Do you want to ensure that your Ford Ranger has the best protection on the road?
Then it’s time to consider a bonnet protector. These accessories are excellent at deflecting stone chips and flying debris while the vehicle is in motion. This reduces the risk of your ute sustaining damage to the bodywork and paint.
A Ford Ranger bonnet protector makes sense because it will help protect your investment. If you spend a lot of time in rural areas or even off-roading, they can make a substantial difference.
In this guide, we’ll try to find the best bonnet protector for your needs. Different generations have varying specifications so we’ll identify the top bonnet protectors for each recent model.
Let’s get started!
| Bonnet Protector For Ford Ranger PK & Wildtrak 04/09 - 08/11 | Bonnet Protector For Ford Ranger PX Double Cab 09/11 - 07/15 | Bonnet Protector for Ford Ranger PX MK II |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  | |
Acrylic | Acrylic | Acrylic | |
2kg | 2kg | 2kg | |
Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Clear | Clear | Clear/Dark tint | |
Australia | Australia | Australia | |
Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty |
Best Ford Ranger Bonnet Protectors - Australia
Bonnet Protector For Ford Ranger PK & Wildtrak 04/09 - 08/11
Best for PK & Wildtrak
Protective Plastics is one of the top brands in the world of bonnet protectors. They produce accessories for a range of 4WD vehicles, including Ford Rangers.
This particular design is tailormade for Ranger PX and Wildtrak utes from 2009 to 2011. Unfortunately, they are incompatible with later models because of design changes. However, the specific design is a plus because they fit like a glove!
These Australian-made bonnet protectors use durable acrylic as their dominant material. They’re also UV-stable and clear in colour.
Finally, Protective Plastics provide a lifetime warranty for each Ford Ranger bonnet protector. Even if they sustain damage from wear and tear, they’re happy to replace them.
Bonnet Protector For Ford Ranger PX Double Cab 09/11 - 07/15
Best for PX Double Cab
Protective Plastics also produce a vehicle-specific bonnet protector for the PX Double Cab edition from 2011 to 2015.
This Ford Ranger bonnet protector shares similar traits and specifications to the previous model. However, it’s tailored to the slightly different dimensions of the later PX Double Cab. This ensures that it fits perfectly.
Similarly, it is UV-stable - crucial in the Australian sun - and uses acrylic as the dominant material. Acrylic is strong enough to prevent minor damage from airborne debris like stone chips.
Furthermore, the brand also offers a lifetime warranty for this version of their Ford Ranger bonnet protector.
Bonnet Protector for Ford Ranger PX MK II
Best for PX MK II
Finally, let’s look at a bonnet protector for the PX MK II from 2016 onwards.
This accessory fits recent Ford Ranger models like a glove. It’s also made in Australia and designed with Aussie conditions in mind. That’s why Protective Plastics focus on producing UV-resistant bonnet protectors.
It also uses acrylic as the dominant material because of its strong resistance to flying debris. Meanwhile, customers can also avail themselves of the brand’s lifetime warranty for Ranger bonnet protectors.
However, it won’t fit earlier generations so ensure that you select the appropriate shield for your specific vehicle model.
Bonnet Protector Buying Guide
Next, let’s look at some important points to consider before buying your Ford Ranger bonnet protector. These factors will help you to make your decision!
Material
The bonnet protector must be strong enough to withstand the impact of small objects travelling at a high velocity.
Protective Plastics use acrylic as their main material because it is durable. Weaker plastics may crack or chip. That’s why it’s worth paying for a high-quality product. Everybody wants to save money but don’t compromise when it comes to this.
A bonnet protector isn’t much good if it breaks quickly. An acrylic guard is a good option because of its tough nature and lightness.
Planned Use
Yes, this guide focuses on the best Ford Ranger bonnet protectors, but we’re not trying to trick you into buying one.
Think about how you plan to use your bonnet protector before dropping $100 (or thereabouts) on a new accessory. Ensure that you’re going to get enough use out of it before deciding that you need one.
Rural drivers and offroaders will enjoy the benefits more than somebody who just drives around the city. If you’re in the latter category, it’s probably not worth your while.
Colour/Aesthetic
Many offroaders modify their vehicles for two reasons: performance and aesthetics.
Bonnet protectors serve a functional purpose but they’re not the sexiest accessories. It’s not like upgraded headlights or a vehicle snorkel. Some people hate the look of bonnet protectors on the front of their vehicles.
Choose carefully if there is an option between multiple colours. Many people like clear bonnet protectors because they’re more subtle and blend in better than other styles. However, this is down to personal taste.
Dimensions
Ensure that the bonnet protector will fit your Ford Ranger before buying it.
If it doesn’t, it may damage the front surface of your ute. This would be very counterproductive because it’s the opposite of what you want it to do! It must fit perfectly or it will chafe your bonnet and potentially scratch it.
The bonnet protector shouldn’t make contact with the bonnet itself. While the three accessories above have virtually the same dimensions, the fit is slightly different. That’s because they are tailormade with three different vehicles in mind.
Ford Ranger Bonnet Protectors - FAQs
What does a bonnet protector do?
A bonnet protector acts as a shield to protect your vehicle from flying debris. These could include stone chips, gravel, sand, and insects.
Install the bonnet protector on the front of the vehicle. In theory, it will reduce the number of airborne projectiles that make contact with the bonnet.
Is a bonnet protector worth it?
Some people are adamant that bonnet protectors are a great investment.
Usually, they live in rural areas or spend time off-roading. Their cars receive a lot more abuse than those of city-dwellers. It must be remembered that a bonnet protector is not a magical shield. It will prevent some damage but it’s not impenetrable.
Other drivers think that they’re a waste of money and ineffective. However, they are proven to work when used properly.
Usually, bonnet protectors cost in the region of $100. It’s not a huge amount of money considering the role they serve for your vehicle.
Are bonnet protectors easy to install?
Yes, bonnet protectors are relatively simple to install.
There is no drilling involved so it’s unlikely to damage your vehicle, even if something goes wrong. Simply follow the instructions on your kit and it will be on your Ford Ranger in no time!
This video is a good starting point for helping you understand the work that's involved.
Are bonnet protectors cross-compatible?
The best bonnet protectors will only fit a single generation or model of vehicle.
We’ve seen how individual variations of the Ford Ranger have their accessories because the nose of the vehicle is slightly different. As a result, they certainly won’t fit a Toyota Hilux or another ute!
Ensure that you find the appropriate bonnet protector for your vehicle so that you don’t have any problems.
Final Thoughts
A Ford Ranger bonnet protector is a useful way to preserve the integrity of your vehicle.
Protect the bonnet of your ute from unwanted scratches and flakey painting. Remember, that different variations of Rangers have their own individual bonnet guards. It’s also important to note that they don’t make 4WDs invincible!
Nonetheless, they are a useful accessory and one that you’ll appreciate if you use them. Also, don’t forget to keep it clean, because leaves may build up behind it.
If you have any questions about Ford Ranger bonnet protectors, please leave a comment below.
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Note that while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this page, there may sometimes be errors. Check all specifications with the manufacturer before purchasing any product.
