When it comes to exploring Australia’s rugged terrain or embarking on epic camping adventures, few vehicles match the versatility and reliability of the Ford Ranger. Whether you’re upgrading from a stock tub to a heavy-duty aluminium ute tray, or going the extra mile with a canopy, choosing the right Ford Ranger camping setup can make all the difference. This guide covers everything you need to know to build your rig into the ultimate camping companion!

WHY CHOOSE THE FORD RANGER FOR CAMPING?

There’s a reason why the Ford Ranger stands as Australia’s top-selling ute. Built to tackle Australia’s diverse landscapes with ease, the Ford Ranger is ideal for camping:

• Tough and hardworking: Designed to withstand the toughest conditions and handle challenging terrains, the Ford Ranger was built for off-road camping adventures.
• Impressive towing capacity: With its robust towing capability which supports up to 3500kg, the Ford Ranger can haul all your camping gear, trailers, caravans and more ensuring you’re always well-equipped.
• Adaptive drive modes: Whether you’re on a road trip or navigating through sand dunes, the Ford Ranger offers drive modes tailored to different terrains, ensuring optimal performance in varied environments.
• Powerful turbo diesel engine: The turbo diesel engine delivers the power and efficiency needed for both work and play, making it a reliable companion on and off-road.
• 5-Star safety rating: Equipped with advanced safety features and smart driver assistance technology, the Ford Ranger prioritises safety, ensuring peace of mind for you and your cargo.

Ute tray or canopy

If you own a Ford Ranger and want to maximise its potential for camping adventures with either a ute tray or canopy, there are important factors to consider when upgrading from the standard Ranger tub.

 

KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR UTE TRAY

When it comes to practicality and versatility, a heavy-duty aluminium ute tray excels in the camping space:

• More space: A ute tray provides more flat bed space than a standard Ford Ranger tub, ideal for hauling fishing gear, motorbikes or camping essentials. *View Norweld Ford Ranger dual cab tray sizes here.
• Functionality: Designed for easy loading and access, with features like under tray tool boxes, poly water tank and trundle drawers for enhanced storage and security.
• Durability: Built tough for rugged conditions, aluminium trays ensure reliability and longevity, capable of handling daily use and off-road camping adventures.
• Versatility: Compatible with Norweld canopies, they can transform your vehicle from a weekday workhorse to a weekend adventurer with ease.

 

KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR UTE CANOPY

For extra protection and security, upgrading to a heavy-duty canopy is ideal for extended camping trips:

• Secure and organised storage: Protect your camping gear from the elements with a canopy’s secure and organised storage solutions. Features like compression locks with central locking ensure enhanced security and ease of use, coupled with internal tie-downs will prevent items from moving around when touring.
• Versatility: Ideal for camping enthusiasts, a canopy provides flexibility to mount rooftop tents, awnings and other accessories, making it ideal for extended camping ventures.
• Built tough: Built to endure tough off-road conditions, a quality canopy protects your gear and extends the life of your vehicle. Features like a robust gutter system and rubber seal doors ensure the canopy remains dust and water resistance, keeping the interior clean and dry when it matters most.
• Increased resale value: Investing in a canopy can increase your Ford Ranger’s appeal to buyers looking for a vehicle built for camping and off-road.

View our Ford Ranger ute canopies here

 

THE ULTIMATE FORD RANGER for canopy buying guide

Canopies provide the ultimate camping setup and come in various configurations to suit different needs. Before choosing, ask yourself:

• Camping needs: Consider the duration and type of camping trips you’re planning to take. Do you want a vehicle for short getaways or extended remote travel? This will impact decisions when selecting kitchen setups, storage solutions and power systems.
• Construction quality: Check materials, welding standards and warranties to ensure durability and protection. You get what you pay for in the end.
• Setup preference: Decide between a full-time canopy or a removable wind-off option based on your usage needs throughout the week/year.

Norweld full-time and wind-off canopy

• Wind-off canopy: Perfect for those needing a tray-only option during the week and a full camping setup on weekends, or vice versa.
• Full-time canopy: Offers a permanent solution with all the standard Norweld tray features like under tray poly water tanks and toolboxes, ideal for frequent travellers and those who don’t need a tray option.

Norweld canopy layouts

• Basic Canopy: Empty internal layout.
• Deluxe Lite Canopy: Drivers side empty, with allocated space for fridge mounting and slide out drawer and table on passenger side.
• Deluxe Canopy: Drivers side features 1200mm wide lockable drawer, with allocated space for fridge mounting and slide out drawer and table on passenger side.
• Deluxe Dog Pod Canopy: Vented and washable dog pod compartment on drivers side, with allocated space for fridge mounting and slide out drawer and table on passenger side.

Must-Have camping Accessories for Your Ford Ranger

Accessories for your Ford Ranger camping setup available through Norweld include:

Kitchen accessories and pantry

• Fridge options: Choose between drop-down or upright fridges; Norweld Deluxe canopies support both, including Clearview Easy Slide for chest-style fridges up to 80L.
• Meal preparation: Look for integrated table drawers and clip on kitchen accessories for easy prep and cleaning on the go.
• Cooking: Select the right wiring package for powering appliances like air fryers and coffee machines. 
• Travel Buddy Oven:  This handy 12V oven keeps cheeky pies and sausage rolls hot while travelling – you can even cook the days catch while you’re setting up camp. 
• Bolt-in pantry: Turn your canopy into a mobile pantry stocked with essentials, ensuring you’re ready for a meal no matter where the adventure takes you.

Storage

• Shelving, heavy-duty drawers, slide-out tables, toolboxes, bolt-in pantry, jerry can holders and roof rack setups, ensure ample camping storage and protection from the elements.

Roof Top Tents

• Rooftop tents offer wildlife protection, quick setup, essentially it’s a home on wheels with integrated awnings. However, keep in mind they do add weight up top, impacting vehicle handling and payload (approx. 100-160 kg with an awning).

Roof Racks

• Roof racks maximise canopy storage for bulky items like camping gear, tables, kayaks and bikes. They also serve as mounting points for awning brackets and tie-downs.

Wiring

Options from Norweld’s wiring packages include: 

• Weekender: Basic setup for short trips
• Tourer: Extended trip setup with inverter and lithium battery.
• Extreme/Ultimate: High-power setup for appliances like coffee machines and induction cooktops.

Transforming your Ford Ranger into the ultimate camping rig is an exciting one that promises endless adventures. By choosing the right ute or canopy, investing in accessories and following expert tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a comfortable, efficient and versatile camping setup that will enhance your outdoor experiences for years to come.

GET A QUOTE

We have Norweld-owned branches in Cairns, Townsville, Newcastle, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and various agents around the country. Get in touch with our team to organise a quote today or discuss a Ford Ranger camping setup that’s right for you.

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