AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS
+49 (0) 89 80 99 02 88 - 0
BUYING GUIDE: FORD RANGER TONNEAU COVER
Perfect-fit tonneau cover for the Ford Ranger, Wildtrak, and Ranger Raptor
In brief: The advantages of fitting a tonneau cover on your Ford Ranger
- Effective Weather and Theft Protection: In Central European latitudes, an open truck bed is often exposed to rain, snow, hail, and strong sunlight. A tonneau cover reliably protects your equipment, keeping it dry and clean. If expensive tools or, for example, sports equipment are openly visible, your valuables are an easy target for thieves.
- Improved Cargo Security and Aerodynamics: A pickup with an open bed creates significant air turbulence, which increases the vehicle's aerodynamic drag. A flat cover improves aerodynamics and thus reduces fuel consumption. Another advantage is that lighter items are not blown off the truck bed by the wind while driving. A flat cover also secures heavy cargo, ensuring that nothing can shift, tip over, or fall out, even on bumpy dirt roads or at the construction site. This minimizes the risk of damage to the cargo and keeps your truck bed in top condition.
- Versatility and Flexibility: Here you will find a wide range of different types of Ford Ranger bed covers. Whether it's a soft cover or a hard shell cover, folding or roll-up, you'll find the ideal bed cover for every application here. In the next section, we will present the different product variants in more detail.
Ford Ranger Tonneau Covers by RealTruck - the No. 1
RealTruck Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of pickup accessories and the premier destination for pickup enthusiasts around the world. From soft covers and hard fold lids to electric roll covers, RealTruck offers the ideal tonneau cover for your Ranger for every purpose.
What are the different types of Ford Ranger tonneau covers?
Aluminum Roll Covers for the Ford Ranger
Roll EVOm: The popular original Mountain Top aluminum roller cover in a new design with EVO technology
The EVOm manual roll cover is the successor to the proven Roll Classic cover from Mountain Top, and a true evolution in terms of design, function, and convenience. It's no coincidence that RealTruck (Mountain Top) was chosen by Ford as the manufacturer for the original Ford Ranger OEM bed roller covers.
For maximum security, the new EVO roll covers were designed with interlocking aluminum slats and without an external handle. Thus, both the cut-resistant slat technology and the ability to open it exclusively from the inside ensure optimal security. The absence of an external handle makes tampering with a lock cylinder impossible.
The unique 6-point water management system can drain up to 40 liters of water per minute and offers optimal protection even in heavy rain.
The side rails with an integrated mounting channel offer the possibility to mount crossbars and other accessories. Also compatible with the Rhino Rack and Thule product lines.
Roll EVOe: The electric roll cover with remote control from Mountain Top
The EVOe electric roll cover cover offers all the advantages of the EVOm, but is additionally equipped with an electric drive and other features:
- Soft-Close
- LED lighting
- Emergency stop and reverse function
- Remote control
- Automatic calibration
Mountain Top EVO covers are manufactured in the European Union and are delivered with a General Operating Permit (ABE). Matching crossbars in various designs and roll bars are available as optional accessories. You can find the link to the practical video installation guide on the product page.
BAK Revolver X4s: The Roll-Up Aluminum Cover
The Revolver X4s aluminum cover with a vinyl overlay is essentially a roller cover, but it doesn't roll into a canister; instead, it rolls up at the front of the bed. This allows you to retain the full space in your truck bed. The robust construction consists of interlocking aluminum slats covered with durable, marine-grade vinyl. A one-handed locking mechanism secures the cover along its entire length and prevents unauthorized access when the tailgate is closed.
- Integrated bulkhead seal provides optimal weather protection
- No-drill installation (clamp-on system)
- 180 kg load capacity (evenly distributed)
- Best-selling roll-up hard tonneau cover for pickups in the USA
A combination with sport bars, such as on the Ford Ranger Wildtrak, is not possible.
Folding Ford Ranger Covers – As Soft or Hard Covers
BAK BakFlip MX4 - the folding aluminum cover
The BAKFlip MX4 folding hard lid cover for the Ford Ranger is produced entirely from metal alloys, including heavy-duty aluminum cover plates and side rails. Thus, the robust aluminum construction is protected against cuts and other damage.
The BAK hard cover is also equipped with patented, automatically latching side rails. These automatically lock the side panels, making it impossible to pry the cover open from the side.
In addition to theft protection, the MX4 cover also offers excellent weather protection. The high-quality EPDM rubber seals prevent moisture from seeping between the bed cover and the bed rails. The tailgate is equipped with a double-reinforced tailgate seal and can be opened and closed regardless of the cover's position.
Extang Trifecta 2.0 Soft Cover - the folding vinyl tonneau
The Trifecta 2.0 soft cover is characterized by a sleek design with smooth lines, rounded edges, and an ultra-low profile. The leather-grained vinyl tarp features a patented corner-locking system that improves tarp tension and prevents the typical sagging of soft covers during fluctuating temperatures.
The water-repellent tonneau cover protects your Ranger's bed from direct exposure to moisture, while triple-finned snap-on seals prevent moisture from entering at the bed rails, bulkhead, and tailgate.
- Leather-embossed vinyl tarp with patented corner-locking system
- Improved tarp tension at all temperatures
- Aluminum frame
- Snap-on seals
- Easy no-drill installation: Tool-free Jaw-Grip clamps at the front and EZ-Lock clamps at the rear
Bed Lids for the Ford Ranger up to model year 2022
Mountain Top Style HD Plus - Ford Ranger Bed Lid with 360° Railing
The Ford Ranger hard lid cover was developed to meet the high standards of quality, design, and functionality for OEM accessories from various automobile manufacturers.
The weatherproof and durable aluminum checker plate surface can also be used as a work surface. With a net weight of only approx. 26 kg, the Style HD cover can support loads of up to 150 kg on its surface. The integrated 360° railing offers flexible tie-down options to professionally secure your cargo. Optional crossbars and other accessories can be attached using the practical accessory channels on the outer frame.
- Wrap-around railing
- 150 kg load capacity (75 kg on crossbars)
- Lid with gas struts opens to 45°
- Lockable – can be locked with the tailgate
- Accessory channels in the frame
- Made in the European Union
- Incl. General Operating Permit (ABE)
Mountain Top Style: The checker plate cover for the Ford Ranger, basic version
The Mountain Top Style bed lid is ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy the benefits of the HD Plus bed cover but can do without a wrap-around railing for securing cargo. Even in the basic version, the hard lid cover can be used as a workbench with a 150 kg load capacity and is designed for efficient protection against adverse weather conditions and theft.
With the clever installation and removal system, the bed lid can be quickly and easily lifted directly out of its hinges.
- 150 kg load capacity (75 kg on crossbars)
- Lid with gas struts opens to 45°
- Lockable – can be locked with the tailgate
- Accessory channels in the frame
- Made in the European Union
- Incl. General Operating Permit (ABE)
Continue to the tonneau cover products
Hardcover or softcover? Here are the pros and cons
The differences between an aluminium 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 designs.
Advantages:
- Higher security: A hardcover made of aluminium 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: Aluminium 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 aluminium cover, especially in black, offers a very clean, flush, and high-quality look that visually enhances the vehicle.
Disadvantages:
- Higher price: The aluminium construction makes hardcovers more expensive to purchase than softcovers.
- Higher weight: Aluminium is heavier than vinyl.
- Limited flexibility: With one-piece hard 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 aluminium 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 aluminium 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.
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.
Useful Accessories for Greater Comfort and Functionality
Our product range includes a wide variety of accessories for your new Ford Ranger cargo cover. Crossbars with T-slot rails practically double the load capacity of your cargo cover and also allow you to mount bike racks and other extensions such as a pressurized water tank or roof tent directly above the cargo area.
Crossbars for mounting directly on the cover or the truck bed
Useful accessories & styling
Useful truck bed accessories in combination with a tonneau cover
Your Advantages with Ullstein Concepts - the Ford Ranger and Pickup Expert
When you buy your Ford Ranger accessories from the pickup specialist Ullstein Concepts, you are drawing on decades of experience with the Ford pickup. This is also reflected in our service. Our customers benefit from expert and individually tailored advice that specifically addresses the requirements of different Ranger models. Especially in the pickup segment, detailed knowledge counts: We know the special features of every Ranger, whether it's a Wildtrak, Raptor, or special models like the Stormtrak, and we ensure that you get the transport solution that fits your Ford Ranger like a glove. Anyone who values advice, quality, and customization will find Ullstein Concepts to be the ideal address for any Ranger project.
On-site installation in our workshop north of Munich
In addition, we also offer a reliable installation by our workshop team in Langenbach near Freising. The combination of in-house know-how and hands-on experience with the Ranger guarantees that even custom projects or particularly demanding applications can be realized, a clear added value compared to standard dealers.
Follow Ullstein Concepts