Ford Ranger to canopy or not

[Bridon0320]

Evening all, after views I’m trying to get a Canopy or Tonneua for my Ranger but don’t know what would be best. I’m out at least one a month if not more what’s everyone’s views also any recommendations for picking one up as well. Thanks in advance Brian

 

[FISH BOY]

Canopy all day long - doubles the useable space, couldnt wait to get rid of my mountain top, then make yourself a bed slide.

How to make a truck tub bed slide.

Became sick and tired of climbing in the back of the truck to get stuff, I needed a solution. Looked at making draw unit, but thought they come up too high, take up too much space and to be honest didn’t really know what I would actually want to leave in it. Then started looking at custom made...

www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk

Go for an Alpha canopy - Ford tech that fitted mine said it was the best fit he had seen in a while. Very happy with it.

 

[Bridon0320]

Canopy all day long - doubles the useable space, couldnt wait to get rid of my mountain top, then make yourself a bed slide.

How to make a truck tub bed slide.

Became sick and tired of climbing in the back of the truck to get stuff, I needed a solution. Looked at making draw unit, but thought they come up too high, take up too much space and to be honest didn’t really know what I would actually want to leave in it. Then started looking at custom made...

www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk

Go for an Alpha canopy - Ford tech that fitted mine said it was the best fit he had seen in a while. Very happy with it.

Suppose I better try and find a black second hand one then lol. Like the bed idea.

 

[tozzybum]

If cost is an issue get a self inflating mattress for now .£30 gets a comfy nights sleep and insulation from the truck bed .

 

[countrryboy]

It all depends wot u use ur pick up for.

I need a canopy for keeping tools)dogs in.
Whereas a keeper mght be better off with out 1 if used for feeding duties, lugging bags over the sides.

Really up to u, a lot of folk will have different uses/needs out of there pick up so wot is ideal for 1 not ideal for all.

I do think pick up backs are ackward spaces without a fake floor and cubby holes below. I just use plastic storage boxes to slide in out rather than expensive custom made jobs.

 

[Craigsaun]

Just sold my ford ranger thunder that had a road ranger canopy and bought a new l 200 with no canopy . It's definitely getting a new canopy

 

[Lever357]

Just steer clear of Truckman - the top tailgate hinges just aren't up to the job. And then the lock goes. Oh, and your replacement hinges will snap. Again. And you'll be lucky if they dont ruin your struts.

 

[dartmoordog]

Not even worth a debate mate, as a Ranger owner................Canopy, no discussion.

 

[gixer1]

Fit a ridgeback s-series, had one on my 3.2 WT ranger from new, the canopy was good, just a shame it was attached to the pile of sh*te ranger!!
Regards,
Gixer

 

[sikasako]

If you are after a secure, professionally made top then have a look a those made by N&J Aluminium.

 

[countrryboy]

Must admit I'd only have aluminium canopies from now on, better for my needs than the fibre glass 1s and more secure.
Look about better if u spray them a similar colour to ur pick up

The N J ones are excellent , bit dearer than the cheap iffor models but if ur wanting gas struts and solid locking back door etc much same price if not cheaper..
They can do all sorts put lamping sunroofs or really good compartments at front
corners with locking doors

 

[L1A1]

I have had 3 Rangers, 2 with "canopy" and 1 with flat cover. It all depends on what you need the Ranger for. Canopy will give you more room but a pain to get stuff in and out (crawling in to get stuff). Flat top makes getting stuff out from the front easier and if you need to carry bulk items (logs, dumpy bags, feed bags).
The main thing is how often you would have to take the canopy off to do the jobs you need.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

If you are going the canopy route get four front seat slider mechanisms from any scrap car and cut a piece of plywood into a T shape to fit the floors shape leaving the front of the wheel arches free then make up two vertical closers to make those into cubby boxes. Screw the four sliders across the rear edge of the bed with two small rollers B&Q £2 under the front of the ply, then you can pull the load floor back out of the bed to when the seat rails stop for load/unloading.