RHIPDX
Member
- Thread starter
- #1
Just finished the install which ran into some unexpected issues. First, Retrax had been holding back an approved "application" (ie 2026 specific fit) for a while, and mine must have been one of the first releases. The update were due to changes in the sidewall layout. I encountered a few problems, which Ive outlined below:
1) The posted instructions and video were still specific to the 2024/5 models and included reference to mounting brackets that are not required for the 2026 model.
2) The box included a 1" thick seal for the bulkhead wall. This is too thick and does not allow the bulkhead end of the cover to sit low enough, even with a. fair bit of downward pressure. We had to remove it and instead used a previously purchased â…›" seal I had on hand to make up the difference between the bulkhead and side walls.
3) The tie down at the cab end of the bed prevent the canister from going far enough towards the cab for the tailgate to close. See attached photo. It also prevents a more effective seal at the cab end. We had to remove those two cleats. Unfortunately, Ford, in their infinite wisdom had left the cleats attached when applying the spray in bed liner. Removing these cleats was a time consuming chore. One set came off with great effort after cutting away the sealant. The other would not budge. One Torx wrench eventually sheared off. Nothing we did would move those Torx screws. We had to eventually cut away the cleat itself. Suggestions for how we should have done this would be welcome, although I hope I never have to encounter this problem again.
4) As noted in other posts, the 2026 Ranger Bed has more holes than. kitchen colander. I used waterproof RV repair tape on both sides of the holes to minimise water ingress.
5) The 2026 ranger has a sheet of white "noise and vibration" material behind the driver's side of the cab. Unfortunately this also covers the back side of the driver's side oval panels though which I drilled a hole for the Retrax drain tube. I had to use a long narrow stick to poke the material away so the drain tube can do its job. Any opinions as to whether this material actually helps vs becoming a moisture and dirt magnet?
The rest of the install one smoothly enough, although we had to make quite a few clamp/screw adjustments to get the tracks to be parallel. I have to credit Retrax support for quickly answering several clarifying questions along the way (including sending updated instructions omitting the mounting brackets), and I hope that my experience helps them refine their instructions. If you run into problems, go directly to them, RealTruck did not really help and did not forward any pertinent information when escalating my questions to Retrax.
1) The posted instructions and video were still specific to the 2024/5 models and included reference to mounting brackets that are not required for the 2026 model.
2) The box included a 1" thick seal for the bulkhead wall. This is too thick and does not allow the bulkhead end of the cover to sit low enough, even with a. fair bit of downward pressure. We had to remove it and instead used a previously purchased â…›" seal I had on hand to make up the difference between the bulkhead and side walls.
3) The tie down at the cab end of the bed prevent the canister from going far enough towards the cab for the tailgate to close. See attached photo. It also prevents a more effective seal at the cab end. We had to remove those two cleats. Unfortunately, Ford, in their infinite wisdom had left the cleats attached when applying the spray in bed liner. Removing these cleats was a time consuming chore. One set came off with great effort after cutting away the sealant. The other would not budge. One Torx wrench eventually sheared off. Nothing we did would move those Torx screws. We had to eventually cut away the cleat itself. Suggestions for how we should have done this would be welcome, although I hope I never have to encounter this problem again.
4) As noted in other posts, the 2026 Ranger Bed has more holes than. kitchen colander. I used waterproof RV repair tape on both sides of the holes to minimise water ingress.
5) The 2026 ranger has a sheet of white "noise and vibration" material behind the driver's side of the cab. Unfortunately this also covers the back side of the driver's side oval panels though which I drilled a hole for the Retrax drain tube. I had to use a long narrow stick to poke the material away so the drain tube can do its job. Any opinions as to whether this material actually helps vs becoming a moisture and dirt magnet?
The rest of the install one smoothly enough, although we had to make quite a few clamp/screw adjustments to get the tracks to be parallel. I have to credit Retrax support for quickly answering several clarifying questions along the way (including sending updated instructions omitting the mounting brackets), and I hope that my experience helps them refine their instructions. If you run into problems, go directly to them, RealTruck did not really help and did not forward any pertinent information when escalating my questions to Retrax.
Sponsored
