Moonlander Topper

[RickSTL]

I'm curious if anyone is running one of the new "Moonlander" shells on their 98 - 2011 Ranger? If so, do you like it and has it cut your MPG much?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Pic or link?

 

[RickSTL]

MoonLander - RADICA

Explore what MoonLander has to offer. The original camper topper that allows you to sleep sideways.

www.radicaproducts.com

 

[Uncle Gump]

I moved this to the general discussion forum...

Something tells me this probably is made fir the earlier generation trucks.

Did you call to verify model year compatibility? I couldn't find it on the website.

Pretty cool though...

 

[sgtsandman]

It sticks out more than a standard aluminum cap. So there is going to be a fuel penalty for sure. It’s lighter than a fiberglass high boy but more squared off. My guess, about a 3 mpg penalty. Similar to a fiberglass highboy cap.

 

[RickSTL]

I have truck bed camped in my 09, a 6' bed a Lear 122 (high top) topper a few times. I have a DAC tailgate tent that lets me get a bit more length. The idea of putting a bed across the truck bed entriges me. My set up is pretty tight on space and it's virtually open to the cold weather.

They mention a Moonlander model for 6' beds with a Ranger specifically called out. Are the gen. 4 and 5 Rangers available with a 6' bed?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I have truck bed camped in my 09, a 6' bed a Lear 122 (high top) topper a few times. I have a DAC tailgate tent that lets me get a bit more length. The idea of putting a bed across the truck bed entriges me. My set up is pretty tight on space and it's virtually open to the cold weather.

They mention a Moonlander model for 6' beds with a Ranger specifically called out. Are the gen. 4 and 5 Rangers available with a 6' bed?

The Ranger was available in the US with a 6' bed from 1983-2011 and then 2019 to 2023.

I think my Skamper is wider than this, I am 6'-3" and I can't really straighten out in the top bunk. I think this would be similar if not less wide.

 

[RickSTL]

Thanks for the information.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Depending on where you're at... Ranger Generations vary.

On TRS... This is how the owner wants the generations defined.

Ford Ranger Generations 1983-Present - The Ranger Station

Introduction: There have been questions concerning what years make up which generation of Ford Rangers. I think the problem came from the re-release of the Ford Ranger. A number of people seizing the opportunity to write about anything they can … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

I believe that top is most likely made for 6th Gen and newer. 7th Gen will be the 2024 version.

I posted this in response here in the wrong forum. So I quoted myself there to post here.

 

[2011Supercab]

$6,000+

7.5 months lead time, and you have to pick it up in Denver.

 

[Curious Hound]

Still trying to win the lottery so I can get an EarthRoamer.

 

[sgtsandman]

$6,000+

7.5 months lead time, and you have to pick it up in Denver.

Cheaper than the similar alternatives though. Alu-Cab is significantly more.

 

[jeremy307]

I have a moonlander on an 07 truck with 6 foot bed and it is sweet.

It does lower the gas mileage noticeably, but at 265lbs it's hard to imagine a better alternative.

 

[JoshT]

$6,000+

7.5 months lead time, and you have to pick it up in Denver.

I think I'd have to take that 6K and put it towards at least a tear drop camper. I imagine the teardrop would be more comfortable, more practical, more room for storiong camping goodies, and the usually have A/C which around here is a must for summer. Also have the advantage (IMO) of not being solidly attached to the truck, easy to unhook and leave it behind. When I go camping, I also like exploring the area and I'd rather not be dragging the bed along.

 

[sgtsandman]

I think I'd have to take that 6K and put it towards at least a tear drop camper. I imagine the teardrop would be more comfortable, more practical, more room for storiong camping goodies, and the usually have A/C which around here is a must for summer. Also have the advantage (IMO) of not being solidly attached to the truck, easy to unhook and leave it behind. When I go camping, I also like exploring the area and I'd rather not be dragging the bed along.

A trailer can certainly make sense, depending on what you are doing. For an overlander, it's not always the best choice but they will drag a trailer with them if the situation warrants it. If you are sleeping in one spot for most of the trip, being able to drop the extra weight and go exporing can make a lot of sense.

Conversely, if you are sleeping in a different spot every night, that insane price for a bed cap can make a lot of sense, especially if you are traveling a lot of technical trails. That trailer can be anchor and cause problems.

There isn't one right answer. It depends on what the individual is going.

For me, at least for right now, a regular bed cap for one night stays for just me and maybe one other works and the utility trailer loaded with camping equipment for multiple people for family camping in one spot is the answer and still meet my day to day needs at home.