2019 Ford Ranger Test Drive 12/14/2018

[Jim Oaks]

After waiting all year, I finally got to drive the new 2019 Ford Ranger. It started as a 1-1/2 hour drive from La Jolla California to the Bradford Ranch just outside of Jamul California. There I drove a FX4 Ranger around an off-road course that took 8-10 minutes for one lap. I actually made several laps.

It was a great experience, and I got to meet more members of the Truck Communications department, as well as the Chief Ranger Engineer. I'd like to share more of the fun I had besides driving the new Ranger, but I won't. It was an experience that I'll never forget.

You can read about my test drive at:

https://www.therangerstation.com/first-drive-2019-ford-ranger-on-off-highway/

You can also see a video I took using my cell phone as a dash cam:

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Not a great production, but I wanted you guys to see what I was seeing going around the off-road course they had set up.

My friend Steve Turner shot this video from the back seat. I'm driving:

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I also got to check out the Yakima tent and bed rack that you can purchase with your new Ford Ranger.

 

[2002edgeplussupercab]

I like it a little more after your video and write-up. Thanks. Will definitely consider it for a daily driver in a couple years.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

Nice videos and info!



GB

 

[Ranger850]

Eerily quiet in that cab. No plastic groaning or popping and no sunglasses swinging from the rear view mirror. It was cool to see the other Rangers at the end of the first video. Some were clean but the white one on the left got super dirty. NICE. Thanks for the videos Jim

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Eerily quiet in that cab. No plastic groaning or popping and no sunglasses swinging from the rear view mirror. It was cool to see the other Rangers at the end of the first video. Some were clean but the white one on the left got super dirty. NICE. Thanks for the videos Jim

Gonna have to go around and loosen stuff up so it sounds right.

Agreed, the hill decent thing would be very nice.

Kind of sounds like a Ghost on Halo... which would go with my Warthog plates on my '85...

 

[RonD]

Thanks for taking the time to do this

 

[Jim Oaks]

I feel bad for whoever had to clean these trucks. They will be sold as used trucks. Probably after the first quarter.

 

[RonD]

LOL, yes but probably a better "used truck" buy than from a private owner who never had it serviced

And the only 2 new vehicles I ever bought were "in the shop" more than any used vehicles I bought, lol
Yes, its free but my time isn't

Give me "previously tested transportation systems" any day, at least I know they work

"new" is just another way to say "I think its OK but you test it for us" and its never 100% OK , for vehicles anyway

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I feel bad for whoever had to clean these trucks. They will be sold as used trucks. Probably after the first quarter.

Kinda surprised they are not getting crushed.

My truck looks about that bad right now just from my daily routine.

 

[Jim Oaks]

Nope, not going to the crusher. The trucks on display at the debut were recycled. They're weren't crushed either.

 

[Ranger850]

Nope, not going to the crusher. The trucks on display at the debut were recycled. They're weren't crushed either.

Which one did you get

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Which one did you get

Que Johnny Cash's "One Piece at a Time"...

 

[Ranger850]

I learned how to weld aluminum at War Eagle Boats, http://www.wareagleboats.com/ a lot of guys had boats that were built exactly that way. Employees could get a basic hull at a reasonable price. Then it gets constant upgrades over the years

 

[Uncle Gump]

Nice job Jim... and thanks for getting the systems engineer Mr. Cameron to share some info on the trail control and terrain management systems. I ended up watching that video twice to ensure I understood what he was sharing. Pretty cool stuff... lots and lots of calibration time goes into making all those systems play nicely together. I was really hoping he would have mentioned what role... if any... the electronic locking differential plays in terrain management and trail control. Guess I will wait for the next episode...

 

[bobbywalter]

calibration is insane.


hell just the drive by wire for normal application and safety protocols needed... ...tables for that are overwhelming to look at.

i remember when pegging the maf was considered a big issue...even just from improper orientation at a bend...turn it back 20 degrees an all good....those days are gone. vvt and di....turbos....i hate being dumb.



i like the trail control. its awesome. would still prefer a front locker...

the system in place has plenty of beef for 35 in tires. it looks stronger then the ttb 35 and previous sla as far as carrier and bearings brakes and shafts.

the steering i am not sure about.. wont know till they are out on the trails with 35's.


what about towing? that tent is for sure something i would want. they have a cab over version too?