PRODUCTIVITY
Page 28
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The problem with most pickups is getting a full load far enough forward to avoid overloading the rear axle. I laving lived with the Ranger only partially laden (at most) for three months, we were convinced it was way over the maximum when we put our weights in the back—it looked as if it was about to drag its rear end along the ground like a dog with worms. We were amazed to find it was still underweight and duly added another 130kg to the back, the rear axle coming to within tokg of its legal maximum. Axle tolerance is only 15kg, so careful loading is required.
We flipped up the back seats and put some weights in there too to ensure even distribution, but this may prove to be a hassle if you're going to run at full weight a lot. Not only is access restricted, but carrying a mucky load about in the back of your cab will, surprise, surprise, make the back of your cab mucky.
Adjusting tyre pressures is also a must if you're going from unladen to fully laden, with the handbook calling for a difference of more than 3opsi in the rear, and this also takes time.
Overall, however, the Super Cab has a great capacity with the second biggest load area in the range, which we calculated from Ford figures as 2.2m2. It also has the option of taking four people, making the Super Cab the most versatile vehicle in the range.
In had weather the minuscule water reservoir demands a lot of refilling. A minor niggle no doubt, but it's annoying when you have to sacrifice a can of drink over the windshield when you run out of water midway between two motorway junctions on a bad day.
The fuel-filler flap is lockable, the engine is fitted with an immobiliser and windows are etched with a visible identification number.