White material between cab & bed

[TactfulSailor]

Went to install a bed cover today and noticed the insulation this thread talks about. After reading, I've come to a few conclusions:

1. I understand Ford may have made the decision to put it there to dampen sound or to protect against debris going into the vents. It does seem slightly louder with it gone, but barely noticeable.
2. The fact that some models have it and others don't seems more telling to me (from reading other posts). Plus the above post from The Lone Ranger says that they did some digging and Ford confirmed it wasn't supposed to be there.
3. The material itself is fibrous and porous in nature — and has nothing blocking it from rain or the elements. I bought a 2025 Ranger in 2026, so this truck has been sitting on the lot for months at least, and it was absolutely soaked. The adhesion at the top was already coming off, and the small plastic rivets at the bottom were easy to knock off.

In my personal opinion, I would remove this. Even if there is a one-way valve on the back, having a porous material like that open to the elements from above is a recipe for disaster over time. It won't last, it risks growing mold, and it prevents you from cleaning the space between the bed and the cab. Whether Ford intended for it to be there or not, this thread alone is evidence that it was an oversight not worth a recall. You're better off with it removed.

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[hand-filer]

Everyone has opinions. Mine is staying put.

 

[superj]

it seems like it will become dirty and start sanding down the paint allowing rust

 

[waffleso_0]

Yeah, its on my list of low priority tasks right now. I live in Cali, so weather is pretty dry must of the time but it is a strange case of what to do. I hear both sides

I get both stances on this issue and well..the easier option is to let it be and deal with it, if it becomes a problem down the road. I have more important upgrades to do!

 

[superj]

you guys are cool enough in oakland that humidity of being on the bay doesn't really exist?

i cannot remember how it is there. my grandparents lived in vallejo for as long as i can remember but the last time i was at their house was 95, and they have since passed so no reason to go back. i live on the ocean in texas but we have something dumb like 93% humidity here.

its cool today so only 70% humidity, nice!!

 

[waffleso_0]

you guys are cool enough in oakland that humidity of being on the bay doesn't really exist?

i cannot remember how it is there. my grandparents lived in vallejo for as long as i can remember but the last time i was at their house was 95, and they have since passed so no reason to go back. i live on the ocean in texas but we have something dumb like 93% humidity here.

its cool today so only 70% humidity, nice!!

Yead, Oakland / East bay has some of the best weather. SF has too much fog, esp if you live near the beach. I lived there for 13 years

East bay gets just the right amount of sun, cold, rain, etc. Perfect climate. Politics, local gov is another story. We lost our sports teams but I digress.

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