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Australia’s leading four-wheel-drive accessories manufacturer, ARB, has rolled out its catalogue of equipment for the new-generation Ford Ranger. Here are the highlights from a list of more than 100 options.
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Four-wheel-drive accessories manufacturer ARB has issued a catalogue of newly-developed parts for the 2023 Ford Ranger – and it has almost everything covered, including a kitchen sink.
A detailed list of more than 100 factory-backed ARB accessories for the 2023 Ford Ranger has been distributed to Ford dealers, but is yet to be published online.
ARB will have jump start on the rest of the aftermarket industry with the new-generation ute, after being embedded in the vehicle development program for the past few years and earning official factory-backing from Ford.
Under the deal – announced this time last year – the tie-up between Ford and ARB is designed to streamline some of the more popular options, as well as give Ford dealers a greater chance to intercept some of the profit from 4WD accessories.
Anecdotally, a growing proportion of buyers of utes and four-wheel-drives spend $10,000 to $20,000 on aftermarket accessories – and the profit margin on such components is often greater than the profit margin on the vehicle itself (though perhaps not at the moment, given the excessive dealer delivery charges being applied by many Ford dealers).
Customers can of course still ask dealers to fit accessories from other aftermarket suppliers – or take their vehicles elsewhere for fitout.
However, ARB accessories installed by a Ford dealer when the vehicle is new will also be covered by the same five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty as the rest of the vehicle.
As previously reported, Ford has confirmed ARB accessories sold by its dealerships will not have Ford branding, but will have the backing of Ford.
Ford dealers have received the first ARB catalogues for the new-generation Ford Ranger, as they prepare to receive their first shipments of the ute – and receive their first deliveries of factory-backed, locally-engineered ARB accessories – from June onwards.
Headlining the list of Ford-approved ARB options are at least five bullbars, named Summit Bar MKII, Summit Sahara Bar MKII, Spartan Bar, Stealth Bar and Commercial Bar.
Bull bar prices provided by ARB to Ford dealers so far range from $2925 to $3275 plus fitting, which is estimated to be five hours labour. Some bull bars were yet to have pricing.
All ARB bull bars for the new Ford Ranger are designed not to interfere with the vehicle’s radar cruise control, the front-facing camera (on models so equipped), lane-keeping assistance, speed sign recognition, and front parking sensors. Some bull bars accommodate four parking sensors, while others accomodate six parking sensors.
There are two options for underbody protection, both starting from the same price: $1195 plus fitting.
One option called Under Vehicle Protection (UVP) – made from laser-cut and press-formed and folded 3mm sheet steel – is the longer of the two options and designed to protect steering components, the engine sump, as well as the transmission and transfer case.
The other option – called Under Vehicle Armour (UVA) – is a complete replacement for original skid pan, manufactured from “UV stablilised crosslink polymer” which is “non-corrosive and offers superior heat resistance.”
ARB also notes this option is compatible with original Ford Ranger bumpers as well as ARB bull bars.
Both underbody protection options claim to require one hour fitting time.
Another popular option is likely to be the rear sidestep-compatible steel bumper. It’s priced from $1835 (plus one hour fitting time).
ARB says the steel rear bar is made from 3mm laser cut and folded sheet metal, accommodates the original Ford registration plate lights, and is compatible with factory rear parking sensors and leaves room for the sidesteps on the lower rear fenders.
The heavy-duty bar also has high lift jack points and an anodised aluminium top tread plate.
It adds approximately 20mm to the length of the vehicle.
The steel rear bar is finished in matte black paint ex-ARB; colour-matching to the vehicle is optional.
ARB side rails and steps are made from 60.3mm diameter tubing and are available as three separate components or bundled together.
ARB forged recovery points – rated up to 8000kg on the maximum turn angle of the front wheels – are $252 each, plus 30 minutes fitting time.
There are at least three canopies available, ranging in price from $2640 to $4772. Fitting cost estimates range from $520 to $585.
When equipped with additional and optional ARB internal bars, the dynamic roof load of some ARB canopies is rated at a maximum of 100kg, while the static roof load in this guise is rated at a maximum of 350kg.
ARB notes all roof loads must be evenly weighted and properly secured.
The same rules apply to the ARB roof rack options for the cabin of the vehicle.
The ARB base rack mount kit costs from $495, while the base roof racks platform is listed at $695. The brochure says 2.5 hours fitting time is required.
The maximum load per base rack beam is 25kg and, as per earlier ARB roof load warnings, the cargo weight must be evenly distributed and properly secured.
Available to order now – with first arrivals due from July – is a new hard tonneau ARB Sport Lid, priced from $2855 plus $260 for fitting.
A premium upgrade kit option adds a wiring loom, central locking, and an interior light (though it’s battery operated rather than running off the car battery). The price of this option is to be confirmed.
A handy feature available as an option on today’s Volkswagen Amarok, ARB will offer on the new Ford Ranger a “Tailgate Assistance” damper.
Priced from $155 for the pair, these dampers slow the opening speed of the tailgate and reduce the effort to close.
A ready-to-go modular drawer housing for the rear tray – which is made from galvanised steel – costs from $490 (plus $97.50 fitment), and is the starting point before more drawers and other accessories such as a fridge or kitchen sink are added.
ARB also has plug-and-play wiring looms, second battery kits, and other electrical add-ons. Prices are yet to be confirmed.
There is also a Ford and ARB-backed Safari snorkel, starting from $638 please fitting costs.
An ARB-supported Frontier Long Range Diesel Tank (140 litres) is due from June onwards priced from $1360 plus fitment.
As with previous ARB/Frontier Long Range fuel tanks, this one is made from impact resistant polymer (crosslink) material, is a one piece construction, and has been designed to fill the voids in the underbody to maximise fuel capacity.
The plastic construction (the same material used for the standard tank) means there is no rusting of the tank itself, and allows for flexibility of the vehicle’s chassis.
The ARB long range tank accepts the original Ford Ranger’s fuel pump module, is supplied with a strap mounting kit, and each one is individually pressure tested before being sent for fitment.
There is also a vast range of ARB/Old Man Emu suspension upgrade kits – including GVM upgrades.
ARB offers new shock and springs (coil fronts and leaf rears) in a vast range of capabilities. Prices are yet to be announced.
When Ford announced its partnership with ARB last year, the company said: “Genuine Ford accessories undergo years of rigorous safety and durability testing … meaning they integrate perfectly with the design and safety features on (the) vehicle.
“Ford-licensed accessories are carefully selected products, manufactured to very high quality standards, from reputable third party suppliers.
“These products undergo a rigorous evaluation process by Ford, and as a result, many (Ford-licensed) products feature unique aspects compared to similar products sold in the aftermarket to ensure optimal integration and performance.”
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