First 24 hrs in my Badlands Sasquatch 4dr 2.7L Velocity Blue Soft Top (w/ Rear Cargo Enclosure review)

[BigDeal]

Congratulations!! Best of luck with her!

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[Luv9rove]

Great looking ride!! Congrats!!

 

[stuston]

Quick update; I was interviewed for a local YouTuber's channel. I think it turned out pretty good. There's a quick demo of the top, the table, and a look at the cargo enclosure. Thanks Wally!

 

[abdickson70]

So first, meet Luci. "Hi Luci." Luci is my Sasquatch, purchased from Hardy Ford in Dallas, GA. Here's the preview; She showed up on 7/19, but the dealer didn't have time to finish prepping her and installing my accessories. Apparently, they went through her with a fine-tooth comb. So these are the photos I got from my 'inspection' that day. IIRC they mentioned that there were three customer rigs and two mannequins delivered. BTW Cactus grey is a crap color for a Ranger, but looks great on a Soft-top Bronco (you can see it in the background, looks kind of white here).

The Build:

• Badlands
• Sasquatch
• Mid-package
• 4 door
• 2.7L EcoBoost V6
• 10-speed automatic
• Velocity Blue Metallic
• Soft-Top
• Black Marine-Grade Vinyl Seats
• Remote Start
• Keyless Entry Keypad (on the door)
• Tow package
• MSRP $54,270

Next.... Delivery

Delivery; I was apparently the first customer to take delivery from this dealership. They finished installing my accessories by around noon. I had ordered the tailgate table and the rear cargo enclosure with the raising lid. The salesman meets me and says he needs to show me something. I say, "There's a bunch of stuff you need to show me!" But, he says "I mean, something happened." My only thought is 'I'm taking this home today'. So as we're walking out to see Luci, he starts explaining, 'The tech followed all the Ford instructions and installed everything correctly. But they noticed there was a problem.' So we round the corner and there she is.

So, what's the problem? He takes me around the back, and points out this:

This could have ruined my day. But nah, I was too pumped, this was not going to ruin it for me. This was finally my day. So what happened? Apparently, one (or more) of the screws to secure the folding table were too long - from the Ford supplied kit. So it ended up poking through to the back skin of the tailgate and there is a slight crack in the paint that you can just feel. No problem though, Hardy Ford is going to take care of it. I told them to call Ford, and make Ford take care of it, and fix their kit while they're at it!

Other than that, the Marketing Manager just had to come out and take my picture, and at that point I realized I had been smiling the whole time -- I don't smile much, but that lasted all day.

Enjoy some more pictures from delivery and next I'll share some specific details and my thoughts from the first 24 hours.

(Yes, the 3rd brake light clears the 35's - unsure if it is a different PN)

It locks!

There was a lot of lithium grease on the door latches... it seemed to have gotten on someone's pants. There was also a small dab on the visor.

Easter eggs here and there.

So, before I move on to broader topics, a few notes on this cargo enclosure.

There are access holes for the 12v outlet, light, and the storage cubbies, but they could be bigger.

This thing is kinda sweet, but not fully hatched. If you plan on going around with the top or doors off but still want to securely store stuff... this is the answer. But, there is a cost. The lid on this model does raise up with gas shocks rated at 20lbs each. However, that is only enough to hold the lid itself. Add any more weight, and it falls. Unfortunately, with the softtop, the rear frame also rests on this piece, and you have to raise that at the same time. So, you end up having to hold up the whole assembly if you want to raise the lid of the cargo area. The rear frame for the top does have a little kickstand, but it doesn't work when the cargo lid is up. This wasn't really fully thought out.

Also, while this looks like it was intended to be removable, my dealer didn't give me the instructions. Taking a close look at it, it does not appear to be a simple process. I think if the hinges were spring-loaded pins, rather than nylocked-nuts & bolts, it would make a world of difference. Which brings me to another point. The lit raises, but it is not removable. Removal requires partial disassembly. If this were addressed, I think this would be the killer accessory.


Skipping forward a bit, lets just take a look at how the first 24 hours wrapped up. Not much need for words here, so here it goes..

.

Swaybar connected:

Swaybar disconnected:

It wasn't much, but at least I made sure the 4WD engaged.

I love the idea of a secure enclosure but a deal breaker would be if it took too much of the storage volume from the rear area and the golf clubs no longer fit. Any idea if that's an issue....are you by chance a golfer and have attempted to put them in the enclosure? Thank you.

 

[stuston]

I love the idea of a secure enclosure but a deal breaker would be if it took too much of the storage volume from the rear area and the golf clubs no longer fit. Any idea if that's an issue....are you by chance a golfer and have attempted to put them in the enclosure? Thank you.

Not really a golfer, but I do have a small set of clubs. I don't think they'd fit. Even without the enclosure, they'd have to sit up at an angle, I think. I suppose without the enclosure, you can at least still put the seat down for longer items, but I have child seats, so that's not really an option for me anyway. I plan to run a hitch-mounted cargo carrier for larger items. You can also strap larger things to the top of the cargo enclosure, which might actually fit a set of clubs.

 

[Ferreira703]

So first, meet Luci. "Hi Luci." Luci is my Sasquatch, purchased from Hardy Ford in Dallas, GA. Here's the preview; She showed up on 7/19, but the dealer didn't have time to finish prepping her and installing my accessories. Apparently, they went through her with a fine-tooth comb. So these are the photos I got from my 'inspection' that day. IIRC they mentioned that there were three customer rigs and two mannequins delivered. BTW Cactus grey is a crap color for a Ranger, but looks great on a Soft-top Bronco (you can see it in the background, looks kind of white here).

The Build:

• Badlands
• Sasquatch
• Mid-package
• 4 door
• 2.7L EcoBoost V6
• 10-speed automatic
• Velocity Blue Metallic
• Soft-Top
• Black Marine-Grade Vinyl Seats
• Remote Start
• Keyless Entry Keypad (on the door)
• Tow package
• MSRP $54,270

Next.... Delivery

Delivery; I was apparently the first customer to take delivery from this dealership. They finished installing my accessories by around noon. I had ordered the tailgate table and the rear cargo enclosure with the raising lid. The salesman meets me and says he needs to show me something. I say, "There's a bunch of stuff you need to show me!" But, he says "I mean, something happened." My only thought is 'I'm taking this home today'. So as we're walking out to see Luci, he starts explaining, 'The tech followed all the Ford instructions and installed everything correctly. But they noticed there was a problem.' So we round the corner and there she is.

So, what's the problem? He takes me around the back, and points out this:

This could have ruined my day. But nah, I was too pumped, this was not going to ruin it for me. This was finally my day. So what happened? Apparently, one (or more) of the screws to secure the folding table were too long - from the Ford supplied kit. So it ended up poking through to the back skin of the tailgate and there is a slight crack in the paint that you can just feel. No problem though, Hardy Ford is going to take care of it. I told them to call Ford, and make Ford take care of it, and fix their kit while they're at it!

Other than that, the Marketing Manager just had to come out and take my picture, and at that point I realized I had been smiling the whole time -- I don't smile much, but that lasted all day.

Enjoy some more pictures from delivery and next I'll share some specific details and my thoughts from the first 24 hours.

(Yes, the 3rd brake light clears the 35's - unsure if it is a different PN)

It locks!

There was a lot of lithium grease on the door latches... it seemed to have gotten on someone's pants. There was also a small dab on the visor.

Easter eggs here and there.

So, before I move on to broader topics, a few notes on this cargo enclosure.

There are access holes for the 12v outlet, light, and the storage cubbies, but they could be bigger.

This thing is kinda sweet, but not fully hatched. If you plan on going around with the top or doors off but still want to securely store stuff... this is the answer. But, there is a cost. The lid on this model does raise up with gas shocks rated at 20lbs each. However, that is only enough to hold the lid itself. Add any more weight, and it falls. Unfortunately, with the softtop, the rear frame also rests on this piece, and you have to raise that at the same time. So, you end up having to hold up the whole assembly if you want to raise the lid of the cargo area. The rear frame for the top does have a little kickstand, but it doesn't work when the cargo lid is up. This wasn't really fully thought out.

Also, while this looks like it was intended to be removable, my dealer didn't give me the instructions. Taking a close look at it, it does not appear to be a simple process. I think if the hinges were spring-loaded pins, rather than nylocked-nuts & bolts, it would make a world of difference. Which brings me to another point. The lit raises, but it is not removable. Removal requires partial disassembly. If this were addressed, I think this would be the killer accessory.


Skipping forward a bit, lets just take a look at how the first 24 hours wrapped up. Not much need for words here, so here it goes..

.

Swaybar connected:

Swaybar disconnected:

It wasn't much, but at least I made sure the 4WD engaged.

I was looking to get the cargo enclosure, have you notice and noise or rattle sound coming from it? I’m asking because the lockbox that they offer seems to have the issue.

 

[stuston]

I was looking to get the cargo enclosure, have you notice and noise or rattle sound coming from it? I’m asking because the lockbox that they offer seems to have the issue.

Still the same, no noise. I've heard a little noise through potholes above 15 mph, but the whole platform flexes and they are noise from everything with fully inflated tires.

 

[KKOSH]

with the rear cargo enclosure it looks like if it rained out you could just raise your top, roll up the windows and now worry about putting the soft top side and back windows back on? Meaning the rear cargo area wouldnt get really wet, just maybe the cargo enclosure a litte.

 

[stuston]

with the rear cargo enclosure it looks like if it rained out you could just raise your top, roll up the windows and now worry about putting the soft top side and back windows back on? Meaning the rear cargo area wouldnt get really wet, just maybe the cargo enclosure a litte.

Yes, absolutely. It also will keep mud and rocks off of your camping gear when you have the soft windows off.

 

[BroncoKong Jr.]

Can the rear seats still recline with the cargo enclosure installed?

 

[stuston]

Can the rear seats still recline with the cargo enclosure installed?

Yes. When fully upright, there is about 2" of space behind them, none when reclined.

 

[Norm A.]

Congratulations she's a Beauty, as far as the ding on the rear tailgate goes I'm thinking most are happening because the mechanics aren't using drill stops and the drill bits are hitting the skin, I've seen this when I was an aircraft assembler because we had a few idiots that thought they were better than a simple drill stop

 

[BroncoKong Jr.]

Yes. When fully upright, there is about 2" of space behind them, none when reclined.

Awesome, thanks!

 

[CKXVII]

So first, meet Luci. "Hi Luci." Luci is my Sasquatch, purchased from Hardy Ford in Dallas, GA. Here's the preview; She showed up on 7/19, but the dealer didn't have time to finish prepping her and installing my accessories. Apparently, they went through her with a fine-tooth comb. So these are the photos I got from my 'inspection' that day. IIRC they mentioned that there were three customer rigs and two mannequins delivered. BTW Cactus grey is a crap color for a Ranger, but looks great on a Soft-top Bronco (you can see it in the background, looks kind of white here).

The Build:

• Badlands
• Sasquatch
• Mid-package
• 4 door
• 2.7L EcoBoost V6
• 10-speed automatic
• Velocity Blue Metallic
• Soft-Top
• Black Marine-Grade Vinyl Seats
• Remote Start
• Keyless Entry Keypad (on the door)
• Tow package
• MSRP $54,270

Next.... Delivery

Delivery; I was apparently the first customer to take delivery from this dealership. They finished installing my accessories by around noon. I had ordered the tailgate table and the rear cargo enclosure with the raising lid. The salesman meets me and says he needs to show me something. I say, "There's a bunch of stuff you need to show me!" But, he says "I mean, something happened." My only thought is 'I'm taking this home today'. So as we're walking out to see Luci, he starts explaining, 'The tech followed all the Ford instructions and installed everything correctly. But they noticed there was a problem.' So we round the corner and there she is.

So, what's the problem? He takes me around the back, and points out this:

This could have ruined my day. But nah, I was too pumped, this was not going to ruin it for me. This was finally my day. So what happened? Apparently, one (or more) of the screws to secure the folding table were too long - from the Ford supplied kit. So it ended up poking through to the back skin of the tailgate and there is a slight crack in the paint that you can just feel. No problem though, Hardy Ford is going to take care of it. I told them to call Ford, and make Ford take care of it, and fix their kit while they're at it!

Other than that, the Marketing Manager just had to come out and take my picture, and at that point I realized I had been smiling the whole time -- I don't smile much, but that lasted all day.

Enjoy some more pictures from delivery and next I'll share some specific details and my thoughts from the first 24 hours.

(Yes, the 3rd brake light clears the 35's - unsure if it is a different PN)

It locks!

There was a lot of lithium grease on the door latches... it seemed to have gotten on someone's pants. There was also a small dab on the visor.

Easter eggs here and there.

So, before I move on to broader topics, a few notes on this cargo enclosure.

There are access holes for the 12v outlet, light, and the storage cubbies, but they could be bigger.

This thing is kinda sweet, but not fully hatched. If you plan on going around with the top or doors off but still want to securely store stuff... this is the answer. But, there is a cost. The lid on this model does raise up with gas shocks rated at 20lbs each. However, that is only enough to hold the lid itself. Add any more weight, and it falls. Unfortunately, with the softtop, the rear frame also rests on this piece, and you have to raise that at the same time. So, you end up having to hold up the whole assembly if you want to raise the lid of the cargo area. The rear frame for the top does have a little kickstand, but it doesn't work when the cargo lid is up. This wasn't really fully thought out.

Also, while this looks like it was intended to be removable, my dealer didn't give me the instructions. Taking a close look at it, it does not appear to be a simple process. I think if the hinges were spring-loaded pins, rather than nylocked-nuts & bolts, it would make a world of difference. Which brings me to another point. The lit raises, but it is not removable. Removal requires partial disassembly. If this were addressed, I think this would be the killer accessory.


Skipping forward a bit, lets just take a look at how the first 24 hours wrapped up. Not much need for words here, so here it goes..

.

Swaybar connected:

Swaybar disconnected:

It wasn't much, but at least I made sure the 4WD engaged.

Re: Cargo Area Enclosure — you cannot raise the lid while the tailgate is closed, right?

Initially, I thought that would be a distinguishing factor when compared to the fixed lid, but based on your pics, it doesn’t appear possible.

 

[stuston]

Re: Cargo Area Enclosure — you cannot raise the lid while the tailgate is closed, right?

Initially, I thought that would be a distinguishing factor when compared to the fixed lid, but based on your pics, it doesn’t appear possible.

I'm not sure what you're getting at, but I'll try to clarify a few points. In order to unlatch the lid, you must open the tailgate - that's how it's secured, by locking the tailgate. With the OEM soft top frame, it isn't really practical to leave the lid open, especially while driving. The frame sits over the rear lip of the lid and it has to be raised when the lid is open. With the hard top, or no top, i don't think this would be an issue. I haven't taken a close enough look at the BestTop, but I suspect a similar situation.

If your intention is to drive with taller items with the lid up, that isn't really possible with the softtop. At least, not without securing the rear to frame up.

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