dterveer
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I did a couple after-market upgrades on my 2021 Ranger. Thought I'd share some photos and reviews of these products. I am not affiliated with any of these manufacturers and am not compensated for this in any way. I just spent a ton of time researching and reading here on Ranger5G.com and thought I'd share some info. Happy upgrading!
DECKED Drawer System
My previous truck had a camper shell, but this time around I decided to go for the classic truck bed. The problem is that I needed a place to store tools and roadtrip items. The DECKED system obviously reduces available bed space. But, I had to be honest with myself. I rarely haul large items back there; I didn't in my previous truck. For the few times that I do, the available space is sufficient and the deck of the drawer system can handle 2000 lbs. If I need space for larger items (lots of drywall or 4x8 sheets), I have a trailer. The tie-down rails are a DECKED option. I added some tie-down rings to the metric threads in the bed and have a Gladiator cargo net for securing things when doing a Costco run. This is the item I ordered: https://decked.com/products/decked-ford-ranger?variant=15219125878850&year=2021. I ordered directly from the factory and it was LTL freight delivered to my driveway. The parts come in 1 big box on a pallet. Assembly and installation is pretty straight forward. Definitely take the time to read the instructions or you might end up cross-threading or over-torquing one of the threaded inserts. I did provide DECKED some feedback on how to strengthen the insert installations. It is made of the same injection/roto-molded material as Pelican cases. Pretty indestructible. It has been a great product and the drawer items stay clean and dry after lots of rain and off-road driving.
Bestop TrekStep tailgate step
I always wanted a proper step for stepping up onto the tailgate. The hitch mount steps are great, but can't be used if the tailgate is down. This step is off to the side and retracts easily. Instructions were good and the step bolts to the existing frame. A harness to the bumper is relocated to make room for the step structure. All the hardware was included in the kit. Best part is how easy it is to extend and retract with 1 foot. I'm 230 lbs and it is definitely strong enough. There are adjustments (left/right) you can make and shims for adjusting the spacing from the bumper. I did not need shims and in some of the photos, you can see it retracted with a good 1/2" of clearance from the bumper. This is the product I ordered: https://www.bestop.com/products/trekstep-rear-mount-step-ford-2019-2021-ranger/.
Step extended:
Step retracted:
BOLT locks
Like me, I'm sure you all have fumbled with the various keys for trailer hookup. I've even shown up at an equipment rental yard and realized I did not have the key I needed to remove my trailer hitch. So I decided to give BOLT a try. You specify the type of key (Ford side-cut) and key the lock to your fob key. I purchased the receiver lock, a coupler pin lock, and a padlock (great for securing items in the bed). These are awesome products. I don't need all those other keys! The first time you insert your key, you will have to rotate it about 180 degrees and it learns the key. After that, you only turn 90 degrees to unlock. I did have a problem with another receiver lock and it didn't properly learn the key. BOLT support was awesome and I shipped it back to them and they sent me a new one. The only advice I give is that you don't hesitate during the "learning" process. Just insert your key firmly (you can insert/remove a few times without turning to make sure all the pins are moving freely), then do a swift 180 rotation until it stops. The lock is greased, so the pins should move freely.
Go Rhino hitch step
With the tailgate up, I used to step on the bumper to climb up into the bed. Sometimes you slip and hit your shin and drop the F bombs. With my hitch tucked away in the DECKED drawers, I wanted to add a hitch step that was big enough and had good traction. There was also a second requirement of what I call an "anti-tailgating device". In my previous truck, I have been hit from behind by a driver that was texting. My hitch and trailer ball put a hole in his bumper and there was no damage to my truck. So, I wanted to add a little bumper protection to my Ranger for these events. Also helps when I'm not paying attention when backing up, though it's nice that I have a camera now. I went with the Go Rhino RB20 hitch step with the bedliner coating. It's wide enough to provide ample protection.
Now I'm anxiously awaiting the delivery of my ShrockWorks Ultralight Winch Mount! That will provide some front-end protection, as well.
DECKED Drawer System
My previous truck had a camper shell, but this time around I decided to go for the classic truck bed. The problem is that I needed a place to store tools and roadtrip items. The DECKED system obviously reduces available bed space. But, I had to be honest with myself. I rarely haul large items back there; I didn't in my previous truck. For the few times that I do, the available space is sufficient and the deck of the drawer system can handle 2000 lbs. If I need space for larger items (lots of drywall or 4x8 sheets), I have a trailer. The tie-down rails are a DECKED option. I added some tie-down rings to the metric threads in the bed and have a Gladiator cargo net for securing things when doing a Costco run. This is the item I ordered: https://decked.com/products/decked-ford-ranger?variant=15219125878850&year=2021. I ordered directly from the factory and it was LTL freight delivered to my driveway. The parts come in 1 big box on a pallet. Assembly and installation is pretty straight forward. Definitely take the time to read the instructions or you might end up cross-threading or over-torquing one of the threaded inserts. I did provide DECKED some feedback on how to strengthen the insert installations. It is made of the same injection/roto-molded material as Pelican cases. Pretty indestructible. It has been a great product and the drawer items stay clean and dry after lots of rain and off-road driving.
Bestop TrekStep tailgate step
I always wanted a proper step for stepping up onto the tailgate. The hitch mount steps are great, but can't be used if the tailgate is down. This step is off to the side and retracts easily. Instructions were good and the step bolts to the existing frame. A harness to the bumper is relocated to make room for the step structure. All the hardware was included in the kit. Best part is how easy it is to extend and retract with 1 foot. I'm 230 lbs and it is definitely strong enough. There are adjustments (left/right) you can make and shims for adjusting the spacing from the bumper. I did not need shims and in some of the photos, you can see it retracted with a good 1/2" of clearance from the bumper. This is the product I ordered: https://www.bestop.com/products/trekstep-rear-mount-step-ford-2019-2021-ranger/.
Step extended:
Step retracted:
BOLT locks
Like me, I'm sure you all have fumbled with the various keys for trailer hookup. I've even shown up at an equipment rental yard and realized I did not have the key I needed to remove my trailer hitch. So I decided to give BOLT a try. You specify the type of key (Ford side-cut) and key the lock to your fob key. I purchased the receiver lock, a coupler pin lock, and a padlock (great for securing items in the bed). These are awesome products. I don't need all those other keys! The first time you insert your key, you will have to rotate it about 180 degrees and it learns the key. After that, you only turn 90 degrees to unlock. I did have a problem with another receiver lock and it didn't properly learn the key. BOLT support was awesome and I shipped it back to them and they sent me a new one. The only advice I give is that you don't hesitate during the "learning" process. Just insert your key firmly (you can insert/remove a few times without turning to make sure all the pins are moving freely), then do a swift 180 rotation until it stops. The lock is greased, so the pins should move freely.
Go Rhino hitch step
With the tailgate up, I used to step on the bumper to climb up into the bed. Sometimes you slip and hit your shin and drop the F bombs. With my hitch tucked away in the DECKED drawers, I wanted to add a hitch step that was big enough and had good traction. There was also a second requirement of what I call an "anti-tailgating device". In my previous truck, I have been hit from behind by a driver that was texting. My hitch and trailer ball put a hole in his bumper and there was no damage to my truck. So, I wanted to add a little bumper protection to my Ranger for these events. Also helps when I'm not paying attention when backing up, though it's nice that I have a camera now. I went with the Go Rhino RB20 hitch step with the bedliner coating. It's wide enough to provide ample protection.
Now I'm anxiously awaiting the delivery of my ShrockWorks Ultralight Winch Mount! That will provide some front-end protection, as well.
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