Overboard: Ford Ranger Dropside puts hard work first

Normally, when the call comes for us to test a version of Ford’s Ranger, it always turns out to be an upscale luxury double-cab derivative with four-wheel drive.

However, when we were asked whether we would like the new very entry-level single-cab dropside, we jumped at the opportunity.

Ranger at its basicness

To give the experience an authentic feel, we headed off to Michael Da Serra’s Village Lawns and Grasslands out on the East Rand to get our bakkie working by loading hay for their daily deliveries.

This is a proper working farm, and the real-world convenience of the dropsides fitted to our Ranger made a major difference to the task at hand, while the drive and feel of the bakkie impressed the staff.

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For some clarity, the dropside is modelled on the XL-spec Ranger single cab, and only comes with rear-wheel-drive, the six-speed manual gearbox and the single turbo 2.0-litre diesel engine that makes 125kW/405Nm.

The dropside’s inclusion means it also replaces the “normal loadbed” Ranger, meaning the most affordable non-chassis cab variant now sports the six-speed automatic gearbox as standard, and no longer the manual, as the case had been.

Although it represents the Ranger in its most basic form, the XL still comes with a decent amount of features such as air-conditioning, cloth seats, the 10.1-inch SYNC infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Electronic Stability Control, six airbags, electric windows and electric mirrors.

Multi-talented worker

This Ranger Dropside is ideal for small business owners such as garden services, furniture removals, general contractors, outdoor enthusiasts transporting motorbikes or quads, and courier services handling larger items.

Because of its design, the Australian-style dropside tray goes further by allowing forklift access as both the side and, of course, tailgate all open.

The design increases the load footprint by removing the wheel arches, and this improvement allows the Ranger to take up to two pallets. The dropsides are also easily removable, providing a completely flat deck option.

So, while I chose the farm theme, the dropsides would make a difference in any business where you require easy access to a flat loadbed, as you would have just read, be it by hand or by forklift.

Securing its service

But by now you might be wondering what this Ford Ranger Dropside all about. Well, it goes as follows:

• Go to your local Ford dealer and discuss your exact needs with them, and once the quote has been accepted, and the payment or finance has been arranged, they will arrange the rest.
• The fitment lead time is approximately four to six weeks, but may differ based on individual requirements.
• The tray is built in accordance with the OEMs Body Builders Guide, ensuring that Ranger retains its original rated carrying capacity of 1 000 kg.
• Currently, the conversion is only available on single-cab Ranger variants.
• Detailed costing and pricing structure based on your or your individual fleet requirements can be obtained directly from your local Ford dealer.
• As the dropside is Ford-approved, it doesn’t negatively impact the four-year/120 000 km warranty. The modification portion will be covered by the supplier.

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