Upgrading from 2023 Ranger XLT to 2026 Raptor... Questions

[RangerInTexas]

Getting the 50k mile service on my 2023, the dealer let me test drive a 2026 Raptor Ranger. Yeah I'm sold. So, before I sign paperwork I have some questions.

I literally just purchased Method 701 bead grip in bronze. 17x8.5 with 0 offset. Running Mickey Thompson 285/70/17s. The tires still have the nipples on them. I assume they'll rub at full lock, but is there a solution for that like higher clearance crash bars? I'd love to keep those as the dealer said at trade in, they can swap the rims/tires from the Raptor to my XLT and vise versa with zero hit on trade in.

I also have a Overland Vehicle Systems truck cap. I measured the truck and the beds are the same size, so it should fit?

I also own a 16ft camper trailer that weights around 3200lb fully loaded. I assume that won't be a problem if my current Ranger tows it now with zero issues?

Picture below is my current 2023. I want a Carbonized Gray Metallic 2026 Raptor.

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[got3fords]

Not sure about the '23, but my '21 had a significant drop in height from the bed rails to the bulkhead rail behind the cab. My previous tonneau came with a really thick gasket to stick on. The new one came with a fairly thin one in comparison.

 

[Caneman88]

I just added some 709'S with the stock rubber it did rub at full lock but removed the front only crash bars and no rub

 

[kickingaz]

Yes, there are high clearance crash bars. I am preparing to install a 2"/1" FordRangerLifts.com lift next week, got the Method 703 Beadgrip wheels and mounted 35x12.50 R17 tires. I purchased these on Amazon, they also available on eBay: ReadyLIFT 67-2900 Anti Intrusion Beams for Ford Ranger RWD, 4WD.

 

[dolsen]

I don’t know if your bed cap will fit a 2026. There was a design change from 25-26 that made it so even bed covers fastening systems have to be re-designed to fit MY 26 rangers. Call the manufacturer of the bed cap and verify with them

 

[MJ12]

Power won't be an issue, but payload and towing capacity will be lower than your current ride because of the suspension. The 3,200 alone is within the tow capacity. Might push the limits some depending how much you load up the the truck. PROBABLY will be ok...

 

[RangerInTexas]

Now I'm just playing the waiting game. I'm making my dealer find me a Carbonized Gray Metallic without a factory spray in bedliner. That bedliner weighs like 75lb. That's -75lb on a truck with an already limited carrying capacity.

 

[dolsen]

Now I'm just playing the waiting game. I'm making my dealer find me a Carbonized Gray Metallic without a factory spray in bedliner. That bedliner weighs like 75lb. That's -75lb on a truck with an already limited carrying capacity.

How have you confirmed it weighs 75 lbs? That seems like a lot for the spray in bed liner. Is that the weight of the liquid liner or after it has flashed and cured?

 

[RangerInTexas]

How have you confirmed it weighs 75 lbs? That seems like a lot for the spray in bed liner. Is that the weight of the liquid liner or after it has flashed and cured?

Spray in bedliners weigh a ton. If they went thin it might be around 50lb, but to me that's just useless weight for nothing. It's a truck, you toss crap in the bed. It gets scratched. Who cares.

 

[dolsen]

I’m not for or against spray in bed liners. I usually just buy a rubber bed mat. I just thought that number sounded high. Total bed surface area is about 62 sqft and (according to line-x) bed liner weight is ~.7 lbs per sqft, which equals about 43 lbs. that’s not zero lbs, but also not 75

 

[RangerInTexas]

43lb is a LOT of weight for nothing. That's like my entire tool kit, tow rope, etc. It'll be like I was carrying double

 

[freakshow999]

I don’t know if your bed cap will fit a 2026. There was a design change from 25-26 that made it so even bed covers fastening systems have to be re-designed to fit MY 26 rangers. Call the manufacturer of the bed cap and verify with them

This is correct 24-25 have the same bed rails. They are different on the 26. I believe the plastic bed caps are thinner. It really matters how your shell attaches. Your best off checking with it's manufacturer. I can just confirm they are different. I just went through this getting the right fitting tonneau cover for my 26 RR.

 

[RangerInTexas]

This is correct 24-25 have the same bed rails. They are different on the 26. I believe the plastic bed caps are thinner. It really matters how your shell attaches. Your best off checking with it's manufacturer. I can just confirm they are different. I just went through this getting the right fitting tonneau cover for my 26 RR.

I'm actually debating this now, and I think I'm going to sell the cap. It's really been limiting me in situations where I want to carry something tall randomly and it weighs a ton. I might just throw a locked bin in the bed and strap it down and call it a day for stuff like wrenches, sockets, etc. I'm looking at the "Decked" product and that's cool, kinda solves everything, but 200lb.

 

[freakshow999]

I'm actually debating this now, and I think I'm going to sell the cap. It's really been limiting me in situations where I want to carry something tall randomly and it weighs a ton. I might just throw a locked bin in the bed and strap it down and call it a day for stuff like wrenches, sockets, etc. I'm looking at the "Decked" product and that's cool, kinda solves everything, but 200lb.

You can always do what several of us have done and get a folding & locking tonneau cover. I have tools locked in a truck box in my bed under mine. You can stow an awful lot of nonsense under the cover! Lol
PS the Decked stuff is nice!

 

[kickingaz]

You can always do what several of us have done and get a folding & locking tonneau cover. I have tools locked in a truck box in my bed under mine. You can stow an awful lot of nonsense under the cover! Lol
PS the Decked stuff is nice!

@freakshow999 Which folding & locking tonneau cover did you get for your '26 RR? I am at that point now as I got my tires and wheels sorted out. Will put the 2"/1" lift on this week, but the 35s fit with the high clearance crash bars.

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