Accessorising Your Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger topped the sales charts for November 2021, making it not only the best-selling ute of the year, but also the best-selling vehicle overall. More Rangers ended up in the garages of customers than any other vehicle. This is owed to the place Ford has managed to retain after local production completely ceased just a few years back.
Designed in Australia with the Aussie customer in mind, no wonder the Ranger has proven so popular. It has meaty engines that make long distances easy work, enough space for a family of four, and all the qualities sought out by tradies. And it’s more than decent off-road. An all-around car, good for both work and play. With the growing number of Rangers on the streets, there’s also the growing number of accessories that can add a little more performance, increase usable space, make towing easier and rival pure off-roading 4WDs when far from the tarmac. A host of Ford Ranger PX accessories just adds that little more.
With the wide variety on offer from different dealers, there’s something for every Ford Ranger owner. You can choose to up vehicle safety, add some more punch to the already gutsy diesels, or improve on space if you often carry more items. For off-roading, the Ranger can be equipped with various additions that will take you that much further. And if you think your car is a bit bland, there are Ford ranger PX accessories to also add some bling.
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Contents
Vehicle Protection and Safety
As a 4WD designed for harsh Aussie conditions both on and off-road, your car can do good with some added protection. Most buyers opt for either a full-blown steel bull bar for rougher terrain or a nudge bar if driving in the city. Both protect front bodywork, but more importantly expensive engine components. When driving in the bush, brush bars can shield the sides, and also extend to side steps like a natural progression. Your paintwork will stay intact, and you also have a safe way of entering or exiting the vehicle. Brush bars are often packaged with side steps as a cheaper option than buying them separately. Other things to look for are bash plates that scrub away any rocks or debris, especially on unsealed roads, and rear bars complete the picture in case anyone decides to back up unexpectedly. The whole package means you’re ready for any type of terrain, anywhere in Australia.
Things don’t end here though. If you’re serious about vehicle protection smaller additions also make a difference. Mudguards do a good job at keeping the wheel arches and underbody free from damage. Bonnet and headlight protectors do the same for the front end and windshield, and are especially useful in the dirt. Then there are various items to keep the tub neat and clean. To avoid scratches to the floor, put in a cheap rubber tub liner, and for more protection and keeping thieves away a tonneau cover is more than enough while also adding good looks. Tonneau covers come as electrically or manually retracted. Have in mind that electric tonneau covers can be dear and need some work in installation, but most of the other items listed here are relatively cheap and simple to use.
In terms of safety, the Ford Ranger has a plethora of passive safety gear, but additions like rear cameras are good when towing or when they are fully laden. Also consider putting in bigger brakes all around if you’re doing any changes to the engine or adding more weight, to get decent stopping power when it matters most.
Off-Road Accessories
When you’ve done enough to protect your Ranger from dents or more serious damage, you might want to take it to the bush. Off-roading trails have become especially popular during the pandemic and many drivers like the thrill and want to test their skills. You can fit your Ford Ranger with an electric winch, just mind that it’s compatible with the bull bar. Also put in rated recovery points, two up front and two at the back so you can use straps and shackles in case you get stuck. Add a pair of recovery tracks and get a decent shovel to pick your way through mud or dirt. If you’re often driving through water, install a snorkel and differential breather so water doesn’t make its way in the engine or transmission. Lastly, serious off-roading might require some added height. Body lift kits raise the body, while the whole car sits a few inches higher with a suspension lift kit. This is what you’ll want when going over boulders and stumps in uncleared paths.
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Space and Style
The Ranger has one of the biggest tubs, but if you need more space get a roof rack. Different designs fit both extra cab and dual cab Rangers. For longer and bulky items look for platforms, and for smaller things, like luggage and camping gear a roof basket might serve you better. There are good aftermarket roof racks with great build and affordable prices. These can be combined with ladder racks for extremely long items. Owners can also put some flair in the exterior design. A new grille or modified LED lights up front and in the rear give the Ranger more style, while also improving protection and visibility. Adding bigger alloys rounds out a rugged and ready ute.
Need More Oomph?
The Wildtrak might get the beastly diesel with the best handling and faster acceleration, but for all other variants, you can add a few mods and come close. An uprated turbo-back exhaust frees up gas flow in the bigger diesels and gives more push from the turbo. Quality stainless steel offerings are available aftermarket and are simple to install, coming with all the necessary bits. Pair this with a better air and fuel filter and you’re good to go. If you want a better throttle response, then install an electronic throttle controller. This improves acceleration from a standstill, and is also useful off-road by making better use of high and low gearing.
And What About Towing?
If you bought the Ranger to tow a boat, trailer or caravan, a rated tow bar, complete with ball and harness does wonders. You’ll be able to haul up to 3.5 tons safely and without hassle. A good idea when towing longer vehicles is to add bigger towing mirrors so you get the visibility you need when backing up or negotiating tight bends.
