Ford is introducing a new Ranger chassis cab variant for the first time, giving customers the ability to easily create bespoke vehicles.
The Ranger chassis cab uses a body-on-frame construction, creating a donor vehicle that maximises the range of potential conversion options. Ford anticipates Ranger chassis cab’s combination of four-wheel drive-enhanced off-road capability, durability and fuel efficient EcoBlue diesel powertrain will drive interest from the construction, utility, blue light and recovery sectors, among others.
Available in single-cab body style and XL series, the Ranger chassis cab is the newest addition to the Ranger line-up. Ranger chassis cab customers can also benefit from Ford’s network of more than 160 Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) converters that can deliver warranty-approved bespoke vehicles for specialist applications.
“We’ve built the Ranger chassis cab for customers who work in the most demanding environments and need a tough, off-road vehicle to carry their specialist kit,” said Paul Baynes, conversions manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “Combined with Ford’s extensive QVM converter network, Ranger chassis cab enables our customers to get the job done, wherever they work.”
The Ranger’s chassis features heavy-duty rear leaf spring suspension and a flat rear surface for converters to build upon – providing a base for conversions up to 3,270kg gross vehicle mass.
The single cab design permits a maximum conversion length behind the cab of 2,518mm. For off-road applications, the Ranger chassis-cab has a wading depth of up to 800mm, 237mm of ground clearance before conversion, and a short front overhang for optimised approach angles.
Ranger chassis cab also provides 3,500kg maximum towing capacity.
Ford worked closely with its QVM converter network to optimise the Ranger chassis cab’s potential for a range of conversions such as box bodies, tippers and cherry pickers. All QVM conversions come with a warranty that matches those offered on Ford’s standard vehicles.
Customers can further enhance their vehicle with Ford Special Vehicle Options’ range of flexible solutions, including a trailer tow electrical connector, high-performance batteries for increased electrical loads, and an interface to link conversions and vehicle signals – for example, to prevent a tipper body from operating unless the vehicle is parked and in neutral.
Ranger chassis cab’s 170PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine delivers 420Nm of torque to haul heavy loads, supported by a slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox.
A selectable four-wheel drive system comes as standard, with a simple control in the centre console enabling drivers to select rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive while on the move to best suit conditions. A low range four-wheel drive setting improves performance on steep hills and soft surfaces.
The Ranger chassis cab will be available to order from January 2021.
