Is a Ford Ranger Good for Overlanding?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: April 13, 2023

If you're an overlanding enthusiast, you know that the right vehicle can make or break your adventure. With its rugged design and off-road capabilities, the Ford Ranger is a popular choice among overlanders. But is it a good option for this type of activity?

In this article, we'll look closer at the Ford Ranger's advantages and limitations for overlanding, compare the most off-road capable Ranger with other trims, and provide ideas for Ford Ranger overland upgrades.

Whether you're a seasoned overlanding veteran or just starting, this article will provide valuable insights into whether the Ford Ranger is the right choice for your next adventure.

Advantages of the Ford Ranger for Overlanding

Reliability and durability

Ford has a reputation for building reliable vehicles, and the Ranger is no exception. It's built tough and designed to handle various conditions, essential for overlanding where you may encounter unpredictable weather and terrain.

Off-road capabilities

The Ford Ranger comes with various off-road features, including the available Tremor Off-Road Package. It includes a suspension lift, skid plates, dark anodized, painted aluminum wheels, and all-terrain tires. These features make it easier to navigate rough terrain and tackle challenging obstacles.

Fuel efficiency

The Ford Ranger's fuel efficiency is average for a midsize pickup truck. It manages 21 mpg in city driving and 26 mpg on the highway. This is backed up by an 18-gallon gas tank that should keep you going on long-distance overlanding trips. It’s advisable to plan your route carefully to ensure you have access to fuel when you need it.

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Towing and payload capacities

The Ford Ranger comes with a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds. This allows it to move pretty much anything, including a normal boat, another car, an ARV, and a camper. The truck also comes with a maximum payload capacity of 1,860 pounds. 

This is the maximum weight it can carry in the cabin and bed. It can accommodate passengers and luggage comfortably, making it one of the best options for overlanding. 

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Availability of aftermarket upgrades and accessories

The Ford Ranger offers plenty of room for customization with a wide range of aftermarket parts and accessories. This allows you to tailor your Ranger to your specific needs and preferences, whether you want to add a roof rack, winch, or upgraded suspension.

Overall, the Ford Ranger is a solid choice for overlanding, offering a combination of off-road capabilities, reliability, and customization options. However, there are some limitations to keep in mind, which we'll explore in the next section.

Potential Limitations of the Ford Ranger for Overlanding

Limited interior space compared to larger trucks or SUVs

The Ford Ranger has a limited amount of storage space, especially if you plan on bringing a lot of gear with you. You may need to invest in additional storage solutions or pack very carefully to maximize the available space.

Modifications required for optimal off-road performance

If you’re an overlanding and off-road enthusiast, you’ll most likely be enticed into undertaking modifications to increase the performance of your Ford Ranger. These not only allow you to tackle the toughest of terrains but also improve the truck's durability when subjected to extreme conditions. 

While it’s not a bad idea to carry out modifications, the Ford Ranger can have too many to choose from. These include new aftermarket wheels, the Raptor grill, arch kits, larger tires, a front winch, tailgate dampers, city bars, and other accessories. 

Budget considerations for upgrades

It can be quite expensive to fit a Ford Ranger with everything you need for your overlanding trips. The upgrades mentioned above do not come cheap. The overall cost can pose a great challenge for those working on a tight budget. 

What is the most off-road capable Ranger?

The Ford Ranger offers great off-road capabilities, excellent towing capacity, and a comfortable ride. However, not all Ranger trims are created equal regarding off-roading.

Ford Ranger Tremor

The Ford Ranger Tremor is the most off-road capable Ranger trim. It comes with a host of features that make it an excellent choice for overlanding. It has a lifted suspension, skid plates, and a locking rear differential that make it an ideal choice for tackling tough terrain.

The Tremor also comes with 32-inch all-terrain tires, which provide excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces. Additionally, it has a Terrain Management System that offers seven different drive modes, including Baja, Mud, and Sand.

Ford Ranger FX4

The Ranger FX4 is another off-road capable trim, but it falls short of the Tremor's features. It comes with a locking rear differential, skid plates, and off-road-tuned shocks. It comes without the lifted suspension and all-terrain tires that come standard on the Tremor. The FX4 also has a Terrain Management System, but it offers only four drive modes, which are Normal, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, and Sand.

Ford Ranger Lariat and XLT

The Ranger Lariat and XLT trims are not specifically designed for off-roading, but they still offer decent off-road capabilities. They come with a Terrain Management System that offers the same four drive modes as the FX4 but lacks the locking rear differential and skid plates that come standard on the FX4. The two also come with 17-inch wheels and all-season tires, which are not as capable as the all-terrain tires that come standard on the Tremor and FX4.

Overall, the Tremor is the clear winner regarding off-road capabilities. It comes with a host of features that make it an excellent choice for overlanding, and it can tackle tough terrain with ease. However, the FX4 and other Ranger trims still offer decent off-road capabilities, and they can be upgraded with aftermarket parts to make them even more capable.

Ideas for Ford Ranger Overland Upgrades

Suspension lift kit

One of the most important upgrades for overlanding is a suspension upgrade. This will provide better off-road performance, improve handling, and make your ride more comfortable. It helps to increase ground clearance, providing more room to tackle more challenging terrains. Consider upgrading to a suspension kit with high-quality shocks and struts, as well as new leaf springs and control arms.

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Skid plates

Skid plates are a great way to protect the underside of your vehicle from damage when you're driving over rough terrain. Consider adding skid plates to protect the engine, fuel tank transmission, and other vulnerable components from rocks, tree stumps, and other hazards.

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Off-road bumpers

Upgraded bumpers can provide better protection for your vehicle and give you more options for mounting accessories like lights, winches, and recovery points. Consider replacing stock bumpers with heavy-duty off-road bumpers for better protection and improved approach/departure angles.

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Winch

A winch is a must-have for any serious overlander. It can help you get out of tough spots, and can be used to pull other vehicles out of trouble as well. Look for a winch with a high weight capacity and a durable, weather-resistant design. Equip your Ranger with a high-quality option to help self-recover in challenging off-road situations.

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Off-road tires

Another essential upgrade for overlanding is off-road tires. These tires are designed to provide better traction on rough terrain and can help prevent punctures and blowouts. Look for tires with aggressive tread patterns and a good balance of on-road and off-road performance.

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Roof rack

A roof rack is a great way to increase your storage capacity and make it easier to carry gear and equipment. Look for a roof rack that is designed specifically for your Ford Ranger, and make sure it has a high-weight capacity and a secure attachment system.

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Off-road lighting

Good lighting is essential for overlanding, especially if you plan on doing any off-roading at night. Consider upgrading your headlights, fog lights, and auxiliary lights to provide better visibility and safety. Look for LED lights, which are brighter and more energy efficient than traditional halogen lights. They improve visibility in low-light conditions and eliminate blind spots. 

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Storage solutions

Considering that the Ford Ranger comes with limited space inside when compared to other overlanding vehicles, consider adding custom storage solutions like drawer systems, cargo barriers, and fridge slides to keep your gear organized and secure. This is essential, especially if you plan to pack large for extended trips. 

Dual battery system

A dual battery system can provide more power for accessories like lights, an audio system, fridges, and camping equipment without draining your main battery. It can also power a portable air compressor or other tools. This is highly important, especially for someone that will spend most of their time inside their car. 

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Wrapping Up

As seen, the Ford Ranger works well for an overlanding vehicle. Where it falls short, it provides room for upgrades and modifications. These are just a few ideas for upgrading your Ford Ranger for overlanding. With the right equipment and upgrades, your truck can take you anywhere you want to go, no matter how rough the terrain is.

Remember that the specific upgrades you choose will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. It's essential to research each component thoroughly and consult with experienced off-roaders or professionals for advice on the best products for your Ford Ranger.