Are J Braces required for topper install on NA Ranger Raptor?

[Narwhal Truck Toppers]

I have been looking at toppers for the Ranger Raptor and was hoping to install the Alucab but they are not available yet and looks like RSI Smartcap is one of the only options for a hard shell topper at the moment. With that, when you go to the RSI website it has a warning that J braces must be installed to support anything mounted to the bed over 99lbs. I have seen this for the international market but can anyone who has taken delivery of their NA Ranger Raptor confirm if these J braces came installed from the factory?

Here is a diagram from the RSI website for reference. Thank you.

Sponsored

 

[Harrington]

yes they are required, you could order them yourself through ford's accessory website or have your dealer order them for you. Mine are at my dealer waiting on my truck...

 

[cc1999]

Plan to add them to mine as well. I am going to have a crossover style toolbox on mine with a lighted headache rack with side grab rails. I did read the upfit guide the J brace requirements were anything on top the rails over 88 pounds.

 

[AlpineBike]

We’ve had how many US RRaptors delivered and still no word on if the J-brace comes pre installed?
Can some one check please?!

 

[Wayfaring Ranger]

We’ve had how many US RRaptors delivered and still no word on if the J-brace comes pre installed?
Can some one check please?!

A bunch of people have checked and posted pictures in various threads. No it's not installed.

 

[GT Jackson]

I took delivery of my Ranger Raptor last Thursday (28 March) and the J Brace was not available for order (according to the service department). I told them to let me know when it was available, as I want to install it on my RR.

 

[AlpineBike]

A bunch of people have checked and posted pictures in various threads. No it's not installed.

i haven’t seen any pics of this in any threads on US RRaptors.
Are you able to share a link?
Thanks!

 

[Wayfaring Ranger]

i haven’t seen any pics of this in any threads on US RRaptors.
Are you able to share a link?
Thanks!

I don't remember all the various threads they got posted but here's two different users showing that they aren't installed

https://www.ranger6g.com/forum/threads/my-2024-ranger-xlt-is-delivered-u-s-🙌.9103/page-5#post-151284

https://www.ranger6g.com/forum/thre...old-start-video-added.9184/page-3#post-152421

 

[FreezingFlatlander]

I ordered and received the J-Braces so they were available from Ford. I have not yet received my Ranger yet but will be installing them when it arrives. Just search 'J-Braces' and the posts should pop up along with Ford part numbers

 

[Sleach]

I ordered and received the J-Braces so they were available from Ford. I have not yet received my Ranger yet but will be installing them when it arrives. Just search 'J-Braces' and the posts should pop up along with Ford part numbers

Do you plan on installing them yourself? If so are you going to make a video and post it? I’ve been unable to find a video of how to install them.

 

[Wayfaring Ranger]

https://www.ranger6g.com/forum/threads/j-braces-to-be-covered-under-warranty.9429/#post-156199

 

[Sleach]

https://www.ranger6g.com/forum/threads/j-braces-to-be-covered-under-warranty.9429/#post-156199

Awesome thanks for the heads up

 

[GManGeno]

If you look further down in that linked thread you will see that the J-Braces are only included if you order certain Ford accessories like a bed topper.

J-Braces

 

[DMC]

Do you plan on installing them yourself? If so are you going to make a video and post it? I’ve been unable to find a video of how to install them.

Someone else posted this originally - so I am not taking their credit, but this video shows the install.

Looks like at least 30 mins per side. They show it done at 27 minutes, but the fender / wheel liner(s) still need riveted back in and bed put back together. I would guess 1 1/2 hrs total time.

Next Gen Ford Ranger Fitting Utemaster Canopy & J Brace Kit | BAW Ranger Build - Part 1 (youtube.com)

Sponsored