Roof racks for the Ford Ranger: which one fits and how much can go on the roof?

In short: A roof rack for the Ford Ranger has to match the model series and the cab. The T6, T7 and T8 (2011 to 2022) and the current T9 have their own kits. How much you can load is determined by the lower of the permitted roof load of your Ranger (owner's manual) and the load capacity of the rack. From this you subtract the weight of the rack.

Load bars or platform?

The first decision is the design. Load bars are light and inexpensive; a platform offers more attachment points and a continuous surface.

Design	Good for	Example in the shop	Watch out for
2 load bars	Roof box, bikes, kayak, ladder	Rhino-Rack Sportz or Heavy Duty	Low weight; accessories need matching mounts
Platform	Jerry cans, sand ladders, recovery gear, rooftop tent	Front Runner Slimline II, Slimsport, Rhino-Rack Pioneer 6	Higher weight; with Front Runner, drilling according to the fitting instructions

Which roof rack fits which Ranger?

The following kits are vehicle-specific. The dimensions come from the manufacturer's specifications in our product data.

Ranger	Load bars	Platform
T6, T7, T8 Double Cab (2011 to 2022)	Rhino-Rack Sportz roof rack kit 1260 mm for Ford Ranger T6, T7, T8 Double Cab	Front Runner Slimline II roof rack kit for Ford Ranger T6, Wildtrak, Raptor (2012 to 2022), platform 1358 x 1255 mm
T9 Double Cab (from 2022)	Rhino-Rack Heavy Duty roof rack kit 1250 mm for Ford Ranger T9	Front Runner Slimsport roof rack kit for Ford Ranger T6.2 Wildtrak and Raptor Double Cab, surface 1272 x 1166 mm
T9 Raptor Double Cab and VW Amarok from 2022	Rhino-Rack Sportz roof rack kit 1260 mm for Ford Ranger T9 Raptor and VW Amarok Double Cab	Front Runner Slimsport (see above; according to the manufacturer also for the Amarok from 2023)

There are separate kits for the Wildtrak with roof rails, and for the Extra Cab and Single Cab. Front Runner calls the current generation T6.2, Rhino-Rack refers to T9 or P703. They mean the same vehicle. You will find the complete range under Ford Ranger accessories and Roof Racks & Transport.

Calculating the roof load correctly

Three values determine how much you can put on the roof:

1. Permitted roof load of the vehicle. It is stated in your Ranger's owner's manual. We deliberately do not give a figure here, because different values circulate online and the figure can vary by model year and specification.
2. Load capacity of the rack. It is stated in the rack manufacturer's instructions.
3. Weight of the rack. According to Front Runner, the Slimline II kit for the T6 weighs around 29 kg when fitted.

Worked example with freely chosen figures: if the owner's manual allows 100 kg and the rack 150 kg, 100 kg applies. If the rack weighs 30 kg, that leaves 70 kg for your load.

The difference between dynamic and static load is important. The dynamic load applies while driving. The static load applies when stationary and can be higher if the manufacturer approves it. For a rooftop tent with two people, you need the static figure from both the vehicle and the rack manufacturer. If it is missing, do not count on a higher load.

Rooftop tent on the Ranger: roof or load bed?

Space on the cab roof is limited, and the load depends on approval from Ford and the rack manufacturer. One alternative is the load bed. According to ARB, the ARB HardLid Basic for Ford Ranger Next-Gen (Double Cab, incl. Raptor) is designed for a dynamic load of 150 kg and a static load of 380 kg and is specified as suitable for rooftop tents. Another solution is a load bed rack, which we present in the guide Hardtop, tonneau cover or load bed rack. You will find suitable tents under Rooftop tents.

Fitting: what to look out for

• Drilling: For the Slimline II kit (T6) and the Slimsport kit (T6.2), Front Runner states in the product data that drilling is required for fitting.
• Speed: Front Runner specifies a maximum speed of 130 km/h for vehicles fitted with its roof rack or load bar kits.
• Instructions: For the Front Runner kits, the manufacturer's fitting instructions are linked as a PDF on the product page. Read them before you buy so that you know which tools you need.
• Shipping: According to the product data, the Front Runner platforms weigh 28 to 29 kg packed. Whether a kit is sent by parcel or freight is stated in the technical data.

Frequently asked questions

What is the roof load of the Ford Ranger?

The binding figure is in your vehicle's owner's manual. Do not rely on tables online, where different values appear for the same model series.

Does a roof rack from the T8 fit the T9?

No, choose a kit for your model series. There are separate load bars and platforms for the T9, such as the Rhino-Rack Heavy Duty kit or the Front Runner Slimsport.

Do I need a different roof rack for the Wildtrak?

If your Wildtrak has roof rails, yes. Rhino-Rack, for example, offers a Sportz kit with 1650 mm for the T9 Wildtrak with roof rails.

Do I have to drill for fitting?

With the Front Runner kits mentioned, yes. For other racks, it is stated in the fitting instructions. If you are unsure, ask us before ordering at hello@trail-setter.com.