Rally Ready: Kitting out the Ford Ranger for adventure

What kind of vehicle would you need for a trip up to the Cape or an epic journey across the Simpson Desert?

The Great Endeavour Rally team know the answer. As the organisers of one of Australia’s longest charity rally events, the team have travelled to some of the most remote corners of Australia, all to raise funds for people with intellectual disability.

That’s why we asked them to help kit out the new Ford Ranger XLS for our Star Supporter Bonus Prize draw with all the bells and whistles you’d need for off-the-beaten-track adventures.  

The already capable 4×4 Ranger pick-up truck has proven its chops in Australia’s rugged conditions time and again, from the beaches of K’gari (Fraser Island) to Far North Queensland’s Old Telegraph Track.

The new 3.2L Ranger XLS is built tough enough to tow a hefty 3.5 tonnes and comes with plenty of in-built bells and whistles including Bluetooth with Phone/Audio streaming, and safety features like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), lane keeping assistance, and even traffic sign recognition.

That’s all well and good, but if you’re planning on heading off the beaten track, you’re going to need a few extras.

To really get the Ranger ‘rally ready’, our team called on UV4X4 – the same crew that sets up Endeavour’s own vehicles with all the kit they’ll need to lead the Great Endeavour Rally each year.

The result is a beast of a vehicle with a list of upgrades as long as the Birdsville Track.

Our Ranger’s must-have mods include a custom-made canopy, ARB Summit bull bar, spotlights and lightbar, Old Man Emu suspension upgrade, safari snorkel, roof racks, lithium dual battery system, winch (plus upgraded recovery point) and the essential UHF radio so you can stay connected when you’re a long way from anything.

For added self-sufficiency (and a dash of outback luxury), the team have included a huge 270-degree batwing awning (which literally takes about a minute to set up), a slide-out kitchen and a 60L ARB fridge/freezer to keep the beverages icy cold and the snags frozen till it’s time to fire up the barbie.

In fact, the list just keeps on going right down to the side steps and seat covers, so let’s just say, this is one Ranger ready for adventure. The total ‘rally ready’ package is valued at over $90,000 but worth its weight in gold when you’re having plenty thrown at you on the Plenty Highway. 

We just wish we got to test it out before we have to give it away!

How to Go in The Draw For The Rally-Ready Ford Ranger

For your chance to win the rally-ready Ford Ranger XLS (valued at over $90,000) all you need to do is become an Endeavour Foundation Star Supporter before the end of February 2022.

For as little as one $10 ticket a month, as a Star Supporter you will automatically receive a ticket in every Endeavour Foundation lottery and bonus draw including:

• 7 x Prize Home Lotteries every year
• 5 x $500,000 Ultimate Life Changer Lotteries every year
• 4 x Luxury car draws at no extra charge
• 3 x $10,000 Bonus Cash draws at no extra charge
• 12 x $5,000 Early Bird Cash draws at no extra charge

All up, that’s 31 chances to win each year! Plus, you’ll also feel great knowing that you’re supporting people with disability to live their best lives.

For your chance to get adventure-ready with your own fully-loaded Ranger, all you need to do is sign up as a Star Supporter in the month of February and you’ll automatically go into the draw to win!.

Find out more about becoming a Star Supporter here.

Could the Great Endeavour Rally Be Your Next Big Adventure?

If all this talk of adventure has got your blood pumping, maybe it’s worth thinking about taking part in the Great Endeavour Rally?

The rally isn’t a race or a time trial. It’s a journey that brings together like-minded adventure-lovers to support people with intellectual disability.

When else would you have the opportunity to head off the beaten track with the reassurance of knowing you are travelling with a complete support crew to give you a hand if you need it?

The Australian Defence Force travel alongside our full field and supply mechanical support through qualified mechanics, auto electricians, and boiler makers.

Even a medic is on hand throughout the rally should their services be required.

Each team is also provided with a purpose-built system (known as RallySafe) keeping them in constant contact with rally officials and enables friends to track the journey from home.

The 2022 Great Endeavour Rally ‘Beach and Bush Run’ will set off from Maroochydore in South East Queensland on September 2, and head inland over the Great Dividing Range, through National Parks and along roads less travelled on an epic adventure to Airlie Beach then continue on to the finish line in Cairns on September 10.

Early bird registration for 2022 participants ends February 28 (although you can still register after that date) so now’s the time to think about giving it a go! Find out more about the Great Endeavour Rally here.

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