Truck Bed Extender Buyer's Guide

The name says it all: It extends the truck bed. You can gain up to 4 feet of length for hauling everything from recreational toys—such as ATVs, motorcycles, or even a small boat—to work truck items, including plywood and pipe. Before you buy, you'll want to first check for any compatibility issues if you have a tonneau cover and whether you'll need to also buy a hitch pin for your style of bed extender. The other important question to consider: gate (like what's seen here) or hitch?

The two prevailing truck bed extender styles are gate and hitch. Gate types are flip-down, clamshell-like, and U-shaped and utilize the tailgate to give you around 2 extra feet, while also providing an enclosed storage space inside the bed when the tailgate is closed. It's not the same as a bed net since that usually stops ahead of the tailgate at the foot of the bed. The hitch-based bed extenders are T- or U-shaped and are typically inserted into a standard 2-inch hitch receiver. Max load weight varies, but 350 pounds is usually the limit. Some offer height adjustability so that you can gain length behind or above your pickup (aka bed or roof).

The AMP Research BedXtender HD Max increases the bed 2 feet by incorporating the tailgate. You can also flip it to the inside of the truck bed and create a contained cargo area for things you don't want sliding around the bed, such as tools. It's made from aluminum-alloy tubing and you get to choose a black or silver powdercoat finish. More info: amp-research.com

The magic numbers: 7 more inches of ground clearance and side wings that can be adjusted from 27 to 49 inches. That's what happens with the Lund Hitch Rack Bed Extender, which fits into a 2-inch hitch receiver. If you need a sawhorse, you've got that via the side wings, which fold down. The bed extender has an impressive 750-pound distributed load capacity. More info: truck-hero.com

This bed extender from Toyota is for the 2005-2011 Tacoma and extends the truck's cargo capability by about 2 feet and can be used inside the bed to enclose cargo, too. It's powdercoated and made from aluminum tube construction. Toyota offers bed extenders for other pickup truck models as well. More info: parts.toyota.com

The Haul-Master Truck Bed Extender nets you 3 additional feet of cargo area, which is particularly useful for ladders and other oversized equipment. The steel extender requires only a 2-inch hitch receiver in exchange for an additional 350-pound load capacity. It includes five height options and welded tie-down loops. More info: harborfreight.com

The Sheett Bed Extender from Loadd is canvas and adds up to 8 feet to the truck bed. Being made of canvas doesn't stop it from doing what other bed extenders can. The material is
water-, UV ray-, and abrasion-resistant, plus it has a special layer to prevent punctures. It also folds up for interior storage. You'll need two secure attachment points to properly use it, however. More info: loadd.co

When you add the MaxxHaul Bed Extender, you end up with a truck bed that instantly gains 4 feet. It fits into a 2-inch hitch receiver and has adjustable height and width. It's constructed from steel, and you can fold down the side arms for an impromptu workspace. There's a 350-pound load capacity and welded-in tie-down loops. More info: homedepot.com

Erickson's Big Bed Load Extender adds 4 feet and fits into a 2-inch hitch receiver. You can adjust the height and it comes with three tie-down points. It's made from black-powdercoated steel and has a folding design. More info: reese-hitches.com

Your truck bed will get an extra 4 feet if you go with the Yakima LongArm Bed Extender, which has a 60-inch-wide crossbar and three available positions; with the tailgate open, it has a 300-pound load capacity. The aluminum construction has a black powdercoat and there are integrated tie-down mounts. It goes into a 2-inch hitch receiver. More info: yakima.com

The Curt Manufacturing Universal Truck Bed Extender with Fold-Down Tailgate has the word "universal" in the title because it fits most fullsize truck beds, no matter if long or short, and adds about 2 feet. It has a folding-tailgate design and tubular-steel construction. The pin-latch has been designed for quick installation and removal. More info: curtmfg.com

For an approximate 2 extra feet of cargo capability, you can get the aluminum Rough Country Bed Extender. It's another extender that folds in for enclosed cargo in your truck bed. It's been powdercoated in black and is corrosion-resistant. Quick-release pins are included for easier assembly and disassembly. More info: roughcountry.com

This non-rusting aluminum Truck Bed Extender made by Dee Zee has a 600-pound weight capacity. It also has steel side panels for added strength and it has been given a black powdercoat. Installation involves using the factory tailgate cables. When you don't need it, it's foldable for easier storage. More info: 4wheelparts.com

The Mopar Bed Extender for Ram pickups is another example of a dual-purpose tool. If you flip it inward, you gain a contained storage area for parts or tools so that they don't slide around in the bed. The extender also has molded-in hooks. More info: store.mopar.com

Got a 2-inch hitch receiver? Then you're good to go with the Darby Extend-A-Truck, which extends cargo capabilities via the roof or bed. The vertical adjustment is 53 3/8 to 60 3/8 inches and the extender provides an additional location for a tie-down. More info: darbyindustries.com

The bar-based Husky Cargo Helper adds up to 4 feet to your pickup via the 2-inch hitch receiver. The steel unit is rated for 350 pounds and can be used level with the tailgate or adjusted to align with the vehicle's roof. It includes tie-down points and has a black-powdercoat finish. More info: trailfx.com

Ford offers different bed extenders for the F-150, Super Duty, and Ranger, with some costing much less than this particular model. This one's flip-out/flip-in gate fits the 2021-2023 F-150 pickup, and it adds almost 2 feet. It's made from black fiberglass reinforced polypropylene. More info: accessories.ford.com