PSA: Bed rail caps on '26 are thinner than '25... Tonneau covers will NOT fit

[danmoochie]

this makes no sense and all I see is lack of extra protection and a cheaper version of what worked. Just my .02

Sponsored

 

[Ron Quixote]

Can someone please post a picture of the 2026 tailgate cap from multiple angles?

 

[Fattirz in NC]

One reason might be the older design (thicker) is susceptible to crushing under load (it’s not a solid piece of plastic trim) and causing issues with aftermarket products mounting to the top of the bed rails… I have been looking into adding Yakima Overhaul HD bed rack system, but this rack system show's as “non compatible” on the 6G Rangers. This was not an issue for the 5G Ranger.

Personally I’m pissed that my ‘25 RR has so few options for bed racks due to the crappy trim piece design. I was really counting on the Yakima Overhaul HD because of all of the water sport accessories available and the ability to quickly remove it when it wasn’t needed. I’m current looking into the Kuat Ibex rack system but has issues with fitment, not easy to remove and lacks many watersport accessories. I went with the Ranger over the Tacoma with 6’ bed thinking a bed rack system would solve the fact that Ford isn’t offering a 6’ bed with the Ranger. Very frustrating to say the least and I am looking at other options. One option is to design and 3D print spacers/shims in the load bearing areas where the OverHaul HD would land on the bed rails.

 

[tivct]

Personally I’m pissed that my ‘25 RR has so few options for bed racks due to the crappy trim piece design. I was really counting on the Yakima Overhaul HD because of all of the water sport accessories available and the ability to quickly remove it when it wasn’t needed.

I think there's a way to use the Overhaul.

With these:
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessorie...dsZ0ovKbQTNqqNvvA2U-dmHKh1u8cgFcaAqWlEALw_wcB

Bolted through these:
https://buckleupoffroad.com/product..._SX9gRNcJuCA2B3oxHep73PZWuAK-G2SBHT6lBg9WPZ9R

Would likely need extended bolts. At least, that's what I was planning on doing until my '26 showed up...

 

[Ron Quixote]

I think there's a way to use the Overhaul.

With these:
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessorie...dsZ0ovKbQTNqqNvvA2U-dmHKh1u8cgFcaAqWlEALw_wcB

Bolted through these:
https://buckleupoffroad.com/product..._SX9gRNcJuCA2B3oxHep73PZWuAK-G2SBHT6lBg9WPZ9R

Would likely need extended bolts. At least, that's what I was planning on doing until my '26 showed up...

Sounds like you need to find a 2025 owner to swap rail caps with.

 

[daytoncarter]

I like the new rail caps! No reason to have the huge plastic caps on the bed it's already hard to reach into.

 

[Loudpa]

For what it's worth I did ask Leer about fitment of their hf650m on a 2026 and...

The 2026 Ford Ranger uses the same cover as the 2025 model. If you're using the fitment guide on our website, please enter your vehicle as a 2025 _ to view all options.
Our team is currently working on updating the site to include all 2026 models, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause during the process.

 

[Aemonn]

I think there's a way to use the Overhaul.

With these:
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessorie...dsZ0ovKbQTNqqNvvA2U-dmHKh1u8cgFcaAqWlEALw_wcB

Bolted through these:
https://buckleupoffroad.com/product..._SX9gRNcJuCA2B3oxHep73PZWuAK-G2SBHT6lBg9WPZ9R

Would likely need extended bolts. At least, that's what I was planning on doing until my '26 showed up...

There's also these which are all aluminum instead of HDPE with atopper.
https://americanadventurelab.com/product/ford-ranger-bed-rail-attachment-spacer-pack-pair/

 

[spazzyfry123]

Interesting change. Would be curious to understand why, but I do think it looks better. Maybe I look at weird details, but the thick rail caps have bugged me since before I signed the papers to bring it home. This looks a lot more streamlined. I wonder if this is a form vs function situation or if it's two birds, one stone.

And while I wouldn't make the change if it meant it would impact my Softopper fitment, I do wonder if it is able to be changed out in retro.

 

[cc1999]

One reason might be the older design (thicker) is susceptible to crushing under load (it’s not a solid piece of plastic trim) and causing issues with aftermarket products mounting to the top of the bed rails… I have been looking into adding Yakima Overhaul HD bed rack system, but this rack system show's as “non compatible” on the 6G Rangers. This was not an issue for the 5G Ranger.

Personally I’m pissed that my ‘25 RR has so few options for bed racks due to the crappy trim piece design. I was really counting on the Yakima Overhaul HD because of all of the water sport accessories available and the ability to quickly remove it when it wasn’t needed. I’m current looking into the Kuat Ibex rack system but has issues with fitment, not easy to remove and lacks many watersport accessories. I went with the Ranger over the Tacoma with 6’ bed thinking a bed rack system would solve the fact that Ford isn’t offering a 6’ bed with the Ranger. Very frustrating to say the least and I am looking at other options. One option is to design and 3D print spacers/shims in the load bearing areas where the OverHaul HD would land on the bed rails.

Yes, that is true with the older one having that gap under them.
The Channel lock racks we bought we supposed to be pocket mount and they were but they only attached to the plastic not any steel involved, so we ended up drilling and bolting them on to get a solid attachment to the trucks.

 

[tivct]

For what it's worth I did ask Leer about fitment of their hf650m on a 2026 and...

The 2026 Ford Ranger uses the same cover as the 2025 model. If you're using the fitment guide on our website, please enter your vehicle as a 2025 _ to view all options.
Our team is currently working on updating the site to include all 2026 models, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause during the process.

False... point them here...

 

[purdyd]

It seems like a smarter more solid design. I notice that gap at the front of the bed is a lot less making is easier to put a cover or shell on.

the only draw back I see is that you lose a 1/2” of height in the bed. For HOW I use it, I like that extra height.

i wonder if the channeling on the rails has changed. Ford seemed to design the rail to leak into the bed.

 

[jacksdad]

Is the 2026 tailgate cap completely flat?

 

[Ron Quixote]

Here’s a pixelated zoom in of a 2026 tailgate cap end. It does indeed look like Ford has fixed the draining into the bed.

EDIT: Found a better pic.

Big improvement over this:

 

[Ron Quixote]

And here’s a good look at the rise between the cap and bed at the far end.

Sponsored