Ford Ranger Super Duty's impressive water prowess demonstrated during rigorous testing sessions
Ford's Ranger Super Duty Passes Tough Water Testing at Crooked River Track
Ford's Ranger Super Duty has undergone rigorous water testing, demonstrating its capability to handle various water conditions. The testing programme, which included both systematic, controlled tests and real-world conditions, took place at the Crooked River Track near Dargo, Australia, and Ford's You Yangs Proving Ground near Geelong.
The collaboration between Ford and off-road specialists Safari led to the design of the Safari Snorkel for the Ranger Super Duty. This innovative feature was initiated by Ford to provide peace of mind for customers facing unexpected realities in nature. The design of the Safari snorkel optimised airflow while blending seamlessly with the truck's styling, ensuring secure airflow during water crossings.
The Crooked River Track provided a real-world test with varying depths, flow rates, and bottom surfaces. The team took prototypes to this challenging track for real-world validation, featuring 27 consecutive river crossings with varied conditions. Each crossing was significant, making the testing process more tangible for the engineers.
The Ranger Super Duty maintained its targeted wading depth across all 27 crossings at the Crooked River Track. Key system breathers, including those for the transmission and differentials, were positioned safely above the 850mm level during testing. The testing program aimed to ensure the vehicle's durability and sealing capabilities in deep water conditions.
Engineers measured the forces acting on the vehicle during deep wading, ensuring all seals prevented water intrusion. The testing program provided new insights at each stage, starting with shallow crossings to assess component durability and progressing to deeper runs for sealing system evaluation.
Chief designer Max Tran stated that the goal was integration without compromising performance for the Safari snorkel. Vehicle integration engineer Tim Postgate expressed excitement about the first crossing on the Crooked River Track, stating that it made the process more real.
The testing at the Crooked River was about more than just proving capability on paper. It was a demonstration of Ford's commitment to delivering a vehicle that can handle the toughest off-road conditions with confidence. The Ranger Super Duty is due to launch in Australia in early 2026.
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