Last Updated 5/11/2004
If you're one of those poor souls who doesn't live out in the stix, you know the boundless joy of loading your quad into a trailer hitched to a truck or SUV so you can get to your local trails. And it's with us city-dwelling ATV riders in mind that TracTech put together this flashy combination of a Ford Explorer, trailer, and a Honda 450ES. All three were made to complement each other but each was modified in its own right to give it some uniqueness.
TracTech started by procuring a the Explorer and quad, but they still needed a trailer so Adventure Sports Products was tapped to build the custom trailer with its angling bed that makes loading a little easier. A Detroit gearless locker was also put in. While the trailer was being built, DJ&F International, who managed the whole project, went about the business of turning plans into reality.
A call to Highlifter got DJ&F the parts needed for the quad. The Foreman ES was torn down to make room for a high performance kit in the motor and a lift kit on the suspension. As it was all going back together, Highlifter Outlaw wheels found themselves pulling traction duty on the wheels.
Since customizing the quad without changing the SUV would be rather pointless, DJ&F thought it would be a good plan to give the Explorer some love as well. It was turned over to 4Wheel Parts for dressing up; nothing for the motor, just making the Ford look awesome. A billet grille from Stull Industries was mounted up front; it's accompanied by a Warn Industries winch to put a little more "U" in "utility." No expense was spared when it came to adding other accessories to the SUV either-just check out the Pro Comp shocks and lighting, Weld Racing EVO Andro Wheels, and Go Rhino side steps and grille guard. If that's not pimp enough for you, take a look inside at the Katzkin leather interior and dash trim from Woodview Auto Trim.
Once all three major elements were built, they still needed something unique to really bring them together as a cohesive unit. And what better way to do that than with a funky paint job? Custom & Classic zapped these three with a yellow ghost camouflage paint scheme that looks like layered butterscotch that looks absolutely hot in the setting sun.
Since its completion, the Ford Explorer TracTech project has made its way to various shows, drawing the attention that's its due. Although TracTech doesn't take it out for weekend camping trips, we're sure it would catch eyes in the stix too.