If you want to maximize the cargo capacity of your pickup, a truck bed extender is the way to go.

There are two basic styles of pickup truck bed extender: those that mount in the bed, attaching on either side of the bed opening and forming a fence over the lowered tailgate, and those that mount to a trailer hitch receiver, providing a load-supporting horizontal beam some distance back from the lowered tailgate. Each style has its strengths and weaknesses.

Bed-mounted truck bed extenders are generally stronger, and are designed to resist your cargo’s desire to slide right off the back of the bed as soon as you start moving, but they impose stricter limits on how lengthy an item you can haul. Hitch-mounted options allow you to carry much longer loads, but ratchet straps or other restraints are essential because they typically have no provisions to keep your cargo from sliding rearward under acceleration.

Which style you should choose, then, is largely dependent upon the sort of payload you tend to haul, but that’s not all there is to consider; some pickup truck bed extender kits are simply better made than others, whether through superior design or construction. So how do you get the best bang for your buck on your truck bed extender purchase? We’re here to help. We’ve rounded up five of the best pickup truck bed extender options on the market today, in one single, convenient list.

1. Editor's Choice: AMP Research BedXTender HD Max

Amp Research Truck Bed Extender

The AMP Research BedXTender HD Max sets the standard as the best truck bed extender market by being nearly unimpeachable with regard to durability, functionality, and fitment. Constructed from black-powdercoated T6 aluminum tubing with composite uprights, the BedXTender HD Max is made to hold heavy cargo and resist corrosion, and it ships with a three-year limited warranty for peace-of-mind. When in use, it forms a rectangular corral atop your tailgate with a total depth of about two feet making it the perfect truck bed cargo extender; when you don’t need it, you can flip it 180 degrees so that it lays fully within the bed, forming a cargo divider that can help keep tool boxes and other items from sliding around in your bed. Best of all, AMP makes both “universal” kits that fit an array of different models, and model-specific kits that generally install easier, without any drilling. No matter what you drive, if it’s a truck, there’s probably an option for you.

2. Best Hitch Mounted Truck Bed Extender: Lund Hitch-Mounted Bed Extender

Lund Hitch-Mount Bed Extender

The overall best of the hitch mounted truck bed extender options, this Lund hitch-mounted extender is as functional as it is well-built. Manufactured from high-quality steel tubing and made to fit a standard two-inch hitch receiver, this Lunch pickup truck bed extender is height, width, and length adjustable for accommodating all sorts of different loads, and it comes with a flag and reflective tape for safety. Better still, it can support up to 750 pounds of distributed load, and it makes for a great portable saw horse on the jobsite.

3. Best Budget Truck Bed Extender: Moto-Gate Nylon Net

Moto-Gate Net

While it’s not strictly a pickup truck bed extender, this Moto-Gate nylon net earns a spot on our list because it’s lightweight, simple, easy to install and deploy, and ready to fit just about anything with hooks. Look through the user reviews and you’ll find that owners have used it to haul kayaks, drywall, plywood, and plenty of other long items in their truck beds without having to bother with a proper truck bed extender. Obviously, it’s not going to be as strong as a steel or aluminum pickup truck bed extender, but for lighter items, it might just be all you need.

4. Circle R Truck Bed Extender

Circle R Truck Bed Extender

The Circle R Truck Bed Extender is a unique pickup bed extension for several reasons. For one thing, it’s made of steel rather than aluminum, with a black powdercoat finish to protect it from the elements and prevent rust. That means it weighs more than a comparable aluminum bed extender, but it still only weighs a very manageable 40 pounds. For another, it’s designed completely different from most of its competitors, with a three-piece design that bolts together to form a perfect rectangle over the lowered tailgate. This means that, unlike AMP Research truck bed extenders, it can’t be flipped up out of the way when it’s not in use, but the tradeoff is that Circle R’s bed extender is able to have a drop-down cargo door at the rear for easier loading and unloading, and a clever design means that no cutting or drilling is typically required for installation.

5. ECOTRIC Pickup Truck Bed Hitch Extension Rack

ECOTRIC Truck Bed Extender

If you’re looking to get up and running as inexpensive as possible, we recommend this ECOTRIC hitch mounted truck bed extender as an alternative to the Lund model featured above. It doesn’t come with Lund’s reputation for quality, but it offers the same basic features – minus the length adjustability – for less. Much less. It even offers the same 750-pound load rating, flag, and reflective tape, all at less than half the price.

FAQ: Best Truck Bed Extenders

What is a truck bed extender?

A truck bed extender is an accessory that increases the usable length or area of a truck bed. It helps transport oversized or long cargo, such as kayaks, ladders, or lumber, securely and efficiently.

What are the types of truck bed extenders?

  1. Hitch-Mounted Extenders: Attach to the truck’s receiver hitch and extend the bed length horizontally or vertically. Ideal for hauling long items like canoes or ladders.
  2. Tailgate Extenders: Sit on the tailgate to create a barrier for additional cargo space. Commonly used for general hauling.
  3. Sliding/Flip-Over Extenders: Attach inside the bed and can be flipped over or adjusted to provide additional containment for cargo.

How do I choose the right truck bed extender?

Consider the following factors:

  • Cargo type: Determine whether you’re hauling long items, heavy loads, or loose materials.
  • Truck size: Ensure compatibility with your truck’s bed length and hitch type.
  • Weight capacity: Match the extender’s capacity to the weight of your cargo.
  • Material: Aluminum and steel are durable options; choose depending on your needs and budget.
  • Ease of installation: Opt for an extender that’s easy to attach and remove if you’ll need to switch it out frequently.

Are truck bed extenders universal?

No, not all truck bed extenders are universal. Some are designed for specific truck models or bed sizes, while others are adjustable to fit a range of vehicles. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications for compatibility.

Can I use a truck bed extender with a tonneau cover?

Many tailgate and flip-over extenders are compatible with tonneau covers, as they sit inside the truck bed. Hitch-mounted extenders usually require the tailgate to be open, which may interfere with some covers.

Do truck bed extenders require tools for installation?

It depends on the type. Some extenders, especially hitch-mounted ones, require tools for initial assembly but are designed for quick attachment. Others, like tailgate extenders, often feature tool-free installation.

Are truck bed extenders safe for highway driving?

Yes, if installed properly and used within their weight capacity. Always secure your cargo with tie-down straps or bungee cords to prevent shifting while driving at high speeds.

How much weight can a truck bed extender support?

Weight capacities vary by model. Hitch-mounted extenders often support up to 350–750 lbs., while tailgate extenders typically handle lighter loads. Always verify the extender’s weight rating before use.

What’s the average cost of a truck bed extender?

Prices range from $100 to $300, depending on the type, material, and brand. Premium models with added features, such as adjustable lengths or higher weight capacities, may cost more.

Are truck bed extenders legal?

Truck bed extenders are legal in most areas, but if the cargo extends more than a few feet beyond the vehicle’s rear, you may need to attach a red flag or light for visibility. Check local regulations to ensure compliance.

Do truck bed extenders affect fuel efficiency?

Using a hitch-mounted extender or carrying large items with an extender can increase aerodynamic drag, slightly reducing fuel efficiency.

How do I maintain a truck bed extender?

  • Clean regularly: Wash off dirt, salt, and debris to prevent rust or wear.
  • Inspect for damage: Check for cracks, loose bolts, or corrosion before each use.
  • Lubricate moving parts: Apply grease or lubricant to hinges or sliding mechanisms for smooth operation.

This FAQ provides a starting point to understand truck bed extenders and find the right one for your needs.

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