If you've ever been to a Bronco Off-Roadeo, you know the trail guides are a special breed: part coach, part comedian, and part guardian angel watching over your tie rods. We sat down with Terry Troutman, one of the instructors who help new Bronco owners tackle trails with confidence — and sympathy — to dig into his journey, his philosophy, and his best advice for getting the most out of your Bronco.
From Asheville to the Off-Roadeo
Born and raised in Asheville, NC, and a graduate of Asheville High, he’s been teaching people how to handle vehicles since 1994. After decades as a driving instructor for State of North Carolina employees, including the NC Highway Patrol, he retired — only to jump right back into professional driving instruction in 2013.
A phone call from a close friend running the Bronco Off-Roadeo changed everything. He said yes immediately… and jokes that his friend probably regrets it now.
Today, he’s a trail guide at the Maryville, Tennessee Off-Roadeo, with stints at Gunstock, NH, and Horseshoe Bay, TX when needed.
Falling for the Bronco Life
“I’ve always loved the off-road lifestyle,” he says. “I wasn’t a hardcore Bronco guy until I saw firsthand what these rigs can really do.”
That firsthand experience convinced him — enough that he and his family bought their first Bronco, an Outer Banks Sasquatch.
New to Off-Roading? Start Here.
His #1 answer to almost every question: training.
“There’s so much technology and capability built into the Bronco — but if you’ve never been off-roading, it can be intimidating. Just one full day of training can make you far more confident behind the wheel and teach you how to preserve your Bronco mechanically while still enjoying nature with friends and family.”
What Every Bronco Driver Should Know
Before you ever put a tire on dirt, he insists on learning how to be a responsible off-roader, which includes:
- Mechanical sympathy
- Passenger sympathy
- Trail sympathy (Tread Lightly principles)
These three concepts form the backbone of competent, safe, and sustainable off-roading.
Mechanical, Passenger, and Trail Sympathy—Defined
Mechanical Sympathy:
Take care of your Bronco. Don’t blast through trails hearing bangs, scrapes, thunks, or “well that wasn’t good” noises from underneath.
Passenger Sympathy:
Whether you’ve got kids, grandparents, or skeptical friends in the back seat, the goal is simple: don’t rattle their teeth out. No slamming heads into windows. No spinal-column percussion. Make it fun, not terrifying.
Trail Sympathy:
Tread lightly. Stay on designated routes, avoid spinning tires unnecessarily, and don’t create new trails that damage the landscape. Respecting the land keeps trails open and healthy.
Favorite 6G Bronco Features
Although he’s a “technique over technology” guy, he admits that Bronco tech is downright impressive when used correctly.
He highlights:
- Front & rear locking differentials
- Front locker: pulls the Bronco through obstacles
- Rear locker: pushes the Bronco through traction challenges
- GOAT Modes
- Trail Control
“These systems shine when traction is limited or when drivers are feeling overwhelmed,” he says. But he emphasizes: the best way to learn when and how to use them is hands-on training.
Do You Need Modifications?
Short answer: Nope.
“I love mods as much as anyone — tires, lifts, lights, all that stuff — but make sure you’re buying quality and having everything installed professionally.”
That said, Terry also notes that the Bronco is built for adventure straight from the factory. He wholeheartedly states that no modifications are necessary to hit the trails.
“The engineers spent thousands of hours designing these vehicles. They’re absolutely trail-ready as-is.”
What’s in His Trail Bag?
This man does not play around. His three-section backpack is basically a mobile command center.
Back Section – Weather & Water:
- Lightweight rain gear
- Pullover layers
- At least 40 oz of water (a full gallon when in his own rig)
Middle Section – Medical:
- Band-aids, wipes, Neosporin
- Benadryl
- Two tourniquets (always)
- Israeli compression bandage
- Splinting materials
- Pocket CPR mask (He’s EMT-trained and likes to be prepared for real emergencies.)
Front Section – Essentials:
- Snacks
- Phone charger
- Sunglasses & readers
- Water flavor packets
- TP
- Headlamp
Side Pockets:
- Heavy leather gloves
- Hand sanitizer (For using the "tree-cilities," as Terry calls them)
- Soft shackle for recovery
Final Thoughts
“I hope this helps you enjoy your Bronco even more,” he says. “Get solid training before you hit the trails. It’ll help you understand your vehicle, build confidence, and refine the skills you think you already have.” No matter how long you’ve been driving, there’s always a new skill to learn, an old habit to revisit, or a technique to tune up.
After chatting with Terry, one thing was clear: off-roading isn't about conquering nature, it's about connecting with nature in a unique and challenging way. The Bronco Off-Roadeo is as much about building "sympathy" as it is about building confidence, and we're all here for that.
If you haven't been to an Off-Roadeo yet, put it on your list. Your admission is included in the purchase of a new Bronco, and for used Bronco owners, still free if the previous owner never attended. And if you happen to meet Terry, listen closely to his wisdom, laugh at his corny jokes, and tell him the Buck Rails folks say hello.
