Owning a Ford F-Truck in Australia isn’t just about getting from point A to B, these vehicles allow you to embrace adventure, tackle rugged terrains, and push the limits of off-road exploration.
Going off-road is a way to explore the rugged and diverse beauty of our environment. From sandy beaches to rocky mountain trails, there’s a vast playground for adventurers looking to escape the everyday hustle all around us.
Whether it’s following the historic Canning Stock Route, taking on the Lancelin Sand Dunes or taking it further to the Cape Le Grand National Park, these adventures offer a deeper connection to the natural world.
Whether you’re new to off-roading or a seasoned adventurer, the right accessories can transform your F-Truck into the ultimate off-road machine.
Unique Challenges of Off-Roading
For many, off-roading is deeply tied to the outdoor lifestyle. The outback is woven into the nation’s identity, and off-roading is a way to embrace that spirit of exploration. But there are of course some unique challenges that come with off-roading.
- Harsh Conditions: The heat, unpredictable weather, and rough terrain mean preparation is key.
- Wildlife: From kangaroos to emus, encounters with animals are common and require vigilance.
- Isolation: Remote areas often lack phone reception, so self-reliance and proper planning are critical.
To help you combat these unique challenges, we’ve assessed the top five off-road accessories to consider for your Ford F-Truck, ensuring you’re ready to take on the varied landscapes in Western Australia and beyond.
Bull Bar for Protection and Utility
When heading into the bush, your F-Truck is likely to face issues like wildlife, fallen branches, and uneven terrain. A robust bull bar is essential for protecting your vehicle’s front end, including the grille, headlights and radiator.
Why it’s important:
- Offers critical protection against animal strikes, particularly in rural Australia.
- Provides a solid base for mounting other accessories like winches, spotlights, and UHF antennas.
Considerations:
- Ensure the bull bar complies with Australian Design Rules (ADR) for safety and legality.
- Choose materials like steel for durability or alloy for a lighter option.
Popular brands like ARB and TJM provide high-quality bull bars tailored to Ford F-Trucks, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance.
Off-Road Tyres for Traction
There are four pieces of rubber acting as the critical point of contact between the vehicle and the ground, making quality tyres a non-negotiable upgrade for off-road enthusiasts. Off-road tyres, designed with deeper treads and reinforced sidewalls, offer improved traction and durability.
Benefits:
- They can handle loose sand, mud, and rocky terrain with ease.
- Resist punctures and cuts better than standard tyres.
Tyre types to consider:
- All-Terrain (AT) tyres: Versatile for mixed driving conditions, including light off-roading.
- Mud-Terrain (MT) tyres: Perfect for extreme off-road adventures, with aggressive tread patterns.
Look for trusted brands like BFGoodrich, Mickey Thompson, or Cooper Tyres to ensure reliability and long-lasting performance.
Suspension Lift Kit for Ground Clearance
Many of the best off-road tracks often have uneven ground, large rocks, and deep ruts. A suspension lift kit improves your F-Truck’s ground clearance, allowing it to navigate challenging terrains without damage to the undercarriage.
Advantages:
- Improves approach and departure angles for climbing steep hills or descending sharp drops.
- Provides space for fitting larger off-road tyres.
What to consider:
- Lift kits come in various heights, so choose one suitable for your intended off-road use.
- Ensure the modifications comply with your state’s legal requirements for lifted vehicles.
A professional installation is recommended to maintain the your truck’s handling and stability after the upgrade.
Recovery Gear for the Unexpected
Getting stuck is part and parcel of off-road adventures, so having the right recovery gear means that you can get back on track quickly. Essential recovery items for F-truck owners include:
- Winch: For self-recovery or assisting others in sticky situations.
- Snatch Straps: Ideal for towing a stuck vehicle out of mud or sand.
- Recovery Boards: Easy to use and effective for regaining traction in soft terrain.
Pro tip:
Invest in a high-quality winch, like those from Warn or Ironman, with a weight rating that exceeds your fully loaded F-Truck. Additionally, consider adding a recovery kit that includes gloves, shackles, and a dampener for safe winch operation.
Even if you don’t use the recovery gear yourself, there’s a good chance you’ll come across another driver who could do it with a helping hand.
Roof Racks and Storage Solutions
When heading off-road, especially for extended trips, storage becomes an important consideration. Roof racks and modular storage systems maximise your F-truck’s carrying capacity without compromising interior space.
Ideal for carrying:
- Camping gear, such as tents and swags.
- Jerry cans for extra fuel or water.
- Lightweight items like fishing rods or kayaks.
Features to look for:
- Designs to reduce wind noise and fuel consumption.
- High-weight capacity to accommodate heavy loads.
Brands like Rhino-Rack and Yakima offer sturdy, well-designed roof racks suitable for Ford F-Trucks. For added convenience, pair your roof rack with a rooftop tent for the ultimate overlanding setup.
Additional Accessories for F-Truck Off-Roading
It’s hard to leave it at just five off-road accessories for your F Truck when heading off-road. Here are a few more we recommend you invest in.
- Lighting: Add LED light bars or spotlights to improve visibility during night-time or low-light conditions.
- Underbody Protection: Skid plates and bash guards shield vital components from rocks and debris.
Need to get your Ford F-Truck ready for an off-roading adventure? Come and see the team at F Trucks WA, and we’ll get your car primed for your next off-road adventure.
