What you’ll pay for a 6-wheeler Toyota Land Cruiser and Ford Ranger in South Africa – Photos

Ulterio Motiv has showcased two of its latest creations, a six-wheel version of the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 and the Ford Ranger.

The South African company, which was founded in 2022 and known for its conversions of popular bakkies, recently demonstrated the unusual models in the Western Cape, detailing their technical underpinnings and pricing.

The main advantage of the extension is that it increases the gross vehicle mass (GVM) as high as 6,050kg, which can provide the following benefits:

• Longer load area
• Greatly improved payload capacity
• Greatly improved towing capacity
• Increased stability over any terrain
• Extra braking capacity from the third axle
• Improved performance over soft surfaces

It’s important to note that increasing the GVM this much will require the use of a Code C1 licence.

However, Ulterio also provides conversions that increase the GVM to 3,499kg, which it says is more than sufficient for most customers and can be operated with a standard Code B licence.

6×6 > 4×4

Starting with the Toyota, Ulterio offers both 6×4 and 6×6 conversions for the 2.8-litre GD-6 turbo-diesel model.

The standard powertrain is untouched, which means it produces a total of 150kW and 500Nm, and connects to a six-speed automatic gearbox.

The altered bakkie has two standard differential locks, as well as a third on-demand diff lock on the new third axle to reduce wheel spin.

“The aim of this product is to supply chassis to customers who want a bespoke product or a blank canvas for a vehicle that can be built up for camping, emergency services or off-road load carrying to their own specification,” said the company.

“As an example, suspension and bullbar components from Ironman 4×4 can be specified, however the customer may also choose their own preference depending on their unique requirements.”

The 6×6 version has a GVBM of 6,050kg, a significant weight gain compared to the standard pickup’s 2,850kg.

The Land Cruiser can also be kitted out with an upgraded, hydraulic-assisted brake booster with braided hose lines, which lets it come to a halt while placing less pressure on the brake pedal.

Another optional extra is a set of 35-inch steel wheels, which improve ground clearance and grip.

Additionally, Ulterio Motiv has made modifications to the cabin with an upgraded steering wheel, a new reverse camera, and full leather upholstery.

As a result of all these changes, the 6×4 Toyota has a tare weight of 2,910kg, a GVM of 5,500kg, and a payload capacity of 2,590kg.

The 6×6, meanwhile, has a tare weight of 3,100kg, a GVM of 6,080kg, and a load capacity of 2,980kg.

As for the Ford Ranger, the model the company recently showcased is a 2.0-litre single-turbo Super Cab XL with 125kW and 405Nm.

“The base 6×4 chassis is supplied to individuals or companies that manufacture their own loading bin, closed canopy or any other designs whether for camping, or for example, emergency services.”

“Ultimately this new 6×4 chassis is a blank canvas for the potential end user. More importantly, all the comfort, luxury and safety systems from the original Ranger remains once the conversion has been completed.”

The standard Ford chassis has been extended to encompass the third axle, but the standard powertrain and 4×4 system is unaffected, including the diff lock.

“The rear suspension setup works on the principle of a bogie system that results in the third axle carrying around 40% of the rear mass with the middle (driven) axle around 60% of the rear mass.”

“This provides the driven axle with more grip because of the higher contact force between the driven wheels and the road surface improving traction.”

Pricing

The cost of the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 6×4 and 6×6 conversion is as follows (excluding VAT):

• Toyota Land Cruiser 79 6×4 conversion – R389,950
• Toyota Land Cruiser 79 6×6 conversion – R895,000

Bear in mind this excludes the cost of the vehicle itself, which currently starts at R1,097,400 for the 2.8-litre double cab.

This means that the cost of buying and converting a six-wheeled Toyota Land Cruiser bakkie ranges from around R1,487,350 to R1,922,400.

Similarly, the Ford Ranger 6×4 conversion costs R265,000 (excluding VAT).

Ulterio Motiv stated that the service can be applied to any current-generation Single Cab or Super Cab Ranger 4×4, which costs anywhere from R627,500 for the Single Cab XL 4×4 to R841,500 for the Super Cab Wildtrak 4×4.

With that in mind, the cost of purchasing a 6×4 Ford Ranger works out to between R892,500 and R1,106.500.

Ford Ranger 6×4

Toyota Land Cruiser 79 6×6