Best Rated Truck Bed Extenders – Top 11 Reviews

A truck bed extender is also called tailgate extender. It is used to increase your truck’s load-hauling area or storage space. When it comes to loading your furniture, bike, boat, bicycles, expansive lawn mower, snowmobile or any other large object, a truck bed extender is a blessing. Carrying the objects larger than your truck bed can end up in disastrous accidents, injuries and difficulty in driving. The stuff itself can be damaged. A truck bed extender is a solution to all your worries. It adds a couple of feet to your truck bed. It can be attached and removed effortlessly.

Reviews of the Best Truck Bed Extender

**Below, you’ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.

Types of Truck Bed Extenders

There are three main types of truck bed extenders. Let me differentiate between them:

1.   Tailgate truck bed extender:

It has a cagey metal bars structure. It is ideal for hauling long pipes. It adds safety and security to your cargo. It comes in two different folding styles:

• Fold down extender: It folds on to your tailgate.
• Swinging extender: it rests upon your truck bed.

2.   Loading extender:

This extender prevents your items from falling down as it supports them. These metal bars are mounted on the trailer of your truck. They extend beyond its tailgate.

3.   Loading ramp extender:

This extender is ideal for transporting bikes, bicycles and other similar two-wheelers. It makes loading and unloading your vehicles effortless. It is similar to the tailgate bed extender. Its sides can be folded flat or used as a ramp.

Things to Consider When Buying A Truck Bed Extender

• Your budget

There is a wide price range of different truck bed extenders by various brands available on all online stores. The difference of the material used, shape, size, structure and tax included are the factors that create such a wide price range. You can add to cart on any online store with a single click but remember to compare the prices of similar items. Select the one that has a discount off its original price. Some brands provide their regular customers with a coupon having a special deal. Pay attention to all these factors. Keep in mind that you save your buck off shipping charges. I recommend you not to buy the ultra expensive ones as they have the maximum chances of being stolen off your truck. Ultra cheap ones are not recommended either as they require regular maintenance or an eventual replacement. Just buy the one with a price that perfectly matches your budget and gives you more bang for your buck. Make sure you get a lifetime money back guarantee, an unconditional replacement and maintenance warranty for a long period of time.

• Anti-abrasive or corrosive

Select the bed extender whose clips, straps, mounts, screws or hitch does not harm, scratch, puncture or crack the external paint or polish of your truck. You must make sure that the bed extender has no sharp tips to prevent the walls, sides or the receiver of your truck from abrasion or corrosion. The process of folding, sliding or swinging must be smooth and safe.

• compatibility with your truck

Make sure you know the exact measurements of the dimensions of your truck bed when you are choosing a truck bed extender. There is a wide variety of sizes and structures available so it is sometimes confusing to find the appropriate one. There is also an adjustable adaptor option available which can help you make even the most non-compatible bed extender, attachable to your truck bed. But this option is not recommended unless needed.

• Ease of installation

There are three methods of installing the bed extender to your truck: drilling, mounting and hitch extenders. It is an important matter to be looked into. If you have selected the bed extender that requires drilling, make sure the package includes the screws and the whole installation kit. Make sure the safety instructions manual is included in its package. Drilling is a time-consuming process but, such a bed extender is more durable and stable. Look carefully for the depressions or dimples as these are the spots where you must drill the screws into. While a mountable bed extender can be attached and detached effortlessly and quickly. Make sure the clips, straps and mounts are provided in its installation kit. Select the bed extender that comes assembled and not in parts. Hitch extenders are the easiest to install, simply place its hitch into the receiver of your truck. You can also tie ropes or straps [not included in the installation kit] for extra safety.

• Durable and lightweight

Aluminium truck bed extender is lighter in weight and more durable than other material constructions. The most important thing to consider when buying a bed extender for your truck is your requirement. If you are a hitch-hiker, mountaineer, fisher, hunter,  traveller or supplier, you must be using your truck bed to carry your kayak, bike, snowmobile, skates, fishing gear or pipes etc. You must buy the bed extender that has the capacity to hold these huge-sized and heavy objects.

• Flame resistant:

Trucks are full of diesel or gas, so it is safer to avoid any flammable accessory to prevent your truck from catching fire. Make sure you buy the truck bed extender whose polish, paint or lubricants are all flame resistant. It should be a safety test passed, approved and certified. You must ensure your truck as a whole including its accessories and key.

• Waterproof, weatherproof, heatproof, shatterproof and rustproof:

Select the truck bed extender that can withstand many decades of heavy rain, hail, fog, haze, snow, sleet and winds. Its colour and texture must never fade or discolour in shine or rain. It must never rust until soaked for too long in the water. Pick the bed extender that does not contract or expand in extreme temperatures as it will cause your cargo to crack or deform. Select the extender that is neither too fragile nor too rigid. It must be flexible and bendable to prevent cracks, shatters or dimples.

Best Truck Bed Extenders – Our Top Recommendations and Reviews

There is a wide range of truck bed extenders available in the market in-store and online. Choosing the perfect extender for your truck can be a tedious and confusing task.  We have analyzed and listed our top-rated bed extenders for your trucks. We hope that this curated list will help you with the selection of extender for your truck.

1.  Darby Industries Extend-A-Truck

 

 

This bed extender adds four feet to your truck bed. Its compact design flattens to be stored behind your rear seat after use. It provides safety and security to your large cargo items. It has a receiver hitch. Its price is very affordable. Its height is adjustable for roof top hauling. It has a red flag.

1. Affordable cost:

If you love to save your buck, this is an ideal bed extender for your truck. It help help you save a huge amount.

2. Adjustable height:

You  can adjust the height of this bed extender according to the size and dimensions  of your cargo. It is helpful in roof top hauling.

3. Safety Kit is included:

This bed extender has a red flag attached on it to beware the  other drivers on the road to be careful and keep a safe distance.

4. Adds four feet:

This extender increases your storage space by adding four feet to it. This makes the huge difference. Now you can carry your kayak, ladder, lumber, furniture and pipes more comfortably and safely.

5. Compact size:

Its compact size makes it easy to store. You can store it behind your rear seat after use. It is easy to install into its receiver hitch.

Pros:

• Its cost is very affordable and suitable for limited budget
• Its height is adjustable which is suitable for roof top hauling
• Its compact size makes it easy to store and easy to install
• It adds four feet to your truck  bed and includes the safety kit.

 

2.  ECOTRIC Pick Up Truck Bed Hitch Extender

 

 

There is a huge DISCOUNT off the original price of this bed extender. It can support up to seven hundred and fifty pounds. A safety flag is included. It is a hitch extender which can fit into two-inch square inch hitch receiver. It can be attached to different receivers by using a hitch adaptor. It has an adjustable width and height. It is constructed out of durable and lightweight material.

1. HUGE DISCOUNT:

There is a massive discount off the original price of this bed extender. It will help you save a lot of your buck.

2. Adjustable height and width:

The height and width of this truck bed extender is adjustable as it is helpful in hauling your canoe, boat, kayak, lumber or rack. It will adjust according to the dimension of the laod you are willing to haul in it.

3. Lightweight structure and maximum load capacity:

This bed extender can carry up to seven hundred and fifty pounds, while it weighs only a few pounds itself. It makes driving on a high speed safe and comfortable for the driver with any skill level.

4. Safety kit is included:

It has a red flag to  beware your fellow drivers to keep a safe distance from your load.

5. Easy installation:

It can fit into two-inch square hitch receiver but can be fixed in a different hitch receiver using an adapter.

Pros:

• Save a huge amount due to the discount
• Its height and weight is adjustable
• Its lightweight structure can  support a massive load
• It is very easy to install
• Safety kit is included

 

3.  Tricam Hitch Mounted Load Extender

 

 

This bed extender is constructed out of durable, heavy-duty tubular powder-coated steel. It can be used both horizontally and vertically. It has ONE YEAR warranty. It has five adjustable heights. This is a rust resistant bed extender. It makes the transport of drywall, lumber, kayak or ladders a lot easier and safe. It can be easily installed yourself. It breaks down into two pieces for easy storage. It can carry three hundred and fifty pounds. It has black finish.

1. ONE YEAR warranty:

This truck bed extender is backed by one year warranty. You can add to cart without any worry. If it fails to satisfy you, contact the manyfacturer.

2. Durable construction:

It features heavy-duty powder-coated steel construction, which is durable and long lasting. Its structure is rust resistant.

3. Load capacity:

This bed extender can support three hundred and fifty pounds of weight.

4. Adjustable height:

It has five adjustable heights. You can adjust the height according to the size or weight of your drywall, kayak, lumber or ladders.

5. Easy to install and easy to store:

This bed extender can be installed both horizontally and vertically. It splits up into two pieces for convenient storage.

Pros:

• This product is backed by one year manufacturer’s warranty
• It has a durable rust resistant structure
• It has five adjustable heights
• Its installation and storage is very easy.

 

4.  Lund Hitch Mounted Truck Bed Extender

 

 

This is an affordable truck bed extender. It creates a portable sawhorse. It has a safety flag and red reflective tape. It has adjustable side wings. Its load capacity is seven hundred and fifty pounds. It is approved and certified by DOT. It fits a standard two inch hitch receiver.

1. Affordable cost:

This bed extender will help you save a lot of your buck.  It has an attractive cost great for limited budget.

2. Adjustable side wings:

Its  side wings are  adjustable according to the size or dimension of your load.

3. Approved by DOT:

This  product is quality control tested, passed, certified and approved by DOT.

4. Load capacity:

This bed extender can support seven hundred and fifty pounds, which is suitable to carry your furniture, hunting gear, fishing gear, climbing gear or construction tools.

5. Safety kit is included:

It has a redflag  to  beware your fellow drivers to keep a safe distance.  A red reflective tape is  fixed for nighttime visibility.

Pros:

• This product has an attractive and affordable cost
• Its side wings are adjustable
• It is approved by DOT
• Safety kit is included in this package.

 

5.  MaxxHaul Hitch Mount Truck Bed Extender

 

 

This is an extremely affordable bed extender. Its length and width are adjustable. It features quick assembly and disassembly due to quick release clevis pins. It has reflective tape on front and sides for safety and nighttime visibility. It is suitable for transporting your canoe, kayak, lumber, ladder, long pipes or rack.

1. Adjustable length and width:

This bed extender features an adjustable length and width according to the dimension of the load you are willing to carry. It is great to transport your boat, canoe, kayak,  ladder, long pipe, lumber or rack.

2. Quick assembly and disassembly:

It features quick and easy assembly and disassembly due to quick release clevis pins.

3. Safety kit is included:

It has red reflective tape fixed on both of its sides to provide safety to your fellow drivers during  nighttime.

Pros:

• It has an affordable cost perfect for limited budget.
• It has safety kit
• It features quick assembly and disassembly.
• Its length and width is adjustable.

 

6.  Erickson Pick-Up bed Extender

 

 

This is an affordable bed extender. Its height is adjustable which can easily accommodate different truck heights. It adds four feet to your truck bed. It can carry three hundred and fifty pounds. It has two welded loops on the crossbar one on each side to help you tie down your cargo for added safety. It is a lightweight yet heavy-duty bed extender. It is constructed out of black powder-coated material, which is rust resistant. It is easy to use and easy to install. It comes fully assembled, just slide into the hitch and secure using a clip and a pin.

1. Two welded loops:

This bed extender has two welded loops on the crossbar one on each side to help you tie down your cargo for added safety.

2. Rust resistant structure:

This bed extender is constructed out of black powder-coated material, which is rust resistant.

3. Ease of installation:

It comes already assembled and can be installed quickly by just sliding it into hitch and then secure it with a clip and a pin.

Pros:

• Its height is adjustable according to the load
• It has two welded loops for additional safety
• Its structure is rustproof
• It can be installed quickly and easily

 

7.  AMP Research Black BedXTender HD Max Truck Bed Extender

 

 

This is a torque resistant bed extender. Its features the classic U-shaped design. It has aluminium alloy tubes with powder coat finish. It features quick and easy assembly and installation. It has THREE YEARS WARRANTY.

1. THREE years warranty:

This product is backed by three years warranty. If is fails to satisfy you can send it back.

2. Torque resistant:

It can resist torque, which is a unique feature.

3. Classic shape:

It has a classic U-shape durable aluminium construction with powder coat finish.

4. Easy installation:

It can be assembled and installed quickly and easily.

Pros:

• This product is backed by three years warranty
• It is a torque resistant bed extender
• It has a classic shape
• It can be easily and quickly installed

 

8.  Dodge Ram Black Aluminum Tailgate Bed Extender Mopar OEM

 

 

This bed extender is constructed out of durable aluminium.

1. Durable construction:

This bed extender is constructed out of durable and long lasting aluminium.

Pros:

• Its durability is reliable.

 

9.  Goplus Pick up Truck Bed Hitch Extender Adjustable Extension Rack

 

 

This is the MOST affordable bed extender on this list. Its tubes are constructed out of black coated heavy duty steel. It can be installed both horizontally or vertically. Its load capacity is seven hundred and fifty pounds. It has reflective tape on its front and sides and a red flag to prevent accidents. Its height and width are adjustable. Its load capacity is seven hundred and fifty pounds. It features quick and easy assembly and installation.

1. MOST affordable:

This the cheapest product on this list. It will help you save a huge amount of your buck.

2. Durable construction:

This bed extender is made up of black heavy duty steel.

3. Adjustable height and width:

Its height and width can be adjusted according to the size of your canoe, kayak, ladder, lumber, long pipe or rack. It can used both horizontally or vertically.

4. Load capacity:

This bed extender can carry seven hundred and fifty pounds of  weight.

5. Safety kit is included:

It has reflective tape on its front and sides and a red flag to prevent accidents.

Pros:

• It can be easily and quickly installed
• It can be used both horizontally and vertically
• It has wide applications

 

10.  ReadyRamp I-Beam Full-Sized Bed Extender

 

 

This is the ONLY bed extender that turns into a motorcycle ramp on this list. It has enough space for all your gear and prevents your gear from falling out of your bed. Its load capacity is six hundred pounds. It is constructed out of lightweight aluminium. It has a rubber-coated lip that protects the frame of your truck against scratches. Its installation requires no drilling.

1. Extra protection:

This bed extender has a rubber-coated lip to prevent scratches and dents.

2. Convertible into motorcycle ramp:

This is the ONLY truck bed extender on this list that is convertible into motorcycle ramp.

3. Load Capacity:

It can support six hundred pounds of weight. Its rugged I-beam construction is reliable.

4. No drill installation:

It can be installed manually, without any drilling on your truck frame.

Pros:

• It is a convertible bed extender
• It has rubber-coated lip
• It can be installed without any drilling

 

11.  Genuine Ford Bed Extender

 

 

This is a genuine Ford product.

1. Genuine Ford product

Pros:

• This is a genuine Ford product

 

Final Verdict

After detailed comparisons, I have concluded that the title for the best truck bed extender goes to Darby Industries Extend-A-Truck. It is an affordable and adjustable truck bed extender. It adds four feet to your truck bed.

You can also go for ECOTRIC Pick Up Truck Bed Hitch Extender. It has a huge DISCOUNT off its original price. It is constructed out of durable material.