√2023 Ford Ranger: Adjustable rack accessory due next year

The Ford Ranger is due to gain an Australian-developed, factory-backed roof and tub rack system, capable of supporting longer items over the tray.

The 2023 Ford Ranger is set to be offered with a new factory-backed roof storage solution next year, designed for carrying longer items.

Ford’s ‘flexible rack system’ consists of folding roof racks and a sliding load rack which is fitted to the Ranger’s tub, allowing owners to adjust its position between five preset locations – depending on the length of their items.

Only the Ford Ranger Wildtrak is currently fitted with roof rails from the factory, although these only span the roof along the length of the car, not its width.

The Ford Ranger’s tub-mounted sliding rack incorporates a folding crossbar which can be elevated to the height of the ute’s folding roof racks, providing a level surface for items such as surfboards, ladders or building supplies to be secured.

In a media statement, Ford said the system was developed by a team of Australian engineers, while the finished product is produced by Michigan, US-based firm JAC Products.

Ford claims the flexible rack system can carry up to 80kg of dynamic load, with a static capacity of 250kg.

“We learned from our customers that they would load things like canoes into the load box and then lean them up against the sports hoop before tying them down. This was awkward and meant the load box couldn’t really be used for storing anything else a customer might want to take with them,” Ford application specialist Danny Trentin said in a media statement.

“We also learned of their frustrations when it came to carrying items of longer lengths. With an 80-kilogram dynamic load limit, the Flexible Rack System eliminates those frustrations.

According to Ford, the flexible rack system will be available on “select” Ranger variants in 2023.

While the Ranger XLT, Sport and Wildtrak grades are fitted with sports bars – and on the XL and XLS metal bars behind the rear window – neither can be moved or include the sliding rack’s folding crossbar.

It is not clear as to whether the flexible rack system will provide enough additional height for items to comfortably clear the sports bars – or if they will need to be removed to accomodate the rack (which Ford’s photos suggest will be the case).

Pricing and further details regarding Ford’s new storage system are due to be announced closer to its launch next year.

As previously reported, the 2023 Ford Ranger is set to undergo a price increase on all examples built after March next year.

Certain variants of the Ford Ranger, such as the Wildtrak V6, are currently facing long wait times due to high demand.

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