking the Iconic Silver. Keep putting that thing to use, enjoy!

Oh I will don't worry, Moab trails tomorrow. Did the White Rim today, got plenty of Jeepers and 4runner guys oogling at how much faster I got through than they did

 

[thecaptain]

Terrific photos -- hope you continue having a great trip. Love the last photo a lot. Also, where was the photo 4th from the top taken? (I know it was taken in the Moab area, but am wondering if you can provide a few more specifics. That rock formation looks like a castle up there.) Thanks!

 

[palley6]

Terrific photos -- hope you continue having a great trip. Love the last photo a lot. Also, where was the photo 4th from the top taken? (I know it was taken in the Moab area, but am wondering if you can provide a few more specifics. That rock formation looks like a castle up there.) Thanks!

Thanks! That was Swing Arm City outside of Caineville, crazy crazy cool OHV playground

 

[Go_Galt]

Oh I will don't worry, Moab trails tomorrow. Did the White Rim today,

Did you make it to Murphy's Hogback?

 

[thecaptain]

Thanks! That was Swing Arm City outside of Caineville, crazy crazy cool OHV playground

Ahh, so actually a ways from Moab. Very cool. Utah has some ridiculously good scenery.

 

[Mdh186]

What size Dometic and can you give some detail about how you’re powering. Will it stay on when stopped and overnight? Kill battery or charge with solar in between. Sorry if this is basic, but I’m new to the concept and thinking it may make sense to take the plunge and stop buying bagged ice/dealing with soggy stuff.

Sweet pics and great plan to figure out your rig.

 

[unfortunate]

Do you have the 2.3 or 2.7?

 

[palley6]

Did you make it to Murphy's Hogback?

I did not, unfortunately. Got to Canyonlands late so really had to hightail to get to Airport/slightly beyond and back.

 

[palley6]

What size Dometic and can you give some detail about how you’re powering. Will it stay on when stopped and overnight? Kill battery or charge with solar in between. Sorry if this is basic, but I’m new to the concept and thinking it may make sense to take the plunge and stop buying bagged ice/dealing with soggy stuff.

Sweet pics and great plan to figure out your rig.

Its a gamechanger, highly recommended. I got the CFX3-45 and for just me its overkill. The 35 would've been better but difference in price isn't that much.

I power with the rear 12v when Im driving and overnight I use a cheap battery jumper pack from Harbor Freight. It was $70 and can run the fridge overnight, plus it has a built in compressor.

 

[Go_Galt]

Big con - gas mileage. I get it, its a 4x4 yadda yadda yadda. But my god its rough...18.1 mpg despite every effort even on open roads to mitigate at no avail. West coasters with 80mph speed limit highways are going to suffer, seems 72/73 is the peak before the aero kills your mileage.

I just spent 2,600 miles around Utah, AZ, and NM in a 2021 4-door Rubicon with the 2.0 turbo, and I was really impressed with the mileage. I was consistently getting 22-23 on the highway, which coupled with the ~21 gallon fuel tank gives it really good range.

I was hoping 2.3 Broncos would be getting somewhere close to this, but based on what most of you are reporting, that's not the case.

Do I care that much? No. I just like when I can fill up and go a ridiculous distance without needing any infrastructure.

 

[palley6]

Do you have the 2.3 or 2.7?

2.7 - no complaints on power for me

 

[1975U15]

Wow!! Incredible shots. Welcome to the West!! Safe travels friend.

 

[palley6]

I just spent 2,600 miles around Utah, AZ, and NM in a 2021 4-door Rubicon with the 2.0 turbo, and I was really impressed with the mileage. I was consistently getting 22-23 on the highway, which coupled with the ~21 gallon fuel tank gives it really good range.

I was hoping 2.3 Broncos would be getting somewhere close to this, but based on what most of you are reporting, that's not the case.

Do I care that much? No. I just like when I can fill up and go a ridiculous distance without needing any infrastructure.

I bet if you're driving 68-70 without stopping/starting it would do 20mpg. Thats unfeasible but its definitely the sweet spot

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