Andrew Nelson had done his time in ‘hard yakka’ 4WDing and was looking for a vehicle that could be an everyday driver and  off-road capable touring wagon.

So when a mate suggested Ford’s Ranger-based Everest, he took one for a drive and says he immediately saw its potential.

Andrew says he was looking for something more practical than his current Ranger ute, so an SUV with the same capability definitely fit the bill.

Shortly afterward, a 2018 3.2-engined Everest Titanium arrived in the driveway.

“I’m not into hard yakka four-wheeling anymore and a comfortable and capable wagon seemed the best option. I knew there were lots of aftermarket parts available for the Everest so thought why not.”

The build project began. Key changes were a 50mm suspension lift, bull bar, winch, snorkel, under body protection and  spotlights.

“The stock vehicle would have been fine, but I felt the front bumper was too exposed to rock damage and gave a not-so-good approach angle. In addition, there was no winch capability or spotlight mounting.”

The suspension lift also allowed for slightly larger 285/70R17 tyres on alloy rims with a bigger offset.

Andrew fitted a snorkel kit for engine intake air. “The snorkel possibly wasn’t necessary, but I had taken my previous Ranger in some very deep water down south so thought ‘why not, cheap insurance’ from water damage to engine and the air is  cooler and cleaner up there too.”

The project was completed quickly with only minor hiccups.

“It mostly took two weeks for the guys at 4WD Solutions in Cambridge to fit all the goodies. There was a hold up with the bar  as I wanted it colour-matched and it took two goes to get it right.”

The build was budgeted in purchase price “and I carefully sorted out what my priorities were and then did it mostly at once  upon buying the car.” The aim of the build was to create a vehicle that could tow the family’s off-road camper trailer, park at base camp and tackle the trails, yet also function as a daily driver.

“This is my everyday car when it needs to be, so I wanted to keep it user-friendly but capable when needed.

“The car also tows our kakapo off-road camper trailer, and being a wagon, it is so much easier to get into the back than a ute, and there is no dust ingress like a ute has on long gravel road trips.

Towing is a key reason for this car build, and the 3.2 litre diesel just makes light work of it.”

Andrew has since played around with rim and tyre combos to keep the car quiet on the road but be capable enough off-road on trails.

“The Everest drove very well after having it done, and the 50mm lift gave it a bigger presence. However, after 1000kms I  couldn’t stand the tyre whine any longer, so we swapped out the General Grabber A/T’s for Cooper Discoverer S/T MAXX All  Terrains, this made a huge difference to road noise and handling was improved too.

“I have just recently changed again to the Toyo Open Country A/T and love this tyre, super quiet and sticks like glue to the  road. I have yet to go off-road with them.”

The build has been a blend of ‘DIFM’ (Do It For Me) and DIY.

Products installed by 4WD Solutions Cambridge
• Old Man Emu 2 inch lift with springs and shocks.
• ARB Summit Bull bar colour matched to car.
• ARB under body protection with recovery point.
• Safari Snorkel.
• ARB Diff breathers.
• Rhino rack roof platform.
• Kings Dominator winch.
• Kings LED spot lights.
• Dirty Life Canyon pro alloy wheels.
• Stage 2 tune by Diesel Power Tune.

Products installed by Andrew
• EVC throttle controller – no longer use because of power tune.
• Uniden removable UHF radio.
• Superfit denim type front seat covers.
• Slim line wheel arch flares and bonnet protector.
• Black out kit – grille, door handles, mirrors, etc.
• High lift jack and shovel holders on roof tray.

Andrew has done some epic 4WD trips in his time.

“I was a farmer so have always driven 4WD utes and cruisers, my second car was a 1971 FJ40 and I have had several since.  I think I have always had a 4WD and in 1994 my wife and I joined the Manawatu 4WD Club – members for 10 years  before shifting to the Waikato in 2006.

“I’ve done a few Safaris, Motu and Marokopa twice then an epic South Island trip in my Ranger for three weeks taking in so  many awesome and sometimes scary tracks.

“It’s something I really enjoy. The challenge and the scenery, the fun times, friends and the stories.”

Now, the Everest is adding a new dimension to 4WD adventure.

“So far we have done two South Island trips in this car touring, the first was without the camper trailer (not purchased yet)

“We did a few tracks mainly to introduce our friends to 4WDing, including Nelson Lakes, Braeburn track, Maruia Saddle  Road, McDonald Downs Station, Black Forest Station, Danseys Pass, Old Man Range to Obelisk, Carricktown, Nevis,  Skippers Canyon, Mackley (Denniston) track.”

In other words, a South Island ‘greatest hits’ of off-roading.

“It was our first trip in the Everest, and we had a blast. The driving was easy and very dry but a lot of fun.

“The second trip, by this time we had purchased the Kakapo camper trailer and our friends also had one. We spent three  weeks exploring and had a great time.

This trip started off with a ferry crossing and a night in Picton, then they headed off and did the Rainbow Road to Hanmer.  “An easy trip but so much fun; Lake Tennyson was awesome as always.”

This time, they made their way south mostly by road and camped often along the way.

“Then from Dunedin we took Clarks Junction and the Old Dunstan Road, camped up by the Poolburn Reservoir and we were  the only people around.

“Cromwell was next for a nice stay and some biking on the Dunstan River trail Cromwell to Clyde.”

Plans for the future?

“Not so much 4WDing but maybe another trip needs to be planned. I would love to do another South Island trip incorporating  lots more tracks and might look into this a bit more.

“As far as the car goes, I’m very happy with it and how it does everything I wanted it to do. But I’ve always had a thing for  Defenders and could be keen to explore this avenue in the future, we shall see.”

The Kakapo camper, he says, is “awesome but maybe thinking down the track about an off-road caravan so we could go  away for extended breaks in comfort.”