Newb, suggested me accessories

[WhiteRanger]

Hello! Newb here. I just got my first truck, its a 2010 Ranger XLT and wanted to see what others recommendations were on in terms of the types of things I wanted to do with my truck.

• Being in a snowy climate (NH), I need a nice flat bed cover that I can take on and off. Any good ones?
• There's no much cabin space and I don't want my groceries flyin all over the place. Should I get some sort of net?
• My gf and I sometimes like to go cycling, what sort of rack (if any) do you recommend for two hybrid cycles?
• I'm going to be moving some major furniture around. I noticed the bed has hooks for tie-downs. What type should I be looking for?

 

[SPSully]

Any ratchet strap will work on those hooks. Not all covers are the same. Some roll up, some lift up. Some come off easy, some dont. Carrying bikes with a cover on the bed means you probably want a trailer hitch mount. Just my thoughts.

 

[JoshT]

If you are looking for a hard cover, I like the Undercover Tonneau that I've had on my 99 Ranger. It's sturdy enough to stand on, but no problem to remove solo. Also removes real easily and no drilling holes in the bed to install. once brackets are mounted, it's two key ring style retainers on front hinges and two quick releases on the support struts to remove and install the cover itself.

Maybe look for a bed extender. When folded in they make a nice little storage area at the back of the bed. Might help keep your groceries contained. Might also help with the major furniture moving. Don't have one myself, but I've thought several times when I seen them that they might be handy for that very reason.

Don't know about the bike rack, my bike has its own motor and needs something bigger than a rack. Okay, I do have a bicycle, but when I need to move it I usually pop the front wheel off and lay them (bike and wheel) in the bed under the tonneau cover. It's a cheap wally world mountain bike and I only ever carry one. I have got a receiver style bike rack that I use on my car, but it could be used on a truck as well if it has a hitch.

Ratcheting style straps or rope. I don't trust cam lock style tie downs. Make sure that they are strong enough for what they are intended to hold. Just snug them down good and drive carefully.

 

[ghunt81]

Invest in some decent ratchet straps and make sure they are over 10' long if you will be hauling anything big. I made the mistake of buying some a few years back that are really nice, but only 6 feet long. I think they're more intended for strapping down a motorcycle (they have the loops on the ratchet hook end) but they're really nice quality and it's a shame I can barely ever use them.

 

[WhiteRanger]

If you are looking for a hard cover, I like the Undercover Tonneau that I've had on my 99 Ranger. It's sturdy enough to stand on, but no problem to remove solo. Also removes real easily and no drilling holes in the bed to install. once brackets are mounted, it's two key ring style retainers on front hinges and two quick releases on the support struts to remove and install the cover itself.

Wow $800 for one of those, I was not expecting that. I just need something that slips on the top and prevents snow from pilling into my bed should I take it out when its snowing. Any other alternatives?

Maybe look for a bed extender. When folded in they make a nice little storage area at the back of the bed. Might help keep your groceries contained. Might also help with the major furniture moving. Don't have one myself, but I've thought several times when I seen them that they might be handy for that very reason.

Do they sell something like this but instead of it being at the end of the bed, its at the front near the cabin? I know I've seen something like that before..

Invest in some decent ratchet straps and make sure they are over 10' long if you will be hauling anything big.

Thanks, rachet straps seem to be the consensus. 10' it is.