Ford Ranger Ready
In a recent survey by Ford Pro, it was revealed that 95% of European pickup owners said they would assist someone, from friends, family and even strangers, who was in need. However, it was also noted that many, they said, lack essential rescue know-how, which has prompted the launch of “Ranger Ready” – a programme designed to upskill pickup drivers using a series of real-world scenarios.
With this in mind I was invited to Milton Keynes, Hounslow Hall Estate to be precise, where good friend Ian Brown runs Experience 4x4, to trial this exciting new programme, where I would practice a few practical rescue skills, from trailer reversing with Pro Trailer Backup Assist, vehicle recovery, and off course off-roading, all behind the wheel of the new Ford Ranger PHEV.
With 1-hour dedicated to each skill, after a hot chocolate and the obligatory safety spiel, of course, I eagerly jumped behind the wheel of ‘my’ Ranger, with instructor Ben, and off we headed, exploring the many testing, and slippery off-road tracks around the farm.
Despite a not-so-intuitive 4x4 system, the Ranger did us proud, even on the standard tyres. I say not-so-intuitive because, even though you have a dial on the centre console for 4-high, 4-low and so on, before you choose which you want, you need to choose what terrain you are about to drive on, whether that be mud and ruts, slippery surface, and so on. It’s only then when you choose 4-high or 4-low. A bit of a faff if I’m being honest - but saying that, it worked a treat.
The off-road route took us through a variety of terrain, from elephant steps (deep, opposing holes), to very slippery inclines and descents. The rear locker was used on the most serious of sections, as was Hill-Descent.
Have I mentioned the water section? No? Well, there was one of those, too. It was deep and a far bit sloppy on the bottom. I managed a decent bow wave despite the power-sapping mud on the base.
On a couple of the tighter and rutted corners we had to use the side steps, and rear locker to scramble around, which was fun. Edit - no damage was caused to said side steps, they appear to be made from heavy duty material.
Now, trailer reversing. I got my excuses out of the way as Ben and I were walking towards the vehicles, especially as I was to be marked on my performance! ‘I haven’t reversed a trailer in decades…’ and so on!
So, Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist, what is it? It’s a clever bit of tech that takes the stress (and swearing) out of reversing with a trailer hitched up. Instead of wrestling the steering wheel and second-guessing which way to turn, you simply twist a small dial next to the gearstick in the direction you want the trailer to go, and the Ranger does all the steering for you. Using cameras, sensors, and a special sticker on the trailer’s drawbar, the system calculates the trailer’s length and angle, then automatically controls the steering to keep everything lined up. It’s like having a calm, unflappable mate guiding you back into a tight spot, only this one doesn’t shout “left a bit, right a bit” through gritted teeth.
Thankfully I didn’t crash into anything, and I reversed the trailers into the pens ‘fairly’ straight - so moving on, quickly!
The third and final part of the day was recovering a car that had been driven into a ditch. With a collection of ropes, from a ratchet strap to Paracord (yes, Paracord), we were tested on which we thought was the best way to recover said vehicle.
I decided to go for the proper recovery strap and soft-shackle that was stored behind the drivers seat of the Ranger, because why not!
With the strap safely attached to both vehicles I told the driver of the car to turn on the ignition keep their foot on the brake and release the handbrake, and when the strap was taut enough I would beep my horn as an indication that movement and recovery was immanent. Easy-peasy lemon squeezy.
As that took a matter of minutes and it was the end of the day, I talked Ben into going around the off-road route again because, well, it was fun, and the Ranger coped incredibly well in standard form.
I don’t want to talk too much about the new PHEV Ranger with its new 2.3ltr petrol engine, except that Ford have seen sense and got rid of the ‘wet-belt’ as it now has a proper timing chain. I’ll delve more into that next month when I have one on loan.
Overall I had a cracking day - despite embarrassing myself during the reversing a trailer challenge!
Before you all dash off to your nearest Ford dealer with visions of off-road heroics and trailer-reversing glory, it’s worth noting that Ranger Ready was just a pilot event to gauge interest. That said, Ford’s hinted at big plans for the format, and honestly, I hope it takes off. It’s not only a cracking bit of fun, but it also teaches genuinely useful skills - the kind that might save your pride, your bumper, or both. Here’s hoping we’ll all get the chance to earn our Ranger Ready stripes soon.
