Ford Ranger roof racks: Factory and aftermarket options

When a vehicle like the Ford Ranger is so successful and, let’s face it, such a Swiss army knife of a thing to have, the idea of making it even more versatile was always going to be a thing.

One of the best ways to do that is to add a carry rack of some sort to the vehicle. For a start, a good roof rack or carry rack is a bit like clever city planning. It uses space that would otherwise not be taken up. As in, build up, not out.

The catch here is that roof racks for Ford Ranger models can make underground car parks a no-go zone for the already-tall ute, but in other ways, a good rack system can be a huge bonus.

Read More About Ford Ranger

Updated Ford Ranger ute and Everest SUV gain more standard features without a big price hike to tackle Toyota HiLux and Prado China's 2024 Ford Ranger launches with unique specs! Is Australia missing out, or is the local version of the Toyota HiLux rival the best? Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid: Everything we know from braked towing capacity, payload and wading depth, to electric range and what price you could pay

That’s partly because, in the case of dual-cab versions of the Ranger, the tub space is not that long. Which means carting anything longer than that tray is a bit of a no-no, as the police take a fairly dim view of loads jutting out the back of the tray (even if you tie a red rag on to the offending bit).

This is precisely why dual-cabs you see in the building or other trades, often have racks that allow for longer loads (like timber, pipes or ladders) to be hoisted above the ute’s roof and carried safely and legally within the vehicle’s footprint.

Another reason to fit a rack is to allow easy and safe transport of things like push bikes, surf-skis and fishing rods, while the right rack system can also turn the Ranger into base camp by allowing the fitment of a roof-top tent.

Dual-cabs often have racks that allow for longer loads (like timber, pipes or ladders) to be hoisted above the ute’s roof and carried safely and legally within the vehicle’s footprint.

It’s no surprise, then, to learn Ford itself has most bases covered when it comes to different types of roof rack for the Ranger. So let’s start with those.

The official Ranger catalogue includes racks starting with the conventional roof bars which fit sideways across the roof of the ute and are mounted on the factory Ford Ranger roof rails system (not all Rangers have the rails as standard, but they are fitted to most 4x4 versions of the Ranger.

They’re the same unit across the board, too, so Ford Ranger XLT roof racks will fit the rails on, say, a Ranger Sport. This rack can also be added to with specific clamps designed for fishing rods, skis, bikes and surfboards.

A good rack system can be a huge bonus. (Image: Rhino-Rack)

Ford also offers a tub-mounted low-line rack that can form the basis of bike carriers and other sporting gear. A limit of 60kg across the two bars is allowed and the bars are lockable via a key for security (as are many of the roof rack options for the Ranger). There’s even a version compatible with the factory roller shutter option.

For Rangers fitted with a Ford canopy, there’s a system that mounts a rack on top of the canopy. This works with an internal mounting kit, but the upshot is the platform can cope with 100kg distributed evenly across it.

There’s a 65kg-limit roof mounted platform, roof basket additions and, of course, the ubiquitous sports bar for the tub which is more about a tie-down point than an actual carrying platform.

Ford also offers a tub-mounted low-line rack that can form the basis of bike carriers and other sporting gear.

The Ranger is also available with the clever factory 'Flexible Rack System', which is tub-mounted and allows for five positions along the length of the tub as well as folding bars that flip out when needed. It’s a clever system that is worth investigating if you regularly carry any sort of bulky load.

Then we move to the aftermarket where the choices are more or less endless. Plenty of companies make and sell racking systems that use the genuine Ford Ranger roof rails as their attachment point, while others are tub-mounted. Some extend over the roof, and some can take enough weight for the system to form the basis of a roof-top tent platform. If that’s what you’re after, make sure you get one with a ladder included (or a tent with a ladder).

The aftermarket suppliers can also offer some pretty stylish solutions, so even if you’re shopping for a Ranger Raptor roof rack or Ford Ranger Wildtrak roof racks, you’ll find a look that matches the rest of these very extroverted vehicles.

It is best to buy on quality rather than price, and make sure the attachments and accessories are of the same quality and utility. (Image: Rhino-Rack)

The other reason to go aftermarket is because this end of the industry continues to support models that are out of production. So, while Ford dealers can help with next gen Ranger roof racks, if you’re looking for PK Ranger roof racks or a PX Ranger roof rack, then aftermarket is the place to be with brands like Rhino, ARB, Prorack, Rola and more continuing to support these models. If you need PJ Ranger roof racks (an even older model), you might have to shop around a bit more, or look at a second-hand rack.

Don’t forget the big automotive and off-road equipment specialists, either. Chain stores like Supercheap, Repco, Bursons and Autobarn all have plenty of choice and the suburbs are dotted with off-road specialist stores which can also help you with making a choice.

The best roof racks for Ford Ranger applications continue to be the ones that fit best and do the precise job you want them to. Buy on quality rather than price, and make sure the attachments and accessories are of the same quality and utility. And don’t forget, when you’re not using your Ford Ranger roof racks, remove them and store them safely. You can easily use an extra litre of fuel per 100km with roof racks fitted, even if they’re empty.

For Rangers fitted with a Ford canopy, there’s a system that mounts a rack on top of the canopy.

Speaking of cost, a simple set of bars can cost as little as $200 or $300, while a platform system suitable for a roof-top tent can easily rush you upwards of $1500 or more.