My Ranger I ordered with a 7’ bed. I figured it to be my personal best option. I put a diamond plate tool box in back that easily comes out, by removal of two eyelets, one on each side, that also double as tie downs, when the toolbox is removed. The tool box is about 6” up from the bottom of the bed, so I can leave the tool box in and slide cargo underneath, if necessary. I also had a spray in bed liner done. The price was high, but I love it! Also freed up a bit mor space along the sides of the bed. With its 4.0 SOHC, arguably stronger manual transmission and other smaller features, my small Ranger is equipped like a midsize.
But these newer Rangers actually being midsize and yet having such short beds, should have a custom, completely slip away, bed extender. It’s just common sense.