Ulterio Motiv, the newly launched sister company of respected armouring establishment, SVI Engineering, has launched its most affordable product to date, this time based on one of the best-selling bakkies in South Africa – the Ford Ranger.
As has been the case with the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 6x4 and 6x6 applications, the Ford Ranger 6x4 is aimed at not only tackling extreme terrain and being able to carry heavy loads, but the passengers will now be able to do so in the relative comfort that is associated with the Ford Ranger model line-up.
The product has been designed, developed and homologated to be able to carry an increased capacity leading to a maximum GVM of 4 500kg. This means a total payload of more than 2 000kg (model dependent) is now possible. Drivers will have to be in the possession of a C1 licence, the old code 10 licence.
The base 6x4 chassis is supplied to individuals or companies that manufacture their own loading bin, closed canopy or any other design whether for camping, or for example, emergency services. Ultimately, this new 6x4 chassis is a blank canvas for the potential end user. More importantly, all the comfort, luxury and safety systems from the original Ranger remain once the conversion has been completed.
Following the conversion, Ulterio Motiv can also manufacture the custom drop-side load bin. It is 1.6 metres wide, and 2.5 metres long as shown in the pictures. These are the interior dimensions.
The standard Ford chassis is extended to cater for the extra length needed to add the non-driven third axle. This load-carrying axle does not impact on the standard Ford drivetrain and the 4x4 system, with the differential-lock, which is still in place.
The rear suspension set-up works on the principle of a bogie system that results in the third axle carrying around 40% of the rear mass with the middle (driven) axle around 60%. This provides the driven axle with more grip because of the higher contact force between the driven wheels and the road surface improving traction.
The braking system has been upgraded by adding a disc-brake set-up to the third axle which also benefits from the standard Ford ABS system.
The 6x4 Ford Ranger conversion costs R265 000 ex VAT.
The cost excludes the supply of the base vehicle, drop-side load bin and any additional optional extras. Ulterio Motiv’s 6x4 conversion of the Ford Ranger (single-, extended or double-cab) requires a project build time of six weeks.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
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