Hardtop, tonneau cover or load bed rack: making the most of the Ford Ranger's load bed

In short: There are three ways to use the Ford Ranger's load bed. A hardtop gives you the most enclosed storage space. A tonneau cover keeps the line flat and, depending on the model, can even carry a rooftop tent. A load bed rack creates an open platform for bulky equipment. Which solution suits you depends on what you carry and whether a rooftop tent is coming along.

The three solutions compared

The values in the table come from the manufacturer's specifications in our product data for the current Ranger (Double Cab, from 2022).

Solution	Example	Load capacity according to manufacturer	Weight according to manufacturer	Good for
Hardtop	ARB Classic, Classic Plus, Ascent	not specified in our data	not specified in our data	Tools, luggage, drawer systems
Aluminium tonneau cover	ARB HardLid Basic	150 kg dynamic, 380 kg static	approx. 48.5 kg	flat line, rooftop tent on the cover
ABS tonneau cover	ARB SportLid V	75 kg dynamic	42 kg	flat line, light load on top
Load bed rack	Front Runner Slimline II	see manufacturer's instructions	approx. 33.7 kg fitted	Jerry cans, sand ladders, rooftop tent, long items

ARB hardtops for the Ranger: Classic, Classic Plus, Ascent

From ARB we stock three hardtop lines for the Ranger. Classic and Classic Plus are available for the Double Cab and the Extra Cab. There are separate versions for the Ranger from 2011 (T6 to T8) and the Ranger from 2022; the models from 2022 include the Raptor.

• Classic: Smooth or textured finish. You can have the smooth version painted in the vehicle colour; painting is not included. For the side windows you can choose between solid sides, sliding windows, and pop-up windows on the left, right or both sides. Example: ARB Classic hardtop smooth with 2 pop-up windows for Ford Ranger from 2022 Double Cab.
• Classic Plus: Pop-up windows on both sides with gas struts and rain gutter, plus an electronic rear door with central remote locking. Example: ARB Classic Plus hardtop for Ford Ranger Double Cab from 2022.
• Ascent: ABS hard shell, pop-up windows with gas springs on both sides and central locking that works in sync with the vehicle key. According to ARB, a manual emergency release is provided. Example: ARB Ascent hardtop for Ford Ranger from 2022 incl. Raptor.

ARB recommends having its hardtops fitted by a specialist workshop. We deliver them by freight. You will find all variants under Ford Ranger accessories and on our brand page ARB.

Tonneau cover: SportLid V or HardLid Basic

Both covers are designed for the current-generation Ranger Double Cab and, according to ARB, are compatible with the factory sports bar. The difference lies in the construction and the load capacity.

The ARB SportLid V tonneau cover Smooth for Ford Ranger and Ranger Raptor from 2022 has an ABS outer skin on an aluminium chassis, weighs 42 kg and, according to ARB, carries up to 75 kg while driving. It can be removed completely for bulky loads. The smooth surface can be painted, and the key locking can be upgraded to remote locking. According to the product data, ARB requires a factory sports bar for the SportLid V.

The ARB HardLid Basic aluminium tonneau cover for Ford Ranger Next-Gen consists of 3 mm aluminium chequer plate on a reinforced frame. ARB specifies a dynamic load capacity of 150 kg and a static load capacity of 380 kg and describes it as suitable for rooftop tents. One note from the manufacturer's data: for the cover to open on its own, no more than 10 kg may be on it, or 25 kg with the heavy-duty struts. If there is more on it, such as a rooftop tent, the cover will no longer open on its own. Check the weight of your tent beforehand.

Load bed rack for rooftop tent and equipment

A load bed rack is a platform that sits on brackets above the tub. The load bed underneath remains open and usable. The Front Runner Slimline II load bed rack kit for Ford Ranger T6.2 Wildtrak and Raptor from 2022 has a surface of 1358 x 1345 mm and weighs around 33.7 kg when fitted. Front Runner offers a separate kit for the Wildtrak with factory roll cover. As with all Front Runner racks, the manufacturer specifies a maximum speed of 130 km/h.

Check before you buy

1. Model series and cab: T6 to T8 or current generation, Double Cab or Extra Cab.
2. Specification: Sports bar, load bed roller cover, Raptor or Wildtrak change the fitment.
3. Payload: Hardtop, cover or rack all come off your payload. Factor in the weight before you choose the suspension. More on this in Lifting a Ford Ranger.
4. Rooftop tent: If a tent is coming along, you need a static load rating from the manufacturer. Everything on the subject of roof load is in Roof racks for the Ford Ranger.

Frequently asked questions

Can I put a rooftop tent on the tonneau cover?

On the ARB HardLid Basic, yes, according to the manufacturer; it is rated for a static load of 380 kg. For the SportLid V, our product data only state a dynamic load capacity of 75 kg. For a rooftop tent, the HardLid is the right choice.

Are there hardtops for the Extra Cab?

Yes. ARB also offers the Classic and Classic Plus for the Extra Cab, for the Ranger from 2011 and from 2022.

Does the hardtop have to be painted?

You can have the smooth version painted in the vehicle colour. Painting is not included. The textured version has a structured surface.

How is a hardtop delivered and fitted?

By freight. ARB recommends having it fitted by a specialist workshop.