The 2021 Ford Bronco SUV, which isn’t out yet and is not to be confused with the smaller Ford Bronco Sport that is available at dealerships now, is going to get pre-wired upfitter switches to make powering accessories easier. These factory-installed auxiliary switches (and attendant wiring) will be standard on two- and four-door Black Diamond, Wildtrak, Badlands, and First Edition Ford Bronco trim levels and optional on the Base and Outer Banks versions. There was no mention of availability for the Big Bend trim.
The six upfitter switches will be located overhead for easy access, akin to their location on current F-Series trucks. Ever-useful accessory switches are not a new addition for Ford or other manufacturers, which have all been offering this option for many years. The Jeep Wrangler, the closest competition to the Ford Bronco, has upfitter switches as well, most visibly included in the Trailer-Tow and Heavy-Duty Electrical option group.
Upfitter switches make powering off-road accessories like pod lights, light bars, radios, refrigerators, and other electrical accessories easier, as the in-car bits are already installed and ready. Fewer holes and less wire to feed from various spots to the underhood fuse box reduce nagging and game-over problems: Leaks from drilling holes in the firewall, roof, and other locations; fried, mangled, loose, and damaged wires from rubbing, snagging, and dragging; and multitudinous electrical gremlins created by a FUBAR wiring nest.
It’s not just about the actual switches—it’s about the wiring, too, which is essentially already done for the installer, so that routing power throughout the Bronco is not an issue. The Ford Bronco setup comes super user-friendly thanks to factory installed connection points throughout the vehicle: a front connection for bumper light bars and other front end accessories; a glovebox connection for interior accessories; an A-pillar connection for rooftop light bars and other lights; and a rear cargo connection for cargo accessories.
The end result of factory-installed upfitter switches, besides fewer blown fuses (and by that we also mean the installer’s patience)? Easy customization and installation of off-road accessories that actually work—because we all know too well that someday I’m gonna finish the wiring so it works never seems to actually come.
