The sales launch of the next-generation Ford Ranger is upon us in a few short months, and with it, the company has announced that a wide variety of factory-backed accessories from trusted aftermarket companies like ARB will be available to buyers.
“Customers will be able to choose from a growing list of factory-backed accessories and have complete peace of mind that it won’t impact their warranty,” said Ford.
“Ford and aftermarket brands collaborated on the design, development, and testing of a range of accessories to ensure they’re fully integrated into the design of next-gen Ranger and Everest.”
These pieces of equipment are available in addition to Ford’s own range of genuine accessories, resulting in the largest factory-backed extras catalogue the manufacturer has ever had.
“We’ve got you covered – whether you need a bakkie or pick-up that can carry all of your work equipment, or a vehicle you can load up with camping gear at the end of the week and enjoy some open-air living with your onboard kitchen and rooftop tent,” said the American automaker.
We headed over to ARB Australia to get a sneak peek of what is already on offer for the new Ford, and what we can expect to get in South Africa.
Ascent canopy
The Ascent is ARB’s flagship canopy that offers high levels of integration in a premium design.
Standard features for this load box cover include central locking and push-button window switches, while privacy windows make it difficult for strangers to see what you have in the back.
ARB also has the Sportlid, Classic, and Classic Plus canopies in its catalogue, with prices for the options ranging from AU$2,640-4,722 (R30,500-54,500).
Auxiliary battery kit
The auxiliary battery kit gives off-road enthusiasts the ability to install an additional battery under the hood to function as an independent power source for items such as camp fridges and external lights.
Furthermore, it brings extra peace of mind in the unlikely event of main battery failure.
Base rack
ARB’s base rack is a low-profile roof rack with a “lightweight design” that makes your canopied bakkie even more flexible.
It offers loading and mounting spots for various cargo and can be personalised to the customer’s liking with additional accessories and brackets.
The roof rack and mounting kit are selling for a combined price of AU$1,218 (R14,000).
Forged recovery points
Forged recovery points allow you to get out of the stickiest of 4×4-ing situations if you happened to get bogged down.
In this case, the forged components on both the front left and right of the bakkie support a load of up to 8,000kg, thereby negating the need for bridle straps, said ARB. They still work at the wheels’ maximum turning angle, too.
Currently, these parts are going for AU$252 (R2,900) each.
Integrated drawers
ARB has created a fully-integrated drawer suite that fits seamlessly into the rear box of the new Ranger.
It comes with cutouts for accessory switches and can be installed with or without the plastic bedliner.
For both the drawer system and the install kit, you will pay AU$1,321 (R15,250).
Long-range diesel tank
A long-range fuel tank is a must for any overlanding enthusiast.
With a capacity of up to 140 litres, ARB’s Frontier diesel tank will ensure that you can enjoy many days trekking through the great outdoors without having to look for a filling station.
The fuel cell is made from “impact-resistant polymer material” that flexes with the vehicle chassis, allowing for greater durability and a longer lifespan.
In Australia, the Frontier sells for AU$1,360 (R15,700).
Old Man Emu shocks
Old Man Emu BP-51 shock absorbers are touted by ARB as being the “holy grail of suspension performance.”
Thanks to the fully-adjustable “internal bypass system” the dampers provide more control over the standard ones while also improving comfort.
They are pricey, though, with the front struts going for AU$1,087 (R12,500) and rear shocks for AU$744 (R8,600) each.
The cheaper Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Sport dampers are also offered for AU$325 (R3,750) at the front and AU$185 (R2,100) at the rear.
Safari V-Spec Snorkel
A Safari Snorkel protects the Ranger against water, dust, and snow ingress while delivering cool, clean air to the engine.
It does this by raising the bakkie’s air intake to above the roofline through the help of a “Snorkel” mounted to the side of the nose.
This accessory is currently being sold for AU$638 (R7,400).
Slide-in kitchen
Much like the drawer suite, the slide-in kitchen is a “fully-functioning” kitchenette that fits in the rear loading bay of the new Ranger.
It allows you to flex your culinary skills and impress friends at the campsite, local park, job site, or even on the side of the road.
This privilege comes at a cost, however. That being a combined price of AU$3,605 (R41,600) for the kitchenette and accompanying install kit. The kitchen alone is sold for AU$3,115 (R36,000).
Summit Bar MkII
The Summit Bar MkII offers ARB’s “most innovative and advanced” bumper technology yet, while still allowing for the use of Ford’s full suite of advanced driver assistance systems.
The Summit Bar boasts a modern yet rugged design that lends the Ranger a muscular look while also affording more protection against the elements.
ARB currently sells the Summit Sahara as well as the standard Summit bars, at starting prices of AU$2,925 (R33,700) and AU$3,225 (R37,200), respectively.
Tailgate assist
Tailgate assist removes the struggle of opening and closing weighty tailgates by controlling the opening speeds and reducing the effort required to close them.
This leads to a one-handed mode of operation that is much more convenient.
Tailgate assist is one of the most affordable accessories that ARB sells for the next-gen Ranger, at a price of AU$155 (R1,800).
Under vehicle protection
ARB’s under-vehicle body protection sees a large, laser-cut metal panel safeguarding the underside of the bakkie.
It’s formed and folded to perfectly accommodate the angles of the Ranger’s underbody, thus minimising the risk of damaging vital drivetrain components whether you’re off-roading or traveling over potholed tar surfaces.
ARB offers standard under-vehicle protection as well as under-vehicle armour fabricated from a different material, each for AU$1,195 (R13,800).
Join the discussion