If you are looking for a truck bed extender to help lighten the load and extend the reach of your pickup or SUV, you need one that perfectly fits the vehicle. Following thorough research and comparing the specs and features, here is a review and buying guide of the best truck bed extender.
Top 5 Truck Bed Extenders
| Name | Highlights | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dodge Ram Black Aluminum Tailgate Bed Extender Mopar OEM by Mopar | Straps engage to tailgate latches to secure system | |
| ECOTRIC Pick Up Truck Bed Hitch Extender Extension Rack Canoe Boat Kayak Lumber | - Weight capacity of up to 750 lbs - Adjustable Width: 28.25" - 48.75" Adjustable Height: 4" - 10" | |
| LUND 601021 Hitch Mounted Truck Bed Extender | - Provides additional 7 inch ground clearance - Fits standard 2 inch receiver hitch | |
| HC3Z99286A40A Ford Bed Extender | - Locks cargo from moving around | |
| Darby Industries 944 Extend-A-Truck | - Features a 4 Feet wide support - Can be stored behind the seat when not in use |
Dodge Ram Black Aluminum Tailgate Bed Extender Mopar OEM by Mopar
The Dodge Ram black aluminum by Mopar is a good choice if looking to buy the best truck bed extender for additional storage and convenience. It can be attached to the rear of the bed and pivots in and out. It features straps that engage with tailgate and latches to secure the system. It also includes a Dodge Ram v-shaped bed extender.
Pros
- It is easy to assemble and install
- Perfect fit RAM bed extender
- Well built and good design
- Lightweight
- Easy to remove
Cons
- Requires a rivet gun to install properly
- It’s a bit pricey
- Instructions are a bit confusing
ECOTRIC Pick Up Truck Bed Hitch Extender Extension Rack Canoe Boat Kayak Lumber
This truck bed extender by Ecotric has a weight capacity of up to 750 lbs and includes a safety flag to attach to the end of your load. Its hitch extender fits into 2” square hitch receivers but can also be used on 1-1/4” receivers with a hitch adaptor. It measures 53 1/2” in length, from the center of the 1/2” hitch pin hole to the end of the extension. It has an adjustable width and height of between 28.25”-48.75” and 4”-10” respectively, and weighs about 27 lbs.
Pros
- Ease of assembly and installation
- It is sturdy
- Affordable price
- Safety flag
- Perfect for transporting a kayak
Cons
- It can rattle a bit
- Paint coating rubs off with time
LUND 601021 Hitch Mounted Truck Bed Extender
This reliable truck bed extender by Lund provides an additional 7-inch ground clearance and is equipped with side wings that adjustable from 27 to 49 inches. It has a load capacity of 750 pounds and comes with side support which folds down if required. It fits a standard 2-inch receiver hitch and also includes a flag and red reflective tape.
Pros
- It is easy to assemble and install
- Versatility
- It is stable
- Heavy duty and well built
- Adjustable
Cons
- Doesn’t include a receiver hitch pin
- It is heavy
HC3Z99286A40A Ford Bed Extender
This Ford Bed Extender fits 2017 and 2018 Super Duty and can be the best choice for a folding bed extender. It features a rugged black fiberglass reinforced polypropylene cage that flips outward and extends over the tailgate to provide an additional 18 inches of space. When the cage is flipped inside the bed, it helps protect your load from shifting.
Pros
- Perfect fit for 2017 and 2018 Super Duty
- Easy to install
- Comes well packaged
- Affordable
Cons
- Blocks bed lights when folded closed
Darby Industries 944 Extend-A-Truck
This Darby product is worth considering when looking to buy the best truck bed extender for secure and safe hauling of long loads. It features 4-feet wide support and adjustable height for rooftop hauling. When not in use, it can be stored flat behind the seat. It also comes with a red flag and a receiver hitch.
Pros
- Easy to install
- It is durable
- Lightweight
- Sturdy and well-designed
- Ability to mount for both bed-level and cab-level
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Stability issues
- Poor quality welds and paint job
Things to Consider When Buying a Truck Bed Extender
When looking for a bed extender for your truck, it can prove to be a bit challenging as there are plenty of options available in the market. However, there are a few things to consider that should inform your decision and ensure you make the right choice.
The first is the nature of the load you carry on your truck. Is it groceries, a kayak, plywood or something else? Knowing the size and nature of your load helps you choose the right bed extender based on its loading capacity, length and adjustability among other things.
The bed extender you get should be a perfect fit for your vehicle. It should be able to install well, stay stable and shouldn’t rattle. That’s why when you are looking for someone who makes the best truck bed extender, it’s good to buy from the vehicle manufacturer. They sell genuine parts that are custom for the specific vehicle and would fit perfectly.
The price is also worth taking into account. You do not have to break the bank to get a good bed extender that perfectly fits your truck and does what you expect it to do.
Buying a bed extender for your truck can help provide more storage for your loads, as well as help safely move it from one point to another. However, choosing the right bed extender can be challenging, especially when you don’t know what to look for. Hopefully, with this guide, you can be able to make a more informed choice and get the best truck bed extender at a reasonable price to perfectly fit your vehicle and meet your needs.