Next-generation Ford Ranger as an Overland Vehicle

In this video I discuss the suitability of the Next-generation Ford Ranger as an overland vehicle and also compare it with the previous generation. I will discuss our equipment choices in a later video - this video is only about the vehicle itself. The vehicle discussed is the Ford Ranger 2.0l Bi-turbo Wildtrak 4x4 in South African specification.
You can use the markers below to skip ahead to portions that interest you:
0:00 Intro
1:04 Reasons for choosing the Wildtrak over the XLT
2:11 Reasons for choosing a pick-up over an SUV
3:15 Why the Ranger Raptor is not optimal for overlanding
3:46 The importance of on-road comfort
6:42 Tyres and rims
8:58 Wading depth
9:27 Useful features and gadgets
14:34 Things of dubious benefit
15:24 Driving modes
16:53 Gimmicks
18:14 What is worse than on the previous model?
21:21 End

[@michaeldejesus7418]

This is one of the best review I've seen. So clear and informative. And all I see and hear is honesty you my new friend get my subs.

[@overlandersa]

Thank you - I really appreciate your kind words and encouragement!

[@ALTF26]

Great review. Keep up the great work!

[@overlandersa]

Thanks, will do!

[@bongamav]

This is very thorough, Thank you!

[@overlandersa]

You're very welcome!

[@ronaldappia2080]

A lot of wisdom shared….thanks a lot!!!

[@overlandersa]

Thanks! My pleasure.

[@Paul-RSA]

Great video, very interesting! I would be interested in another video detailing the off-road driving modes. Thank you.

[@overlandersa]

OK, thanks. I'll see if I can work that in somewhere. I'm just a bit busy editing the videos of our recent 61 day trip through Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. And then I want to do a review of our rooftop tent...

[@rolandgrundmann1074]

Many thanks for the great information 👍🏻

[@overlandersa]

Glad it was helpful!

[@uviwe4277]

intresting and very calm delivery, found myself laughing at the end there, didnt get bored, you earned the like and sub, thanks Malume

[@overlandersa]

Thank you, much appreciated!

[@josesaayman3434]

Excellent review! Thank you

[@overlandersa]

Thanks - I appreciate the encouragement!

[@shingichirimuuta8813]

Great video. Very thorough and objective review based on your experience of the vehicle which makes it credible. I used to think that the FordPass App was gimmicky, until I found some pretty useful functions for it. The Remote Start feature has come in handy during winter. Once the car is out of the garage, it allows me to start it remotely, and pre-heat the car before the school run, while it is securely locked, without the need for the key to be inside the vehicle. The remote unlock feature, also came in handy when my 3yr olds were playing in the car while it had been washed and they pressed central locking from within, essentially locking themselves with the key inside the vehicle. I just unlocked the vehicle from the phone App, instead of a frantic hunt for the spare key.

[@overlandersa]

Thanks for the compliment! I assume you live in a cold climate? In that case I can see a use for remote start. In the Western Cape where I live the climate is so mild that I've not (yet) come across someone that pre-heat their car.

[@michaeljohnson6842]

Love this video. Please advise where you purchased your dashboard cover. I'd like to get one for my next Gen Everest.

[@overlandersa]

Thank you! We got our dashboard cover directly from Takla. Their covers are vehicle specific, for example the Wildtrak and XLT covers are different, because the dash is slightly different.

[@funkdunk]

Very entertaining and more importantly informative as I may be in the market soon. As a matter of interest did you consider the Amarok too, and if yes what were your reasons for retaining the Ranger. Obviously the dealer network or lack of it would be 1 reason.

[@overlandersa]

I did consider the Amarok, but more so with the previous generation. I do not consider the price premium to be justified and the Ford in the current generation appears to have the edge ergonomically, e.g. the Amarok does not have the side step and relies more on the touch screen.

[@janoberholster2059]

I enjoyed the video I would just like to know the average weight of your load when you go on a overland trip

[@overlandersa]

We usually end up close to full payload. If there is weight left my wife packs more firewood and I pack more water... Here is a rough list of some of the things that will make up our payload: People 150kg, Canopy 60kg, Rooftop tent 80kg, Additional fuel (we have a long-range tank) 60kg, Second battery 30kg, Drawer system 70kg, Water 50kg, Additional spare wheel 30kg, Fridge 30kg. This is about 560kg, so with a 965kg payload we have about 405kg for everything else, including food, drinks, clothes, firewood, camera gear, some tools etc. We end up using most of that.

[@andrewfehrsen]

Great video, but I disagree on the Raptor not being a suitable platform for overloading. It all depends on how the vehicle will be: kitted out, how many people, how long of a trip, etc. My Raptor has performed really well already on an overloading trip to the Kgalagadi for 3600km for my wife and I. Overlanding means we pack as light as possible. We aren't staying in a single camp for very long. Overlanding for us is about the adventure and actual trip. We also don't tow on our trips

[@overlandersa]

As you say, a lot will depend on kit, how many people, how long the trip is etc. The new Raptor has a payload of 670kg and we will struggle to make that. Here is a rough list of some of the things that will make up the payload: People 150kg, Canopy 60kg, Rooftop tent 80kg, Additional fuel (we have a long-range tank) 60kg, Second battery 30kg, Drawer system 70kg, Water 50kg. Additional spare wheel 30kg, Fridge 30kg. This is about 560kg, so with a 670kg payload that leaves 110kg for everything else, including food, drinks, clothes, firewood, camera gear etc. which for us will be very tight. If you are able to travel light then the Raptor will be excellent. Perhaps the upcoming Wildtrak X may turn out to be the best compromise.

[@wesselbotha3928]

670kg payload is nothing for overlanding unless you tow. 4 people and fuel get you close to the max lol

[@cobusbarnard9615]

Is it the V6 diesel or Bi-turbo?

[@overlandersa]

It is the 2l Bi-turbo diesel.

[@TheRdwyer]

My advice from everything I have read about maintenance in general, do not follow that extended 15000 km suggestion, oil is cheaper than an engine or a turbo.

[@overlandersa]

I guess, but I would think that manufacturers are quite conservative in their service intervals with a sufficient safety margin. Also, if you are on a service plan, it becomes more difficult to insist on shorter service intervals. We have been following manufacturer service recommendations (which in the case of a Mini was determined by the onboard computer which once had an interval of something like 21000km) and have personally never had an issue. I have recently returned from a 61 day overlanding trip during which we drove 12500km and it would have been very inconvenient to have had to service the vehicle in a foreign country half way through.

[@TheLukaszpg]

yeah nah. Overcooking gear box is a big nono. Unless you want to be a guinea pig

[@overlandersa]

So what you are saying is that the temperature gauge showing the gearbox temperature is indeed useful?