Trucks are heavy-duty vehicles and provide adequate space to haul things. At times, you need more load capacity or area than the full-sized truck can provide. The best truck bed extender will enable you to leave the tailgate down so that you can haul oversized cargo.
Why Use Bed Extenders?
Even the best trucks have their limitations. Cargo beds on trucks are long, but you will have trouble fitting large items such as kayaks. If the tailgate gets closed, it won’t be easy to accommodate cargo that is too long.
The extenders add a few feet to your truck bed, and they can be lifesavers when you haul long items like lumber. If you love camping or carrying large-sized cargo as part of your business, you will need these products.
Benefits of Truck Bed Extenders
Here are the several advantages to using an extender:
Extra Space
If your business involves hauling large cargo, you will benefit a lot if you invest in buying a truck bed extender. You will be able to save valuable time, gas, and effort as the heavy-duty truck bed extender will help you haul more things.
Compatible with Trucks, Cars, SUVs
A truck bed extender is compatible with other vehicles too. You will be able to use a bed extender on an SUV or car. It can also get used to hauling cargo on the roof of your truck, car, and SUV.
Assembly and installation are easy. It makes it easy to install the bed extender on any vehicle you want and later uninstall it when the job gets done.
Secure Strap
A secure strap is part of the package that is available when you buy the truck bed extender. The strap secures the cargo in place. The strap is easy to install. It helps avoid any damage during transportation. Unloading also becomes easy when you use a strap to secure things. It is often challenging to unload items that are not secured and moving around. When you use a secure strap, you will be able to unload things without any damage.
Different Types of Bed Extenders
Standard Bed Extender
The standard bed extender looks like a tuning fork. It is a long pole that gets attached to the trailer hitch. It is a good choice for large and long cargo items like canoes, kayaks, wood logs, or planks.
When the tailgate is up, the fork stands straight up. When the tailgate is down, you will be able to place the fork horizontally. It will enable you to keep things on the roof of your vehicle and the fork. It will allow you to haul extra heavy and oversized cargo.
U-Shaped
The U-shaped bed extender gets attached to the tailgate of the truck. It helps in extending the truck bed. It is the perfect choice for adding a few feet of extra space to the truck bed.
You will be able to load a lot more things due to more space at your disposal. The U-shaped bed extender is ideal for loading and unloading loose boxes, material, and equipment.
Cargo Slide
The cargo slide bed extender converts the truck bed to what you can term as a “drawer.” You will be able to slide the drawer in and out making it easier to load and unload cargo and other things. Apart from this, it also performs as an extender.
For better cargo support, you will need the correct mount hitch. It becomes an absolute necessity when the bed extender gets locked in.
Bedside Load Extender
The bedside load extender is available with a mounting hitch. You will be able to attach the hitch mount to the rear of the truck. It will help you load large-capacity cargo. The extendable size of the truck bed enables you to place the cargo in many positions.
How to Choose the Right Bed Extender & What to Consider
Compatibility
If you are buying a bed extender, it's important to understand that compatibility is a significant factor in the long run. Most extenders fit your vehicle and enable you to transport anything you want. The problem starts when the extenders don’t fit your truck.
The load and size specifications of certain bed extenders may not be compatible with your vehicle. Before you choose a truck bed extender, you will need to ensure that it fits your vehicle. You will be wasting your money if it is not the right fit.
If you buy a hitch mounted extender, you might have compatibility issues if the hitch is bigger or smaller than the two inches. It is one more reason to pay attention to the compatibility of the bed extender with your truck.
Types
There are usually two types of truck bed extenders available. Tailgate extenders are the first type. A must for truckers who have a truck or tonneau cover but don’t need a big extender.
Hitch mount is the other type of bed extender. You can mount it on the hitch of your vehicle. When you mount the hitch, the bed size doubles. Apart from this, you can keep the cargo on the roof of the vehicle. It is the most extended type of bed extender you can buy.
The other type you can consider includes a storage drawer or slide-in extenders. Depending on the planned usage of the truck bed, you can choose the style you want.
Materials
Heavy-duty materials are always the best choice when you buy a truck bed extender. As you will be carrying a heavy load in your truck bed, the extenders should support the excess weight. Those made of steel or aluminum will help you load large cargo. The carbon fiber material is also a preferable choice for a tailgate extender.
When you buy a tailgate extender, you don’t need the material to be strong. The extender is not holding the weight of the cargo, but the tailgate is holding it inside. It is always best to choose materials that do not rust or corrode. It will ensure that the extender is long-lasting and durable.
Assembly and Installation
Are you unsure about the assembly and installation of a truck bed? Choose a bed extender that isn't difficult to assemble and install. You don't need anyone's service if the installation is simple and easy. It will save valuable time if you are able to uninstall the bed extender without much effort. You can remove and keep the extender in a safe place when it is not in use.
When you buy a hitch extender, you should ensure that there is enough space in your garage. When you have extra room in the garage, it will help you raise the hitch up and down. The garage will also not get damaged when you change the settings of the hitch bed extender. You don't require drilling to complete the installation.
Other Components
Choose a bed extender with locks so that you can secure the cargo. For a hitch mount, you can select one with an adaptor. It will ensure that the extender stays in place.
When you add other components to the best truck bed extenders, it increases the efficiency of the product. When using them on your truck, it is best to add reflectors to it. It will help you and others on the road stay safe.
Reflective tapes are also a good addition. It is beneficial when you are driving at night. You should also add a red flag to the long and large cargo when driving through the day. It is best to ensure that the pickup truck bed extenders you choose are lightweight.
Check Out the 8 Best Truck Bed Extenders
1. MaxxHaul Hitch Mount Truck Bed Extender (For Canoe, Kayak Ladder, Long Pipes, Lumber, and Rack)
The MaxxHaul hitch mount is one of the best truck bed extenders for kayaks. It is specifically designed for long loads such as ladders and boards. The four quick-release pins make it easy to install and uninstall the best bed extenders for trucks.
The best truck bed extender for kayaks has reflective tape on the back and sides. It ensures safety for the road. A red flag is fixed to the cargo when driving during the daytime. The adjustable width and length of the best truck bed will enable you to use it in many applications.
You will be able to fold down the side arms. It helps create support for a portable working area. The design of this product helps it fit 2-inch receivers. The 2-inch hitch pin gets sold separately. The MaxxHaul truck bed extender has a load capacity of 300 pounds. You will be able to use the extender with other vehicles apart from trucks.
The Amp Research U-shaped unique design makes it one of the best truck bed extenders. It will help you hold and carry many things at the largest capacity. When you open the tailgate, you will add two more feet to the truck bed. It will help extend a truck.
If the extender gets flipped back into the truck bed and the tailgate gets closed, you will be able to hold more things and tools in the back of the truck. The aluminum truck bed extender is rugged and will be able to withstand extreme weather conditions.
The Amp Research bed extender weighs only 17 pounds. As it doesn’t weigh a lot, it will not affect the mileage of your vehicle. Assembly and installation are easy, and you will be able to do so within a few hours.
The Lund 601021 truck bed extender will support cargo up to 750 lbs. The side wings can get adjusted as per your need. You can change them from 27 inches to 49 inches. It will help in creating an extra seven inches of ground clearance. When you adjust it to 49 inches, you can carry long items.
The hitch-mounted truck bed extender will fit the conventional two-inch hitch receiver. It has a reflective tape and safety flag to ensure visibility and safety. A red flag on the cargo increases safety.
The Lund 601021 bed extender will enable you to carry long cargo such as personal watercraft and kayaks. You will be able to complete the installation process within minutes. You can also dismantle the extender when it's not being used.
The modern and sleek design of the tailgate bed extender will give a unique look to your truck. When you install the bed extender directly on the truck’s tailgate, you will get a foot and half extra space. You can make use of this space to store tools, equipment, and much more.
As it gets made with aluminum, the extender is durable and increases the cargo you can haul in your truck. You will be able to attach the bed extender to the rear of the bed. It will help create convenience and added storage.
The Ecotric pickup truck bed hitch extender gets manufactured using durable steel, and this makes it impact-resistant. You can make use of the hitch extender to load long cargo such as lumber, kayak, boat, and canoe. The installation is simple and easy.
The width of the hitch can get increased from 28.25 inches – 48.75 inches. The height can get extended from 12 inches – 19 inches. It will enable you to carry larger and bigger cargo in your truck.
The hitch extender weighs 27 pounds, but it is capable of carrying weights up to 750 lbs. The heavy-duty steel construction makes the extender durable and long-lasting. The extender has a reflective flag and tape on both sides and the front for extra safety and visibility. It will help you drive your truck safely.
The Goplus pickup truck bed hitch extender gets constructed using heavy-quality steel and has a black powder-coated finish. It makes it durable and long-lasting. You will be able to fit the extender into a two-inch square hitch receiver. With a hitch adaptor, you can also use it on a 1 ¼ inch hitch.
The bed extender is an ideal choice for loading large and long cargo. The premium quality of the extender enables you to carry many things like lumber, long pipes, kayak, canoe, rack, ladder, and much more.
It has a large cargo-carrying capability of 750 lbs. You will be able to adjust the width and height of the extender as per your specific need. The reflective tape on the truck bed sides and front increases visibility.
The Darby Industries 944 bed extender gives you the stability required to transport long loads. It will help you carry all types of long items in your truck. The extender gives 48 inches of support, and it comes with cords. It helps you secure the load and give extra stability.
The tailgate length is 35 inches when it is open, which will help you transport long items. You can mount the extender on a two-inch receiver hitch. You can adjust it so that you can use it on any vehicle.
The high-quality steel construction of the bed extender makes it durable. You will be able to install the extender within the shortest possible time. The Darby Industries 944 bed extender weighs only 25 pounds. The lightweight product improves the performance of your truck.
The unique design of the Erickson pick-up bed extender helps create an extra space of four feet. The extender will enable you to load cargo up to 350 lbs. Welded loops get included with the extender, and this will help you secure the things you transport.
You will be able to use the bed extender with vans, short bed trucks, and SUVs. As the extender is black powder-coated, it is rust-resistant, and this makes it durable.
Truck Bed Extender Installation Tips
Installation of a truck bed extender is not difficult. Most manufacturers provide a detailed installation manual. You can make use of it to complete the installation process.
- The kit often comes packed with all the necessary tools and components necessary to complete the installation.
- Read the installation manual carefully before you start the process.
- Attach the tubes and other parts of the extender systematically. It will ensure that the bed extender doesn’t wobble when you are driving.
- If you are not good with tools and equipment, you can seek professional help to get the bed extender installed on your truck or any vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are truck bed extenders legal?
Truck bed extenders often get used to overhaul long and oversized cargo. The law allows trucks to transport cargo three feet in front and four feet in the rear. The truck driver needs to use proper markings to increase visibility and safety.
What are the bed extenders usually made of?
The best truck bed extender gets made of different materials. The material will usually depend on the price and the brand. Metal and plastic are the most common materials used in the construction of these products.
Aluminum is another popular material. Aluminum materials offer durable construction and are corrosion resistant. It is also lighter compared to metal or plastic.
How can you use and store a bed extender?
There are different types of models, and each one of them can get used differently. Depending on the size and types of extenders, you can use them to haul different things.
The smaller sized ones can carry small equipment, whereas the bigger models can get used to hauling large and heavy items. Choose a bed extender depending on how you plan to use them.
Most models can get installed and removed within minutes. Some of these models can get rolled back into the truck bed when it's not in use. It will keep the extender safe from the weather and debris.
How much should I spend on a truck bed extender?
$60 - $ 100 – If you are on a tight budget and want to buy cheap, you will find them in the range of $60 - $100. They get designed to carry cargo that is not longer than your truck. Most of them are durable, and you will be able to transport heavy loads too.
$200 - $300 – In this price range, you will find the best truck bed extender with better features. They also get made of high-quality materials. You can also transport longer and heavier items in your truck bed.
$400 and above – You will get premium products in this price range. The construction of the best truck bed extender gets done using high-quality steel and other materials.
Are bed extenders universal for all trucks?
You will find that these products are often made for a specific model and make of trucks or other vehicles. You will not be able to fit the bed extender made for a particular model of a truck into another vehicle. If it doesn't fit properly, it will not perform efficiently.
Some of these products work well on many trucks, but it is often made only for a specific model. You should buy a universal-fit bed extender only if you are planning to sell your old truck. In such cases, you can remove the bed extender from the old truck and get it installed in the new truck.
In Summary
Our best truck bed extender choice is MaxxHaul Hitch Mount Truck Bed Extender (For Canoe, Kayak Ladder, Long Pipes, Lumber, and Rack). It extends the truck bed extender size so that you can carry large cargo. The width and length can get adjusted, and this makes them versatile.