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The Ford F-150 continues to be the highest selling truck on the market. It’s powerful, reliable, and very mod friendly. Off the lot, it can do almost anything you need it to, but to be popular for the masses, a few things need to be left off that benefit the serious off-roaders such as skid plates and body armor. If you do any type of rock crawling, you’re going to want to protect your investment.

Not only are there plenty of expensive components under your F-150 that can get damaged, but paint and body work is not cheap either. Skid plates and body armor help prevent the damage that any mountain is willing to dish out. Let’s get into what it takes to protect your Ford F-150 from the great outdoors.

What is a skid plate?

Skid plates are panels made of a tough and abrasion-resistance material that are bolted (usually) onto the bottom side of a vehicle to prevent damage from occurring to the underside of a vehicle when it makes contact with the ground.

As the name suggests, the goal is to protect your truck by not only taking an impact, but allow you to “skid” off your obstacle. Ever looked under a vehicle? There are lots of nooks and crannies for something to get wedged in. That can lead to an expensive mistake. A long flat surface in the form of a skid plate is a much better solution.

Where do skid plates go?

There are a lot of places under your F-150 you will want to protect. These include the engine and front accessories, transmission, transfer case, fuel tank, and the door sills. Each section has its own skid plate that you can purchase, and some manufacturers offer skid plates that connect together to allow you to keep the whole undercarriage of your truck protected. Add sliders to the frame under the door sills, and you’ll basically have a tank.

How much do they cost?

Skid plates are not the cheapest things, especially if you start getting some for all different areas. Your average lowest price for one component will be around $350. However, depending on the quality of material, brand, and which part it covers, prices can be well over $700. Keep in mind that while this may seem like a lot, serious off-roaders will tell you that it is far less than the cost of replacement parts and labor to fix damaged parts that you didn’t protect.

Different Types of Skid Plates

Now that you’re an expert on what a skid plate is, where do they actually go? What exactly does it protect? How much of my F-150 can I protect? These are all valid questions! While these Fords are designed to be durable, they shouldn’t have mountains scraping against them, so let’s get into it!

FRONT SKID PLATES

These skid plates mount directly behind your front bumper and offer a front line of protection from whatever you throw your F-150 into. Generally they make use of your truck’s existing mounting points, so no extra drilling is required. There are of course expectations to that depending on manufacturer.

Even mild off-roaders can benefit from a front skid plate. These offer a level of armor to parts such as radiators, A/C condensers, oil pans, engine accessories, and more. These are one of the panels that can potentially be seen from anyone outside your truck (even if your F-150 is not lifted), so it’s also a great opportunity to get something that looks good as well to show off that you mean off-roading business!

Keep in mind that even if you just drive through tall grass, a skid plate could stop that from mucking up your engine. Overall, it’s a great investment.

TRANSMISSION SKID PLATES

No one likes transmission issues. They are expensive, and any issue with them will render your F-150 undrivable. While Ford does make a very robust transmission, you don’t want to take advantage of that and come crashing down on a bolder. Enter the transmission skid plate.

Designed to secure the transmission from the wild trails, a transmission skid plate will generally also mount up underneath your F-150 with no extra drilling required. While great on their own, they are even better when paired with a front skid plate and transfer case skid plate. Adding all three together will effectively armor the whole front and mid section of your F-150 in one (almost continuous) go.

TRANSFER CASE SKID PLATES

Your transfer case is designed to provide power as needed to your front and rear wheels. It is an absolute must to keep this crucial part protected during your off-road adventures. Directly behind your transmission (and transmission skid plate, if you get one), this skid plate will mount to existing factory mounting points.

While best to pair with a front and transmission skid plate due to its small size, this plate will ensure a better chance of survival of your transfer case during your next rock climb.

COMPLETE FRONT/MID SKID PLATE

If you don’t want to worry about individual components, there are companies that make one long skid plate that will cover the front, transmission, and transfercase. This is great for a one stop shop solution for covering some of the more expensive parts of your F-150.

One of the biggest downsides could actually be its intended solution: taking damage. If you have three separate skid plates, and your transfer case skid plate gets damaged, you can fix or replace that plate. If you have one long one, the whole thing needs to be replaced or fixed. Just something to think about!

FUEL TANK SKID PLATES

Obviously a hole in your fuel tank is bad. Not only do you risk spontaneous combustion, but running out of fuel and potentially being slapped with a fine from the EPA is bad too. While very durable, if you do some serious rock crawling and can afford the extra protection, you might want to look into one of these skid plates. I could go into further detail, but hey… Holes in your gas tank are not good.

LOWER CONTROL ARM SKID PLATES

While not as common, your suspension could use some love too. These are definitely more specialty products and not something everyone makes or uses, but if you’re around jagged rocks frequently, you don’t want a busted shock.

Lower control arms are basically responsible for “holding your front wheels” in place. You can imagine the bad day you could have if you get these hung up on a rock. Thankfully there is a skid plate for that! These are designed to effectively enclose the exposed bottom and sides of your lower control arms to take the brunt of any impacts.

When shopping around, you do want to take note about fitment. Some manufacturers only supply these for Raptors, so make sure you know what you’re buying!

ROCK SLIDERS

Everything listed previously has been designed to protect the drivetrain and suspension, but if the side of your F-150 slams down on a rock, you can get some serious damage. Not only can your rocker panels be damaged (which will be something everyone can see), if bad enough, you might have a hard time opening or closing your door.

Sliders are designed to bolt to your frame and protect your F-150’s body. They might have steps built in to make getting in and out of your truck easier, but keep in mind that side steps or running boards are NOT rock sliders, but rock sliders CAN have steps.

BRUSH GUARDS AND BULL BARS

While more common in the 80s and 90s, brush guards and bull bars are designed to protect your front end. Depending on the size, they can protect your bumper, grille, headlights, and so on. They bolt to your frame, and extend in front of your bumper. If you hit something or need to push something, they will not only take the damage before your bumper, but will transfer it evenly across the front of your truck, since it’s attached to your frame.

These are not really “in vogue” anymore these days. However, with plastic bumper covers the norm, it’s worth having them protected. The level of protection depends on what you want. These can be a simple and small bar in front, or a much larger and elaborate setup that covers the grille and lights too.

Certain brush guards and bull bars allow the ability to mount light bars as well, which increases the utilitarian nature of them. Do not attach a winch to them. They are generally not rated for that kind of stress.

BUMPERS

A very expensive option, but very durable if you’re serious about off-roading would be bumpers. Stock bumpers look great but offer no protection while rock crawling. Off-roading bumpers are heavy but designed to take a beating. Depending on the design, you can also have the ability to attach light bars and winches. A heavy-duty steel bumper with light bars and a winch will not only protect your F-150, but will increase its off-road capability by a lot! Let’s face it… It also looks cool.

Steel or Aluminum

For a lot of these, you have the option of steel or aluminum. Which is better? Which should you get? This all depends on how you are using your truck. Steel is a very strong metal. It can take a beating and keep on going. If you are doing some serious rock crawling up the side of a mountain, you will want the protection of steel. The downside is that steel is very heavy. Weight affects the performance of your F-150: gas mileage, acceleration, braking, balance, and so on.

On the other end, aluminum is very light. The tradeoff is that it’s not as strong. If you’re a weekend warrior who goes on a couple of trails that might have a hill or two, aluminum is the way to go. Weight will still be added to your truck, but far less than steel. Don’t be shy about protection: aluminum will get most jobs done the same way steel will, but depending on the thickness and how sharp the rock is that your F-150 just crashed down on, it could be the difference between a scratch, and a full puncture.

Like I’ve said with tires and other modifications countless times before on this blog: know your end goal, and buy accordingly.

Conclusion

Skid plates and body armor for your Ford F-150 can be rather subjective and situational. What works for you, might not work for someone else. It’s best to just figure out exactly what type of driving you will be doing and what your budget is. Buy accordingly, and have fun while protecting your ride!

Images

Off-Road F-150 - Courtesy of F150 Gen14 user “Agate_5.0”

Front Skid Plate - Courtesy of RTR Vehicles

Transmission Skid Plate - Courtesy of Stage 3 Motorsports

Transfer Case Skid Plate - Courtesy of RCI Metal Works

Full Front/Mid Skid Plate - Courtesy of Halo Lifts

Gas Tank Skid Plate - Courtesy of RCI Metal Works

Lower Control Arm Skid Plate - Courtesy of BWoody Performance

Rock Sliders - Courtesy of Coastal Offroad

Brush Guard - Courtesy of Alien Car Care

Bumper - Courtesy of DV8 Offroad

The Ford F-150 is the highest selling truck for many reasons. However, the bed is like most pickup trucks from the factory: an open bed. If you need more storage solutions and better organization, you might want to look into some bed racks.

Regardless if you are doing some overlanding, or a weekend camping trip, bed racks make a world of difference in your F-150. Bed racks are a popular mod to F-150s that are railed systems that bolt into the bed of your truck in minutes. They allow you to mount your gear to the sides and top of the unit keeping what you need organized and within reach. 

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

What Do You Need Them For?

Need is a subjective word that, for lack of better words, depends on your needs. What gear do you need to carry?  Do you need a rooftop tent? Is it something you want on your daily driver? These are all things to take into consideration when you start looking at bed racks. If you do some serious camping, overlanding, or just like to be prepared, a bed rack can become your new best friend.

How are they installed?

Installing a bed rack on a Ford F-150 is actually very easy! Once you get it into place on top of the bed, you simply clamp it down onto the lip of the bed, and you’re done! There is no cutting or drilling required with most modern day “plug-and-play” kits.

How do they work?

Bed racks give you another layer of storage above your bed. In most cases, these racks will have flat rails that stretch across the top of the rack to give you anchor points to tie down your gear, or mount things like rooftop tents.

If you have a bed rack that is taller to match the height of your cab’s roofline, it is common to find rails or mounting points on the side that allow for more locations to keep your gear. The sides are common to store fuel cans, water cans, tools like shovels and axes, and other slim items that won’t extend the overall width of your F-150 by too much.

What heights do they come in?

There are three main heights that you can find for your Ford F-150: flush, roof height, and mid height. Flush height would rest right across the top of your bed. While this limits the amount of storage that you can have under the rack as you will just be limited to the cubic footage of the bed itself, this means you can mount taller things on the rack. Even if it’s just a spare tire, you now don’t have to worry about the overall height of your truck being extended. It also gives your truck a much more subtle appearance.

Bed racks that extend to the height of your cab’s roof give you maximum storage capacity in your bed and under the rack. If you have side rails as well, you have even more storage capacity at your disposal. Keep in mind that you’ll definitely be changing that overall appearance of your F-150. It will have that overlanding/bugout look.

Of course there are racks that meet in the middle as well that we will call mid height. These can also have side rails depending on the height, but of course, you will not be able to haul as much. Just keep in mind your needs, and purchase accordingly.

POPULAR OPTIONS

Now that you know the basics about bed racks, let’s take a look at some popular options. These are what we have found are popular on the forums, Facebook groups, and with our own customers. This is by no means a complete list. Find what works for your needs and your budget.

RCI Off Road 12” HD Bed Rack

One of the most popular bed racks on almost any truck would be this one from RCI. While this is a universal rack, it has not stopped anyone from making use of it on their F-150 to great success. This rack stands at 12 inches, and includes two top braces perfect for rooftop tents and other gear. One of the key features are the side rails that make your mounting capabilities almost limitless. You can hold up to 750 pounds of a static load. The rack installs quickly and looks great! You can get this rack for around $975.

TRUSS Soft Top Compatible Bed Rack

If you want something a little more unique, this Soft Top Compatible bed rack by TRUSS can check that box. Beyond just being a sturdy rack with three cross bars and side mounting capabilities, it also allows for having a soft top camper top for your F-150! The adjustable legs make sure you’re never blocking the topper when you need to fold it. The versatility of this allows for a unique overlanding experience.

Prinsu Cab Height Bed Rack

Prinsu has been mentioned in a lot of our articles before, and for good reason: they know what they are doing. Their cab height rack is no exception. In addition to being highly capable, it is one of the most aggressive looking designs. So, if you are looking for that off-road look, here’s what you need. Beyond that, you get plenty of mounting locations on the top and sides, and you can choose between bare metal or a black powder coat. Prices start at $1250.

Yakima Medium Profile Bed Rack

If you want to keep things as “factory” as possible, this kit from Yakima can be found directly from Ford. While not the Ford brand exactly, for it to be in the shop, it is something they trust. This rack is a bit different. The front and back supports are not connected, so you can place these any distance you want for greater flexibility. However, this also means no side rails. This keeps things more basic, but flexible. Prices range from $730 to $1000 depending on dealership sales. This is as close as you can get to “OEM.”

Front Runner Retrax XR Slimline II

While many of the racks listed here focus on side storage, Front Runner pays special attention to the top. The lightweight aluminum design of this model gives you maximum surface area to give you the best base for a rooftop tent, or to tie down anything you need anywhere on the rack! While more pricey with a base price of $1635, they do offer the surface area of a second bed. It’s a more streamlined design over having side storage.

TO SUM IT UP

Hauling your gear is something you need to take special attention to. A weekend warrior will have different needs compared to an overlanding pro. Do you need all of the side storage mounting surface area possible, or do you need the most streamline top storage? Now that you have some idea on what’s out there, the next step is getting a bed rack for your Ford F-150! Get out there, haul your stuff, and have fun. 

Image Credits

RCI Rack - Courtesy of Rooftop Overland

TRUSS Rack - Courtesy of Uptop Overland

Prinsu Rack - Courtesy of Prinsu

Yakima Rack - Courtesy of Levittown Ford

Front Runner Rack - Courtesy of Offroad Alliance

Mud flaps are a fantastic option to help your truck stay cleaner, avoid rock chips, and they also offer a unique avenue for some extra customization. Not only do they protect your ride, but they protect cars and pedestrians behind you from flying rocks and debris that you might kick up.

If for nothing else, they break up the curves and lines of your truck and add some extra dimensions to your ride. Which mud flaps are best for your Ford F-150? Let’s learn a bit about them, take a look at some styles and options, and get you the best ones that work for you. 

Front and Rear

Mud flaps are known for being seen behind the rear tires in vehicles, especially big rigs, but on passenger vehicles, they are very common up front too. On big rigs and box trucks, they are pretty much designed to just stop rocks from hitting cars behind them, but on passenger vehicles, they mainly help protect your ride.

Rocks can be kicked up and easily chip away at the paint on your fenders, doors, bumpers (rear), rocker panels, and running boards/step, and if you’re here looking to modify your F-150, you know truck parts and body work can be expensive. With mud flaps extending below the end of the wheel well both front and back, they will help deflect what your tires might kick up to help protect your investment.

Despite mainly offering protection to you, your higher ride height over that of a car can be less fortunate for those behind you if you are to kick something up. While standard size mud flaps won’t assure complete protection to any car too close behind you on the highway, these will help cut down on any rocks or debris that your tires may throw behind you.

Drilling VS Non-Drilling

When it comes to the installation of mud flaps, it could be plug and play, or you may need to drill a couple holes. This will depend on the kit that you get, and the trim level of your truck. If your truck came with OEM splash guards, you could luck out depending on the kit that you get. Other kits have mounting brackets to make things easy. Regardless, each reputable kit that you get will come with detailed instructions so you don’t have to worry about messing up.

Materials

The material that a mud flap is made out of is key. They are designed to be beaten by rocks, mud, and dirt, so they have to be strong. The most common material mud flaps are made out of is rubber. Rubber can be thick and dense, but when hit, the material will rarely chip or crack. It will absorb the energy of what hits it, and deflect the debris away.

Another good reason for rubber is flexibility. If you have longer mud flaps and you plan on doing off-roading, you will want something that will not snap off when crawling over a rock. Over time, rubber flaps may get brittle depending on quality.

Mud flaps can also be plastic, but if they are, they should be shorter, and of a higher quality material such as a polymer. As I mentioned about the flexibility, a long, plastic mud flap could have a tendency to snap if under the correct conditions. This leads me to my next category…

Sizes

Mud flaps can be really short, or longer. Typically from the factory, most vehicles come with short mud flaps generally referred to as splash guards. Visually, they are more acceptable to a wider audience. Keep in mind that not everyone buys a truck because they intend on using it as a truck. Short flaps don’t offer as much protection, but they are better than nothing. They can offer a nice color contrast while not being too obtrusive to the lines of your truck.

Longer mud flaps are best when you plan on driving on rougher or dirt roads. They offer more protection to your truck, as well as to the people and vehicles around you. They also offer more versatility for customization which I’ll talk about now…

Customization

With the right size and material, you can get some serious customization done. Laser engraving, chrome plates and silhouettes, text, and more. The most common would be brand names or logos, truck make or model names or logos, and of course the stereotypical “trucker” look of a chrome silhouette of an attractive woman. 

Weighed vs Non Weighted

Weighted mud flaps offer a metal piece on the bottom of a rubber/flexible mud flap to keep them hanging down. This is beneficial because when your truck is in motion, a flexible mud flap might tend to rise up in the wind, which would remove a good amount of protection. A weight helps avoid this.

Popular Options for the Ford F-150

Now that you know almost everything about mud flaps, let’s dive into available mud flaps for the Ford F-150. This is by no means a complete list, but just some of the popular ones found on forums, Facebook groups, and based on what our customers say. Hopefully this will help get you pointed in the right direction.

Ford OEM Splash Guards

If you want to keep things looking and feeling as factory as possible, then you’ll want to invest in the OEM front and rear splash guards from Ford for the F-150. Ford has different ones for different years of the F-150, so make sure you check to make sure you are getting the right ones for you. With these, you can usually get just the ones up front, just the rear, or a kit that has them both. Your average price for front or rear will be around $35-$55, and a kit of front and rear will be about double. You can get higher end factory splash guards that have “F-150” on them along with metal, and those will run around $200.

Husky Liners Mud Guards

Husky has been protecting all types of trucks inside and out for years, so they know what they are doing! When it comes to their mud guards, the same applies. For $74 you get a kit consisting of front and rear guards that do not require drilling. The guards themselves are made of plastic, and powder coated black for a durable finish. The ones linked here are for 2021 to 2022 Ford F-150s, but they make these for plenty of other years and generations.

WeatherTech MudFlaps

Like Husky, WeatherTech has been in the business for years protecting rides. This complete kit allows you to purchase front, rear, or both flaps. Both would run you $112. There is no need to drill, and they claim to mount in minutes. The flaps are constructed from a proprietary thermoplastic resin to ensure long lasting durability, and if you had any doubts about that, they do come with a lifetime warranty for the original purchaser, and original vehicle installed on.

Rokbloks Mud Flaps

If you’re looking for a bit more custom for your 2021 to 2022 F-150, Rokbloks gives you two size options, ten color options, and five logo color options. They come with the mounting hardware that you need, and will line up with the factory holes. The kit comes with both front and back, and prices start at $160. Keep in mind like with most things custom, the price will go up when you start choosing options.

Rekgen Mud Flags

If you want something with a lot of personality, Rekgen might be what you need. They are a bit more on the bold and “show” side of things, but can still get the job done. The flap features brushed stainless steel mesh that gives it a more edgy feel. The kit comes with two, so you’ll have to order two if you want front and rear. You can choose to have the “RG” logo in gloss black, white, or red. You also have the choice of eight, ten, or twelve inches in length, and eleven or twelve inches in width. They are a bit on the pricey side at $240 for two, but they are on the custom side as well.

All in all, mud flaps are a good investment to protect your truck and those behind you. Find what you and your wallet likes, and start modding your truck!

Image Credits

F-150 with Mud Flaps - Courtesy of F150 Forums user “Texas.Thunder”

Ford OEM - Courtesy of The Ford Store

Husky - Courtesy of Reddit user “yodaveo”

WeatherTech - Courtesy of WeatherTech Amazon Store

Rokbloks - Courtesy of Rokbloks

Rekgen - Courtesy of Rekgen

Mud flaps are a fantastic option to help your truck stay cleaner, avoid rock chips, and they also offer a unique avenue for some extra customization. Not only do they protect your ride, but they protect cars and pedestrians behind you from flying rocks and debris that you might kick up.

If for nothing else, they break up the curves and lines of your truck and add some extra dimensions to your ride. Which mud flaps are best for your Ford Ranger? Let’s learn a bit about them, take a look at some styles and options, and get you the best ones that work for you. 

Front and Rear

Mud flaps are known for being seen behind the rear tires in vehicles, especially big rigs, but on passenger vehicles, they are very common up front too. On big rigs and box trucks, they are pretty much designed to just stop rocks from hitting cars behind them, but on passenger vehicles, they mainly help protect your ride.

Rocks can be kicked up and easily chip away at the paint on your fenders, doors, bumpers (rear), rocker panels, and running boards/steps. With mud flaps extending below the end of the wheel well both front and back, they will help deflect what your tires might kick up.

Despite mainly offering protection to you, your higher ride height over that of a car can be less fortunate for those behind you if you are to kick something up. While standard size mud flaps won’t assure complete protection to any car too close behind you on the highway, these will help cut down on any rocks or debris that your tires may throw behind you.

Drilling VS Non-Drilling

When it comes to the installation of mud flaps, it could be plug and play, or you may need to drill a couple holes. This will depend on the kit that you get, and the trim level of your truck. If your truck came with OEM splash guards, you could luck out depending on the kit that you get. Other kits have mounting brackets to make things easy. Regardless, each reputable kit that you get will come with detailed instructions so you don’t have to worry about messing up.

Materials

The material that a mud flap is made out of is key. They are designed to be beaten by rocks, mud, and dirt, so they have to be strong. The most common material mud flaps are made out of is rubber. Rubber can be thick and dense, but when hit, the material will rarely chip or crack. It will absorb the energy of what hits it, and deflect the debris away.

Another good reason for rubber is flexibility. If you have longer mud flaps and you plan on doing off-roading, you want something that will not snap off when crawling over a rock. Over time, rubber flaps may get brittle depending on quality.

Mud flaps can also be plastic, but if they are, they should be shorter, and of a higher quality material such as a polymer. As I mentioned about the flexibility, a long, plastic mud flap could have a tendency to snap if under the correct conditions. This leads me to my next category…

Sizes

Mud flaps can be really short, or longer. Typically from the factory, most vehicles come with short mud flaps generally referred to as splash guards. Visually, they are more acceptable to a wider audience. Keep in mind that not everyone buys a truck because they intend on using it as a truck. Short flaps don’t offer as much protection, but they are better than nothing. They can offer a nice color contrast while not being too obtrusive to the lines of your truck.

Longer mud flaps are best when you plan on driving on rougher or dirt roads. They offer more protection to your truck, as well as to the people and vehicles around you. They also offer more versatility for customization which I’ll talk about now…

Customization

With the right size and material, you can get some serious customization done. Laser engraving, chrome plates and silhouettes, text, and more. The most common would be brand names or logos, truck make or model names or logos, and of course the stereotypical “trucker” look of a chrome silhouette of an attractive woman. 

Weighed vs Non Weighted

Weighted mud flaps offer a metal piece on the bottom of a rubber/flexible mud flap to keep them hanging down. This is beneficial because when your truck is in motion, a flexible mud flap might tend to rise up in the wind, which would remove a good amount of protection. A weight helps avoid this.

Popular Options for the Ford Ranger

Now that you know almost everything about mud flaps, let’s dive into available mud flaps for the Ford Ranger. This is by no means a complete list, but just some of the popular ones found on forums, Facebook groups, and based on what our customers say. Hopefully this will help get you pointed in the right direction.

Ford OEM Front and Ford OEM Rear Splash Guards

If you want to keep things looking and feeling as factory as possible, then you’ll want to invest in the OEM front and rear splash guards from Ford for the Ranger. On Ford’s site, you have to buy these individually (front pair and back pair) for $53 each for a total of $106. The front ones are a clean and sleek design. The rear is as well, but with the Ford logo etched into the flap. Since these are OEM, you won’t have to worry about fitment issues!

Husky Liners Mud Guards

Husky has been protecting all types of trucks inside and out for years, so they know what they are doing! When it comes to their mud guards, the same applies. For $67 you get a kit consisting of front and rear guards that do not require drilling. There is a section of double sided tape to assist in mounting while avoiding drilling, but that does come with some mixed reviews. The guards themselves are made of plastic, and powder coated black for a durable finish.

WeatherTech MudFlaps

Like Husky, WeatherTech has been in the business for years protecting rides. While not as highly rated as the Husky ones, this complete kit allows you to purchase front, rear, or both flaps. Both would run you $100. There is no need to drill, and they claim to mount in minutes. The flaps are constructed from a proprietary thermoplastic resin to ensure long lasting durability, and if you had any doubts about that, they do come with a lifetime warranty for the original purchaser, and original vehicle installed on.

Gatorback Front and Gatorback Rear Splash Guards

If you have the cash and want something really over the top, you can get these Gatorback splash guards on the Ford Parts store for $339 for each pair. That’s $678 in total! These guards are made out of premium heavy duty rubber, and are weighted down with a plate that says “RANGER.” These require no drilling to install, and are backed by a lifetime warranty. While these can take a beating off-road, I personally think these would be more at home on your highway queen compared to your rock crawler. Let’s face it… Getting a ding in your $60 plastic mud flaps will hurn much less compared to scratching the metal plate on your close to $700 ones.

All in all, mud flaps are a good investment to protect your truck and those behind you. Find what you and your wallet likes, and start modding your truck!

Image Credits

Ranger with Mud Flaps - Courtesy of truck Hardware

Ford OEM - Courtesy of The Ford Store

Husky - Courtesy of Amazon reviewer Ryan

WeatherTech - Courtesy of Amazon reviewer Robert Howley

Gabtorback - Courtesy of The Ford Store

When Ford announced the Ranger was coming back, Ford fans knew it was going to be a hit. Ford sat back and saw what was working and not working with other mid sized trucks on the market. That allowed them to check off almost every demand mid sized truck owners had for a truck.

However, for those of us looking for a little more of an extreme truck such as a rock crawler or overlanding beast, we have to turn to the aftermarket. Let’s be real… No manufacturer can mass produce an overlanding truck and expect it to sell in high numbers. Thankfully the Ranger has an aftermarket out there to help you create the overlanding truck of your dreams on a tank of a platform.

WHAT IS OVERLANDING?

Overlanding is a journey to remote destinations across the open land. This isn’t your typical weekend rock crawling. This is a journey where you are one with your vehicle, your lodging is typically camping, and nature is all around you. The destination is the journey. It is one heck of an experience!

WHY DO RANGER OWNERS LOVE OVERLANDING?

Ask them! The Ranger is the perfect size to get in and out of tiger spaces that the bigger brother the F-150 can’t, but it still has all the power you need with even better fuel economy. Despite the smaller size, there is plenty of space to carry all that you need including tents, trailers, and more. All of this needs a bit of help to mount, and that is where the continuously growing aftermarket comes in allowing you to create the overlanding beast you need.

WHAT OVERLANDING EQUIPMENT DO YOU NEED?

The Ranger is a great truck, but if you’re going to be out on the open land for days or maybe weeks at a time, there are a few things that you need to do. What you get will depend on the terrain and how long you will be gone for. Will it be rocky, snowy, sandy, muddy, or flat? Do you have to worry about rivers? Will you be driving at night? There are a few key things to get dependent on the answers to those questions.

Suspension is huge as it’s usually always good to have a little extra clearance. You’ll also want to protect your vehicle, especially if you’re in rocky conditions. Rock sliders, push bars, and cages/roll bars are excellent additions for that. Snorkels help for river crossing and aggressive tires help for the terrain, but don’t forget about you! Where are you going to sleep and eat? What about gas for your truck and lights? These are all things to consider.

Suspension

There are a good number of suspension upgrades for the Ford Ranger, but it’s important to remember that when overlanding, you’re generally not attending a rock crawling event. Clearance is always a good option if you have some bumps or rivers to get through, but you don’t usually need to get too carried away.

There are many different ways you can get clearance on your Ranger, but it would be a good idea to start out with a basic lift kit. A coilover kit would be your best option overall for overlanding.

Coilover kits are one unit (piston and spring) that are plug and play. Simply take your stock spring and piston out, and place the new one in. While these are more expensive over spacer lift kits, which simply stretch your stock spring and piston, coilover kits are far more durable. Durability is what you are after for overlanding, hands down.

Coilovers can be ordered in various heights including adjustable heights, and there are plenty of name brand options to choose from. You can expect to spend anywhere from $1300 to $2500 for a complete kit, but it’s worth it.

Protection

Your ride will get beat up and get dirty as your overlanding life continues, but there are steps you can take to cut down on serious damage, especially if you’re dealing with rocky and hilly conditions. Rock sliders, push bars, cages, roll bars take the impacts so your body panels don’t have to.

Rock sliders bolt to your frame and are designed for protection. The average cost is going to be around $500 to $800 depending on brand and material. Some sliders offer built-in steps as well, which will aid you in getting in and out of your lifted ride. Keep in mind that when you’re shopping you’re getting sliders and not steps. Steps are usually just meant for your feet and don’t offer the same protection that sliders do.

Push bars/grill guards go on the front of your truck and can be as simple as a small trapezoidal tube in the middle, or a complete network of tubing and mesh designed to protect all your lights and grille. These range from $230 to over $700, but the average cost is generally in the middle. 

For ultimate front end protection, replacement bumpers will be your best options. Front bumpers generally replace the lower part of your front bumper with a much more aggressive and durable metal one instead of the factory plastic bumper cover. These are generally far more expensive but can include things like winches and light bars. Rear bumpers replace the factory bumper with metal ones. They are far more durable and can even include extra features such as LED lighting.

If you’re at risk of rolling, you may want to look at a cage for your truck. This is most likely a rare occurrence for overlanding, but know your environment. This generally has to be custom made, so do a search around your area for someone who offers that kind of service.

You can get a roll bar that mounts behind the cab for about $400 to $850, but it sits pretty far behind you, so the amount of protection you get really depends on how your truck rolls. Keep in mind that if you do get one, it might interfere with bed racks and roof racks, which we will get into later in this article.

Snorkels

If you think you might be crossing some rivers, a snorkel might be a wise investment. Snorkels move your engine’s air intake closer to your roof. While you will need to cut holes in your truck’s body to make the modification, it’s better than hydro locking your engine (seizing your engine because water gets sucked in). These will run you about $500 to $700.

Tires

Tires and the amount of air in them depend on where you are going. Mud, snow, sand, and dirt might all need different tires. Don’t forget about driving to and from your start point on the highway! There are so many points to consider when choosing a tire, and there are so many options. In all honesty, there are too many to cover here. However, just know where you’re going, and plan accordingly. A good set of off-road tires these days will run you over $1000.

Lights

There will be no streetlights where you are going. Stock headlights and high beams work well, but you’ll need more in the pitch black darkness you’ll experience. I cover lighting terms and options in my Ultimate Ford Ranger LED Lighting Guide, but in short, it would be wise to invest in an LED light bar. LED light bars are extremely efficient, durable, and bright. They will flood the area in front of you with bright and clean light, which is terribly important if your overlanding trip requires you to drive at night. 

It won’t hurt to look into ditch lights as well if you find yourself driving at night a lot for maximum illumination.

CARRYING YOUR GEAR

If you’re going to be gone for a long time, you need supplies: spare parts for the Ranger itself, tools for any repairs, food, water, first aid, survival gear, and extra fuel. While our trucks can hold a lot, space runs out fast when you’re getting all of your supplies together.

Bed Racks

Bed racks are one of the best options for carrying more gear. These mount onto your bed and either give you a full length “roof rack”, sidewall storage, or both. Prices range from $350 to over $1200, but you’ll be able to pick the one you need for the amount of storage that you require. Some come with modular panels and containers designed to attach to the side. They are great ways to store spare water and fuel. For a complete guide with options, check out our Ultimate Guide to Ford Ranger Bed Racks.

Bed Drawers

While these take up more room in your bed, they are a good way to organize your gear, and keep it out of the way. These install in your bed, and raise the floor of your bed by adding a row of drawers underneath the new bed floor. Prices for these are around $1500 for one you can depend on.

Molle Seat Covers

While you’re not going to be storing spare tires on your seats, first aid supplies, flares, fire starting equipment, extra magazines, and other small items will be right at home. These covers offer plenty of storage possibilities and are one of the best ways to keep your small and loose items at hand. These range from $75 to $200.

KEEPING YOURSELF COMFORTABLE

When overlanding, there are no resorts, no hotels, and no cabins. You are on your own, so you want to be comfortable. Regular old tents are an inexpensive and easy option. They are tried and true, and they don’t take up much space. However, if you want to be fancy and camp in style, there are options made specifically for our Rangers.

Roof Top Tents

When you want the ultimate amount of personal space, luxury, and room on your truck’s roof, roof top tents are the best option, especially when paired with a cab height bed rack. While they can be pricey ($250 - $2000), they are amazing options if you’re serious about overlanding. You sleep up high, which not only gives you better views, but it keeps you safer from any lurking creatures. Some come with an annex room that goes from the ground to the sleeping section. They are great for a multi-person party, or a “living room” if you want it. Some of these annex rooms have “backdoors” that allow you to access the inside of your truck (through your side doors) giving you an incredible setup.

OVERLANDING TRAILERS

If you are going on a long trip on flat land, you might need a trailer. Trailers are a great option to carry a bunch of other gear for an extended journey, but only on flatter land. You can get a specific overlanding trailer, and while more expensive, they are designed for harsh off-road environments.

Trailers can be your tent, leaving your roof and bed rack available for more storage, or they can hold all of your extra gear and leave your roof available. A good overlanding trailer will cost you over $2000 and can be as high as $12000. If you’re all about the overlanding life, it could be a wise investment, but most weekend warriors won’t have a need for the extra space.

While fuel mileage isn’t the main concern while overlanding (beyond making sure you have enough), pulling a heavy trailer will result in the use of more fuel. You will also limit where you can go.

WHERE TO FIND OVERLANDING GROUPS

Going out on your own or with people that you can fit in your truck can be a lot of fun, but sometimes hanging out and going on an adventure with a convoy of like-minded people is a lot of fun. Not only can you form bonds with people who share your passion, but someone could save you or your Ranger if you’re in trouble. If you’re a novice, or this is your first time, I would highly recommend going with other people.

Facebook is a great way to find like-minded people/groups. There are many overlanding groups, and even some Ford/Ranger specific ones.  Forums also have diehard fans when it comes to overlanding with Ford and Rangers. Reach out to these people through these mediums and find out what’s happening next and where. Go out and have some fun with some like-minded people!

Conclusion

While an incredible experience and lots of fun, overlanding is a serious and potentially dangerous adventure. However, rest assured knowing your Ford Ranger can be up to the challenge with some light modifications. Remember, a good overall, mid-range priced package to get your truck ready would consist of the following:

Moderate height coilover lift kit ($1500)

Tires ($1000)

Rock sliders ($700)

Push bar/grill guard ($400)

LED light bar ($350)

Roof rack/tent ($700)

Fuel cans, water cans, and other incidentals/extras ($250)

All in all, you could be looking around $5000 for a complete kit. Keep in mind that this is mid-range. You can get much more expensive gear, or cheaper. Most of these things are one time investments as well. The only things you would need to replace are your tires. Anything else just needs to be replaced if it gets damaged.

You also have to determine what you need. If you’re driving through the Sahara, you probably don’t need a push bar or rock sliders. That’s $1100 taken off right there. If you are only going on weekend trips, you probably can get away with an inexpensive tent set up independently from your truck, and you won’t need a roof rack. That’s $700 gone.

There is no this-is-how-you-have-to-do-it way for overlanding. There are two rules to overlanding: get from Point A to Point B, and have fun doing it. How you accomplish it depends on how much money, time, and effort you want to put into it. Determine where you want to go, find out the best way to do it, and build and plan accordingly.

The Ford Runner is a safe, durable, and reliable truck. Use it, be safe, and have fun.

Image Credits

Overlanding Ranger - Courtesy of The Ranger Station

Suspension - Courtesy of Icon Vehicle Dynamics

Rock Sliders - Courtesy of Shrockworks

Bull Bar - Courtesy of Westin Automotive

Bed and Roof Rack - Courtesy of Roof Top Overland

Tent - Courtesy of Trucks.com

Overlanding Trailer - Courtesy of Off Road Xtreme