J-Braces required for a hard tonneau cover?

[markal49]

I'm planning to had a hard, tri-fold tonneau cover to my XLT. I have no idea how much these things weigh. Am I going to need to add the J-braces to my bed?

Thanks.

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[Skitrem47]

I'm planning to had a hard, tri-fold tonneau cover to my XLT. I have no idea how much these things weigh. Am I going to need to add the J-braces to my bed?

Thanks.

I too have the same question as my tonneau is 4lbs heavier than the Ford recommended (anything over 88 lbs above the bed). I suppose it will be fine because you are not going to have the lateral movement you would if you had a cap on it.

 

[James D]

I too have the same question as my tonneau is 4lbs heavier than the Ford recommended (anything over 88 lbs above the bed). I suppose it will be fine because you are not going to have the lateral movement you would if you had a cap on it.

I've got the Extang solid fold ALX coming and it is supposed to be 50lb. Fedex shipping weight says 55lb so minus packing it should be close.
https://realtruck.com/p/extang-solid-fold-alx-tonneau-cover/v/ford/ranger/2024/

 

[GManGeno]

I'm planning to had a hard, tri-fold tonneau cover to my XLT. I have no idea how much these things weigh. Am I going to need to add the J-braces to my bed?

Thanks.

Remember that even if your close but under you may consider the J-Braces anyway since static versus dynamic loads could put you over. This would be more of a concern if you intend to take it off road. Just something to consider.

 

[a77cj7]

I have no plans of above the rail accessories, and still installed j braces. I consider it a cheap peace of mind for something that should be standard from the factory.

 

[markal49]

Remember that even if your close but under you may consider the J-Braces anyway since static versus dynamic loads could put you over. This would be more of a concern if you intend to take it off road. Just something to consider.

The guidance from Ford doesn't say anything about that though. It just says required for anything above the rails that weights over 88 pounds. (never mind that this is all ridiculous to begin with).

I guess it's worth it as a precaution.

 

[danmoochie]

There is a FSA but only required for a full topper not bed covers. Free if you buy a topper from Ford. But no need for bed covers.

 

[DanTheMan]

This question is for anyone who has purchased and installed the J-Braces. Was thr part available from Ford? Or was it through a third part manufacturer?

I just called my local dealership parts department and they say Ford doesn't offer this part. This is in Canada, so maybe we are just behind?

 

[markal49]

This question is for anyone who has purchased and installed the J-Braces. Was thr part available from Ford? Or was it through a third part manufacturer?

I just called my local dealership parts department and they say Ford doesn't offer this part. This is in Canada, so maybe we are just behind?

You can order from Ford in the US, but I’m not sure if this is available to ship to Canada.
https://accessories.ford.com/ranger...ement-kit-for-non-raptor-models-vn1wz2627726a

 

[Wayfaring Ranger]

I've said this before, but you will get 40,000 Ford Pass Points for buying your truck and that will make the J-Braces completely free to buy from the accessories website. The points end up being $200 worth and the braces are $170.

 

[jrRaptor]

I've said this before, but you will get 40,000 Ford Pass Points for buying your truck and that will make the J-Braces completely free to buy from the accessories website. The points end up being $200 worth and the braces are $170.

Yep! I used my points on Ford Accessories website to get the J-braces and the Lund Aeroskin 2 hood deflector and used 20% discount code so everything to my door ended up being $10. Still need to install them though.

 

[Evilrider]

I've said this before, but you will get 40,000 Ford Pass Points for buying your truck and that will make the J-Braces completely free to buy from the accessories website. The points end up being $200 worth and the braces are $170.

its paid for by Ford called my dealer he is checking it out.

 

[Wayfaring Ranger]

its paid for by Ford called my dealer he is checking it out.

that's only if you purchase an official ford accessory that would require the brackets, like the Ford branded shells.

 

[jedadiah]

There is a FSA but only required for a full topper not bed covers. Free if you buy a topper from Ford. But no need for bed covers.

I think they are also needed if you wan to run a rack above the bed. A bed cover by itself should be fine, but I installed a bed cover with slots for crossbars and pretty much anything I put up there will exceed the language limit listed with the braces. If they really are just for truck caps, then it's past time for that to be stated plainly.

I installed the J-braces just to be safe. I did purchase my cover and braces from Ford. Hopefully, if they ever decide covers with built in rack support should get J braces included, I can get reimbursed.

 

[danmoochie]

Great point. Let me check the bulletin again tomorrow.

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