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Guide: The Perfect Ford Ranger Roof Rack
Perfect fit transport solutions for the Ford Ranger, Wildtrak and Ranger Raptor
Whether for an off-road tour, for tradesmen's use or for a family vacation, a roof rack not only increases your storage space, but also increases functionality with its numerous extension options. In this guide, you will learn what is important when selecting the right roof rack for your Ford Ranger, which models are suitable for different requirements and how you can optimally combine functionality, safety and design. This way you can use the full potential of your pickup, no matter where the journey takes you.
Why a roof rack is the best upgrade for your Ford Ranger
Anyone who decides on a pickup is usually looking for freedom, versatility and utility, whether in everyday life on the road or in open terrain. This is precisely where a high-quality roof rack on the Ford Ranger makes the crucial difference: Whether it's bulky equipment, outdoor accessories or holiday luggage, from now on you will no longer have any problems transporting your load on the Ranger. With a well-thought-out design that adapts optimally to the Ford Ranger, our roof racks not only offer more space, but also more flexibility and functionality for adventure and everyday life.
Also for commercial use, in trades or the construction sector, you and your Ford Ranger benefit from being able to safely transport larger pieces of equipment such as ladders, pipes, or tools. The additional cargo space not only increases flexibility, but also allows you to keep the entire interior space available for occupants and valuable equipment.
The perfect rack system: An overview of the most important roof rack types for the Ford Ranger and Ranger Raptor
With the right roof racks, your Ford Ranger is made for adventure and large transports. We offer a variety of roof rack types and designs for the Ranger. Choose between crossbars, luggage carrier platforms, and clever cargo bed racks.
From flexible basic carriers like the TrimHD Bars to premium roof platforms like the RuggedLine, we always have the right solution in stock for your Ford Pickup. Below, you will learn in which areas each type of carrier offers the most advantages.
Buying decision: What to consider when selecting the right roof rack
The variety of roof rack systems in our Ford Ranger online shop offers you a wide selection, from crossbars and platforms to bed racks. To ensure you are completely satisfied with your purchase, there are a few things to consider.
Roof load: How much weight can my Ranger roof carry?
The permissible roof load is an often underestimated but enormously important point. Exceeding it can not only lead to damage to the roof and frame, but also massively impair driving safety in curves or during evasive maneuvers.
Every Ford Ranger, whether Double Cab, Wildtrak or Raptor, has a factory-specified maximum roof load, which is stated in your vehicle's manual. This refers to the total weight including the roof rack, mounting kit, and cargo, and is differentiated between dynamic and static roof load specifications. The dynamic roof load is the weight that may be transported on the roof while driving, and the static roof load applies when the vehicle is stationary. It is important to check this information, as it can vary depending on the year of manufacture, cabin type (single, extra, or double cab), and equipment variant.
Mounting: Ford Ranger with or without roof rails?
How your roof rack is mounted to the Ford Ranger depends significantly on whether your pickup has roof rails. Owners of a Ranger with roof rails, such as the Wildtrak model, benefit from a particularly simple clamp-on installation. The roof rack systems, especially from Yakima, also offer suitable mounting kits that attach to the rails, allowing for a stable fastening without drilling. However, those who own a Ranger without factory-installed rails don't have to miss out: Yakima racks come with vehicle-specific mounting kits that are attached directly to the fixed points, which protects against leaks and vibrations. There are also suitable mounting adapters for special models like the Ford Ranger Tremor, MS-RT, or Stormtrak. Particularly practical: in our Ford Ranger shop, all roof racks are already pre-sorted for you into categories for models with or without rails.
Material & finishing: The advantage of modern aluminum roof racks
The material significantly influences the service life, load capacity, and appearance of your roof rack. While racks were often made of steel in the past, modern roof rack systems from Yakima now rely on high-quality aluminum. Aluminum roof racks are extremely light but still stable, which allows the Ranger's roof load to be used efficiently. The high level of robustness, especially against corrosion, ensures a very long service life. Visually, models like the TrimHD Bars or the Aero FlushBar roof rack blend harmoniously into the design of the Ford Ranger and emphasize its off-road character.
Compatibility: Will the rack fit my Ranger model?
Before purchasing, check the item description to see if the desired roof rack model is suitable for your Ranger model. The roof racks in our range fit both the new Ford Ranger NextGen from 2023 onwards, as well as the previous models from the 2012 model year. There are also no differences for the cabin variants such as Double Cab or Extra Cab. For the Ford Ranger Wildtrak with standard roof rails, we have specially adapted mounting solutions for all roof rack types.
The right accessories make the difference
With the right accessories, you can transform your Ford Ranger roof rack from a simple transport aid into a full-fledged off-road and everyday upgrade. Especially for adventurers and professionals who regularly push the limits of their Yakima rack system's payload, the right accessories are crucial for flexibility, safety, and comfort.
Well-thought-out extensions such as mounting elements and off-road components turn your roof rack into a tailor-made solution. Whether in an urban environment or far from paved roads: an optimally coordinated range of accessories utilizes the compatibility of the T-slot rail and allows you to react flexibly as soon as your requirements change.
Optimal use of the integrated T-slot mounting rail with additional off-road accessories
The T-slot mounting rail is the heart of modern Yakima roof racks for the Ford Ranger. Anyone who wants to get the maximum benefit from this innovative mounting technology relies on off-road accessories with integrated T-slot mounting for a flexible and secure attachment. In our wide range, you will find practical roof rack accessories such as T-slot eye bolts as well as holders for: paddles/shovels, jerry cans, recovery tracks, LED light bars and much more. This allows the roof rack system to be converted, expanded, or adapted to new situations in seconds. A huge advantage if you want to switch spontaneously between a weekend trip and a work assignment.
Especially for off-road use with the Ford Ranger, the variety of accessories is crucial: Even rooftop tents and awnings can be stably mounted on the LocknLoad platform without the need to drill holes or attach cumbersome additional brackets. The combination of a robust design, clever mounting options, and full compatibility with the accessory range of all common brands such as Thule or Rhino-Rack makes your roof rack the ultimate multitool. Thanks to the T-slot, the system ensures secure load distribution and high load capacity, crucial points for driving safety and long expeditions.
Facts about the Yakima brand
Anyone looking for the ideal roof rack for their Ford Ranger will sooner or later come across the Yakima brand. Known for innovation and premium quality, Yakima combines functionality with modern design. Yakima, from the city of the same name in Washington, USA, has been producing custom-fit transport and luggage solutions since 1979. With the Aero ThruBar, FlushBar, RailBar, Trim-HD Bar, and Rugged-Line, Yakima offers tailor-made solutions for every application.
The custom-made Yakima roof rack products combine functionality as well as sporty design and innovative technologies. Basically, Yakima roof racks are divided into two product lines with numerous variants:
TrimHD |
Aero |
|---|---|
| Heavy-duty solution for off-road, commercial, and daily use | Classic roof rack in aero design for daily use |
| Compatible with LockNLoad feet, StreamLine and Yakima SmartFoot | Compatible with the Yakima SmartFoot mounting system |
| Versatile full-length bar for additional transport width | Available in Aero ThruBar, FlushBar, and RailBar designs |
| Available in Black | Available in Black and Silver |
| 21 mm accessory T-slot and tie-down points | 21 mm accessory T-slot |
| Product load capacity 100 kg per pair | Product load capacity 75 kg per pair |
| Flat bar profile | Curved bar profile |
| Same Key System (SKS) Locks included | Same Key System (SKS) Locks included |
Your advantages at Ullstein Concepts, the pickup and Ford Ranger specialist
When you buy your Ford Ranger roof racks 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.
Continue here to the right rack for your Ford Ranger model
After all the background information and detailed comparisons, it's now time to make a decision. In our Ford Ranger accessories shop, you have the choice between proven crossbars, robust platforms, or bed racks. Our roof racks fit both the new Ford Ranger NextGen from 2023 onwards, as well as the previous models from the 2012 model year. Here you can quickly and easily find custom-fit roof racks, roof platforms, and accessory products for every Ford Ranger model:
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