2024 XLT truck bedrail cap issue

[seabass069]

I just purchased a 2024 Ranger XLT (non-Raptor) and the truck bed rails say "do not install accessories onto the molding". I asked my Ford dealer body shop manager about it and he has not heard of that, as toppers and tent campers are mounted directly onto the molding. With that said, some people are installing homemade shims. I cannot find where to purchase shims and Ford does not sell them. I've attached a couple pictures that a previous forum member posted a few months ago. Does anyone know if Ford plans on selling specific bed rails for toppers/campers? Not sure why Ford changed their bed rails know that people put toppers/campers on the trucks. Am I overthinking this? Looking for advice on where to purchase shims and/or other bed rail caps.

Article about bedrail issue: https://www.chastangford.com/2024-ford-ranger-bed-rail-mounted-accessories-safety-info/

Sponsored

 

[AugPal]

Doesn't it have something to do with needing J Braces?

 

[seabass069]

The reinforcement braces are needed if you mount anything over 88 pounds. I just had those installed. Myself and the dealer are puzzled why the bed rail caps say don't mount anything. Yet, there is nothing put out from Ford saying what is the alternative mounting procedure/process.

 

[bbrptr]

Here's another thread discussing this https://www.ranger6g.com/forum/threads/2024-ranger-bed-cap-shims.10928/

Buckle up Offroad sells shims, though they are sold out at the moment. They are listed for the RR but I don't think rails are any different then the non raptor.

 

[seabass069]

Thanks! Myself and Super Pacific (X1 camper) has been in contact with them. Buckle up Offroad thinks they will get more in stock sometime in January.

 

[DutchRanger]

Whatever you're trying to mount should come with proper brackets or adapters that make it mount onto the metal. Maybe reach out to the camper company and ask them if the kit comes with mounting hardware?

 

[seabass069]

It's not as much about the mounting, it's the camper sitting on top of the bed rails. Super Pacific (camper company) is aware, but they don't have a solution, other than making their own shims. The toughest part is no one from Ford has answers. The dealer had not seen the warning message on the bed rails before.

 

[Morningpride]

You know, this is starting to get ridiculous. I have a bed cover that clamps the brackets over the plastic bed rail. First they say we need special J brackets, now don’t mount anything to the plastic bed rail. All along quoting the owners manual that none of us got an actual copy of.

 

[seabass069]

You know, this is starting to get ridiculous. I have a bed cover that clamps the brackets over the plastic bed rail. First they say we need special J brackets, now don’t mount anything to the plastic bed rail. All along quoting the owners manual that none of us got an actual copy of.

Yes it is!! Basically, the 2024 Ranger bed rails are a light protective, decorative cover. If you want to install a camper/topper, then you have to come up with your own shims. Ford does not sell the shims. Companies like GFC install their own shims to attach a camper to.

If you had J brackets installed by a Ford dealer, keep the receipt. My dealer told me that this week. Apparently, Ford is now installing the J brackets at the Ford factory (during production). If there is a recall, you could be reimbursed. Ford has already informed customers who bought a cover from Ford and had J brackets installed will be reimbursed for the J bracket installation.

 

[DirtDad]

Doesnt look like it would be hard to make shims. Maybe cut out of a polyetheline cutting board, and stack as many as you need? Shouldnt have to do this to use your truck as a truck.

 

[RichR]

I just had a Leer cap installed on my Ranger XLT. Leer furnished the shims but the holes on the bed, shims, and the cap didn't line up. My dealer had to ream out new holes to get everything lined up. I don't know anything so simple could get screwed up. The cap was bolted down with bolts, lock washers, and nuts. Normally on other trucks the caps are clamped to the bed.

 

[seabass069]

I spoke with Ford Accessories today and asked if Ford provides shims or has shims as an accessory if I buy a Leer canopy through Ford. They responded back, according to a Ford engineer, 'The canopy on the Ford website is by LEER specifically for Ranger. LEER would provide what is needed for the dealer to install the canopy'. I responded back saying I spoke with 3 Ford dealers and none of them had heard that shims are needed on the 2024 Ranger, and they have not been given any guidance.

Basically, it's up to the canopy manufacturer to provide the shims.

 

[RichR]

I just had a Leer cap installed by the Leer dealer, and Leer furnished the shims.

 

[seabass069]

Thanks! I'm actually having a Super Pacific XI installed. Was hoping that Ford would sell the shims as an accessory. When I was talking Ford I just said I was going to buy the Leer, since it can be purchased through Ford. I didn't expect Ford to say the canopy manufacturer will provide the shims. I have reached out to Leer to see if they will sell the shims.

Sponsored