Away in a Ranger
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Brisbane-based Jane Cartwright is founder of Ford Rangerettes Official which, with more than 4,400 members Australia-wide, is Australia’s largest female-only make-specific 4x4 and adventure community.
Established in 2018, the Rangerettes grew out of Jane’s desire to see women better represented in the online 4x4 space, particularly around new vehicle purchases and modifications.
“Women were often hesitant to ask questions or get involved,” Jane said. “I wanted to create a supportive, inclusive, no-judgment community where women could learn, share experiences, travel together, and enjoy their Ford 4x4s with confidence.”
The Club is open to owners of Ford Ranger and Everest vehicles as well as other Ford 4x4s including Raptors, F-150s and the new Super Duty. Jane describes it as a collective that’s welcoming and inclusive, and says many members give their vehicle a nickname to help differentiate similar models at social events.
“All of my Rangers get called MS JANE as my number plates follow me across to each new build,” said Jane, who has now owned five of the best-selling Ford utes including her current 2024 Ford Ranger V6 Sport.
The list of modifications Jane has made to her vehicle is comprehensive and includes GVM-upgraded airbag suspension, heavy-duty upper control arms, larger and more aggressive mud-terrain tyres, long-range fuel tank, underbody protection, rock sliders, rated recovery points and a snorkel.
There is also a raft of accessories to enhance the Ranger’s off-grid touring capability, including an aftermarket tray with custom storage, canopy and rack system, rooftop solar, a 2000W inverter, 200Ah lithium battery, dual zone fridge-freezer, awning, rooftop tent, shower and even a clip-on kitchen sink.
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Jane behind the wheel of her Ford Ranger on Bribie Island.
Jane describes the Rangerettes as a diverse group of women spanning ages 17 to 70, including engineers, mechanics, modification fitters, auto electricians, product manufacturers and off-road specialists who support and mentor members.
“We operate on the belief that learning never stops, and that off-road trips should always be conducted at the pace of the least experienced member,” Jane said.
While members love getting together for camping trips and off-roading catchups, they are also active in charity and community volunteer work.
“One of our most rewarding fundraisers was Fill Our Utes for Farmers, launched during the 2019 Queensland drought to support smaller farming families who didn’t qualify for financial support,” Jane said.
“Rather than spreading donations thinly, we focused on directly supporting 13 hard-hit families in the Stanthorpe and Applethorpe regions. The result was more than 21 tonnes of essential supplies all delivered directly to their doorstep.”
Members have also helped with flood cleanup, and in 2024 the club launched the inaugural UTE-R-US Rally, a low-cost community fundraiser supporting uterine cancer awareness and research.
Ford Rangerette events happen regularly across the country, from local 4x4 day trips and beach drives to weekend campouts, state-based All Ford Days, and a national tour every second or third year.
Plans are underway for the next national tour in October 2026, with a proposed route starting on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road before crossing the Nullarbor to Esperance in Western Australia.
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