Baja tested rack, storage, chase lights, fuel jugs and Starlink mount

[AdventureLab]

I want to duplicate your 3-rail rack and case set-up. What parts do I need? I found AAL’s three racks…do they mount to spacers under the plastic bed rail? Which cases are those that seem to fit tailor-made for the rack spacing? Any special mounting hardware required?

Thanks in advance!
Robert

Hey Robert,

I can help with that. The "RAILS" come with the spacers. We use, what we call, a "dynamic spacer pack", meaning the stack height varies based on which position you're installing to. Here are the instructions - https://americanadventurelab.com/files/instructions/RR-1000 - Ford Ranger Bed RAIL - Accessories.pdf. Page 4 speaks to the spacer pack.

All required mounting hardware is supplied. However, we do offer an optional (patent pending) Nut Plate Set that drastically speeds installation and removal of the rails.

https://americanadventurelab.com/product/ford-ranger-bolt-in-bed-rail-nut-plate-set/

If you have any question, just reply here if that's good. That way, we may be able to answer future questions here as well.

Thanks for your interest!

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[bjc]

Please help me understand those nice cases. Do they serve a "specific need" or are they just nice cases to have over the bed? I am legitimately seeking to understand. I looked them up online and they are expensive. Do you have them because the large spare tire takes up space? thx

 

[Buckster]

Looks Awesome! Can you give some details on the killer 3rd Brake Light? Who makes it? Looks like inside it you've got baja S2s. Did you go with the pro or sport? Spot, Driving/Combo, or Wide? Also which wiring harness (basic, Stop tail, turn, etc)?

 

[Baja_RR]

Please help me understand those nice cases. Do they serve a "specific need" or are they just nice cases to have over the bed? I am legitimately seeking to understand. I looked them up online and they are expensive. Do you have them because the large spare tire takes up space? thx

No worries. Great question and I'll try to help. Let's start at the beginning. I own a bunch of Pelican cases (they're HQ is here in LA) and a big fan. So when ROAM launched I was skeptical. So I first purchased the 95l for my Bronco and impressed.

Fast forward to RR. In Baja, everything in cab needs to be strapped down. Back seat has 35l fridge, 100 watt hour Bluetti power bank, tools recovery gear cameras, etc.

So, where to put my navigator and my duffle bags and a bunch of other lightweight gear we need that doesn't weigh much but takes up space?

Hence these 2 128l cases. We could get away with one frankly, but 2 make sense both visually and functionally and keep the back seat pretty empty which is safer and nicer.

Plus fast and easy to remove and leave in hotel if we don't need them while doing something epic.

I'll be honest - compared to the cost of portals, this doesn't matter at all. From a budget standpoint, #1 is ProCal tune, #2 is bed coating. Everything beyond that is pure joy and fun but not requisite. I'm lucky to have such a rig. Beyond dreams.

If you can swing it, these other things are great and open the cabin for 3-4 people or, adding a fridge, etc. If you go, the AAL rack is the best I know of and is amazing with ROAM case, Starlink and Baja Designs lights. But, I'm smart enough to know it's not for everyone.

Hope this helps.

 

[Baja_RR]

Looks Awesome! Can you give some details on the killer 3rd Brake Light? Who makes it? Looks like inside it you've got baja S2s. Did you go with the pro or sport? Spot, Driving/Combo, or Wide? Also which wiring harness (basic, Stop tail, turn, etc)?

BajaHQ from San Juan Capistrano, CA. Top shelf shop that also has their own parts. Include some Baja Design Lights and antenna mount which we use with Ham radio in Baja and then switch antenna with GMRS radio in US.

The 3rd light stays on after the vehicle turns off while the rack is switched.

I consulted with Baja Designs so those are all Sports on the rack with work/scene lenses.

We have gotten a lot of compliments and requests to drive behind us since the high mount position, bright lumens and side lights ensure visibility in Baja dust. I'll stack this setup against anything out there. No complaints at all.

Hope this helps.

 

[bjc]

Hope this helps.

Yes, thank you.

 

[jordantii]

@Baja_RR I just purchased a rail from @AdventureLab also in black. I noticed on yours the hardware is black. Is that different hardware, did you paint/coat it or...?

 

[Baja_RR]

I'm a sticler for black which does add a little cost.

I'd suggest you contact AAL and get the McMaster-Carr specs of their bolts. I've done that on both my RR and Bronco for both AAl stuff and Trailrax on Bronco. And yes, I still have to replace the bolts on the Baja Designs lights as well!

That said, the rack has been amazing and I'm super thrilled with the performance and visuals as well. Not to mention lots of "thanks" for the chase lights as well when guys are behind in Baja dust.

 

[jordantii]

I'm a sticler for black which does add a little cost.

I'd suggest you contact AAL and get the McMaster-Carr specs of their bolts. I've done that on both my RR and Bronco for both AAl stuff and Trailrax on Bronco. And yes, I still have to replace the bolts on the Baja Designs lights as well!

That said, the rack has been amazing and I'm super thrilled with the performance and visuals as well. Not to mention lots of "thanks" for the chase lights as well when guys are behind in Baja dust.

Yeah I get it. I’m the same when it comes to coordinating colors. I ordered it on Friday so it has not shipped yet. I’ll reach out to them and see what info I can get.

Thanks for the info. Really appreciate it.

 

[RaptrJr]

Any update on the Knine fenders/bedsides?

Also, what rails are you using to strap the tire and jack down in your bed? Once I go to 35's the spare is going in the bed and I like that setup and might consider that instead of a bed rack.

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