MY23 Ford Ranger offers new ‘Flexible Rack System’

Ford has unveiled its latest innovation for the 2023 Ford Ranger ute in the form of a ‘Flexible Rack System’ that comprises a sliding load rack and folding roof racks.

To be offered only on the pick-up body style, the new system is a direct outcome of Ford’s extensive customer surveying during development of the new-generation Ford Ranger and was developed by Ford Australia Special Vehicle Engineering in collaboration with JAC Products.

Patents are pending on the design for which the sliding load rack sits within a C-shaped channel along the top of the tub edges and can be locked into five different positions, depending on the length of cargo needing to be transported – be it a ladder or a surfboard, for example.

“We learned from our customers that they would load things like canoes into the load box and then lean them up against the sports hoop before tying them down,” said Ford Ranger application specialist Danny Trentin.

“This was awkward and meant the load box couldn’t really be used for storing anything else a customer might want to take with them.”

When stashed up against the back of the cab, the load system looks a lot like the integrated sports bar fitted to the high-end Ford Ranger Wildtrak, but features integrated handles and a fold-out cross member which matches the height of the stowable roof racks.

The cross members of the roof racks are stashed inside the roof rails for easy access and safe-keeping.

The combined flexible rack system has a maximum dynamic weight limit of 80kg.

“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 Ford Australia Special Vehicle Engineering’s Nik Tibhuvan.

“Both can be operated easily by one person and have been put through a lot of the same durability testing as Ranger itself.”

Rather than be offered as a genuine accessory, a Ford Australia spokesperson said the Flexible Rack System will be offered as standard equipment on select MY23 Ranger models.

There is no indication as to whether it will impact the recently announced MY23 pricing, but could herald new variants to the range as alluded to by Ford executives back in July.

One of these could even wear the trademarked ‘Timberline’ moniker that carsales uncovered in March.

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