Bronco Raptor Overlanding Build: The First Trail-Ready Beast of Its Kind

Cody Hill’s Overlanding Bronco Raptor

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.

Why Build an Overlanding Bronco Raptor?

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.

Planning the Build: The Team Behind the Raptor

To get the wheels turning, literally and figuratively, Cody called on his longtime friend and show scene veteran, Robbie Bryant.

Robbie, knowing the right people in the right places, connected Cody with Brock Baker, who is a specialist in overland gear and a perfect match for Cody’s vision.

Together, the trio dialed in a plan that would elevate the Bronco Raptor into a trailblazing, crowd-gathering rig ready for both SEMA show floors and Colorado mountain passes.

Suspension Upgrades for Overlanding Performance

While the factory suspension on the Bronco Raptor was already highly capable, Cody opted for higher-rate Eibach springs paired with Fox shocks to better suit the fully loaded trail setup and family comfort on those longer off-road runs.

This upgrade also came just in time when Kenwood caught wind of the build and jumped onboard as a sponsor, as well as asking to feature the Raptor in their booth at the 2024 SEMA Show.

Being a lifelong fan of high-end audio systems, Cody jumped at the opportunity.

Wheel & Tire Setup — Built for Real Trails

The Bronco Raptor rides on:

• KGI Forged 17×9 Lifter beadlock wheels
• 37-inch Fury Country Hunter MT2 tires

The Bronco had the grip and clearance needed for serious off-road adventures. Brock added a subtle pop by powdercoating the beadlock rings and bumper accents to tie the look together.

Front & Rear Protection

For protection and practicality, Bodyguard Baja front and rear bumpers replaced the stock plastic ones.

The front end was adorned with Tufskinz Raptor emblems, custom hood badges, and a full suite of RIGID Industries lighting, ready to cut through the darkest of trails.

Overlanding Essentials: Rooftop Tent, Storage and Accessories

Up top, an Inspired Overland carbon fiber rooftop tent was perched on a TrailRax rack, providing a solid home base for overnight trailside camping.

Cody didn’t stop there. The Bronco was then outfitted with:

• RotopaX fuel and water cans
• Maxtrax recovery boards
• An Agency 6 tire carrier
• A Go Rhino jack
• A Midland radio antenna
• A Taruca 270-degree awning

All chosen with purpose for full overland capability.

Exterior Finish: Custom Paint and Reflective Vinyl

To tie the whole aesthetic together, Michael La Plante at Infinite Customs painted the custom accent pieces, while AFD Graphix applied a stunning reflective vinyl wrap featuring the logos of the many companies that helped bring this vision to life.

SEMA 2024 Debut & Real-World Trail Performance

When the dust settled, Cody debuted the finished Bronco at SEMA 2024 and later took it to Lake City, Colorado, for some real-world trail riding with his family. For a guy who has built just about everything, this one was truly different.

“It was something new for me, a different style of build and a new kind of fun,” Cody said. “But man, that Kenwood sound system really made it complete. Plenty of tunes for the trails.”

And just like that, Cody Hill has once again done what he always does: blaze his own trail, both on the map and in the scene. Only this time, the road ahead was a little less paved… and a whole lot
more adventurous.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bronco Raptor good for overlanding?

Yes. The Bronco Raptor’s long-travel suspension, power, and off-road technology make it an excellent platform for overlanding. With the right upgrades—springs, tires, recovery gear, and a rooftop tent—it becomes a highly capable long-distance adventure vehicle.

What upgrades are needed to make a Bronco Raptor overland-ready?

Key upgrades include higher-rate springs, off-road tires, steel bumpers, lighting, rooftop tent, fuel storage, recovery boards, and communication equipment.

Can you mount a rooftop tent on a Bronco Raptor?

Yes. Cody’s build uses a carbon fiber rooftop tent mounted to a TrailRax rack system, which supports heavy loads safely.

What tires work best for a Bronco Raptor overlanding build?

37-inch all-terrain or mud-terrain tires work best. Cody used Fury Country Hunter MT2 tires for aggressive off-road use.

What accessories are essential for overlanding?

Fuel cans, water storage, recovery boards, awning, jack, radio communication, lighting, and storage solutions.