Top 8 Best Truck Bed Extender You Should Buy In 2022 Review

Pickup trucks are some of the most versatile automobiles on the road. They’re ideal for getting both you and a huge load of your stuff wherever you’re going. In fact, trucks are the best automobile for hauling loads for work, the farm, or the family. But what do you do when you need even more space than your truck provides?

In times when the bed is full, you just might need the best truck bed extender. These handy pieces of gear can help you haul far more than your truck’s normal limit. They come in three completely different styles and in many makes and models of each style. However, this can make finding the best option for your needs rather daunting.

But fear not, we’ve researched all the options currently on the market to create our best 8 truck bed extender reviews, plus a buying guide. So, let’s go through them so that you can get back on the road.

Top 8 Best Truck Bed Extender On The Market In 2022 Reviews

1 MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Truck Bed Extender – Best Rated Truck Bed Extender

The first few options we’ll look at we are calling style one. These mount to your hitch, with an arm that rises up to support gear extending past your bed. MaxxHaul makes an excellent version with their model #70231.

Is this the best hitch mount truck bed extender?

Depending on what you’re looking to haul, this option might be just perfect. It mounts to a standard 2-inch hitch receiver, making it widely compatible. Plus, it can support up to 300 pounds.

This truck bed extender features an adjustable height from 4 inches to 10 inches and an adjustable width from 28.25 inches to 48.75 inches. It then extends up to 53.5 inches from your hitch. This makes it perfect for supporting long ladders, a canoe or kayak, and other long items like piping, timber, etc.

What about the assembly?

No worries on this front either, thanks to the four quick-release clevis pins. These make putting the unit together as easy as it is to take apart. It’s quick to set up and secure once in place. Plus, the side arms fold down to act as a support for a workbench. This means you could have a portable worktop no matter where you are. We think this is rather clever.

We also appreciate the small touch of reflective visibility tape here and there for safety reasons. It’s best to ensure people won’t crack their shins or something similar.

2 Erickson 07605 Big Bed Junior Pick-Up Bed Extender – Best Erickson Big Bed Truck Extender

If you aren’t interested in all the adjustability built into the unit above, you may prefer item #07605 from Erickson. They make a Big Bed Junior Pick-Up Bed Extender that will save you a few bucks.

Actually, this is our best budget truck bed extender, in style 1 at least…

Unlike the option above, this unit is not built with a bunch of fancy adjustments. This saves you money and also provides fewer failing points. That should mean a longer-lasting product.

This unit is also rated for a higher maximum weight at 350 pounds. That means you won’t need to worry about adding that one extra board, or pipe, or whatever. Oh, and if you need more support, they do also make a 400-pound option. Even better, this unit features welded tied down loops on either end of the support. We think that this is a brilliant feature that will make your life a lot easier.

But how long is it?

Well, therein lies a good question. The manufacturer states that this device will add four feet to your truck bed. However, it appears that this was with version 1, while the current version is a few inches shorter.

But is it the Best Truck Bed Extender?

It depends on your specific needs. It provides you with the added length you need to haul your SUP board, kayak, or anything you might need for work. We can see plumbers, electricians, and a host of other working professionals finding this bed extender highly useful.

This is especially true with the High-mount option. You can leave your truck bed empty and use this to support a ladder mounted on top of the truck cab. This makes it one of the most versatile pieces of truck equipment there is.

3 Lund 601021 Hitch Mounted Truck Bed Extender – Best Heavy Duty Truck Bed Extender

If you need to carry some serious weight, one of the best weight loading truck bed extenders is made by Lund. Their model #601021 is another Hitch Mounted Truck Bed Extender. We think you’ll like the design enough to ignore the higher price.

What makes this unit so special?

Well, for one, this unit from Lund is capable of handling loads up to 750 pounds. That’s more than twice the maximum load capacity of our other options.

Not only that, but it also provides an additional seven inches of ground clearance. It does this by lifting the backend of your canoe, PVC pipes, or whatever you’re carrying. We think this is a great design as long loads often get caught on dips in the road.

What about adjustability?

Yes, this truck bed extender can be adjusted from 49 inches down to 27 inches wide. The site supports can also fold down, which is nice for when they’re really just in the way.

The design also offers itself as a portable sawhorse. We can see a lot of guys using this get things done out on the farm or on the job away from the garage. Plus, it’s DOT approved, so you know it’s safe for use.

4 AMP Research 74813-01A Black BedXTender HD Max Truck Bed Extender – Best AMP Truck Bed Extender

Our first of three style 2 bed extenders is produced by AMP Research. This is a fold-out bed extender for use with the tailgate down. We think it’s the handiest option for regular use.

What’s so great about this second style of bed extender?

We like this style of bed extenders for providing just a bit more space when you’re fully loaded. Drop the tailgate, and flip this unit out to extend your enclosed cargo space by two feet.

Or, flip it in with the tailgate closed, and you have a cargo divider. It’s a great way to keep gear from sliding around in the bed. This makes the #74813-01A BedXTender HD one of the best truck additions you can get.

Is it built tough?

This option features a classic U-shape that is both durable and provides maximum cargo capacity. It’s held together by a torque-resistant clam-shell design. This means it won’t get twisted out of shape if you take corners a bit too fast.

The uprights are composed of composite materials, while the tubes are 6063 T6 aluminum alloy finished with a durable powder coat. So yes, they’re built tough. They’re also built in America and backed by a 3-year limited warranty.

5 Genuine Ford FL3Z-99286A40-C Bed Extender – Best Ford Truck Bed Extender

If you own a Ford pickup, then the best truck extender is likely the FL3Z-99286A40-C Bed Extender. Wow, that’s an item number, but what do you expect from a company pumping out millions of vehicles and parts?

Yes, these are actually made by Ford for Ford trucks…

That means you know it will fit your truck and that it’s built to last just like your truck. It features a powder coat finish for increased durability and a low profile design. It’s also DOT compliant, so no worries there.

We like that the bed extender cannot be removed with the tailgate closed. If you have a locking tailgate, this limits the possibility of theft. Even better, it’s super easy to install, thanks to the angled release brackets.

But wait, there’s more…

This bed extender has been designed with adjustable strap latches. These help ensure the bed extender is securely locked in place when the tailgate is down.

No matter what you’re carrying, this is one of the best bed extenders for Ford trucks. It’s great for increasing your load capacity or sectioning the bed for smaller items. An all-around win in our book.

6 AMP Research 74802-01A Black BedXTender HD Sport Truck Bed Extender – Best Tailgate Truck Bed Extender

Another fold-out truck bed extender you might want to consider is model #74802-01A from AMP Research. This is better known as the BedXTender HD Sport Truck Bed Extender, and it’s nearly perfect.

Yes, we said nearly…

We like the tapered V-shape, as they call it. We’d call it more of a U-shape, of C-shape even, maybe, but that’s just semantics. Whatever you call it, the ship adds two feet of usable cargo space.

And yes, like the others in this style, this unit can be used folded inside the bed as a cargo separator. It’s even been designed to function with a truck tonneau cover.

Is it built tough?

These truck bed extenders have been designed with a torque-resistant clam-shell. The uprights are made from composite materials, while the tubes are rounded-rectangular 6063 T6 aluminum alloy.

Top this off with a durable powder coat finish, and you end up with a tough bed extender. In fact, it’s backed by a 3-year limited warranty. We like this, as well as the Made in America label.

7 Bedslide 10-7548-CL 75″ x 48″ Bed Slide – 1000 lbs. Capacity – Best Value Truck Bed Extender for the Money

Moving on to style 3, our next option is a bed extender that actually increases the length of your bed. It’s made by BedSlide and sold under model #10-7548-CL. We think it’s one of the best truck bed slides for a couple of reasons.

Sometimes you just need a few more feet…

With the Bedside, that’s no issue, thanks to the 3/4 extension slides. We especially love this product for anyone with a truck bed cover, also known as a truck tonneau cover.

The sliding action allows you to access the back of your truck bed without needing to remove the bed cover. Even better, it also features multiple locking mechanisms. This means you can use it as a workbench in the field.

What’s the limit, you ask?

These slides are max rated for 1000 pounds of evenly distributed weight. This does mean you’ll lose the capacity to transport heavy loads. Still, if you regularly need to move lightweight items, this is an awesome option.

We like the 32-inch grab bar on the back. This makes sliding the unit in/out a breeze. We also like that it’s backed by a solid 5-Year Warranty.

8 CargoGlide CG1800HD-7548 – 1800 lb. Capacity – Best Premium Truck Bed Extender

Our second option in the best slide out truck bed extenders is made by CargoGlide. Here we are looking at item #CG1800HD-7548, which is similar to the unit immediately above but with some key differences.

What sets this option apart?

For one thing, this unit can hold almost twice as much as the option just above. With 1800 pound maximum capacity and similar 3/4 extension slides, this is a more heavy-duty option. This might be why it’s the most expensive option on our list.

In addition to being a bit heavier duty, this sliding bed extender also features a few tie-down options. The side rails feature an adjustable tie-down track along three sides. There are also four adjustable marine grade eye bolts for tying down your cargo.

We like the quality of this option as well…

It’s nice that the eye bolts won’t rust and even better than you’re provided with so many options for securing your gear. The sides are eight inches high as well to keep your load from sliding around.

The frame is composed of heavy gauge powder-coated steel, while the rest of the unit is aluminum. This keeps weight down and increases durability. In fact, there are no cables or plastic parts. Even the latch is solid steel, and the whole unit comes pre-assembled. You’ll need a second person to help you install, but it’s easily done on most short bed trucks.

Best Truck Bed Extender Buying Guide

Our extensive review of the best extenders for truck beds currently on the market has some widely varied options. No matter what you need from a bed extender, there’s likely an option included that is perfect. Therefore, the only thing left to do is determine which is best for your needs.

To find the best option, there are a few things to consider. The first and most obvious question relates to the style of bed extender you’re after. We’ve broken the list above down into three different styles. Let’s review these briefly…

Style 1 – Hitch Mount Bed Extenders

This style of bed extender mounts to your hitch. It then sticks out the back of your truck and comes up to create a support extension for your bed. Basically, it adds a bar that runs parallel to your truck bed a few feet out.

With this style of bed extender, you can support extra-long items that would normally hang off the end of your bed. Some can even be raised to roof height. This style is ideal for long ladders, pipes, etc.

Style 2 – Fold Out Bed Extenders

The second style of bed extenders is more practical for regular use though less effective with long items. These extenders mount to the back of your truck bed and fold out to add a couple of extra feet of storage area.

We like this style for its versatility. You can use them folded into the bed to separate gear or out for extra internal bed storage. Some options can even be used with truck bed tonneau covers.

Style 3 – Slide Out Bed Extenders

Slide-out bed extenders are a whole different contraption. These units provide an entire bed floor that slides out. Now, this is entirely about access. If you have a truck tonneau cover, you’ll love these options. They allow you to fill the truck bed with gear without removing the cover. Just slide out the bed, fill it up or unload, and off you go.

Once you have determined which style best suits your needs, there are a few last things to consider. One such consideration is product quality and durability.

Let us explain…

There can be a significant difference between the level of quality between some options. We highly recommend you spend a bit more on a product that will stand up to the test of time and use.

Remember, your truck bed extender is likely going to be in the elements regularly. If not composed of good materials, this can lead to rust or other issues over time.

Installation can be a real problem…

Some bed extenders will need to be installed professionally, or at the very least by someone with reliable DIY skills. Other options are as simple as clipping them in place.

We advise that you confirm the ease of installation before ordering to ensure you don’t find yourself frustrated.

Looking for more superb truck products…

Then check out our reviews of the Best Truck Bed Bike Racks, the Best F150 Bed Covers, and the Best Truck Bed Liners currently on the market.

And for all of your truck and car care needs, take a look at our reviews of the Best Tire Pressure Gauges, the Best Rust Converters, the Best Car Vacuum Cleaner, the Best Rust Prevention, and the Best Car Upholstery Cleaners you can buy in 2022.

Which is the Best Truck Bed Extender?

While it can be hard to pick a single winner from the products reviewed, we hope that we’ve helped you do so. Not all options are for everyone, but there should be one for your needs, and hopefully, something has stood out as the perfect bed extender for your truck.

If not, we’d recommend the…

MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Truck Bed Extender

…to anyone looking to just add a few feet to their hauling capacity. It’s built tough, priced right, and highly versatile.

Happy driving!