The new Ford Explorer has been out for a little over a year, but it hasn’t been until now that Ford has pulled out all of the stops to engage its very spirited base. With 140,000 Facebook fans, Explorer is already ahead of its SUV competitors in engaging consumers (and future consumers) through social media channels.

But, if the latest on its new FB campaign is any indication, these numbers are only poised to go up.

According to AdAge, Explorer today kicked off a social-media effort for the Explorer that asks followers and would-be followers to submit essays, videos and photos that spotlight Explorer product features, as well as unique American locations and sights. Responses can be channeled to the SUV’s Facebook page, YouTube channel and Ford Explorer website. Those with the best responses will be selected to be able to live out a “dream adventure” with Ford. The top content will eventually be combined into online videos produced by Ford, as well as a one-hour TV documentary.

Any marketing geek knows this is an explosive campaign, especially for a fan base as large and loyal as Ford Explorer’s. The old Explorer models got a much needed makeover in 2010. From the looks of Ford’s latest marketing efforts, its body style is not the only thing to get a reload.

Great campaign. Check out the full article to read more.