Ford Ranger Country Camper

[anarchyaelle]

Hello all.
Just got rid of my 09 Ram lifted on 35" and jump down a size to midsize. Have a 2019 Ranger with rear e-locker in the driveway and waiting on parts.

Parts list

Suspension
- Dobinsons 3" IMS full kit with parabolic leafs. - Fronts and rear leafs, bushings and shackles installed.
- BDS intrusion bars front and rear. OEM bars chopped and removed, BDS bars installed
- 33" Wrangler Duratracs on Method MR701 bronze wheels - Received and needs mounting and balancing. Not sure if I'm going to get new TPMS sensors.

Protection
- ARB skid plates - Received, need to be installed
- Rocky Road supersliders rock sliders Got a set of Coastal Offroad Sliders. Still need to get these welded and bolted.
- Double ARB recovery points - received and installed

Touring/Overland/Storage
- ARB Base rack (needed for canoe and ski pulk) - Drilled roof and Installed
- MBRP turn down exhaust - Looking at the MagnaFlow Overland kit or just going to chop off the tailpipe to avoid hitting the new parabolic leafs.
- Lensolar 45w panel and MPPT - Received and need installation
- Huracan Fabrication Tailgate storage locker - Received and Installed
- AEV vertical mount for Ram 1500 (need to modify it to install) - Received need to figure what needs modifying for fitment and install

Others
- Random extras like recovery points, custom hub centric rings, hood solar, BDS intrusion beams, and Timbren bump stops.
- BuiltRight Industries dash mount - Received and Installed
- Dedicated Harbor Freight 3 ton badlands jack - Received and need to figure out a mounting solution that isn't overly expensive.

Sleep system
- Dual hammock setup under tarp. Waiting on the new YOBO dual stand to go up on their Kickstarter. Might end up adding an awning to avoid Tarp, but not sure on added top weight. Should arrive in August.

Not sure yet (will most likely post for advice).
- Coastal Offroad front bumper
- Coastal Offroad rear bumper (not sold on it yet, since it require a fair bit of body panel modification.)
- Winch for solo recovery (not sure on brand or capacity.)
- Random cosmetic stuff like grill, chrome delete, etc.

These would also require a front spring upgrade most likely, possibly new leafs too if I go over 300lbs in the rear.



Added a pic of it when picked up in December. Expecting to do most mods by spring. It's still full winter where I am and driveway work is a pain.

I'll keep updating as it progress. Here are some pics of the truck being replaced, the Ranger when I got it and the Ranger this past winter.

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[Grumpaw]

Hello, and...

 

[subquark]

Hello all.
Just got rid of my 09 Ram lifted on 35" and jump down a size to midsize. Have a 2019 Ranger with rear e-locker in the driveway and waiting on parts.

Parts list on order
- Dobinsons 3" IMS full kit with parabolic leafs
- 33" Wrangler Duratracs on Method MR701 bronze wheels
- ARB skid plates
- Rocky Road supersliders rock sliders
- ARB Base rack (needed for canoe and ski pulk)
- MBRP turn down exhaust
- AEV vertical mount for Ram 1500 (need to modify it to install)
- Random extras like recovery points, custom hub centric rings, hood solar, BDS intrusion beams, and Timbren bump stops.

Not sure yet (will most likely post for advice).
- Coastal Offroad front bumper
- Coastal Offroad rear bumper (not sold on it yet, since it require a fair bit of body panel modification.)
- Winch for solo recovery (not sure on brand or capacity.)
- Random cosmetic stuff like grill, chrome delete, etc.

These would also require a front spring upgrade most likely, possibly new leafs too if I go over 300lbs in the rear.

Sleep system is dual hammock setup under tarp. Waiting on the new YOBO dual stand to go up on their Kickstarter. Might end up adding an awning to avoid Tarp, but not sure on added top weight.

Added a pic of it when picked up in December. Expecting to do most mods by spring. It's still full winter where I am and driveway work is a pain.

I'll keep updating as it progress

Welcome to the forum and there's lots of great insight into every possible mod. And your list looks fantastic!

An an extra hello from someone who lived in the Ottawa area for several years (originally from Quebec City). =)

 

[MXGOLF]

Welcome to this great forum and the awesome Ranger Martin!

 

[anarchyaelle]

Just a quick update. I'll post pics when I get a chance to grab some clear ones.

1. ARB Base rack
- Installation went fairly well, short of chewing through the cheaper step bits from amazon. There were 4 holes that needed expanding and another 8 that were new.
- The rack came mostly assembled and all that was needed was getting the backbone on then bolting on the fully welded platform.
- I also had the 2 side bars that I put one, but quickly removed as I usually side load the rack and they looked a little like ears when the rack was bare.
- I purchased the BASE255 49 IN (L) x 51 IN (W) model with side rails for my Dual Cab SuperCrew. I recommend just getting the BASE251 and save a few bucks without the side rails.
- I grabbed a few eyebolts and some tbar adapter to mount some Maxtrax recovery boards
Link: https://arbusa.com/roof-racks/arb-base-rack/

2. Huracan Fabrication Tailgate Storage
- Another straight forward installation. Mostly just a lot of cutting.
- I chose this since the box/tub is smaller than my previous truck and the lack of underseat storage. This gives a good size sealed and lockable storage in the tailgate.
- I opted for the polycarbonate top sheet as well since it will also act as a main camping surface.
- I added a bead of sikoflex around the edge just to help with some sealing since I will be running the truck without tonneau or cap. They seem to now have a custom strip for this very reason.
- I also added the legendary tailgate dampener to help with the added weight and improve my HP and full mileage.
Link: https://hfabusa.com/collections/ford/products/ford-ranger-tailgate-storage

3. Dobinsons 3" IMS front coilover suspension
- I have completed the full front end suspension upgrade.

- This includes new front and rear intrusion bars from BDS. I removed the front bumper and removed the front bars. For the rears, I chopped them in half to remove and the new ones were both easy slide in and bolt.
Link: https://bds-suspension.com/instructions/123614.pdf

- I opted for new Dobinsons front Upper control arms (UCA19-009K). These were simple bolt off - bolt-on. One note, I did have to grind open the knuckle end opening slightly to fit the ball joint in. The taper was slightly off, maybe 1/8th off.
- The same bolt on simplicity was seen when changing out the new (SE19-570) Front Sway Bar links (Shortened to prevent bottoming out with the control arm).

- Setting the height on the (IMS19-50096) Front IMS Struts was easy, they came with the required adjustment tools. I also purchased a set of the purple rings that are standard for the Australian Rangers. (NA get black rings).
- The hardest part was compressing the new 75mm front coil springs (C19-536) these are good for a 0-110lbs load. The compression tools I had could not get these compressed enough to assemble. I ended up getting a shop to assemble the coilover and then bolted them on in the driveway.
Link: https://www.dobinsonsdirect.com/pages/product-result?rq=mk_ford~md_ranger-usa~yr_2019-2022

4. Others
- ARB Recovery points were installed, pretty straight forward. Just bolt on
- BuiltRight Industries dash mount - Installed with some 67 Designs Series 55 rail system arms and mounts.

 

[Noface]

2. Huracan Fabrication Tailgate Storage

I’m going to suggest avoiding this one. I have it and while the idea is awesome, the benefits don’t out weigh the drawbacks for the cost.

First is the cost, for under a 100 bucks you’ll get the same storage if not more out of a nice Milwaukee portable tool box. Plus you can use it as a step to get into your bed.

Second is the weight, god damn it’s heavy empty let alone with recovery gear in it.
Don’t expect a tailgate damper to help here. If this was made out of carbon fiber than I could potentially see the value.

Third is the latch rods are just a bitch to get lined up correctly.

Did I mention it’s stupid heavy.

Side note, if you have a silver ranger and want this product I’ll gladly swap you tailgates and 400 bucks on your side.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

I’m going to suggest avoiding this one. I have it and while the idea is awesome, the benefits don’t out weigh the drawbacks for the cost.

First is the cost, for under a 100 bucks you’ll get the same storage if not more out of a nice Milwaukee portable tool box. Plus you can use it as a step to get into your bed.

Second is the weight, god damn it’s heavy empty let alone with recovery gear in it.
Don’t expect a tailgate damper to help here. If this was made out of carbon fiber than I could potentially see the value.

Third is the latch rods are just a bitch to get lined up correctly.

Did I mention it’s stupid heavy.

Side note, if you have a silver ranger and want this product I’ll gladly swap you tailgates and 400 bucks on your side.

Oh, SNAP!

 

[Noface]

Naaa I’d give them a solid 3/5 stars purely on a good idea and great build quality. A slight redesign could solve the latch mechanism and switching to a lighter material would be a game changer.

Honestly if you don’t mind the weight it’s a solid buy as long as the cost doesn’t matter to you.

 

[anarchyaelle]

The main reason I wanted it was the fact that I am running open tub/box with the truck. It gives me quick sealed storage. Also, no racks or canopies, and upgraded leafs, so the payload can take the extra weight.

 

[anarchyaelle]

Suspension Done
- Dobinsons 3" IMS full kit with parabolic leafs. - Fronts are done, leafs, bushings and shackles installed.
- BDS intrusion bars front and rear. OEM bars chopped and removed, BDS bars installed

Notes:
1. I needed to widen the opening on the knuckles where the UCA ball joint connects. Maybe just 1/8th with a small dremel.
2. The zerks on the the greasable shackles were 90 degree fittings and my grease gun wouldn't connect right. I replaced them with some straight fittings.
3. I needed to chop the side exit exhaust tail pipe to clear the extended parabolics.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

I am anxious to hear what you think if the Dobinson's. They've been on my radar for awhile, but I haven't seen anyone actually run them.

 

[9zero1790]

sharp wheels! its nice to see something other than black on a wheel.

 

[Msfitoy]

Hello all.
Just got rid of my 09 Ram lifted on 35" and jump down a size to midsize. Have a 2019 Ranger with rear e-locker in the driveway and waiting on parts.

Parts list

Suspension
- Dobinsons 3" IMS full kit with parabolic leafs. - Fronts and rear leafs, bushings and shackles installed.
- BDS intrusion bars front and rear. OEM bars chopped and removed, BDS bars installed
- 33" Wrangler Duratracs on Method MR701 bronze wheels - Received and needs mounting and balancing. Not sure if I'm going to get new TPMS sensors.

Protection
- ARB skid plates - Received, need to be installed
- Rocky Road supersliders rock sliders Got a set of Coastal Offroad Sliders. Still need to get these welded and bolted.
- Double ARB recovery points - received and installed

Touring/Overland/Storage
- ARB Base rack (needed for canoe and ski pulk) - Drilled roof and Installed
- MBRP turn down exhaust - Looking at the MagnaFlow Overland kit or just going to chop off the tailpipe to avoid hitting the new parabolic leafs.
- Lensolar 45w panel and MPPT - Received and need installation
- Huracan Fabrication Tailgate storage locker - Received and Installed
- AEV vertical mount for Ram 1500 (need to modify it to install) - Received need to figure what needs modifying for fitment and install

Others
- Random extras like recovery points, custom hub centric rings, hood solar, BDS intrusion beams, and Timbren bump stops.
- BuiltRight Industries dash mount - Received and Installed
- Dedicated Harbor Freight 3 ton badlands jack - Received and need to figure out a mounting solution that isn't overly expensive.

Sleep system
- Dual hammock setup under tarp. Waiting on the new YOBO dual stand to go up on their Kickstarter. Might end up adding an awning to avoid Tarp, but not sure on added top weight. Should arrive in August.

Not sure yet (will most likely post for advice).
- Coastal Offroad front bumper
- Coastal Offroad rear bumper (not sold on it yet, since it require a fair bit of body panel modification.)
- Winch for solo recovery (not sure on brand or capacity.)
- Random cosmetic stuff like grill, chrome delete, etc.

These would also require a front spring upgrade most likely, possibly new leafs too if I go over 300lbs in the rear.



Added a pic of it when picked up in December. Expecting to do most mods by spring. It's still full winter where I am and driveway work is a pain.

I'll keep updating as it progress. Here are some pics of the truck being replaced, the Ranger when I got it and the Ranger this past winter.

Very solid! What tow hooks are those?

 

[anarchyaelle]

Very solid! What tow hooks are those?

They are the ARB Recovery Hooks. A little pricey, and you probably only need one, But I wanted to have the flexibility of using a tow strap on both for a good center pull anchor with snatch straps and winches. I got them from a Walmart reseller. Gotta get creative to find things at good prices (mostly shipping costs) in Canada.

https://arbusa.com/ford-ranger-2019-on/bumpers-protection-equipment/recovery-point/

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