Mid-way through 2023, we collected our new Next-Gen Ford Everest and Ranger. Throughout the year, these vehicles took us to events like the Fraser Island Clean Up, Big Red Bash, Mundi Mundi Bash, 4WD Shows and even an adventure through the Victorian High Country with Pat Callinan (airing mid Feb 2024).
One of our favourite comprehensive insurance features is that we’ll cover modifications and accessories for what they’re really worth. This means rather than building a small buffer onto your vehicle value, we insure your mods and gear as a separate agreed value to that of your base vehicle. And what better way to showcase that value than setting up our Ford’s ready to head off the beaten track!
We kicked off our builds with the Everest. The goal for this car was to create a practical tourer that you can use as your daily drive most of the time but is capable and ready to head off-road when the opportunity arises.
We have invested +$15,000 (modifications + install labour) into the Everest build – so let’s break it down!
Single Loop ARB Bullbar with Integrated Light Bar and Safari Snorkel
ARB is Australia's largest manufacturer and distributor of 4X4 accessories and are renowned for the quality of their gear. The Single Loop Powder coated Steel Bullbar is a sturdy construction (ADR compliant) and provides essential protection for the front end without compromising the vehicle's design. It also helped improve the approach angle on the front of the Everest when compared to the standard front bumper. The Everest also has a Safari Snorkel, a trusted accessory for off-roading, ensuring the 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine has access to cleaner and better protection against dust and water ingestion.
Uniden UHF Radio + Aerial
Uniden's UHF Radios are known for their reliability in off-grid communication. We’ve got a 5W 80 Channel, and opted for a model where all the controls are on the microphone rather than the UHF unit itself which meant we could tuck it away out of sight. The aerial we have is a fibreglass whip style which has been great with all the off-roading we’ve done to date.
Outback Armor Suspension
Established in 2012, Outback Armor showcase a range of Australian designed & engineered suspension systems for 4X4s and trucks, and the team down at Geebung, QLD are absolutely fantastic. We opted for Adjustable Bypass Shocks and Expedition Coils Front & Rear with a Fixed Upper Control Arm Upgrade Kit. In the front end, this meant a 50mm lift (@ approx. 50-100kg load), and 50mm in the rear (@ approx. 150kg load). Both front and rear have +20 dampener settings available to change the comfort of the ride.
Method Race Wheel Off-Road Rims and Toyo Tyres
We opted for a set of Method Race Wheels Australia 305s in 17x8.5 +25 on our Next Gen Ford Everest. They fit the factory body perfectly when wrapped in 265/70R17 Toyo Tires Australia Open Country R/Ts, with this being one of the first sets in Australia of the new light-duty variant as another great step between an A/T and M/T.
Rhino Backbone Roof Rail System + Pioneer Roof Rack
We opted for Rhino's Backbone Roof Rail System for a sturdier roof platform off road. The install of this meant that the interior roof lining of the Everest needed to be dropped, as the racks bolt in from the underside of the roof. The platform itself is 2128x1236 and gave us a huge amount of roof space to work with when packing to head off road.
Bushwakka Awning
Bushwakka's Extreme Square 2m Awning was the perfect size to run on our Rhino Roof Platform, being nearly the perfect length with no overhang front or back. It is a true one-man set up (in under 2 minutes) and features 2x built in LED light arms (white/amber switches), 600D polyester canvas, aluminium square tube framing, 4 m2 coverage and a seamless gas strut deployment.
EvaKool Down Under 65L Dual Zone Fridge/Freezer
EvaKool's Australian-made fridge/freezer was a no brainer for this build. Its size suited the wagon perfectly and has really low power consumption, so meant when combined with our battery set up, we can run the fridge for 3-4 days at a time depending on conditions. It is also a dual zone, so when we do hit the road for longer trips, gives us flexibility to vacuum seal and freeze meals.
Custom Lithium 12V System
We chose to work with Custom Lithium in Brendale, QLD for the 12V system in our Ford Everest. They locally design and manufacture a huge range of performance lithium batteries and set us up with a custom system that is hidden under our false floor. We've got a 100AH Slimline Lithium Battery, REDARC Electronics 40A BCDC Charger and Victron Smart Shunt and are absolutely stoked with the result.
The modifications we’ve done have transformed our Everest into a car that would suit most families, weekend adventurers and tourers. Its height sits just under 2.1m which means we can fit into most carpark at shopping centers and the like, and the suspension we’ve opted for allows us to soften or stiffen the suspension depending on what kind of driving we’re doing.
Next up... the Ranger!
Do you own a modified 4WD?
Is it covered for what it's really worth?