Ford Ranger MK8 (2023-ON) J-Brace

This product fits: Ford Ranger MK8 (23-ON)

Part Number :  FR8DJB

These brackets have been developed to brace the floor to the wall of the load box to ensure that the off-road durability performance of the load box is maintained with the installation of load-bearing elevated accessories.

Is the J-Brace required for the Load cover?

To support the structural integrity of the Tub when load-bearing elevated accessories are fitted, is it recommended the installation of Reinforcement Brackets. Examples include canopies, ladder racks, cattle cages, carrier cross bars, load-bearing elevated accessories etc.

For this reason, HardtopsUK recommends that the brace is fitted with all covers.

Why you may need J-Braces? Ford Ranger MK8 & Volkswagen Amarok MK3 In general, braces are a fantastic way to add some additional strength to a product. If you’re likely to use your vehicle in settings that cause additional stress to the tub, then it is always recommended to have additional bracing. This bracing is purposely designed to give a longer life to your vehicle and assists with the vehicle warranty in some scenarios. Please keep in mind that the static load you put onto your vehicle (stationary net weight) is significantly increased when the vehicle is in motion. This is because in a static load, the force of the load remains constant and with movement, the load is more dynamic due to factors like speed of travel, sudden change in velocity, wind and even steering around corners can increase your static weight by factors of 2-3x or more. What are the manufacturer recommendations? Manufacturers have issued a statement stating that it is a requirement that any Ranger MK8 or Amarok MK3 fitted with a canopy must have a J-brace strengthening kit installed. What are HardtopsUK recommendations ? There is no accurate testing guide made public to measure the integration of accessories to your tub so we recommend you get the J-Brace kit, if you are planning on purchasing a hardtop/canopy, tonneau or cover and this recommendation is based on the assumption that the brace kit further strengthens the tub which lowers the risk of damage to your vehicle (essentially, giving you peace of mind). As the J-Brace is a reinforcement bracket, we elevate our recommendation if you are planning on carrying an additional load on your hardtop/canopy, tonneau or cover. Is this exclusive to HardTopsUK products? The J brace is not exclusive to HardtopsUK, and any competitive product would be assumed to have similar interaction with your vehicle. We have written this guide to give our consumers as much information as possible prior to their purchase.

Another company has told me I don’t need it for their product. We will always give our customers the courtesy of giving factual and unbiased information. There is no publicly available testing guide to test whether a J-brace is needed so any company that is telling you that you do not need one, is doing so based on their assumptions. Where can I get a J-Brace? We can supply a J-Brace for your New Ranger or New Amarok (part Number FR8DJB) or your local dealership will have the ability to supply and fit the J-Brace to your vehicle. If we are fitting J Braces to your vehicle, You will need to allow 2 hours of labour time for us to fit the J-Braces to your vehicle and an appropriate labour cost would be charged. A decision to fit J-Braces will always be required in advance of your visit to ensure we have time available.