10 Best Truck Bed Extender 2021 – Review of Suitable Hitch & Extender

Finding the best truck bed extender is no easy task as there are a lot of great options available on the market. Moreover, you can’t just buy any old truck bed extender; there are factors you have to consider, such as compatibility with your truck, type of extender, materials used, etc.

However, once you have found the right truck bed extender for your truck, it will be very easy to maximize its storage space.

Comparison Table of Best Truck Bed Extender

Preview	Model	Details
	Ecotric Truck Hitch	Check Price
	AMP Research	Check Price
	MaxxHaul 70231	Check Price
	ReadyRamp	Check Price
	Goplus Hitch Extender	Check Price
	AMP-Research	Check Price
	Darby Industries	Check Price
	Ford FL3Z	Check Price
	Lund601021	Check Price
	Dodge Ram Aluminum	Check Price

With our detailed and comprehensive product review and buying guide, you can find and compare the best extenders on the market. Below are ten of the recommendable products you can find in the market.

Top 10 Best Truck Bed Extender Review

01. Ecotric Pick-Up Truck Bed Hitch Extender – Affordable and Fully Functional

 

 

First on the list is the hitch extender from Ecotric. This one is a hitch-type extender that you can use to load long payloads onto your truck.

With its adjustable height and width coupled with its large weight capacity, the Ecotric hitch extender is a convenient yet affordable way to haul loads that wouldn’t fit in your truck otherwise.

It fits into the standard 2-inch square hitch receiver. But, with hitch adaptors, it can also fit into 1 ¼ inch receivers.

The length is 53 ½ inches from the center of the ½ inch hitch pin to the end of the extension, adjustable width of 28.25 inches to 48.75 inches, and an adjustable height of 4 inches to 10 inches.

Although it only weighs 27 pounds, the Ecotric hitch extender can carry weights of up to 750 pounds, making it a heavy-duty option despite its lightweight nature. Further, this is due to its durable construction and heavy-duty steel tubing materials.

Additionally, it includes a safety flag that increases visibility and improves safety for both you and other drivers on the road.

Nevertheless, the Ecotric hitch extender is still undoubtedly one of the most sought-after truck bed extenders in the market.

02. AMP Research 74813-01A BedXtender HD – Classic U-Shaped Bed Extender

 

 

Next is the AMP Research 74813-01A BedXtender HD, a classic U-shaped truck bed extender. Designed like a gate, this model can add up to 2 feet of additional storage space beyond your truck’s tailgate.

The AMP Research BedXtender HD, you can utilize it in two ways. It can flip out with your truck’s tailgate to act as a barrier and increase your truck’s maximum storage space or used to keep small tools and items to keep them from moving around while you drive.

It’s made of rounded rectangle 6063 T6 aluminum alloy tubes and has a durable powder coated finish, making it long-lasting and resistant to the common wear and tear problems most truck bed extenders experience.

Nonetheless, the AMP Research 74813-01A BedXtender HD is still a great truck bed extender, especially if you’re looking for something that’s durable and secure.

03. MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Truck Bed Extender – Versatile and Easy to Assemble

 

 

Another hitch-type, the MaxxHaul 70231 extender, means to carry long payloads that wouldn’t otherwise fit in your truck. Moreover, as a hitch-type extender, it also features an adjustable height and width, making it the perfect choice for those looking for something more versatile.

The MaxxHaul 70231 extender also fits standard 2-inch hitch receivers and features 4 quick-release and durable clevis pins, which allow users to assemble and disassemble it quickly.

The length is 53 ½ inches from the center of this ½ inch hitch pin hole right to the end of its extension, adjustable width of 28 ¼ inches to 48 ¾ inches, and adjustable height of 4 to 10 inches.

Moreover, it has heavy-duty all-steel construction, and powder coat finishes, making it an extremely durable truck bed extender that will last for a long time.

What’s notable about this model is that its side arms you can fold down to make a portable working area which is convenient for those who don’t have a separate area or those always on the go.

Additional features include reflective tape right on the sides and the front to increase visibility and improve road safety.

Nevertheless, the MaxxHaul 70231 extender is a versatile option for those who need something that’s more than a truck bed extender.

04. ReadyRamp I-Beam Full-Sized Bed Extender/Ramp – Multi-Functional Bed Extender

 

 

The ReadyRamp I-Beam Full-Sized Bed Extender/Ramp is not just a truck bed extender. It also opens to become a motorcycle ramp, making it a convenient storage option for truck owners with motorcycles and other bikes.

It comes in two different sizes and can carry weights of up to 600 lbs. The I-Beam was designed to fit full-sized trucks, and its hinged design and non-requirement for drilling make your truck safe from scratches. When not in use, you can fold it flat for easy storage.

What’s notable about this product is that at 20 pounds, it is 15% lighter than truck bed extenders of similar design. Additionally, it is constructed from 6061 T6 aluminum, making it extremely strong and durable while remaining lightweight.

Nevertheless, with its unique features and patented design, the ReadyRamp I-Beam Full-Sized Bed Extender/ Ramp is a great option for a bed truck extender.

05. Goplus Pick Up Truck Bed Hitch Extender – The Best Extender for Long Distance Loading

 

 

The Goplus Pick Up Truck Bed Hitch Extender is a hitch-type extender that’s made of heavy-duty steel tube design and has a black finish, making it extremely durable and capable of carrying heavy loads.

It fits into a 2-inch square hitch receiver, and just like the Ecotric model, it can also fit into 1 ¼ inch receivers with the help of an adaptor.

The Goplus hitch extender is ideal for long-distance loading and you can adjust vertically or horizontally on a 2-inch receiver, making it an incredibly versatile truck bed extender.

Further, it has an adjustable height of 12 inches to 19 inches and adjustable width of 29 to 49 inches.

It has reflective tape and a flag, which increases visibility and allows you to avoid accidents, improving overall safety while on the road. Further, it is capable of carrying weights of up to 750 pounds, making it a heavy-duty truck bed extender.

It features a simple stainless design, focusing more on functionality than appearance. Lastly, the Goplus hitch extender is compact and easy to store when not in use.

Despite this, the Goplus Pick-Up Truck Bed Extender is still one of the ideal truck bed extenders available on the market, especially when you’re going for long-distance loading.

06. AMP-Research 74802-01A Bed Xtender HD Sport – Durable and Lightweight with a Unique Design

 

 

The 74802-01A BedXtender HD Sport is yet another quality product from AMP Research. It’s a tapered V-shaped model that adds an additional 2 feet of space to your truck’s cargo area.

It flips out with your truck’s tailgate and provides extra clearance when used with tonneau cover rails. Like other products of similar design, it can function as a barrier on your truck’s tailgate and add 2 feet of storage space or store small items and keep them from moving around when your tailgate is closed.

The AMP Research 74802-01A BedXtender HD Sport is made of 6063T6 aluminum alloy tubes and has a durable powder coat finish, making it incredibly long-lasting while remaining lightweight.

Despite this minor flaw, the AMP Research 74802-01A BedXtender HD Sport is still a well-established and highly durable one.

07. Darby Industries 944 Extend A Truck – Reliable and Durable Truck Bed Extender

 

 

The Darby Industries 944 Extend-A-Truck is a hitch-type truck bed extender that has a specific design to carry long loads. It has an adjustable height and supports loads of up to 4 feet wide. It’s made of powder-coated steel, which makes it strong and durable.

It mounts to 2-inch hitch receivers and one can adjust it to fit different types of trucks. Additionally, it has a red flag that attaches to the truck bed extender for increased visibility and improved safety.

A convenient feature of the Darby Industries 944 Extend-A-Truck is that one can store it flat behind the seat when not in use.

Despite this, the Darby Industries 944 Extend-A-Truck is a great option for truck owners as it is easy to install and durable.

08. Ford FL3Z 99286A40C Truck Bed Extender –Truck Bed Extender for Ford truck models

 

 

The Ford FL3Z-99286A40-C Bed Extender is made to fit the Ford F150 2015. Like other truck bed extenders of similar design, the Ford FL3Z-99286A40-C Bed Extender increases usable cargo storage space by another 2 feet if the tailgate’s down and helps contain smaller items when it’s closed.

It has this powder-coat finish, which enhances its appearance and durability. Additionally, it features angle-release mounting brackets, which makes it easy to install and remove.

It also has adjustable strap latches that ensure the bed is secured to the tailgate when it’s down.

However, what’s notable about the Ford FL3Z-99286A40-C Bed Extender is that the taillights remain visible even if the tailgate’s down. This complies with the regulations set by the DOT.

Nevertheless, it fits well and does its job well, making it a great option for Ford owners.

09. Lund601021 Hitch Mounted Truck Bed Extender – Heavy-Duty Truck Bed Extender

 

 

The Lund 601021 Hitch Mounted Bed Extender is another versatile truck bed extender that is compatible with many truck brands. Its adjustable length and width allow for additional 7 inches ground clearance.

You can adjust its length from 38 to 68 inches. Apart from its adjustable width, it has extendable side wings, which are also adjustable and can be adjusted from 27 inches to some 49 inches.

Most importantly, it is a heavy-duty truck bed extender as it can carry weights, 750 pounds max. Like most hitch-type truck bed extenders, it mounts to a standard 2-inch receiver hitch.

Additional features include side support, which you can fold down and a red flag that allows for increased visibility while on the road.

Nevertheless, the Lund601021 Hitch Mounted Truck Bed Extender is a versatile truck bed extender with many great features, making it a great choice for a truck bed extender.

10. Dodge Ram Aluminum Tailgate Bed Extender – The Best Extender for Dodge Ram Truck Models

 

 

Last on the list is the Dodge Ram Aluminum Tailgate Bed Extender, a truck bed extender with a V-shaped design that you can install on many Dodge Ram truck models. Moreover, it can fit the 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 models and 2010-2018 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 models.

It’s made of high-quality aluminum with a black or silver finish, making it highly durable while enhancing its overall appearance.

Additionally, it attaches to the rear of the bed and pivots in and out to maximize your storage space. Like other truck bed extenders with a similar design, you can use it to either extend your cargo hold area or you can use to store smaller items and keep them from moving around during transit.

Lastly, it has straps that are attached to the tailgate’s latches, making it secure and incredibly safe to use.

Despite this, if you’re a Dodge Ram truck owner, this is an excellent option for your truck.

Buying Guide: Things to Consider When Selecting a Best Truck Bed Extender

As mentioned above, you shouldn’t just buy any old truck bed extender; as with any decision, there are many factors to consider when shopping.

Otherwise, you’ll risk buying a truck bed extender that might be incompatible, or worse, completely unusable with your existing truck model.

Here are some of the factors you have to think about before making your decision:

The Type of Truck Bed Extender

As you can see with the products we’ve reviewed, there are 2 common types of truck bed extenders: standard U or V-shaped bed extenders and bedside extenders/bed loaders.

Standard U or V-shaped Truck Bed Extenders

This type of best truck bed extender resembles a gate that is attached to your truck’s tailgate. It acts as a barrier when the tailgate’s down and extends your cargo storage area by an additional 2 feet. Further, it can act as a containment area for small items so that they don’t move around during transit.

This type of truck bed extender simply is perfect if you’re not planning on loading items that are longer than your truck’s tailgate.

Bedside Extender/Bed Loader

On the other hand, if you often load items that are long and heavy, then a bedside extender or loader should be the perfect truck bed extender for you.

This type of truck bed extender commonly is known as hitch-type extenders as it works by attaching to your truck’s rear receiver hitch to provide you with an extended load capacity beyond your tailgate.

This type of truck bed receiver is meant for longer payloads, which would not otherwise fit into your truck due to its length and width.

Compatibility with your Truck Model

One of the most important factors to consider is the truck bed extender’s compatibility with your truck.

This is because some truck bed extenders generally are made to fit only certain truck models like the Dodge Ram Aluminum Tailgate Bed Extender.

You can actually find some bed extenders that are claimed to offer universal usability. Unfortunately, not all of them do.

Since they can come in a variety of sizes, shapes, functionality, and design, you have to be very careful when choosing an extender that’s compatible with your truck.

Construction/ Materials Used

The materials used to create the best truck bed extender are a major factor in deciding its durability and capacity for heavy loads. Some materials are made for heavy-duty loading while others are meant for just light loads.

Therefore, it is necessary to look at the extender’s construction when deciding which one is the best fit for your truck.

Most products on the market come in either metal or plastic. If you plan to carry some heavy loads, then metal is preferred. However, if your loads are lightweight, plastic will do just fine.

Ease of Installation and Removal

You also need to consider the installation process of your best truck bed extender. Hard to install extenders take too much of your time. Moreover, when it’s harder to install, there’s the risk of improperly assembling it, which can be a safety hazard and a major concern while you’re on the road.

FAQs About Truck Bed Extender/Hitch

Q: Which type of truck bed extender is the best?

A: The answer to this depends on what type of item you want to load onto your truck. Both types are great, but if you’re loading a large-sized item onboard and you only need a small amount of additional space, then the standard U or V-shaped truck bed extender should be perfect for this.

However, if you’re loading longer payloads, especially those that exceed the truck’s tailgate, then a bedside extender or bed loader is the right choice since it was meant specifically for long payloads. You should also consider the material of the extender for this.

Q: Can U-shaped truck bed extenders be used for anything else other than extending the storage area?

A: U-shaped truck bed extenders can also be used to store smaller items such as tools when the tailgate gets closed. Doing so prevents these items from moving around while driving.

Q: What are the usual materials used for truck bed extenders?

A: Truck bed extenders usually are made of metal, such as steel and aluminum, which are great if you’re going to load heavy items. However, other truck bed extenders can also be made of plastic.

The choice of materials is entirely up to you and the type of payload you’re going to load onto your truck.

Just keep in mind that metal extenders are for heavy loads while plastic extenders are for lighter ones.

Q: What does “complies with DOT regulations” mean?

A: DOT regulations require that the taillights remain visible even with a truck bed extender.

This is to avoid any road accidents. Most manufacturers compensate and comply with this by adding reflective tape and clearly visible flags to increase visibility and improve safety while on the road.

Final Thoughts

Truck bed extenders definitely are a great way to add to and maximize your truck’s storage space.

They are also convenient when you often need to load heavy and long payloads that otherwise wouldn’t fit into your truck.

However, as mentioned above, you have to consider all of the factors that might affect the truck bed extender’s functionality.

Doing so not only helps you avoid buying the wrong truck bed extender for your truck, but it can also improve your safety and that of other motorists while on the road.

To sum up, with the right guide and all factors considered, finding the best truck bed extender for your truck should be a breeze.

You may also like to visit our recent review- 10 Best Truck Bed Liner – Protective, Water & UV Resistant.