Which bed covers and storage accessories work best for the Ford Ranger?

Question

Ive been driving trucks for years but this new Ford Ranger bed is throwing me for a loop with how it tapers at the back. I usually just throw a cheap tri-fold on and call it a day but I actually need a proper setup for a 2-week trip to the Rockies next month. My budget is around $1500 for the whole deal.

has to be super weather resistant because of the dust

needs to be easily removable since I haul mulch sometimes

looking for bins or swing cases that dont block the wheel wells too much

Ive been eyeing the Retrax covers but worry about the canister taking up too much room in a short bed... what are you guys using that actually fits right?

irxuqrnsfi · Accepted Answer

Stumbled upon this today and totally get the struggle with the Ranger bed taper. Since I was in the same boat, I skipped the Retrax and went with a hard roll-up instead. Honestly, I have been so satisfied with the Bak Industries Revolver X4s Hard Rolling Truck Bed Cover because it gives you full bed access without that bulky box at the front. This cover is super weather resistant and keeps the dust out of my camping gear during trail runs. For storage that doesn't eat up floor space, the BuiltRight Industries Bedside Rack System is basically mandatory. Mounting to the factory points, it adds MOLLE panels to the inner bed walls. My shovel and recovery gear stay strapped to the sides, leaving the floor totally clear for mulch. This whole setup works well and stays under your budget easily.

MidnightRaven · Answer

The taper on the Ranger bed is definitely tricky to work with, but I have been very satisfied with a specific configuration that has held up well over long distances. Honestly, given your budget and the need to haul mulch, I would caution against a retractable cover. The canister is a permanent fixture that really eats into your limited floor space and it is just not practical for a short bed.

For the cover, the BAK Industries BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Tonneau Cover works well because it provides a flush fit that accounts for the taper. It is extremely weather resistant and can be removed in about five minutes when you need the full bed for mulch. I have no complaints about its dust sealing, which is essential for mountain trails. It's very reliable.

For storage, I recommend the UnderCover SwingCase Truck Bed Toolbox. These are specifically designed to utilize the dead space behind the wheel wells. They swing out for easy access and can be lifted off the hinges entirely if you need extra room. Basically, it is a very reliable system for keeping recovery gear and tools dry without blocking the middle of the bed.

To address the dust specifically, you should add a Extang MaxSeal Tailgate Seal. It fills the gaps around the tailgate where most of the dust enters. This small addition makes a huge difference in keeping your gear clean... totally worth the few extra bucks. This setup stays well within your $1500 budget and feels much safer for your gear during long trips.

promyshlennyye_svetilniki_neMl · Answer

I love my UnderCover SwingCase Truck Bed Storage Box SC203D! It stayed bone dry during a massive mountain storm last year and was an amazing bargain. Do you need high-security locking storage?