The unique Flexible Rack System in the Ford Ranger Platinum

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion is the first Ford distributor in the ASEAN region to start selling the Platinum version of the latest Ranger. Priced from RM183,888 (without insurance), this new version takes pick-ups to a higher level with a range of premium features, some not seen on the other variants as standard. Among them, two features in particular stand out – the unique Flexible Rack System, and a powered shutter over the cargo bay.

Giving customers what they want
The Flexible Rack System is yet another demonstration of how the project team for this new Ranger generation paid close attention to what they were told by customers all over the world about how they use their trucks. They also learnt what sort of features and capability were expected.

“We learned from our customers that they would load things like canoes into the cargo box and then lean them up against the sports hoop before tying them down. This was awkward and meant the cargo box couldn’t really be used for storing anything else a customer might want to take with them,” said Danny Trentin, Application Specialist, Ford Ranger, adding that the team also learned of owners’ frustrations when it came to carrying items of longer lengths.

Unique, first in the world accessory
Understanding that there was therefore a need for a longer roof rack to carry items like a canoe or surf board, the Ford Australia Special Vehicle team collaborated with JAC Products to develop the Flexible Rack System (FRS) which has to be a first in the truck world. The FRS can be used to carry timber, a ladder, a door, canoe, surfboards or even bicycles.

The FRS looks like a sport bar but can slide alone the sides of the cargo box. It slides within a C-shaped channel mounted to the top of the load box sidewalls and can be locked in 5 different positions to suit the length of the item over it which would also be secured on the roof rack.

One-person operation
For convenience, the team wanted it to be designed in a way so that just one person could position it easily and quickly. Just operating a release clamp on each side of the FRS can move it along. A system of four roller bearings angled at a precise 37 degrees, retractable stabilisers and locks ensure easy movement when unlocked but prevent the FRS from moving when locked in position.

Because the cabin and load box of a pick-up move independently of one another, the team engineered the FRS with a degree of compliance which means an 80-kg dynamic load limit applies on and off-road, while the static capacity is rated at up to 250 kgs.

“The Flexible Rack System redefines how customers can use their Next-Gen Ranger and is just another example of Ford’s ingenious design features on Next-Gen product,” said Nik Tibhuvan, Senior Engineer, Special Vehicle Engineering.

Torture-tested
Every Ranger is ‘Built Ford Tough’ and the Ford accessories that go with it must also have the same toughness. It was therefore important that, as well as being easy to use and looking good, the FRS was robust. “This meant torture testing it like we did with Ranger,” said Tribhuvan.

The FRS not only had to be strong, but it also had to handle everything the outdoors could throw at it. “We tested the system with bulldust, red dirt, salt and water, to replicate the sort of real-world grit and muck owners will encounter,” said Tribhuvan.

Once covered in filth, the FRS was cycled more than 3,500 times to replicate approximately 10 years of use. Cleaning of the system is made easy with drainage holes in the track which allow owners to simply wash the channel with a water hose.

The team used an 80-kg platform that could be adjusted to different lengths to match the 5 different lockable positions along the cargo box and then subjected the FRS to many of the same durability tests as Ranger itself. The FRS passed with flying colours.

Powered roller shutter
For truck owners who want to protect their property or cargo from the sun and rain, or just keep it out of sight, the usual way is to cover the cargo bed with a canvas sheet. Some may invest in something more durable and secure like a locking tonneau cover.

For the Ranger Platinum, Ford offers a neat solution that is also very convenient to use – a powered shutter which slides over the cargo bed at the press of a button. The metal shutter covers the entire cargo box right up to the tailgate and then remains locked in place. It is not only weatherproof but also very strong, as a journalist proved when he stepped onto it.

The new Ranger Platinum is available for viewing and test-drives at Bamboo Hills in Kuala Lumpur this weekend. Those who book a unit will receive a complimentary Xiaomi Phone Holder (upon vehicle delivery), along with a RM1,000 discount for the Ford Ranger Getaways program which allows owners to enjoy their Ranger more extensively.

To know more, visit www.sdacford.com.my where you can also find the nearest Ford showroom in Malaysia.

Learn to make full use of your Ford Ranger’s off-road capabilities