What Is The Best Truck Bed Extender? – 2020 Reviews
One of the biggest perks of having a truck is being able to carry heavy objects with ease. However, even with a powerful pickup truck, this job isn’t always easy. A truck bed extender can reduce stress when trying to carry loads, such as kayaks, lumber, pipes, or other bulky items. They can also help when grocery shopping, camping, or helping a friend move.
Whether your work requires you to carry heavy loads or you just want to make your life easier, a truck bed extender is an excellent decision.
In this post, we’ll cover ten of the best truck bed extenders on the market. Also, we’ll talk about what to look for when choosing a bed extender for your truck.
Page Contents
- 2020’s Top 10 Truck Bed Extenders
- 1. Dodge Ram Black Aluminum Tailgate Bed Extender by Mopar
- 2. Darby Industries Truck Bed Extender
- 3. ECOTRIC Truck Bed Extender for Pickup Trucks
- 4. AMP Research Black BedXTender
- 5. Lund Hitch Mounted Truck Bed Extender
- 6. Ford 2017 Heavy Duty Bed Extender
- 7. ReadyRamp Full-Sized Bed Extender
- 8. Genuine Ford Truck Bed Extender
- 9. Ford Super Duty Truck Bed Extender
- 10. AMP Research Sport Truck Bed Extender
- What to Consider Before Buying a Truck Bed Extender
- Consider Your Goals
- Make Sure It’s Compatible With Your Truck
- The Installation Process
- The Materials
- Why Truck Bed Extenders Are a Good Idea
- How to Install a Truck Bed Extender
- Final Thoughts
2020’s Top 10 Truck Bed Extenders
1. Dodge Ram Black Aluminum Tailgate Bed Extender by Mopar
Best Truck Bed Extender Overall
Having a reliable truck bed extender will help you stay organized and free of stress in the long-run. The Dodge Ram Back Aluminum Tailgate Bed Extender by Mopar is a perfect example of what every truck owner should look for in a truck bed extender. This bed extender has more than enough room to haul groceries or a wide array of cargo.
The extender is aluminum, meaning it’s incredibly lightweight and durable. Since the material is aluminum, installing and detaching the Dodge Ram Tailgate Bed Extender is a breeze. The aluminum possesses anti-corrosive properties, so truck owners don’t need to worry about rust damage.
One fantastic thing about this bed extender is how compact it is. You can easily store it in the trunk when you’re not using it. If you have ever had a truck bed extender before, you know how much of a nuisance it is to detach and replace your truck bed continually. Fortunately, you avoid all of that frustration with the Dodge Ram Tailgate Bed Extender.
Pros
- Durable aluminum material
- Includes all essential hardware for installation
- Secure straps
Cons
- Screws can break easily if you’re not careful
- Does not fit with all Dodge Ram trucks
2. Darby Industries Truck Bed Extender
Most Practical Truck Bed Extender
Without a doubt, if you haul heavy cargo, a truck bed extender is the way to go. If you’re looking for the most practical truck bed extender on the market, you’re in the right place. Darby Industries is well-known for its durable and heavy-duty products, and the truck bed extender is no exception. Not only is it an excellent truck bed extender, but it’s also a perfect tool for keeping items above your truck.
If you’re a business owner or farmer who always carries heavy cargo, you’ll definitely find it a useful option. This truck bed extender is fully adjustable, so you can leave enough space around the roof as you need. Additionally, it comes with sturdy 4-inch support to make sure your cargo stays safely attached.
With this, you also get a handy red flag to ensure you’re following all of the safety guidelines when hauling goods. The Darby Industries truck bed extender is exceptionally versatile. You can attach it to any truck with a 2-inch hitch, and can go on a wide range of other vehicles. One of the nicest things about this truck bed extender is how quickly you can attach and detach it (roughly 15 minutes).
Pros
- Durable 4-inch support system
- Fully adjustable
- Quick to install
Cons
- Slightly wobbly depending on your cargo
3. ECOTRIC Truck Bed Extender for Pickup Trucks
Best Value For Money Truck Bed Extender
One of the primary reasons for getting a truck is for extra storage capacity. If you were just commuting to and from work, a sedan vehicle would be sufficient. The ECOTRIC Truck Bed Extender provides even more storage space for your pick up truck. Whether you’re hauling timber, pipes, garbage, groceries, or furniture, this truck bed extender has what you need.
The ECOTRIC truck bed extender provides a whopping 750-pound storage space to ensure you can carry that heavy cargo with ease. This truck bed extender doesn’t just offer enough width for hauling, but it also is adjustable and can hold elevated objects.
One fantastic thing about this truck bed extender is that it can fit any truck with a 2-inch square hitch receiver. If you have a 1.25 hitch receiver, need not worry because you can use an adapter to attach the ECOTRIC.
All-in-all this is the top truck bed extender when hauling cargo with awkward dimensions. Also, it’s incredibly affordable. If you’re looking for an economical choice that still provides enough functions to get the job done, consider checking out the ECOTRIC truck bed extender for pickups.
Pros
- Durable steel material
- Comes with a safety flag
- Fully adjustable
Cons
- Not resistant to rust
- Not as stable as other truck bed extenders on the market
4. AMP Research Black BedXTender
Best Designed Truck Bed Extender
If a user-friendly design is on the top of your priority list when choosing accessories for your truck, then the AMP Research Black BedXTender might be the best choice for you. Unlike other truck bed extenders on the market, this one by AMP has a super simple design that securely holds your cargo. You’ll need to make sure the tailgate is open to install it correctly.
There might be a time where you don’t need an extender, but something to keep the cargo in the bed extra locked in place. That’s where this AMP truck bed extender comes in handy. You can close the tailgate, flip the extender around, and use it as a significant source to secure cargo in the bed.
The aluminum tubes are incredibly durable and lightweight, so you don’t need to worry about any heavy lifting when installing this truck bed extender. It’s important to know that the tubes are torque resistant, so feel free to hit the gas without any items slipping out of place.
If you’re looking for an easy to use bed extender, the AMP Research Black BedXTender is the way to go.
Pros
- Incredibly easy to use
- Lightweight durable aluminum tubing
- Comes with an extra 2 feet of space
Cons
- Some of the plastic vertical supporters might be unstable
- Not as aesthetically appealing as other bed extenders on the market
5. Lund Hitch Mounted Truck Bed Extender
Best Truck Bed Extender For Lengthy Cargo
Everyone knows that trucks are handy when trying to move heavy items. That’s why truck owners are always bombarded by friends and family when it’s time to move, or there’s an event. The Lund Hitch Mounted Truck Bed Extender will make your truck even more useful when hauling cargo.
This particular bed extender is perfect for carrying lengthy items, such as boards, logs, or pipes. If you work in construction or the timber industry, this is probably the top truck bed extender on the market. It provides an impressive 7-inches of space from the ground, so you don’t need to worry about your goods scraping the bottom during transport.
This truck bed extender by Lund can support up to 750 pounds of cargo, which is pretty impressive considering its simplicity. For those who live near the beach, this is a fantastic extender for carrying kayaks. The shape of the design effortlessly carries your lengthy items without any shaking. It can fit on any truck with a 2-inch hitch receiver.
We’d recommend this if you’re continually carrying lengthy items since you don’t need to worry about them getting damaged while in transit.
Pros
- Impressive storage capacity of 750 pounds
- Approved by the DOT
- Ideal for kayaks
Cons
- The clevis pins aren’t stable
- Lighter loads might require an additional anchor
6. Ford 2017 Heavy Duty Bed Extender
Best Brand Truck Bed Extender
If you’re in the market for an all-around reliable truck bed extender, the Ford 2017 Heavy Duty Bed Extender might be the right choice. This bed extender will not only hold your goods securely in place, but it will also protect them from damage. Ford is no stranger to high-quality truck products, and their 2017 Heavy Duty Bed Extender is no different.
The elegant U-Shaped design looks great and is extremely functional. With this truck bed extender, storing goods in the trunk has never been more accessible. The cage is brush fiberglass, an immensely durable material that is not only sturdy but also adds to the smooth physique. Out of all the truck bed extenders on the market, this one will effortlessly blend right into the design of any truck.
With the Ford 2017 Heavy Duty Truck Bed Extender, you get a massive carrying space, plus an additional 18-inches on the tailgate. If you’re looking for a truck bed extender from a trustworthy brand, you can’t go wrong with this one from Ford.
Pros
- DOT approved
- Quick to install
- Durable fiberglass material
Cons
- Not ideal for lengthy cargo
7. ReadyRamp Full-Sized Bed Extender
Truck Bed Extender With Most Unique Design
The ReadyRamp Full-Sized Bed Extender is a reliable tool to reduce the stress and difficulties of hauling cargo. The bed extender is aluminum and only weighs 21 pounds. As you might have guessed, this makes it incredibly easy to install and detach. One really cool thing about this bed extender is that it can open up and become a motorcycle ramp.
ReadyRamp’s bed extender can fit onto most trucks, including a Nissan Titan, Ford F150, and Toyota Tundra. Whenever you’re not using it, you can always fold this bed extender up and store it in the bed of your truck. You can choose between silver and black, so needless to say; it will blend in with the design of almost any truck.
Initially, installing this truck bed extender will require a little patience; however, attaching and detaching is a breeze once you have it ready to go. The rubber ramp does a great job of eliminating the chances of scratches and fights off general wear and tear on your truck.
If you’re looking for a truck bed extender that won’t jeopardize your truck’s appearance, we’d strongly recommend you check out this one by ReadyRamp.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight due to the aluminum material
- Multifunctional design
- Suitable for most standard pickup trucks
Cons
- The initial installation process can be daunting
8. Genuine Ford Truck Bed Extender
Most Durable Truck Bed Extender
When it comes to trucks, most people picture them hauling large goods. While trucks are extremely useful for pulling oversized items, carrying small items can sometimes be tricky. A truck bed extender that can add additional space to the tailgate makes life so much easier. The Genuine Ford Truck Bed Extender is made out of durable steel that can handle heavy-duty hauling.
On the other hand, it can also help you carry small goods if you have the tailgate up. This is exceptionally convenient when transporting items such as groceries, camping equipment, or small furniture pieces.
The Genuine Ford Bed Extender is entirely compliant with all of the DOT regulations, making it a safe choice for truck owners across the country. Even if you have the tailgate down, drivers behind you can still see your turn signal, which is an important safety aspect whenever using a truck bed extender.
The only odd feature is that you can’t detach the bed extender when the tailgate is up, but Ford did this on purpose to prevent people from stealing your bed extender. Other than that, it’s an immensely durable and fantastic addition to your truck and lifestyle.
Pros
- Durable steel coating
- DOT approval
- Ideal for storing small items as well as large ones
Cons
- Small parts are easy to misplace during installation
9. Ford Super Duty Truck Bed Extender
Best Truck Bed Extender For Heavy Duty Cargo
If you’re after something reliable enough for even the heaviest of cargo, the Ford Super Duty Truck Bed Extender is sure to get the job done. This bed extender will ensure that all of your goods stay securely in your truck, so you don’t need to worry about items slipping or falling out.
The Ford Super Duty Truck Bed Extender lays comfortable on your truck’s tailgate and provides an additional 18 inches of storage space. The design is quite classically Ford style and looks great on all trucks. With the U-shape frame, hauling heavy items around is beyond easy.
Like the Ford 2017 Heavy Duty Truck Bed Extender above, the Super Duty Bed Extender is made from durable fiberglass. It’s incredibly strong, all the while being lightweight and easy to attach and takedown. If you are a fan of Ford’s premium truck accessories, you’re going to love the Ford Super Duty Truck Bed Extender.
Pros
- Easy to install and takedown
- Durable fiberglass material
- DOT compliant
Cons
- Some hardware isn’t as stable as other modules
10. AMP Research Sport Truck Bed Extender
American-Made Truck Bed Extender
To haul more goods, you need a reliable truck bed extender. However, finding the right one can be tricky, depending on your circumstances. If you do ever come across the AMP Research Sport Truck Bed Extender, you might find everything you need to halt your search. That’s because this truck bed extender by AMP Research has all the necessary features and functions to haul heavy-duty cargo easily.
The v-shape design and durable aluminum alloy tubing are what make this a fantastic addition to your truck. Another cool thing about the AMP Research Sport Truck Bed Extender is when you flip up the tailgate; it works as a sturdy nest for smaller goods.
The clamp-shell design features make it torque resistant, which is an essential feature to keep your goods secure if you plan on hitting high speeds. Altogether, this is an extremely reliable and affordable truck bed extender and provides everything you need to make hauling heavy-duty cargo an easy job.
Pros
- Unique v-shape design
- Suitable for large and small cargo
- Lightweight aluminum alloy tubing
Cons
- Doesn’t fit on all standard trucks
What to Consider Before Buying a Truck Bed Extender
If at this point you’re ready to get your hands on a truck bed extender, that’s great! However, before hitting the “buy now” button, there are a few things you need to consider before making your purchase. Some of these things can make or break your experience with a truck bed extender. Continue reading below to learn how to make the right choice.
Consider Your Goals
Your goals are by far the most important thing to consider before buying a truck bed extender. That’s because the type of bed extender you need will entirely depend on what kind of cargo you’ll be hauling. Each truck bed extender comes with different features and functions, and some are better at carrying specific types of cargo, such as furniture, lumber, kayaks, etc.
With that in mind, if you plan on hauling a wide array of different cargo, try and find a versatile option, such as the ECOTRIC Bed Extender above. Always consider your goals before deciding on your next extender.
Make Sure It’s Compatible With Your Truck
While this might seem obvious, plenty of people make the mistake of buying a truck bed extender that can’t attach to their truck. Therefore, the whole ordeal was a giant waste of time and money. Most truck bed extenders are quite clear about what kinds of trucks they are compatible with. Always read up on this information before making your decision.
The Installation Process
If you’re in the construction business, installing a truck bed extender might be ‘easy as pie.’ However, if you’re not as savvy with a set of tools, you’ll want to find one that’s easy to install. Most bed extenders are quite easy to install, but some can be daunting. Moreover, you’ll want to ensure that attaching and detaching your bed is comfortable, otherwise, it can cause severe frustration.
The Materials
The next thing you want to look out for is the materials. Most truck beds are made from materials such as fiberglass, aluminum, and plastic. Some materials are stronger than others, while some are incredibly lightweight. You typically want to find a sweet spot between strong and lightweight. We recommend going with a truck bed extender made from aluminum or fiberglass.
Why Truck Bed Extenders Are a Good Idea
While the most apparent reason for getting a truck bed extender is the additional storage space, there are a few other benefits. Here are some of the main benefits of adding a bed extender to your truck:
- Heavy Hauling. It’s safe to say that heavy items take up a lot of space on the back of your truck. By adding a few extra feet, you’d be surprised at the difference it makes in terms of what kind of goods you can haul.
- Time Saver. Why make three trips when you can get it all in one? Investing in a truck bed extender will save you time since you can now haul more items.
- Aesthetic Appeal. While this isn’t a direct benefit, adding the right truck bed extender can make your truck look awesome.
How to Install a Truck Bed Extender
Installing an extender is usually simple. All you need is a hitch mount and maybe some additional straps. You need to make sure the hitch mount is the right size for your truck; otherwise, you might also need an adapter. The hitch mount holds the bed extender firmly onto your truck to avoid any of your goods from slipping.
Final Thoughts
As you can see from the information above, there are plenty of fantastic truck bed extenders options on the market. Our top pick has to be the Dodge Ram Aluminum Truck Bed Extender due to its amazing features, durable materials, and easy installation.
What are your thoughts on truck bed extenders? Do you think it would help you in your work and daily life? Remember, always consider your goals and look at your truck’s details and the bed extender before making a purchase.
