The all-new Ranger is a true off-roader. It is rugged and capable in the harshest environments, yet stylish and comfortable both at work and at play.
KEY FEATURES
- Capable Off Roader
- Superb ground clearance
- High torque at low revs
- Larger wheels with all terrain tyres
- Stringent pre-launch testing
- Improved wading depth
In-depth development programme
The new Ranger has undergone the toughest development and testing programs ever undertaken by Ford, for a vehicle of this type. Prototypes were driven extensively over a variety of road conditions at proving grounds in Arizona, and South Africa. Temperatures ranged from -25 to 50 degrees Celsius.
Early production vehicles were put through their paces through mountain ranges in Northern Thailand and Laos, the jungles of Borneo, across the Australian outback, and through the Kruger Park in South Africa.
Vehicle development engineers from around the world were trained to perform specific and extreme testing further validating the Ranger’s dependability and performance capabilities.
Ford truck owners and operators from many markets were asked to disclose how they use Ford trucks in their daily routines. This process allowed Ford to ensure that the new Ranger is in line with customer expectations.
Vehicles were driven over a variety of surfaces at speeds up to 160km/h to identify, isolate, eliminate or suppresses vibrations. High-tech laboratories, advanced Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) and the latest vehicle testing technology were used to ensure robust, durable, rugged and reliable engineering. For example, vehicle systems were subjected to the equivalent of 250 000km of shaking abuse to ensure the strength and capability of the frame, suspension and body construction.
Superior off road ability
The Ranger shines when confronted with challenging terrain. It has an improved ground clearance with approach and ramp-over angles designed to make it easier to traverse obstacles, rivers and deep ruts.
All Ranger models are equipped with a 80-litre steel fuel tank, located forward of the rear axle and protected by a solid steel plate. This uniquely engineered fuel tank offers increased safety, particularly in severe off-road conditions.
The strong ladder-frame platform features a unique overlapped and cross-braced construction for greater rigidity. Compared with trucks based on more conventional H-beam configurations, the Ranger’s platform delivers excellent load-bearing characteristics and durability.
At the same time, it also ensures better handling, ride comfort and passenger safety.
Transfer case
Manual transmission vehicles use a two-speed manual shift transfer case. In normal on-road driving, torque is directed solely to the rear wheels, saving fuel and reducing wear on the driveline components.
In 4×2 mode, the remote free-wheel front axle can be disengaged via a switch on the instrument panel, allowing the front wheels to rotate freely. The effect is similar to unlocking wheel hubs.
Owners benefit from reduced drag and improved fuel economy.
For off-road or low-traction conditions, the driver can select 4×4 high, which directs torque to both the front and rear wheels. The front axle is locked into drive from the cabin without the driver having to leave the vehicle. For really rugged conditions, the driver can also select 4×4 low range for the best traction performance.
Payload and towing
The Ranger has been developed to carry a full load and haul a heavy trailer over the most challenging surfaces. It is designed for a payload of up to 1406kg (Single Cab chassis) and a 1.8-ton towing capacity on 3.0-litre models.
These impressive capabilities are made possible by the Ranger’s new powertrain, stiffer body and upgraded suspension.
The Ranger excelled in a number of no-holds-barred test sessions, which included a daunting test at 50 degrees hauling a full payload and trailer up a steady grade of six percent with half the radiator and half the intercooler blocked.
Beyond the impressive payload and towing performance, the Ranger also delivers a flexible storage system that is vital in meeting the needs of customers with a variety of cargo-carrying needs. The side walls of the cargo box are now 60mm taller, enabling owners to store more equipment. This translates into a cargo capacity of 1266 litres on single cab pick-up models.
But the flexibility does not end there. Ford has built an innovative cargo-management system inside the cargo box. Ledges along the walls accommodate a simple do-it-yourself shelving system that allows heavier items to be stored on the load floor of the pickup box while smaller items can be carried on top of the shelves.
Wheels and tyres
Both the 4×2 and 4×4 Ranger models sit on large tyre footprints for improved traction, ride comfort and passenger safety. Wheel sizes vary depending on model derivative. 15-Inch steel wheels are teamed with 215/70 series rubber while other models feature 16-inch alloy wheels fitted with 245/70 tyres. Ford chose to adopt all-terrain tyres because they provide great grip and traction over a variety of surfaces, especially in bad weather.
