So I have a 2008 XLT with a nice Leer cap with Thule roof racks. Problem is I use it as a electrical service vehicle. I don’t trust having the ladder on there to much, it gets me paranoid at highway speeds. I found a good deal on a commercial style Leer cap with storage on one side and integrated roof racks perfect for service work. Problem is it’s from a 1999 Ranger, both are the standard non long bed. It looks to me like if the beds are the same dimension but even though it’s a good deal it’s a 2 1/2 hour drive each way and I will be really bummed if I drive 5 hours for nothing. Somebody with expertise on the good ole Ranger please advise. Thanks!!

2008 Ranger XLT 4X4
6’ bed 3.0 motor

 

Here’s my baby

 

This is what I’m looking to purchase.

 

Can't comment on the fitment, but I have traveled over 500 miles one way on the highway with a 14 foot kayak (about 80 pounds) on the roof of a similar cap and Thule racks with zero problems. I cant see that little fiberglass ladder being of any concern on your current cap.

 

I’ve put allot of mileage on it as well, and it’s not just one 8’ ladder sometimes I have an extension ladder sometimes two 8’ ladders sometimes an 8 and a 6. I did have one of the pedestals break on me already, luckily I was in town when it happened and it was one of the back ones that broke. The channel is really secured with a ton of 1/4” bolts but the pedestal just has a tiny clip that spins into the groove of the channel and even though it’s pretty sturdy the loop the bar goes through is actually made out of plastic. Go figure that one. A true commercial cap is more square and a bit taller allowing for more ease getting carts in and out and since you can stack all of your hardware and some smaller power tools I the bins you get more bed space. I like the ranger but have to try and make the best out of the room because right now everything is stacked if I need something from the bottom of the pile quess who has to reshuffle the whole entire bed pretty much.

 

I have an open bed with a ladder-rack that can handle 300 lbs. I haven't used it much for ladders but I have hauled 16' wooden planks for building decks.

 

Ended up getting a ARE contractors cap love it, can’t even notice a difference with ladders up top.