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

[Bt_okst]

Employee discount

I'll let everyone know if it actually fits.

Edit: Also double check the part number. A google search takes you to that link, but it's not actually the same part number. I assume you're at Levittown or similar. I think it's so new that not all the sites have the correct info yet.

Ty for heads up on parts #, and def worth it with employee price discount. Let me know if it works. If so, I may go for it.

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[Loudpa]

Just heard back from Leer concerning the HF650M fix for 2026 Rangers.
They originally stated a week for the new clamps however now it's check back in a month.
They also said to keep the cover and refunded me the full cost of the tonneau cover and will send new clamps free when available.

 

[ATestBishop]

Here are some findings regarding the bed rail caps from my 24 Ranger XL; They have per side 2 locating pins and various barbed clips, with many that are not accessable to release. I broke one half a barbed clip removing and felt lucky that was all. They will not handle sustained clamping forces and loads well due to the thin and varied ribbed support structure that you may see deformed substantially in photos. The quality of plastic is high but it seems it was designed for light weight. There is a substantial gap in most areas between bottom of cap and surface of bed. There are a series of 8mm bolt bosses that are covered by the cap and exposed when cap is removed. I'll be trying to modify the cap to better support more substantial sustained point loads with shims and bolting the cap down as well.

 

[purdyd]

Here are some findings regarding the bed rail caps from my 24 Ranger XL; They have per side 2 locating pins and various barbed clips, with many that are not accessable to release. I broke one half a barbed clip removing and felt lucky that was all. They will not handle sustained clamping forces and loads well due to the thin and varied ribbed support structure that you may see deformed substantially in photos. The quality of plastic is high but it seems it was designed for light weight. There is a substantial gap in most areas between bottom of cap and surface of bed. There are a series of 8mm bolt bosses that are covered by the cap and exposed when cap is removed. I'll be trying to modify the cap to better support more substantial sustained point loads with shims and bolting the cap down as well.

that's actually an impressive piece of molded plastic. Someone put a lot of design effort into it.

There should have been at least an additional rib on the outside of the center stake pocket hole.

Too bad it wasn't designed to hold any load or be water proof.

Who is going to take off their rail on the 2026?

 

[ATestBishop]

Well the saving grace is there are a total of (8) 8mm nut bosses welded into the bottom of the bed rail and maybe a couple applicable to the sides where the cap overlaps, I'm working now on bolting down the rail cap because once you remove the cap that's pretty much it for the clips at least they will never go back in like the first time...

 

[ATestBishop]

It would be interesting if the 26 cap is backwards compatible, I'm guessing it's technically lighter, but perhaps there's other design improvements?

 

[purdyd]

It would be interesting if the 26 cap is backwards compatible, I'm guessing it's technically lighter, but perhaps there's other design improvements?

that would be interesting to know.

ford still has the length wide indents so the cap is not totally flush bit it would be a lot stronger.

probably has less warping as a result.

I think if ford were smart they would have put in a channel for flexible round weather strip on the outside of the rail and design waterproof stake pocket covers

there is so much work that went into the design of these things and to not consider making them water tight and carry loads (older design) seems really odd

as you pointed out here are a lot of bolt holes so conceivably some one could make a bolt down solid side rail cover.

I wonder if the other parts of the world got this new rail design or already had it?

 

[ATestBishop]

I'm about one quarter the way there now to bolt up the rails using all factory 8mm bosses, will post up photos when completed I'm working with more than just the rail caps...

 

[donkey]

Anyone have the part number? They are shorter and I want them lol

 

[Tankertruck]

As a side note, the Ford roll-up hard cover for the 2026+ does indeed fit properly on the 2026.

 

[tivct]

As a side note, the Ford roll-up hard cover for the 2026+ does indeed fit properly on the 2026.

Do you have it? How does it look?

The general consensus is the OEM cover is a less-premium version built by Bak for the same price as the X4S.

 

[shadowthrone]

Just heard back from Leer concerning the HF650M fix for 2026 Rangers.
They originally stated a week for the new clamps however now it's check back in a month.
They also said to keep the cover and refunded me the full cost of the tonneau cover and will send new clamps free when available.

I just got the same response. That's pretty frustrating, but hopefully they come through. Will follow up in 4 weeks or so I guess

 

[Loudpa]

I just got the same response. That's pretty frustrating, but hopefully they come through. Will follow up in 4 weeks or so I guess

Refund issued.

 

[Tankertruck]

Do you have it? How does it look?

The general consensus is the OEM cover is a less-premium version built by Bak for the same price as the X4S.

I wouldn't say any of them at this price point are necessarily "premium', but it fits fine, works well, and looks OK. Discounts can be found if you look online. I just need it to keep wandering eyes (and hands) out of the back of the truck.

 

[Rangerjimm]

Anyone have the part number? They are shorter and I want them lol

Looks like you will have to replace the tailgate cap also so they match up.

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