The Ranger Super Duty touts some impressive payload and towing capabilities that make it fit for service, right from the factory.Ford's Ranger Super Duty remains off-limits to American buyers, but that hasn't stopped the Blue Oval from finding ways to make its forbidden fruit even more appealing.Just a few months ago, FoMoCo Australia updated the pickup with a refined XLT version. Together with the truck's rugged capabilities, it presented a tempting vision of what could be.The Ranger Super Duty makes a compelling fire response rig. - Credit: Ford AustraliaNow Ford has revealed a built-up Ranger Super Duty it's calling Project FireTrak. Beyond demonstrating the truck's potential chops as a fire-response unit, I'd argue it continues to tease the pickup's overlanding potential.The Ranger earns the assignmentThe Ranger Super Duty before you is the product of a collaboration between Ford Australia, Deakin University and specialized upfitters XL Service Bodies and Zeliox Australia. It's envisioned as an alternative to larger rigs and ladder trucks, more easily maneuvered in urban zones to arrive on the scene in eight minutes or less.The bull bar at the front certainly gives overlanding vibes. - Credit: Ford AustraliaThe team responsible was intentional with its choice of configuration for the build. The Super Cab offered just the right amount of tray space for hauling equipment at the rear while still bringing secure, dry storage behind the front seats.AdvertisementAdvertisementHowever, it's worth pointing out that the Ranger itself didn't require any modifications to accommodate the bulk. Because of its generous 4,500-kilogram (9,920-pound) GVM, the truck easily hauls everything from a dedicated water supply and high-capacity pumps and hoses to breathing apparatuses, first aid and recovery gear. You'll also find critical comms equipment and, of course, essentials like lights and sirens.Flashing lights and sirens, along with a high-vis wrap, readily communicate the urgency of this Ford. - Credit: Deakin University via YouTubeTo keep it all organized, XL Service Bodies did provide a comprehensive rear canopy for storage. It's a slick setup, and it's made all the more capable (and quieter) thanks to Zeliox Australia's all-in-one inverter and charging system with solar charging capability. An overlander hiding in plain sightAdmirable as the build is for its emergency response aspirations, it's hard not to appreciate the rig for its obvious off-road chops. It's an impressive package, and its equipment list gives it an aggressive overlanding setup.AdvertisementAdvertisementAfter all, as part of the standard Ranger Super Duty treatment, Ford equips the truck with a snorkel, locking diffs and more rugged all-terrain tires. Thanks to the extra kit, it's claimed to be capable of fording depths up to 33.5 inches. XL Service Bodies handled the storage at the rear. - Credit: Ford AustraliaIn the case of the FireTrak truck, the addition of a bull bar to the front and a set of tubed bumper extensions around the sides means the Ranger only leans into the look more.Toward that end, drop the high-vis wrap and leave the firefighting equipment at home, and you could just as easily have one of XL's Outlaw canopies. They're the recreational alternative to the service and trade-oriented Super Duty bodies.Ditch that rescue gear and you have room for plenty of off-grid essentials. - Credit: Ford AustraliaAvailability and pricingI'm not getting my hopes up that the Ranger Super Duty ever arrives in the US in any form, though Ford could always prove me wrong. I sure hope so, because concepts like the FireTrak make a compelling case for the truck's capabilities.AdvertisementAdvertisementAbout the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he's not chasing the latest industry news, he's probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.
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