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Ford wants to market the Ranger as an overlanding vehicle

Here are modified pickup trucks designed for adventure travel

Ford Performance Parts Ranger. PHOTO FROM FORD

If you’re into off-road vehicles, we’re almost certain you have heard of the term “overlanding,” which is widely defined as the act of embarking on “a self-reliant adventure travel.” Which means going on a land journey using a multipurpose vehicle that provides not just mobility but also lodging. It’s becoming a global craze among people who have active lifestyles. Think of it as car camping.

At the upcoming SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show next month, Ford is exhibiting several modified Ranger pickup trucks designed for overlanding activities. The one pictured above is the Ford Performance Parts Ranger. It is equipped with a Fox suspension kit, Ford Performance Ranger Raptor wheels, BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, hood lights, underbody rock protection, a 30-inch bumper-mounted lightbar, LED cube lights, a winch, a heavy-duty recovery kit, a refrigerator, a rooftop tent and a bed storage system. Sounds like a fun truck to bring to the boondocks for a weekend.

Here are three other overlanding Rangers that should give you inspiration in case you own a pickup and you like going on camping trips.

Hellwig Ranger. PHOTO FROM FORD

Hellwig Ranger. This truck boasts a few items from Icon Vehicle Dynamics, like its 3.5-inch suspension kit and alloy wheels wrapped in Falken tires. The aftermarket parts list includes Hellwig sway bars; Ford Performance Parts cat-back exhaust, rear differential cover and recovery kit; Addictive Desert Designs rock sliders and bumpers; Rigid lights; ARB jack; and Bushwacker fender flares. To make this vehicle livable in the wild, it has been given Goal Zero solar power, a Tepul hard-shell tent, a Trail Kitchens stove and a DC Safety first-aid kit.

Yakima Ranger. PHOTO FROM FORD

Yakima Ranger. If the brand name sounds familiar, that’s because it is a leading manufacturer and seller of roof and bicycle racks for vehicles. For this pickup truck, the company is providing a truck bed rack, a kayak mount and a vertical four-bicycle carrier. The truck itself has been tweaked with Ford Performance Parts off-road suspension, recovery kit, cat-back exhaust and rear differential cover; RPG bumpers and side steps; Warn winch; Rigid lights; Fuel off-road wheels; and BFGoodrich T/A KO2 tires.

RTR Rambler Ranger. PHOTO FROM FORD

RTR Rambler Ranger. Probably the most badass-looking overlander of the lot. Making it habitable is a SkyRise tent complemented by an integrated snowboard support capsule. For the truck’s modification, Ford Performance Parts has contributed an off-road suspension kit as well as underbody rock protection. RTR, for its part, has come up with the custom fenders and the alloy wheels shod in Nitto Ridge Grappler tires.



Vernon B. Sarne

Vernon is the founder and editor-in-chief of VISOR. He has been an automotive journalist since July 1995. He became one by serendipity, walking into the office of a small publishing company and applying for a position he had no idea was for a local car magazine. God has watched over him throughout his humble journey. He writes the ‘Spoiler’ column.



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