Ford Ranger Driving Tips

Driving tips and features for the Avis Safari Rental Ford Ranger

The Avis Ranger has proved to be the superior vehicle for self-drive overland safari in southern Africa.

Here are some of the features of our Ford Rangers and some driving tips to ensure your travels are as pleasant as possible.

Safety tips for the Avis Safari Rental Ford Ranger

Safari safety

The Avis Ford Ranger is the only vehicle to offer Electronic Stability Program (ESP) across the entire model range - important safety for self-drive adventurers unfamiliar with Off Road conditions, especially in the well maintained unpaved roads of Namibia.

Safari comfort

The Avis Ranger has the benefit of the most modern ergonomic design that ensures a relaxed overland safari experience, in the challenging conditions of the National Parks of Botswana Okavango Delta World Heritage Site, Moremi and Chobe... Avis Safari Overland Campers take no more than 5 minutes to set up or close up, and will travel effortlessly on cruise control over long distances with access to a superb infotainment system.

100L water capacity
Photovoltaic Solar System (140Watt) and 220V mains connectivity
Fridge and separate Freezer - 90L
Hot water geyser system - Gas (Propane) or 220V electrical

4-Wheel Drive

2H and 4H can be changed either way up to 80kph – select as required.
4L only at standstill in neutral (clutch fully depressed – manual gearbox)
Always engage 4 wheel drive on dirt roads – failure to do so could lead to loss of control and excessive rear tyre wear, leading to cost of tyre replacement being charged to the renters account.
When driving in very rough terrain it is advisable to engage Low Range – this will control the speed and prevent damage to the vehicle underside. Vehicle recovery from remote African territories is a very expensive exercise.

Engine revs and gear selection

The Avis Safari Ford Ranger is fitted with class leading diesel engines, with a torque power band that makes this an exceptional long distance and rough terrain self-drive safari and camping experience.

The manual transmission safari vehicle has a green arrow on the dash board that prompts the driver to change up gears in order to maintain the most effective gear position for power and fuel efficiency.

When cruising one is advised to operate in the RPM range between 2000 – 3000 RPM and change up gears just before reaching 3000 RPM – anything above 3000 RPM lowers the power band.

Low Range (4L) should always be engaged in rough or hard going terrain to manage speeds – rocky and bumpy tracks of Northern Namibia and uneven sandy tracks of Moremi and Chobe for example.

The automatic transmission safari vehicle will naturally find the most efficient gear position for cruising. However better control of the transmission in rough or hard going terrain is achieved by using the Sport mode to lock a gear position – generally 1st for rough and rocky terrain (Northern Namibia) and 2nd for sand and bumpy tracks and water in Moremi/Chobe.

The Avis Ranger is outfitted with the best of safari technical product, developed over many years in the harsh African conditions.

Uprated Overland Safari Suspension fitted with extra reinforced BF Goodrich All Terrain tyres and TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)
Rear Diff Lock, Hill Decent Control, Hill Start Assist
Long Range diesel tank 1000km plus
100L water capacity
Photovoltaic Solar System and 220V mains connectivity
Hot water geyser system - Gas or 220V electrical
2.5 Ton pneumatic recovery system
Tracks4Africa navigation system
GimProDoor mount for the discerning photographer

Self-drive 4WD (four wheel drive) safari adventure and exploration in remote parts of Africa, such as Zambia, Angola, Northern Namibia and Zimbabwe can be done with piece of mind and enjoyment.

ESP and Diff Lock

Never engage diff lock on hard surface or while turning
Always engage diff lock (at stand still no wheels spinning) if forced to make river crossing or in mud condition and extremely soft sand.
Disengage ESP when in Sand and Mud – Max 30kph
ESP is automatically disconnected with ESP light on dashboard when:
- 4L engaged
- Diff Lock engaged

Warning: ESP will always default on when engine restarted (ESP indicator light off) – except in Point 4 above.

Hill Descend Control (HDC) and Hill Start Assist

HDC – controls the descent speed on downhill and operates only in 1st and Reverse gear with manual gear box and D & R (Drive & Reverse) in automatic vehicles – system will only operate below 30km/h and with diff lock off – Decent speed can be increased or decreased by using the Cruise Control SET + or SET – buttons on steering wheel right hand side – also with the brake pedal.

Only use HDC on long smooth descents – rocky and bumpy tracks should be at extremely low speeds (crawl) and controlled by continuous brake input by driver.
Hill Start Assist – the system makes it easier to pull away when your vehicle is on a slope without the need to use the park brake – forward or reverse. The system is active when you release the brake on a slope and the vehicle will remain stationary for 2 to 3 seconds – this allows you to move your foot from the brake to the accelerator pedal. The brakes are released automatically once the engine has developed sufficient drive to prevent the vehicle rolling down the slope.

Long Range fuel tank (1 000km's plus)

Fuel Gauge will show full for approximately 600kms – uses long range tank first then main tank with gauge.
When making small fuel additions the fuel gauge may not indicate immediately, as fuel can fill to the long range that has no gauge.

Tyre pressure

Tyre pressure is the most important 4WD element, and can make the difference between enjoyment and disaster.

Cold Tyre measurement:

On tar road 120kph (max) Rear 2.7 bar - Front 2.4 bar (never engage 4WD unless road surface is slippery)
Gravel road/Off Road 80kph (max)Rear 1.8 bar - Front 1.6 bar (always engage 4H) these tyre pressures should be more than adequate for even the most challenging rock, sand and mud conditions.
Deep sand /corrugations 50kph (max) Rear 1.4 bar - Front 1.2 bar all round + 4H – only for extreme conditions - beware large steering input could lead to tyre losing seal with rim or being destroyed.

Safari capabilities