Best Truck Bed Extender – Buying Guide & Reviews
If it is time for you to choose a new vehicle, you might want to choose the power, height, and storage of the truck as your priority over the other vehicles. You need to remember that, the bed of a truck is very versatile in terms of storage. From carrying groceries to hauling home new types of furniture to taking old items to the store, the truck bed can do it all.
The pickup will be able to permit you to have more access to bigger storage or payload room. But there are times when you will require extra room to be able to carry items such as angling rod shaft, kayak, bike, snowmobile, or a lawn mower which is expansive. If you get yourself one of the best truck bed extenders, then you will be able to unlock the hidden value of your vehicle.
Here are some of what I consider to be the best truck bed extender money could buy
Truck Bed Extender Reviews
1. Darby Industries 944 Extender
When it comes to long loads, the biggest problem is how to stabilize them. This particular extender gives you the stability of the highest order while on the road. You will be able to use it for all types of long items. It seems to be an extender that will give you 48 inches support. It comes with cords which will be able to help you to achieve higher stability. The 48 inches is from the hitch receiver.
But when you open the tailgate, it is only the tailgate length, which counts, and which is 35 inches. But depending on your tailgate size, it might differ. It is easy to store things and it can sit flat in any convenient position in your garage or truck. You can also use it in a position which is upright if you have a headache rack, ladder rack or anything else that is in your truck.
It mounts to the 2 inch trailer hitch receiver and the good thing is that it is adjustable to ensure that, it can be used on various types of vehicles and trucks. It is great especially for use on bed of trucks haul or roof racks.
The construction is a strong and it is designed from steel which is powder coated, making it very durable. Its removal and installation is simple due to the fact that it is done in the shortest time possible. The pins and the clips provide the stability or you can get the rock which you will get it in the market, sold separately.
Pros
1. It is easy to install
2. It can support a load which is 4 inches wide
3. It is easy to store when you are not using it
4. You can be able to adjust it and use it on different vehicles
5. Its strong construction of tubular powder-coated steel makes it durable
Cons
1. Its box is not durable
2. Lund 601021 Bed Extender
This is a model which is very common in the USA and Canada. If you go for it, then it will be able to convey the extended load length easily without the need to manage issues of any type with the vehicle.
It seems to be an extender that will be able to convey a steel wall which is up to 7 inch to give an extra leeway on the ground. This will then enable you to be able to carry any load that you want. When you install it on your truck, it will be able to act as a spring, which then flexes with the suspension of the truck. You will be in a position to adjust the side wings from 27 inches up to 49 inches to enable you to accommodate a cargo which is wide like plywood and dry wood.
It is able to generously distribute a capacity of a load of up to 750 lbs, and for it to provide extra functionality, it is designed with the side support which is able to fold down. This is the process, allows you to create portable sawhorse or worktable.
This particular bed extender can be able to fit into a standard 2-inch receiver hitch, and at the same time, comes loaded with DOT red/white approved reflective tape and a flag for safety.
Pros
1. It provides an additional 7 inches ground clearance
2. Allows for an extended length cargo
3. It can be able to fit a standard 2-inch receiver hitch
4. It creates portable sawhorse
5. Its side wings are able to be adjusted from 27inches to a possible 49 inches.
Cons
1. It is hard to install
3. AMP Research 74814 01A Bed Extender
This particular bed extender could be good for you if you are someone who wants to move bikes, bulky cargo, motorcycles, and ATVs. Apart from being in a position to add two feet to your cargo space in the bed area, you can be in a position to flip it over and be able to place in it smaller tools to avoid them from moving all over.
The body tubing is coated with aluminum which is high grade which offers sturdiness which is amazing. It is also great to be used in extreme rain and hot weather as it is scratch and corrosion resistant as well.
If this will be your option of choice, then you will be able to enjoy twin functionality. You have an option to flip it in a V-shaped outward to extend it to two feet beyond the length of the tailgate. Another alternative is to flip it over in order to serve as small loads or tool holder, restricting movement.
Its carrying ability is great. It comprises of aluminum horizontal bars whose design is to ensure that, the cargo is held in place. There is minimal space between the rods, enabling smaller items not to be able to slide away in the cracks.
Pros
1. It comes with a 3 years warranty
2. Easy to install
3. The aluminum body is strong
4. The black powder coat ensures that corrosion and scratches are avoided
5. Able to keep small tools intact
Cons
1. There will be a need to drill the extender above the tailgate
4. ECOTRIC Pick Up Bed Extender
It might be one of the best bed extenders in the market. It works well and tends to be one of the cheapest as compared to some of the same products in its class. In some instances, it tends to perform even better than some valuable products. It could be the best truck bed extender for kayaks.
It is in a position to carry up to 750 pounds which is better than most other extenders. The products also have other benefits over hitches which it can be able to mount to. You will be able to mount it on 2-2 inch hitches but it can also work with 1-1/4 inch ones too. When it comes to storage, you can easily take it apart and store it.
Apart from changing the height of the extender, it can also extend the width. Its height comes with an adjustable 4 inches to 10 inches and the width can be adjusted up from 28.25 inches to 48.75 inches. The length of the extender from the hitch is about 53 – ½
It weighs about 27pounds making it stand out as being one of the lightest truck bed extenders in the market. If you decide to make this purchase, it will come with a flag which you can use as a warning to other drivers on the road. It is a strong and sturdy extender and one that is affordable.
Pros
1. Adjustable width
2. Lightweight
3. Good value for money
4. High capacity for loading
5. Easy to install
Cons
1. Doesn’t come with hitch pins
5. ReadyRamp I Beam Bed Extender For Trucks
I find it to be a great bed extender and one of its kind to convert into motorbike ramp. It has a patented design which is developed by Ready Ramp. You can readily use it as a bed extender as well as a ramp for a motorbike. It is a bed extender which you will be able to use on a variety of trucks of various make.
It offers multiple utility options making it be one of the bed extenders you should consider purchasing. You will be able to get additional space for your truck bed where you will keep your camping gears, gas cans, and other items. Apart from being a bed extender, you can utilize it for storing and ensuring that certain items are secure and at the same time, prevented from falling when the truck is in motion.
Its unique design that is patented, allows it to double as a motorbike ramp. It has the capacity to carry whatever type of dirt bike or street back you might be having as long as it is under 600lbs.
You will be able to get it in two different sizes, which will enable you to fit on almost all the trucks available in the market. This makes it a better option for whatever trucks you might be owning in your home.
When you have this extender, it is more than a utility. Its looks are great. Silver and black satin are the two colors which are available and which will be able to enhance the look of your truck when it is fixed on it.
It has a hitched design ramp which ensures that it gets minimum scratches or surface withering. The ramp which is rubberized is able to prevent the truck from being able to get spoilt because of contact.
It might take you time making the initial set up but once you are done with it, the subsequent removal and attaching will be very easy. It comes with a mount which you will use to attach the truck, and thus, no drilling involved.
Pros
1. No drilling during installation
2. It is lightweight, sturdy and well built
3. Any full-sized pickup can accommodate it
4. It has dual functionality
5. Good value for money
Cons
1. It doesn’t have a buckle strap
6. Genuine Ford FL3Z-99286A40 Bed Extender
To have additional space is something important on your truck. You could be a proud owner of a trailer, which is in a position to carry large loads, but when you add an additional two inches with a truck bed extender will be able to boost more trailer space. Apart from being in a position to provide additional space, it doubles as a unit for storage of tools and other objects which are small.
I think this bed extender could be one of the best extenders offering multiple purposes. It is built in a sturdy way and can be able to fit on any type of truck. It comes with an additional meter of the bed truck length whenever you put the tailgate down and add the extender. It is a setup which is ideal for carrying most of your camping equipment.
The good thing about it is that, after connecting the bed extender, the extender’s tailgate is still visible, which is compliance with DOT regulations when it comes to lighting. The removal and installation of this extender are very easy. The easy installation is facilitated by the release mounting bracket whenever you want without any effort.
When it is not in use as either a storage or an extender option, you can lay it down on the bed of your trailer and this doesn’t consume any space at all. Apart from the powder coat finish providing an elegant look to your extender, it enhances its durability, aiding to the overall strong built.
It comes with adjustable straps which ensures that it secures the bed extender to the trailer when the tailgate is down. When it comes to potential theft, there is a mechanism to prevent that. When it is up and locked, it is impossible for it to be removed.
Pros
1. Good fit and functionality
2. Multiple utility features
3. It can be used as a storage option
4. It has adjustable straps
5. Secures well on the bed
Cons
1. It is overpriced
7. Tricam SLE Hitch Mounted Load Extender
It is a versatile extender which makes it be one that can keep your load safe. It has ratchet straps which give you the stability that you want with your load. To avoid the load from bouncing up and down, on the road bumps, then you will need these straps. With the adjustable side arms and straps, you can ensure that the best fit for the load.
It will give your truck bed an extension of 53.5 inches making it one of the longest in the market. This is a length from the pinhole to the extender end. This will give you a lot of room with your loads.
Its side arms give a great length too with a minimum of 28 inches and a maximum of 48 inches. The crossbar base is between 15.5 inches to 23 inches. The arms will ensure that the load is shifted to your truck bed.
The arms are independently adjusted to the extender, allowing for use as a roof extender or a roof rack. The height from the receiver opening can be adjusted from 55 inches to 63 inches. This means that it will enable you to take extra long loads such as lumber and kayaks with this extender.
Its concave angle is great, allowing it to go around the bumper. It works with a 2-inch hitch.
Pros
1. Nice concave shape
2. Highly adjustable
3. It comes with reflective tape
4. Sturdy and strong construction
5. Adjustable height
Cons
1. Expensive
Factors To Consider Before Buying A Truck Bed Extender
1. Material
For it to be able to carry heavy and long items, it will need to be constructed from heavy material. Aluminum and steel could be the best material to utilize. If you want to get a tailgate extender, the material shouldn’t be that strong as you can utilize carbon fiber or good quality material which will do the job well. Ensure that the material is rust or corrosion free and one that you will be able to easily assemble. If that is the case, then your life will be easier.
2. Ease of Installation, Construction, and additional components:
The material of construction: Different brands and models use various types of materials to construct their bed extenders for trucks. While it is easy for the materials to be metal or plastic, there are those which combine both plastic and metal.
You will find some manufacturers using aluminum to come up with stronger construction than the ones made using metal or plastic and thus, it will be able to withstand chipping and corrosion while at the same time remaining lightweight.
Storage and operation: Make sure that you go through the manuals so that, you are able to know how you are going to operate your model of choice, so that, you don’t get a model which might end up being complex to operate.
There are some which you will be able to fix permanently on your truck while others you will need to fold up on the tailgate or pivot into the bed for ease of use whenever the need arises. There will also need to choose which style is best for your needs and this will entirely depend on whether you use your truck for other purposes or not. If that is the case, then it folds up against the tailgate could be the best option for you.
Ease of installation: You will have to look into the ease of installation for the best truck bed extender. Check out the installation manual which is normally included in the package. Follow the instructions to the latter to ensure that, you follow all the instructions.
Additional components: For better control of your luggage, you will need to go for a model which locks after every few feet. And for you to install it properly, there will be a need for you to get some additional components so that the extender is firmly installed. You can get an adaptor for the hitch mount type. You will have to consider the weight capacity of the extender.
3. Compatibility With Your Truck
You will have to check out the compatibility of the bed extender with your truck. Not all bed extenders are designed to fit on all types of trucks. Each bed extender size and design is meant for a specific truck and will have to ensure that, whatever you are going to get in the market is able to fit with your truck well. Being able to know the details of your truck and that of the extender will ensure that, you get successful in this particular selection.
There are manufacturers who try to convince buyers that, they have manufactured bed extenders which are universal, but before you fall for this trap, you will need to ensure that, what you are purchasing is compatible with your truck. There are some bed extenders which are supposed to be fixed on certain makes or models of a truck. Reading the specifications will make it possible for you to know if your choice is the right one or not.
Type Of Truck Bed Extender
There are three truck bed extender types which are popular in the market which are based on utility and design. To understand the various types of bed extenders will ensure that, you have an upper hand in choosing the one which is right for your specific requirements.
1. Conventional U-shaped or Standard Bed Extenders
If what you need to use your truck bed is to haulloads that are not longer or bigger than the tailgate of your pickup, and your truck length, a standard u-shaped or conventional bed should be the best pick for you.
It could be constructed of either metal or plastic and it is going to make use of the tailgate in order to give you at least an extra 2 feet of cargo space or be able to offer the maximum load capacity when the tailgate is down.
The way a conventional u-shaped or standard bed extender is designed will help when you are working with large equipment, transportation, which is the same length as the truck bed with a tailgate which is lowered. If it is a conventional bed extender, then it can also serve as a cargo gate when it is not in use while keeping the load in place when hauling is happening.
2. Bed Loader or Bedside Extender
A bedside or bed loader bed extender is one which comes fully loaded with a configured hitch mount that is able to connect to the receiver hitch rear of your truck, to be able to provide a greater load capacity which then goes beyond the width of the tailgate.
This is the type which goes into the truck bed and then slides or rolls in order to be able to enable the cargo to be loaded. The arms on the bed are extendable and this enables easy adjusting or placing of the load in different positions.
It is the best choice when you are carrying all the tools on your long journey. When the bed is slid, it will be able to slide so that you will be in a position to use the truck to haul log or lumber, pipes, and roof moldings safely and efficiently.
3. Cargo Slide Bed Extender For Your Truck
Apart from being able to give you enough space for your load, the load will be able to slide in while providing for easy access to the items which are packed inside the truck.
The entire truck bed is converted into a drawer which is capable of sliding and at the same service as your truck bed extender. For it to have enough support, it is important that the right mount hitch is placed so that, the cargo is able to get support while the structure is locked in place.
Benefits Of A Truck Bed Extender
People buy trucks because they will be able to carry loads. But at the end of the day, you will find that the truck bed is not enough to carry what you want to carry. There will be a need for more space to be created and that is how the truck bed extender becomes useful. It will help you in being able to haul long loads into your bed and you will be able to use it on SUVs, trucks, UTVs and ATVs.
When you come home after doing your shopping, you don’t want to go all the way into your Tonneau cover in order to get your groceries. This is because, when you hit your break, all the items move to the front of the bed. Having the extender will ensure that, you tie your purchase with a strap which will prevent them from rolling all over the bed of your truck.
If you use tonneau covers, then you should get a tailgate extender or grill extender. Without it, then you will have to open the cover whenever you need to get something from the bed of the truck.
You will find that the extenders will prove to be beneficial for vans and other vehicles which don’t have a bend on their behind. You can utilize the extender vertically to ensure that, large items are able to be stored on your vehicle roof. This is the process, reduces the need for a truck that has a larger fuel cost and higher maintenance.
There are several professional uses for the extender with ranch owners, farmers, and other people who require to carry large boxes with them finding a great use for extenders. If you have kayaks and other sports items which are long, you can utilize the truck bed extenders.
During weekends and summer holidays, the truck bed extender will be able to come in handy. If you are an urban dweller, it is possible that getting to where nature is might be a long distance away. So visiting the countryside might require that you carry large equipment to enjoy your stay and this can easily be transported using a bed extender.
Conclusion
There are several sizes and types of truck bed extenders which are available in the market and it could be hard for you to choose one for yourself especially if you are buying one for the first time. With this guide, hope you have gotten the main information you will need in order to make your shopping enjoyable and easier.
Darby Industries 944 Extender is my pick due to the pros that gives: It is easy to install; It can support a load which is 4 inches wide; It is easy to store when you are not using it; and you can be able to adjust it and use it on different vehicles. Its strong construction of tubular powder-coated steel makes it durable.
I have tried to analyze what I think might be the best0 truck bed extenders in the market. Be wise and ensure you read the reviews carefully before committing your money to purchase one that has good value.
Source: https://www.tricktrucks.com/blog/the-truck-bed-extender-guide/
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