Best Tonneau Covers for Ford Ranger 6.4 Foot Bed

Protecting Your Ford Ranger's Truck Bed

The Ford Ranger is one of the most popular midsize pickup trucks. Its versatility and rugged capability make it a top choice for both work and play. However, carrying cargo in an open truck bed leaves your gear exposed and unsecured. Adding a quality tonneau cover is the ideal solution.

Benefits of a Tonneau Cover

Tonneau covers provide many benefits for Ford Ranger owners:

• Protect cargo from weather and theft
• Allow you to lock gear inside the truck bed
• Improve gas mileage by reducing wind drag
• Enhance the overall appearance of your truck

Key Considerations When Choosing a Tonneau

With so many tonneau options on the market, it's important to assess your needs and priorities. Key factors to consider include:

• Material - fiberglass, aluminum, vinyl, plastic, or canvas
• Mount style - roll-up, retractable, folding, hinged, snap, or tool-box
• Security level - lockable vs non-lockable
• Budget - prices range widely from under $200 up to $2,000+

Best 6.4 Foot Ford Ranger Tonneau Covers

The 2023 Ford Ranger has a 6'4" truck bed. This mid-size bed is a great balance of cargo capacity and maneuverability. Here are some of the top tonneau covers made specifically for the Ranger 6.4' bed.

BakFlip G2 Hard Folding Truck Bed Cover

The BakFlip G2 is a premium hard-folding cover made of fiberglass reinforced vinyl. It provides excellent security and weather protection, folding all the way up against the cab when you need full bed access.

• Fiberglass panel construction
• Matte black finish
• Locks in both fully-open and closed positions
• Low profile, sleek design

Tyger Auto T3 Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

For a more budget-friendly soft cover, the Tyger Auto T3 roll-up tonneau is a great choice. It secures your cargo while allowing quick, easy access to the entire truck bed.

• Durable 24oz marine grade vinyl
• Aluminum side rails provide stability
• Clamp-on no drill installation
• Highly affordable price point

UnderCover Flex Hard Retractable Ford Ranger Tonneau Cover

The UnderCover Flex offers the fastest, easiest truck bed access on the market with it's smooth, retractable design. Constructed from strong composite polymers, it rolls up with the simple turn of a lockable handle.

• Smooth, low-profile design
• Durable polymer construction
• The fastest opening/closing tonneau available
• Protects against weather and theft

How to Measure Your Ford Ranger Bed for Tonneau Cover Fit

Getting accurate bed measurements is crucial for ordering the correct size tonneau. Here's how to properly measure your Ford Ranger 6.4' bed:

1. Open the tailgate and measure from inside wall to inside wall. For 2023 Ranger, this should equal approximately 78.4".
2. Measure from the front of the truck bed's interior down to the closed tailgate. This tailgate side measurement should be around 65".
3. Measure across the interior width at both the front and rear of truck bed. These widths should be very similar, around 51".

With these three key dimensions - inside length, tailgate length, and width - you can accurately match your correct bed size when selecting a Ranger tonneau cover.

Installing Your Ford Ranger Tonneau Cover

Installing your new tonneau only requires some simple hand tools and can typically be completed within an hour. Here is an overview of the basic installation process:

1. Park on level ground and clear out the truck bed interior.
2. Following the directions from manufacturer, position cover and clamp side rails or snaps onto bed sides. Carefully check alignment.
3. For retractable or folding covers, assemble canister box and place into headboard position, securing to inside truck bed.
4. If drilling through truck bed is required for any clamps or attachments, carefully drill holes and insert hardware. Be cautious not to contact any components underneath the truck bed when drilling.
5. With tonneau centered properly and all components tightened securely, operate the cover fully to ensure smooth opening and closing.
6. Weather stripping will adhere best after sitting parked for 24 hours following installation.

Get Professional Assistance if Needed

Some tonneau covers, especially hard retractable or folding models with canisters/boxes, can be more complicated than simply clamping on vinyl soft-roll covers. Don't hesitate to recruit an experienced truck accessory installer if you have any concerns with getting your tonneau properly fitted to your Ford Ranger.

Adding a tonneau cover is one of the wisest upgrades you can make. Protect your Ranger's cargo area from weather and theft while enhancing both security and style. With excellent options now available, you'll enjoy the benefits for years of continued truck use.

FAQs

Are tonneau covers difficult to install?

Most tonneau covers are designed for relatively simple, quick clamp-on installation that can be completed in under an hour with no drilling. Some premium retractable hard covers may have more involved canister/box mounting that could require professional assistance.

Is a tonneau cover waterproof?

The level of water protection varies by cover material and design. Hard retractable, folding, or fiberglass tonneaus generally offer the most waterproof coverage. Even "waterproof" covers allow possible leakage at rail sides, relying on weather stripping to divert water.

Can you still access the truck bed with a tonneau installed?

Yes. Most tonneau covers provide easy access to the entire bed via folding or rolling up to the truck cab. Retractable designs offer the ultimate convenience and speed of access.

Does a cover protect the truck bed from scratches or dents?

While they mainly shield from weather and theft, some hard tonneau covers do offer a degree of added protection from surface-level damages. For ultimate bed protection you would need to add protective truck bedliner as well.

Will a tonneau impair rear visibility?

Low profile soft roll-up and hard covers minimally impact rear visibility. Retractable tonneaus block the least view since the cover rolls up completely. But all mounted tonneaus do obstruct some degree of visibility versus no cover installed.