Which Hardtop Canopy?

[Mart123blue]

Hi Guys, live in Hampshire UK and have a new UK Ranger Wildtrak Doublecab arriving in July.

Really need some advice re. which Hardtop Canopy to specify?

I know your trucks are a little different but general advise for general leisure use would be great.

Ideally the dealer would want me to spec one from this website. https://www.4x4at.com/vehicles/ford/ranger/double-cab/2023/hardtops_trucktops_

Thanks in advance.

Cheers

M

 

[ekrampitzjr]

Looks as if your 2023 Ranger will be our new 2024 Ranger.

For other members in North America, a hardtop canopy in Britain is what we call a camper shell.

Typically here in the US owners buy the shell separately from a vendor, and installation is either by the vendor or the owner. In years past this usually meant drilling holes in the top of the bed sides to install anchors.

Two big names for canopies/shells here in the US are Leer and Leonard, and other members undoubtedly know of others. Don't know whether those names are sold there. The ones in the site you linked look interesting.

Here are a few thoughts about a choice, if you are able to look at examples in person and ask installers:

1. Fiberglass is probably preferable to aluminum or other metal. But you still want something that is not flimsy or prone to flex.

2. The unit should ideally attach to the bed without drilling holes in the bed sides.

3. The unit should have weatherproofing between the bed sides and itself, not just to keep out all that British rain , but also to protect the truck finish and minimize squeaks and noise.

4. Consider the number and size of windows, and balance visibility when reversing with security for contents in the bed.

Some of those canopies/shells in the link look really nice on the Ranger. Simply balance cost with your exact requirements, keeping the above in mind.

Also, is the Ranger for personal use or for business? The exact style you need might depend on the use. Over there the odds are you're buying for business, while here most pickups are bought for personal use.

This really isn't that much help, Mart123blue, but I hope it does help a little.

 

[sgtsandman]

I prefer a bed cap that offers the most visibility to the rear and sides as possible to minimize blind spots. Intended use is going to dictate how much glazing you are going to have. If you carry tools and equipment, if you can get just side access the tool box without glazing on the driver's side and leave the passenger side left glazed for best visibility, do that. The lest preferred option to me would be having side access tool boxes on both sides. Sometimes, you just have to take what is offered unless you can custom order a cap how you want it. Otherwise, you basically have a panel van and will have limited visibility outside of what the side mirrors and rear hatch provide.

 

[Mart123blue]

Thanks guys, its for leisure use, fishing, camping etc. So security is not a massive issue, no expensive tools.

I was just hoping that you would recognize some of the brands and have a strong favourite. I agree they do look decent, but no substitute for a personal recommendation.

Thanks for all your great comments so far.

Cheers

M

p.s. I don't have to get it from that website, I could go to a different supplier and sort myself, that is the one the dealer uses so simplest.

 

[sgtsandman]

We don’t have any of those brands here. We have Leer, Pace, ARE, and a few others. Can’t help with brands recommendations.

 

[ekrampitzjr]

Hey, Mart123blue, keep us in mind when your Ranger is delivered. We want pictures!

 

[Mart123blue]

It will be my pleasure.

Hey, Mart123blue, keep us in mind when your Ranger is delivered. We want pictures!

 

[Mart123blue]

I like this one, I think they are an Australian Brand.

Ford Ranger 2023- Carryboy SR5 Hardtop Canopy with Sliding Windows in Various Colours

Carryboy SR5 Leisure Canopy for Ford Ranger 2023- Double Cab Introducing the latest leisure hardtop for the Ford Ranger 2023- double cab from Carryboy, the SR5 canopy, available in various OEM colour-matched options. With its sleek and stylish design, this canopy is the perfect addition to your...

www.4x4at.com

 

[ekrampitzjr]

I like this one, I think they are an Australian Brand.

Ford Ranger 2023- Carryboy SR5 Hardtop Canopy with Sliding Windows in Various Colours

Carryboy SR5 Leisure Canopy for Ford Ranger 2023- Double Cab Introducing the latest leisure hardtop for the Ford Ranger 2023- double cab from Carryboy, the SR5 canopy, available in various OEM colour-matched options. With its sleek and stylish design, this canopy is the perfect addition to your...

www.4x4at.com

That one matches the truck well, and looks as though the side windows slide for ventilation. Nice one.

 

[Mart123blue]

That one matches the truck well, and looks as though the side windows slide for ventilation. Nice one.

Thanks, should I care that it is made from Fibreglass and not ABS?

 

[superj]

no, fiberglass is what they have been made from for years with no issues.

 

[Mart123blue]

no, fiberglass is what they have been made from for years with no issues.

Cool, ordered.

 

[Mart123blue]

I prefer a bed cap that offers the most visibility to the rear and sides as possible to minimize blind spots. Intended use is going to dictate how much glazing you are going to have. If you carry tools and equipment, if you can get just side access the tool box without glazing on the driver's side and leave the passenger side left glazed for best visibility, do that. The lest preferred option to me would be having side access tool boxes on both sides. Sometimes, you just have to take what is offered unless you can custom order a cap how you want it. Otherwise, you basically have a panel van and will have limited visibility outside of what the side mirrors and rear hatch provide.

It's unbelievable to me but the truck comes with cameras all round. Will have to wait and see as the one at the dealer was just a model and could not switch on...

 

[sgtsandman]

It's unbelievable to me but the truck comes with cameras all round. Will have to wait and see as the one at the dealer was just a model and could not switch on...

The front camera on mine is for the lane keeping, collision prevention, and automatic high beam systems. The rear camera is for backing up and aligning your trailer to your hitch (if the lens isn't coated in road spray and dirt). There are no side cameras, just sensors for traffic. The European models may be different.

The windows are pretty low profile and the bed sides are pretty high profile. So, rear visibility isn't all that great to begin with. Thrown a bed cap on there with the added blind spots they give, it exacerbates the problem. Not so badly that it becomes a huge problem most of the time, as long as you maintain good situational awareness but it is there. Now, at night, with the tinting in the windows and an unlit driveway, parking lot, etc, it can become a real problem. One of my future plans is to install some flush mount LED work lights in the bumper in order to help with some of that.

 

[racsan]

Leer is a personal brand favorite of mine. Had a snugtop years ago that I liked. It had a seal that seated up against the back of the cab, one less pane of glass to look through.