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Ranger X – Build Update #4

The SEMA crunch is getting real, with just 2 build days to go until we need to hit the road for Vegas, there is still a lot to get done on this build, from wiring, assembly and final installation and graphics. At this point the shop is operating like a well oiled machine with everyone doing their part to get the job done. The “To Do” list is starting to dwindle down and their’s a light at the end of the tunnel. All the parts are back from paint and powder coat, the Warn winch and Rigid lights are installed in the bumpers and its getting bolted up front for the final time. With the larger wheels and tires we needed some additional tire coverage. In the rear the wider design of the service box does just the trick, but for the front we needed a set of fender flares. We turned to Bushwacker and got their first prototype set of pocket style flares for the Ranger and had them color matched to the factory Magnetic paint and swapped out the hardware to black stainless.

In a way this truck is like a mullet, its all business up front with that Warn winch bumper and 6” coilover system while its a party in the back as with custom outdoor stereo, dirt bike, electric fridge, spare fuel, lighting and more. Now that we have the Knapheide service box installed for the final time we’re fitting up the rack and wiring up accessories. With the goal to build this into a capable adventure rig able to haul a dirt bike and gear we knew we’d plenty of fuel supply. We turned to Rotopax for their 2-gallon Fuelpax containers and mounted them to a custom build rack designed for additional storage of gear and lights. When it comes to the auxiliary lighting, we turn to the pros at Rigid Industries. We’re installing an assortment of lights on this truck to include front amber radiance pods in the bumpers, a 40” front facing amber radiance light bar on the roof, and their SR-M floods all the way around the bed to light up the trail or camping spot. To keep things a bit cooler when setting up camp, we added a James Baroud retractable awning off the side for some easy access to shade on hot days and dry covering on rainy ones. Also in the theme of keeping cool is we have a Domestic CF-40W electric fridge/freezer mounted in the bed. We mounted this on one of the slide kits for easy access out on the trail. This truck is full of fun, from the mount for a dirt bike in the back to the bluetooth stereo in the bed. The stereo consists of Kicker’s KMC waterproof head unit powering a pair of Kicker marine grade tower speakers mounted to the rack to keep the party going. Along with the front mounted winch, we have more recovery gear in the back from Ford Performance and Warn along with a pair of Maxtrax recovery mats that we can stick under the tires if we find ourself stuck on in silt, sand or snow. The extra storage on this truck will be used for tools and camping gear. We have on-board air and a 120 volt power inverter to run tools and charge devices. We also have a ramp to load the dirt bike in and out of the truck.

We’re getting close, Project Ranger X is almost complete and ready to make its debut at the 2018 SEMA Show in Ford’s Booth #22200. We’ll have one more update before the show kicks off, a preview of the finished truck and then plenty more coverage of it out at SEMA and as we hit the trails afterwards. For more on the build be sure to head to the BDS Blog, on YouTube and on Facebook and Instagram at #ProjectRangerX. Check it out next week as this truck makes its debut at SEMA.

See the Completed Project RangerX  |  Continue on to SEMA 2018 Preview