Hellwig Suspension Products debuted its “Attainable Adventure” 2019 Ford Ranger XLT at the recent 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. This solar-powered exploration vehicle is equipped with a pop-top tent, a bed-mounted kitchen, two Specialized electric mountain bikes, and a host of off-road suspension upgrades that would make any overlander drool. According to Hellwig, the vehicle was built to appeal to those who are looking to build an affordable overlanding vehicle with a small carbon footprint.
The “Attainable Adventure” continues Hellwig’s long line of special show builds which includes one of our all-time favorites, the Rule Breaker Adventure Rig revealed at the 2017 SEMA Show.
“The idea behind our 2019 Ford Ranger “Attainable Adventure” was to come up with a truck that could be easily duplicated and purchased as a part number at your local Ford dealership or up fitter,” explained Mike Hallmark, Hellwig Marketing and International Sales Manager. “Our Ranger has everything you need to be self-sufficient and sustainable for weeks at a time. Of course, our Hellwig Helper Springs and Rear Sway Bar are in place to support you and your journey.”
The truck was built by Old Steel Fabrication in Leona Valley, California, and is outfitted for overland travel with an Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 5 Suspension System, a Yakima bed rack and awning, and a Tepui Hybox rooftop tent. A Trail Kitchen bed-mounted kitchen and an ARB fridge mounted on a BedSlide for easy access was also installed. A RIGd hitch swing is used to mount the Specialized bikes. Daystar Fuel Cans and a Krazy Beaver Shovel round out the bed-mounted necessities. Like any overland rig worth its salt, the truck was built for extended time off-grid, and includes a GoalZero Yeti 1400 portable lithium power station and a Boulder portable 200 watt solar power system to power auxiliary electronics and to charge the bikes.
The Ranger pickup truck was recently reintroduced by Ford to compete with excellent Toyota Tacoma, the best-selling pickup truck in the mid-size truck market. This Ford Ranger XLT Sport SuperCrew 4×4 truck boasts a 2.3L I4 EcoBoost engine mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission, more power and better fuel economy compared to the Tacoma, state-of-the-art electronics, a Ford Performance cat-back exhaust with black chrome tip, and a Ford Performance rear differential cover. The mid-size truck was built to carry lots of gear, which is why the Ranger delivers a whopping 1,860-pound payload plenty enough for even small camper. The truck’s excellent OEM suspension has been beefed up with a Hellwig 7842 adjustable rear sway bar and a set of Hellwig EZ 990 (#1914) steel helper springs to keep the truck level and firmly planted.
For better traction and clearance, the Ranger was also equipped with 35-inch Falken Wildpeak ATW3 mud-terrain tires and 17-inch Icon Alloy Compression wheels. A set of Bushwacker fender flares, Addictive Desert Design front and rear bumpers, a T-Rex X-Metal Grille, and a Rigid Industries light bar were installed to create an aggressive appearance. The paint experts at LGE-CTS Motorsports gave the Ranger a retro paint job to set the build apart from other rigs.
According to Hellwig, the youthful demographic is a key target for this vehicle as they can use it as a jumping off point to begin enjoying the overland adventure lifestyle. Marketability and ease of purchase come into play by partnering with aftermarket companies and retailers who, together, can offer a complete overland package to fully equip a customer’s vehicle with one comprehensive part number and order. By offering pre-arranged packages through big name retailers, consumers can easily customize their vehicles to mimic what is on display at the SEMA Show or other events.
“The Attainable Adventure has adventure written all over it and comes with everything you need including the kitchen sink. You get the best of both worlds, everything you need to adventure in comfort in a package small enough to stay nimble and agile,” Hallmark said.
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