Cyclone Cowboy Posted November 3, 2020 Share Posted November 3, 2020 Hi Everyone, I'm seeking feedback on a concept vehicle we are considering based on the new Ford Bronco Sport. The vehicle would be used for storm interception, including storm spotting for the National Weather Service, storm photography and volunteer EMS work when needed. (I'm a tactical EMT). The use would cover the tornado season, hurricane season and the southwestern monsoon. Basically a true torture test in all kinds of conditions over many miles. There are obviously a wide range of vehicles we could use, but a number of people have suggested the Bronco Sport Badlands. I have one reserved. Any opinions or suggestions? We are also considering a Ford Explorer, but cost is a factor since most of the work we do is volunteer. Thank you. Warren http://www.stormchaser.com 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twintornados Posted November 3, 2020 Share Posted November 3, 2020 You would be better off with it's "big brother" Bronco instead. But, cool looking concept.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ice-capades Posted November 3, 2020 Share Posted November 3, 2020 33 minutes ago, twintornados said: You would be better off with it's "big brother" Bronco instead. But, cool looking concept.... I had the same thought but price may be a factor between the two. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
valve Posted November 3, 2020 Share Posted November 3, 2020 1 minute ago, ice-capades said: I had the same thought but price may be a factor between the two. and availability... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyclone Cowboy Posted November 3, 2020 Author Share Posted November 3, 2020 Yes, price and availability were issues. Our Xterra is now over 130k miles, and although running strong, it's time to replace it. The only other problem with the bigger Bronco is highway driving. We do a lot of highway miles and I'm not sure the larger Bronco is best for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzymoomoo Posted November 3, 2020 Share Posted November 3, 2020 Sounds like you've done your research. Bronco sport makes more sense to me than the larger Bronco simply due to the lower profile. Would make driving in high wind situations a little more manageable than even an Explorer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twintornados Posted November 3, 2020 Share Posted November 3, 2020 47 minutes ago, Cyclone Cowboy said: Yes, price and availability were issues. Our Xterra is now over 130k miles, and although running strong, it's time to replace it. The only other problem with the bigger Bronco is highway driving. We do a lot of highway miles and I'm not sure the larger Bronco is best for that. Go with the 2.0L Ecoboost for good power on tap....not sure the 1.5L would give you enough grunt when the storm chasin' demands it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyclone Cowboy Posted November 3, 2020 Author Share Posted November 3, 2020 Yes, the Badlands is our choice. Thanks. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzymoomoo Posted November 3, 2020 Share Posted November 3, 2020 (edited) 10 minutes ago, twintornados said: Go with the 2.0L Ecoboost for good power on tap....not sure the 1.5L would give you enough grunt when the storm chasin' demands it. Great point. There's also some aftermarket support for that engine already since it's been around for a few years. Not a lot available for the new 1.5 yet. Not sure how much there ultimately will be either. Edited November 3, 2020 by fuzzymoomoo 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harley Lover Posted November 3, 2020 Share Posted November 3, 2020 If you go through with it and purchase the Badlands, please keep us updated on what you do to outfit the vehicle and how it performs for you. Your updates will be very appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzymoomoo Posted November 3, 2020 Share Posted November 3, 2020 12 minutes ago, Harley Lover said: If you go through with it and purchase the Badlands, please keep us updated on what you do to outfit the vehicle and how it performs for you. Your updates will be very appreciated! Don't forget to include pictures! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyclone Cowboy Posted November 3, 2020 Author Share Posted November 3, 2020 (edited) This is the concept for the Cyber-Orange Badlands, but the overwhelming response was that it looks likes a "school bus administration vehicle"...lol I wish the Cyber-Orange color had been more "hot wheels" golden instead of yellow. I ended up going back to the black. (Original image with permission by Matt St-Pierre - Motor Illustrated - Concept additions by Warren Faidley) Edited November 3, 2020 by Cyclone Cowboy Text 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyclone Cowboy Posted November 4, 2020 Author Share Posted November 4, 2020 (edited) Thanks everyone for your feedback! Edited November 4, 2020 by Cyclone Cowboy Typo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyclone Cowboy Posted November 18, 2020 Author Share Posted November 18, 2020 Found this picture of our first storm chasing vehicle, a Ford Explorer from the 1990's. Amazing how much the new Bronco Sport looks like a smaller version of the old Explorer. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyclone Cowboy Posted November 21, 2020 Author Share Posted November 21, 2020 (edited) I do have a back-up plan in the event the Storm Chasing Bronco Sport does not work for some reason or it we are unable to obtain one in time for the storm chase season next year: The Ford Explorer FX4 might also make a great storm chase / volunteer EMS vehicle. If they add the ST twin turbo and brakes, I'll buy it tomorrow! Between the Raptor, ST's and Broncos, Ford is kicking butt right now in the automotive world! https://fordauthority.com/2020/07/off-road-explorer-fx4-prototype-spied-testing-and-looking-rather-rugged/ Edited November 21, 2020 by Cyclone Cowboy Typo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sullynd Posted November 21, 2020 Share Posted November 21, 2020 (edited) On 11/18/2020 at 9:54 AM, Cyclone Cowboy said: Amazing how much the new Bronco Sport looks like a smaller version of the old Explorer. The Explorer is less than 12” longer. The Bronco Sport is 4” wider, and almost 3” taller than the original Explorer. Vehicles have gotten big. Edited November 21, 2020 by sullynd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyclone Cowboy Posted December 23, 2020 Author Share Posted December 23, 2020 After seeing the Bronco Sport in person, we decided to go with a 2021 Ford Ranger. It's a fantastic vehicle, but we needed something bigger to hold our gear. I'll post updates once the build is done, hopefully before storm season in late April. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzymoomoo Posted December 23, 2020 Share Posted December 23, 2020 As a MAP employee who helped build that truck, I thank you! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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