Buying Guide: Ford Ranger Truck Bed Covers for XLT, Limited, Wildtrak, and Raptor Models

Aluminium hardcover or softcover? These are the advantages and disadvantages

The differences between an aluminum cover (hardcover) and a tarp (softcover) are numerous. Both versions have their specific advantages and disadvantages:

Hardcovers – the best choice for durable protection

Besides roller covers, tonneau lids, or folding covers, hardcovers are available in many different designs.

Advantages:

• Higher security: A hardcover made of aluminum is extremely break-in resistant and transforms the bed of your Ranger pickup into a secure trunk. Ideal for transporting expensive tools or equipment. The EVOm and EVOe roller covers in the Infinity design also deliberately omit an external lock to ensure maximum security.
• Maximum durability, resilience, and weather resistance: Aluminum is durable, robust, and resistant to cuts, impacts, and harsh weather conditions. The solid panels and robust seals reliably keep your truck bed dry.
• High surface load capacity: Many of our hardcovers are designed so that the top surface can be loaded. For example, you can also use the cover as a mobile workbench or mount additional crossbars.
• High-quality appearance: An aluminum cover, especially in black, offers a very clean, flush, and high-quality look that visually enhances the vehicle.

Disadvantages:

• Higher price: The aluminum construction makes hardcovers more expensive to purchase than softcovers.
• Higher weight: Aluminum is heavier than vinyl.
• Limited flexibility: With one-piece tonneau lids like the Mountain-Top Style or Style HD Plus, transporting tall items is a problem. The lid must first be removed. Although this is quickly done thanks to the clever hinge system of our bed covers, it still requires some effort. Foldable or roll-up hardcovers, as well as roller covers, offer more flexibility here.

 

Softcovers: The Affordable, Flexible Option

Our Ford Ranger softcovers consist of a tear-resistant, UV-resistant vinyl material stretched over a sturdy frame.

Advantages:

• Lower price: Softcovers are the significantly more cost-effective alternative in comparison, yet still offer many of the benefits of a hard tonneau cover.
• Maximum flexibility and quick access: Softcovers can be completely rolled up or folded in seconds, providing access to the entire truck bed. Ideal for transporting tall or bulky goods.
• Easy installation and low weight: Due to their light weight, softcovers are easy to install and operate. Rolling them up/down or folding is child's play.
• Good weather protection: Although softcovers are not quite as tight as hardcovers, the high-quality RealTruck softcovers still offer good protection from rain and keep the cargo dry in most situations.

Disadvantages:

• Lower security: A vinyl tarp can be cut with a knife and therefore offers no significant theft protection. However, the visual cover provides a certain degree of security.
• Lower durability: Vinyl is more susceptible to wear and damage from weather or sharp objects. Although RealTruck softcovers are very UV-resistant, compared to aluminum covers, vinyl can become brittle or fade over time.
• Low load capacity: The surface of a softcover cannot be loaded. In heavy snowfall, the tarp may sag.

 

Conclusion:

Your decision should primarily be based on the intended use: Choose a Ford Ranger aluminum hardcover if:

• Security is a high priority and you regularly transport valuable items in the truck bed.
• You are looking for an extremely durable and robust solution.
• You live in a region with a lot of snow and rain.
• You want the option to transport additional cargo on top of the cover.

A Ford Ranger softcover is the best solution if:

• Your budget is limited.
• Maximum flexibility for transporting tall items is crucial and you frequently need the entire truck bed.
• You prefer a very lightweight and easy-to-use cover.
• Theft protection plays a minor role and you are mainly concerned with visual and weather protection.

 

Assembly & Installation – also in our in-house workshop

Decide whether you want to install your bed cover yourself or prefer to hire a specialist workshop nearby. Alternatively, you can have your new Ford Ranger cover, and other accessories, installed directly by our professional team in Langenbach near Freising. Simply drop off your Ranger at our workshop after making an appointment, and we'll take care of the rest.

For many products, you will find practical video installation guides on the product page. Most models are attached with a clamp-on system that requires no drilling into the truck bed. However, for models with an integrated water drainage system, two small holes must be drilled into the vehicle for drainage.

What Accessories & Gear is recommended for my Ford Ranger bed cover?

In our product range, you will find a variety of suitable accessories for your new Ford Ranger bed cover. Crossbars with a T-slot rail practically double the loading capacity of your bed cover and also open up the possibility to mount bike racks and other extensions such as a pressurized water tank or a rooftop tent directly over the truck bed.

J-Brace Bed Reinforcement

When a load is applied to the edge of the bed, such as with a bed cover, Ford dealer information states that the underside of the bed must be reinforced using a J-Brace reinforcement kit 770440R23. In our online shop, you will find the matching J-Braces from Aeroklas.

Original Mountain-Top Crossbars for EVO Roll Covers

Of course, you can also find the matching crossbars for your new bed cover in our shop. With a dynamic load capacity of 75kg, the lockable Mountain-Top load carriers expand the Ranger's loading capacity.

FLEX Crossbars - the flexible alternative for the Ford Ranger EVO cover

The Flex Crossbars with a quick-release function are the more flexible alternative for Mountain-Top roller covers. Thanks to the innovative quick-release function, the bed cover crossbars can be mounted and dismounted without tools. With a T-slot accessory rail, also compatible with the Thule range.

Mountain-Top BED MOUNT Crossbars for the Bed Rail

The crossbars for the bed rail fit the new Ford Ranger with or without a bed cover. The crossbars also provide the base as a foundation carrier for bike racks, cargo boxes, or platforms.

Yakima Aluminum Bed Rack for the Ford Ranger Wildtrak

The TrimHD heavy-duty carriers are easily clamped to the factory Wildtrak bed rails. With a 75kg load capacity and a practical T-slot accessory rail. Ideal for mounting other accessories like bike racks.

Mountain-Top Bed Divider - The Bed Partition System for the Ford Ranger Bed

The sturdy aluminum bed divider for the Ford Ranger from model year 2023 onwards is simply inserted into the factory C-channel. With the adjustment knob, the Bed Divider can be slid back and forth and locked in multiple positions.

Roll bars from Misutonida for the EVO roller cover provide a rugged off-road look

The high-quality roll bars from Misutonida are custom-made in Italy for the EVO covers. The beefy 76 mm stainless steel tubes can be ordered in both silver and with a black powder coating.

 

Regarding Legal Aspects & Registration

A Ford Ranger is typically registered as a truck (vehicle class N). The installation of a flat bed cover does not change this. Although covers that can be removed without tools are legally considered cargo and therefore do not require a so-called ABE (General Operating Permit), the interpretation by TÜV (Technical Inspection Association) or the police is often different.

Therefore, the manufacturer RealTruck always delivers its products with an ABE certificate. This is also a mark of quality and gives you additional assurance that the product has been tested and complies with European standards. It is best to keep these papers in your glove compartment to be on the safe side during a traffic stop.

Do not forget to always ensure proper cargo securing in accordance with § 22 of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO). This means: heavy objects must be secured, for example, with an anti-slip mat and tie-down straps. While the cover prevents items from falling out upwards, it does not prevent them from shifting during braking or cornering. Loose, light items such as garden waste are secured by the cover against being blown away.