The all-new Ford Ranger boasts impressive capabilities, even the ability to pull a locomotive. But one of its more impressive features is its ability to go deeper than any other pickup in its segment, with a best-in-class water-wading capability of up to 800 mm.
Both 4×4 and 4×2 Hi-Rider models can wade through deep water even while carrying a full load. Even fully laden with cargo, the Ranger can ford rivers or floods, giving owners greater peace of mind.
“When we go through the water bath, we’re looking out for every possible functional failure in the vehicle. The most critical one would be if water was sucked through the air intake into the engine, resulting in hydro-lock, which can bend the piston’s connecting rods and potentially destroy the entire engine,” said Tom Dohrmann, the development engineer in charge of Ranger’s water management.
To traverse deep water, Ford engineers made sure that water couldn’t be easily sucked into the engine. That’s why the Ranger’s air intake is mounted high in the engine compartment. The alternator was also moved high, to protect the component from dust, stones, and other road debris that could be kicked up when the truck ventures off the beaten path.
“We did it in the end, and we’re very proud of how deep the Ranger can go,” said Dohrmann. “When faced with a water crossing, you’ll be able to drive it into the water deeper than the competition can, through the water, out of the water and onto safe ground.”
Unfortunately, the new Ranger pickup is not destined for sale at Used Trucks Dealer Seattle or anywhere in the U.S. market at this time. Let’s hope Ford will change its mind in the future.
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