7 Best Truck Bed Extender – Buyer’s Guide and Reviews

If you have a pickup truck, then you are lucky because, it gives you allowance to access to a larger storage room or bigger payload, but still, once in a while, you might need more space to store your snowmobile, kayak, bike, angling rod shaft or your expansive lawn mower. If that it the case, then having the best truck bed extender will save the situation because it will unlock the value of your truck to carry such.

Comparison Of Truck Bed Extender

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1. Darby Industries 944 Extend A Truck

2. Lund 601021 Truck Bed Extender

3. Pickup Truck Bed Hitch Extender Extension Rack Canoe

4. Dodge Ram Black Aluminum Tailgate Bed Extender

5. Amp Research 74802 Bed Extender HD Sport

6. ReadyRamp I-Beam Full sized Truck Bed Extender

7. Boonedox Bed Extender T-Bone

Top 7 Best Truck Bed Extender On Amazon

1. Darby Industries 944 Extend A Truck

Coming from Darby industries, this extender for the truck is designed for safe and secure hauling of long loads behind or above the vehicle. It features an adjustable height for roof top hauling and a 4-inch wide support as well as a bed extension and comes with a red flag. The extender can be stored flat behind the seat when it is not in use.

It mounts to existing 2 inches trailer hitch receiver and it is adjustable to enable it to be used on the different type of trucks and vehicles. It is especially good for use with truck bed haul or roof racks. The construction is strong as it is made of powdered coated steel which makes it durable. Its installation and removal are easy as it is done in minutes. For stability, it comes with standard clip and pins or you can get the rock, which is sold separately

  • Easy to install
  • It can be adjusted to be used on the different type of vehicles
  • Easy to store when not in use
  • Can support a 4 inches wide load
  • It is durable due to the strong construction of tubular powder coated steel
  • Not stable unless you buy additional anti-rattle devices or kit
  • The box not durable

2. Lund 601021 Truck Bed Extender

Lund 601021 truck bed extender is a model which is very common in Canada and the United States of America. It will allow you to convey easily extended length load without having to manage issues of any sorts with the vehicle. It is an extender which conveys up to 7-inch steel wall patented bar extra ground leeways, thus enabling you to transport anything you want to.

It acts like a spring, flexing with the suspension of the truck. The side wings adjust from 27 inches to 49 inches in order to accommodate a wide cargo like drywall and plywood. They generously deliver 750 lbs distributed load capacity and for extra functionality, they are designed with the side support which is able to fold down to allow it to create portable worktable or sawhorse.

The Lund truck bed extender can comfortably fit in a standard 2-inch receiver hitch and come loaded with DOT approved white/red reflective tape and a safety flag.

  • Allows for extended length cargo
  • Creates portable sawhorse
  • The side wings can be adjusted from 27 inches to 49 inches
  • It can fit standard 2-inch receiver hitch
  • It provides additional 7 inches ground clearance
  • Difficult to install

3. Pickup Truck Bed Hitch Extender Extension Rack Canoe

It has the capacity to carry heavy loads and thus, if you are one driver who likes traveling around heavy, it could be the extender that might just be suitable for you. Its weight capacity is about 750 lbs and it offers adjustable height from 4 inches to 10 inches and width extension from 28.25 inches to 48.75 inches.

It comes with a safety flag which you will use to attach at the end of the load. It is an extender which can easily fit into a two-inch square hitch receiver, but if you have an adaptor, you can use it for receivers of about 1 ¼ inches.

  • Affordable
  • Adjustable height and width
  • It comes with a safety flag to attach on the extra load
  • Easy to install
  • Can carry very large cargo like Two Persons Jackson Kayak Kilroy DT
  • Comes with instructions
  • Bad stability but can be dealt with by pitching more holes to hold all the adjustment in place

4. Dodge Ram Black Aluminum Tailgate Bed Extender

With the tailgate down, you will be able to create more space with this extender from Dodge Ram. It is made from strong black aluminum materials which are light and rust resistant. It attaches to the rear of the bed and then pivots in and out for convenience and added storage. It has a 60-day return money back guarantee covering both your original shipping and purchase price.

It has a U shaped design which makes it possible to provide for a larger amount of space for any truck bed extender to be fixed. Flip it inside shut the tailgate in order to keep small cargo and tools which are found in the truck bed or when the tailgate open, you can flip it over in order to be able to gain extra space of fenced haul space. It is an ideal extender for carrying motorcycles, ATVs and other bulk cargo which naturally won’t be able to fit in your truck bed.

  • Three years or 36,000-mile manufacturer warranty
  • It is made in the United States of America
  • Great for short bed pickup trucks
  • Aircraft grade aluminum tubing which provides lightweight, high strength, and resistance to corrosion
  • It is easy to remove from your truck to double as a seat or bench while at a tailgate party
  • Upright vertical pieces which are made with nylon composition of glass reinforced nature, durable yet flexible to provide structural support and cushioning.
  • Highly Priced

5. Amp Research 74802 Bed Extender HD Sport

It has been around for a very long time and thus, gained the trust of many people. I have mine in my Toyota truck and I use it on a daily basis. Whether for gas cans or groceries, it makes getting things around much easier. When using it for groceries, I normally loop the bag handles over the bed stops and my groceries don’t end up all over the truck bed same to the gas cans and the other things that I drag around with me.

It is also very convenient to load motorcycles using this amp research bed extender. You don’t have to wedge everything around in to close the tailgate. It has really become my helper in my day to day activities. When am at the race track, I use it as a bench, a seat, a work table a drying rack, and much more.

  • Designed and built in America
  • Lightweight and superior strength
  • Easy to install and easy to remove
  • It instantly adds up to 2 feet of length to the bed of your truck
  • It has a durable silver or black powder coat finish
  • Not designed for wide loads
  • The template and instructions for installation not clear

6. ReadyRamp I-Beam Full sized Truck Bed Extender

It turns into a motorcycle ramp and gives extra bed space for your gas cans and entire gear while on the go. It is available in two different sizes which fit nearly every track. I bought one for my Toyota truck and it easily fits well on my dad’s truck yet it is a different model, a Nissan Titan. Why I like it is because, apart from being able to fit on various trucks, it opens to transform a motorcycle ramp in a position to holding dirt bikes and other bikes which are under 600lbs. When not in use, it folds flat and can easily be stored within the cab or in your garage. It is specifically made for full-sized trucks such as the Ford F150, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan, and Chevrolet/GM. It is a lighter model and weighs 20lbs and is found in Black and Silver colors.

  • Capable of holding street bikes and dirt bikes of under 600 lbs when turned into a motorcycle ramp
  • It comes fully assembled
  • Can be used on most full-sized trucks
  • High quality
  • It is light
  • Folds flat when not in use thus easy to store
  • Some holes not threaded
  • Instructions outdated
  • Should come with a ratchet for safety

7. Boonedox Bed Extender T-Bone

My dad who is ever going down to fish with his kayak, opted last month to buy this particular extender and it gave me an opportunity to assess it. It looks great, extremely light weight and at the same time, made from strong aluminum tubing. I think it is better than what he has been using which was made from steel, heavy and was rusty and in most of the time when I accompanied him on his fishing sprees, it would hit the ground on steep angles.

I went out with him yesterday and I can confidently review this extender on the positive. It is an adjustable truck bed extender which features aircraft grade aluminum formed in a radical curve. It allowed us to enter and exit elevated surfaces without having to worry about damaging or dragging the kayak. It is adjustable to fit the various heights and different types of vehicles.

It could be great for hauling kayaks, canoes, ladders, construction materials, and other long items which stick out the tailgate of the truck. When you install it, it instantly adds 4 inches to your truck bed. It fits on a standard 2-inch receiver and the radial curve helps in ground clearance. The height adjustment is up to 9.5 inches and it is tested in the United States of America to handle up to 300 lbs. It is manufactured in North Carolina, the United States of America.

  • Lightweight
  • Durable
  • Manufactured in the United States of America
  • Adjustable
  • Can handle the wide load
  • Dependable with your kayak
  • Easy to install and take off from the truck
  • Limited colors available - orange and lime green
  • Some people find it expensive

How Do You Go About Buying A Truck Extender?

The following are some of the things which I believe, you should put in mind before you step out to go and purchase a truck extender.

1. Choose A Suitable Type For Your Requirements

1.1. Standard Or Conventional U-shaped Bed Extenders

If you are going to haul items which are not bigger or longer than the pickup’s tailgate and truck bed length, a conventional or standard U-shaped bed should be a great pick for you. It can be made of either plastic or metal and it is going to utilize the tailgate to give you an extra 2 feet of cargo space or be able to offer maximum load capacity with the tailgate down.

The way the standard extender is designed is going to help when you are working with transportation of large equipment which is the same length as the truck bed with a tailgate that is lowered. If the truck bed extender is conventional, then it can also serve as a cargo gate when not in use while keeping the load in place during hauling. 

1.2. Bedside Extender Or Bed Loader

A bed load or bedside extender comes equipped with a hitch mount configuration which connects to the rear receiver hitch of your truck in order to provide you with a greater load capacity which will be able to go beyond the tailgate width. It is the type which goes inside the truck bed and is simply slid or rolled in order to enable cargo to be loaded. The bed slide arm is extendable making it easier for you to adjust or place the load in various positions. It is the ideal choice when you are carrying all your tools on your journey, as the bed slide will allow you to use your truck to haul lumber or log, pipes, and roof moldings efficiently and safely.

1.3. Cargo Slide Bed Extender For Your Truck

Apart from delivering enough space for your cargo, the cargo slide also allows for easy access to the items which have been parked in the truck. It converts the entire truck bed into a drawer that is sliding and at the same time serving as an extender for your truck bed. For sufficient support, the rightmount hitch is necessary so that the cargo is supported while the structure is locked in place.

2. Compatibility With Your Truck

Check out the compatibility of your truck with the bed extender. Not all of them are designed for universal functionality. Each bed extender design and size is meant for a specific truck and thus, you have to ensure that, whatever you are buying fits well with your truck. Knowing the details of your truck and that of the bed extender will ensure that, you are able to use it successfully.

Though some manufacturers claim that their bed extenders are universal, you have to make sure that it is compatible with your truck by looking at the specification of the size. Most of the bed extenders are meant to be installed in a specific model or make of a truck and by reading the specifications, you will be able to know if it is the right one for you.

3. Installation, Construction, and Different Components

3.1. Construction Materials

Different models and brands use different types of materials fro truck bed extenders. While the plastic or metal can be used in the construction of the truck, others are made by combining both metal and plastic. You will find others using aluminum, making it stronger than the ones made using plastic or metal, and being able to withstand corrosion and chipping while at the same time remaining lightweight.

3.2. Operation And Storage

Ensure that you read the manuals online and know how it operates so that you don’t go for a model which is complex to operate. There are those which you will fix permanently to your truck bed while others pivot into the bed or fold up against the tailgate for ease of use whenever the need arises. You will have to choose which style is the best fit for your needs and this will depend if your truck is to be used for other transportation purposes or not. If yes, then the latter is the best model for you.

3.3. Additional Components

A model that locks every few feet will give you better control of your luggage. For proper installation, you will need some additional components in order to make the extenders to be firm such as an adaptor for a hitch mount type. You will need to put into consideration the weight capacity of the extenders as they vary greatly.

3.4. Ease of Installation

Ease of installation should be looked into. Rack style truck bed extenders are the easiest to install. The installation kit is normally attached to the extender and ensure that it has detailed installation instructions, including the bracket mounting to avoid extender snaps and adjustable sizing hitches which are normally very common.

Conclusion

There are various types and sizes of truck bed extenders in the market and it can be hard for you to choose especially if you are a first-time buyer. This guide is here to guide you to the main information you need to have to make your shopping easier and enjoyable. I have also tried to review what I think are some of the best truck bed extenders in the market. Be wise and read the reviews and other details before committing your money. You need to buy a truck bed extender with good value for money.
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