1983-1992 Ranger Bed Issue

[HeeHoo22]

I have a 1990 Ranger that’s relatively new (to me). It’s been raining a lot lately and I’ve noticed this bed just collects water like it’s trying to get a swimming pool going.

Has anyone come up with a fix for this (besides a topper) for the first gen rangers?
Would drilling some drain holes in the bed, then painting over them be a bad idea?
I want to avoid this bed rusting out, as I don’t have a garage to put it in at the moment.
Thank you!

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Make sure it is cleaned out.

Usually they are not formed 100% water tight at the front and should drain if not full of debris.

Or park so it is nose high and just drains naturally out the back.

 

[Roert42]

This seems to have always been the case for me, on any truck. The water will drain from the front or the back when you start driving.

If you are concerned about water pooling int he bed for a long time without driving, can park on a slight incline, pointing the truck uphill.

Could even put a couple of short 2*8 blocks under the front tires if needed.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Yeah, beds have a habit of holding water. Even with all the rust holes in the bed of my F-150 it still holds water.

 

[19Walt93]

There are drain holes- slots, actually- at the front of the bed floor where it abuts the front wall of the box, and they are no doubt plugged. You can probably clear the obstruction with a straight piece of coat hanger or a skinny screw driver. I have a bed liner that becomes an above ground pool when it rains.