Your truck bed can serve a variety of functions, and most importantly, it can provide storage space. Depending on the size of the payload you have, you may need more space than what your truck can provide. However, you don’t need to panic.
What you can do is install a truck bed extender which will enlarge the storage space. Here, you can store your motorbike, angling rod shaft, or an expansive lawnmower. The best truck bed extender enhances the versatility of your vehicle without compromising its sturdiness.
Benefits of Truck Bed Extenders
Other than giving you more storage space on your truck, the ideal truck bed extender will serve other functions. It’ll help save time, effort, and gasoline because you can avoid making several trips to transport stuff.
Added Security
With an extender, you can securely strap your cargo in place using the straps that come with it. This way, you can avoid breakages or loss of your items as you transport them from one place to another. In emergencies where you have to brake suddenly, your fragile items are less likely to crash.
Compatibility
The good thing with truck bed extenders is that they can be used with different types of vehicles. If you don’t have a truck, you don’t need to stress yourself over buying one to haul your cargo. You can easily use the extender with an SUV or van as efficiently as with a truck.
An extender can also be fixed on the roof of the car to haul stuff up there. Luckily, extenders are easy to install and uninstall, and they won’t give you much trouble.
Comparison Chart
Best Truck Bed Extender Reviews
Truck bed extenders come in different designs and sizes. Choosing from among them is a function of your needs and preferences. However, with the multiple choices available, it may be time-consuming to make a final buying decision.
This is why this review has been done for you. It’s a pick of the top truck bed extenders to bring you closer home in making this important decision. Let’s delve into their details.
1. MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Truck Bed Extender
The Maxxhaul extender provides extra storage space enough for a ladder, kayak, canoe, rack, and long pipes. It’s compatible with two-inch hitch receivers and hence can be used with other types of vehicles.
Review
The MaxxHaul truck bed extender comes with an adjustable length and width. This feature in itself makes it ideal for a variety of applications. Its side arms are foldable when not in use and can be used as a work area.
Safe
The extender is built with safety in mind. On the front and the sides are reflective tapes that enhance visibility in the dark.
The four quick-release clevis pins make for secure storage of the extender. Avoid subjecting the extender to heavy loads since this can make it wobble, especially at high speeds.
On the downside, the instructions for use for this extender are hard to follow. The step-by-step guide is hard to follow through, especially for non-technical persons.
Additionally, the extender doesn’t come with a 5/8-inch hitch pin which is required during installation.
Pros
- MaxxHaul conveniently extends your truck so you can carry longer payloads
- Has adjustable length and width for increased versatility
- The four quick-release pins come in handy for quick assembly and disassembly
- Reflective tape on the front and sides for enhanced visibility
- Sidearms for added support and increased working area when folded
Cons
- The upright spreaders are a little too short and don’t provide the much-needed support
- Lacks installation instructions
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2. Dodge Ram Black Aluminum Tailgate Bed Extender
If you let the tailgate of your truck down, you’ll be able to create more space by installing this extender. Once attached to the rear of the bed, it pivots in and out for convenience and added storage.
Review
The U-shape design of the extender enhances its ability to provide for extended space. By flipping it inside the shut tailgate, you can conveniently store small cargo and tools found in the truck bed. When the tailgate is open, you can flip the extender over to create additional storage space.
This space is ideal for carrying motorcycles and bulk cargo that would naturally not fit in your truck. It allows you to have up to 750 pounds of evenly distributed weight carried at the back of the truck.
The patented heavy-duty material of the extender makes it safe to use on a long journey. The 7-inch distance from the floor allows you to hold anything you need to carry.
You can adjust the side wings in a range of between 24 inches and 49 inches to give you more space for larger cargoes. The red flags attached to the extender make for enhanced visibility by other drivers, especially at night. You won’t worry about other drivers missing you or any part of your vehicle.
Installation
The installation process of the Dodge Ram extender is quite easy if you follow through the attached instructions. The two lock pins that come with it help in keeping it safely locked in place. Note that you can remove the wings or rotate them up to 90 degrees.
Pros
- The extender features integrated side support which can also be folded if need be
- Comes with reflective tape and red tape to enhance night visibility
- Provides enough carriage and storage space for pipes, canoes, kayaks, and timber
- Comes with a one-year warranty
- Extends up to 49 inches to accommodate heavy and wide cargo
Cons
- Poor painting that gets chipped off quickly exposing the racks to rust and corrosion
- The reflective tapes don’t hold firmly and can be blown off at high driving speeds
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3. AMP Research 74813-01A Black BedxTender
The AMP extender comes with a classic U-shape design that delivers maximum cargo capacity. Even without the installation instruction manual, it’s effortless to assemble and install it.
Review
The AMP Research bed extender has been in existence for a long time now. As such, it has become popular among many truck owners. The good thing with it is that it can be used daily, whether for gas cans or groceries.
If used for groceries, you can easily loop the bag handles over the bed stops. This way, the groceries won’t end up strewn all over the truck bed.
You can also conveniently load a motorcycle on your truck using this amp research extender. Once loaded, there won’t be a need to wedge everything in to close the tailgate.
When not in use, the extender can be used as a work table or a bench. You can also customize it into a drying rack.
Installation
You can install the AMP Research extender with the tailgate open to gain up to 2 feet of additional space. You can also install it with the tailgate closed if you intend to store smaller cargo and tools that mostly lie around on the truck bed.
Quality
The torque-resistant clam-shell design features composite uprights and a rounded rectangle space. It is carefully and thoughtfully crafted to make it sturdy and durable. The tubes are made from 6063 T6 aluminum alloy and coated with a durable powder finish.
Its three-year guarantee is an assurance of quality and durability.
Pros
- Easy to assemble, install, and use
- Made from highly durable metal and coated with high-quality powder
- Three-year warranty is a mark of quality
- Attractive design that makes it compatible with both open and closed tailgate
- Available in two different sizes to fit small and large trucks alike
Cons
- The installation instructions are not clear and can mislead you
- The tubing is too thin and may not provide the much-needed support for heavier items
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4. Genuine Ford FL3Z-99286A40-C Bed Extender
The Genuine Ford C Bed Extender caters to heavy trucks, vans, SUVs, and off-road vehicles. It’s a well-engineered product that has been tested and tried for reliability and durability.
Review
Do you need to carry a load longer than the length of your truck bed? There’s no need to improvise an extender. The Genuine Ford extender comes in handy to fill this gap and to seamlessly create additional space for the massive weight.
With the extender, you can comfortably carry an additional 700 pounds of weight. This will evenly be distributed and won’t take a toll on your vehicle.
The extender offers an adjustable height of between 4 and 10 inches, with a width extension of between 29 and 49 inches.
Use the safety flag that comes with the extender to alert other drivers of the wide or extended load you carry.
The extender can easily fit into a two-inch square hitch receiver. However, with the use of an adaptor, you can conveniently use it for receivers which are about 1 ¼ inches.
Pros
- Lets you adjust both the height and width for additional storage space
- Comes with a safety flag to attach on the extra load
- Easy to install and use
- Comes with installation instructions that are easy to follow
- The price is pocket-friendly
Cons
- The extender isn’t quite stable
- You need to pitch additional holes to make the installation firm
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5. Erickson 07600 Pickup Bed Extender
The Erickson Extender is the perfect fit for short trucks, SUVs, and other types of vans that can haul cargo.
Review
Erickson Manufacturing has risen through the ranks to become a leader in hauling products. Their Erickson 07600 Pick-Up Extender is one product that’s compatible with any pickup trucks. It gives you enough room to load your ladders, timber, canoes, and kayaks safely.
One thing you’ll like about this extender is that it has been rated to handle up to 400 extra pounds. With it, you can extend your vehicles, loading length by an additional 4 feet, long enough to all types of light loads.
Material
The extender is sturdy and durable as it’s made from black powder-coated steel. It’s both durable and rust-resistant. It features tie-down straps to securely tie your cargo to avoid damage.
When not in use, fold the extender to save on space.
Installation
Although the extender comes with installation instructions, these tips can help make the process easier.
Pull the extender about 30 and ¼ inches past the tailgate. Take note of the several integrated anchor points on each end, which you’ll use to keep the extender well secured. If you find it necessary, adjust the height settings by removing the bolts and sliding the poles up or down.
Once you’ve achieved the appropriate height, look out for the pin to secure it. Remove the clip, fold it down and put the pin back and clip it. This should be easy and not require much effort.
The good thing is that no drilling or driving in of screws is required.
Pros
- Rated to carry an additional 400 pounds
- Lightweight yet sturdy
- Easy to install, carry, and store
- Ideal for use on high speeds
- Adjustable pole to allow you set arms at various heights
Cons
- The T-top attachment isn’t stable and rattles when not loaded
- The holes to pass the pins are misaligned
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Final Verdict
Do you think your truck can do well with some additional storage space? If yes, what you need is a truck bed extender. Most tailgate extenders are easy to install, as all you need is to hook them to the truck when needed.
Their removal is also effortless after use, and there’s no fuss about taking them down. You’re better off having a couple of extra feet on your truck than making endless trips to and from to transport stuff.
The first thing to do in getting a truck bed extender is to understand the various types available. Each has a different set of traits that are meant for different types of vehicles. While most are compatible with different trucks, some are more specific.
From this review, you can’t go wrong with the Dodge Ram extender. It’s the best truck bed extender as it can carry an additional load of up to 750 pounds. It can also extend to an extra 49 inches for more storage space.
Its downside is that the paint comes off easily and exposes it to rust. You can have it coated with more durable paint or powder to deal with this problem.
