SHED: 2018 FORD RANGER
THE RANGER GETS NEW GEAR FROM NARVA AND MSA 4X4, BEFORE BEING BRANDED AND SENT TO TASMANIA.
BEFORE we sent the Ranger off on its first adventure for 2020 we had a few bits to fit to it. After installing the new Ironman 4x4 rear springs and shocks and Goodyear MT/R rubber, it went back to Phil at Ontrack Automotive to replace the driving lights with a new combo from Narva, update the Redarc Redvision system and install a longawaited set of MSA 4X4 towing mirrors.
We’ve been lucky enough to follow the development of the MSA 4X4 mirrors since their early prototypes and knew back then that these would be an exciting addition to the market. They offer buyers a larger mirror that is extendable for use when towing yet they aren’t as big and ungainly as some of the US pick-up truck style towing mirrors. In fact, with them folded in they look just like OE offerings.
We’ve seen the prototypes go through months of testing and development and were keen to see them come to market. Once we had the AMVE aluminium body fitted to the Ranger we knew we needed a set as the aluminium canopy is wider than the old tub, restricting rearward vision.
The MSA 4X4 mirrors finally arrived to market over the New Year break and we had them fitted ASAP. Even on the drive back from Phil’s workshop the better visibility via the MSA 4X4 mirrors was evident. We’ll have a full review on these once we’ve put some more miles on them.
From the outset of the Ranger build, I wanted the AFN 4x4 loopless steel bar with a quartet of smaller LED lights across the front. Bushranger wanted us to try out its Nighhawk driving lights first and we were very impressed with them and their variable power output, but I still wanted the smaller lights. I have a pair of Narva Ultima LED 180s fitted to my Land Cruiser and thought they would be the perfect size for our Ford. Ontrack fitted the four of them for us and we’re keen to give them a blast at night.
Ontrack also fitted four slimline Narva LED work lamps to the Rola Titan roof tray to use when we are in camp, and these have been wired in through the Redarc Redvision system. This allows them to be switched individually for the driver or passenger side of the car via the Redvision control panel which is mounted in the canopy, or via the Redvision App on a mobile phone.
Lastly, we sent the Ranger down to the team at Fleeting Image for the vehicle wrap and branding that will ensure the Ranger doesn’t go unnoticed wherever it is driven, before Deano loaded it up and joined Ron Moon and the crew for a trip to Tasmania. We’ll see how the Ranger performed in Tassie when the crew get back from their adventure.
WE SENT THE RANGER DOWN TO THE TEAM AT FLEETING IMAGE FOR THE VEHICLE WRAP AND BRANDING