Bed Extenders & Components

Bed extenders are practical accessories designed to expand the cargo space of a pickup truck, allowing for the transportation of larger or longer items that might otherwise not fit in the truck bed. These extenders attach to the tailgate, either folding out to increase the bed’s length or providing a higher edge to secure cargo more effectively. The primary function of a bed extender is to increase the truck’s cargo capacity without the need for a larger truck bed. This can be particularly helpful when hauling oversized gear, such as bicycles, ladders, or recreational equipment, or when you need to load long materials like lumber or pipes.


Bed extenders come in various designs and configurations, with folding models being especially popular for their ability to collapse when not in use, conserving space while still providing maximum utility when extended. Some models are made from lightweight but durable materials such as aluminum or steel, while others may feature a more customizable approach with components like bed extender racks, cargo tie-down points, and security features such as locking mechanisms to ensure that items stay in place during transit. Many bed extenders are compatible with existing truck bed features, such as tailgate accessories, and can be easily installed without the need for drilling or professional assistance.


Whether you need a quick solution for carrying longer items or a permanent addition to expanding your truck’s capacity, bed extenders and their components offer versatility and convenience for anyone needing extra space in their truck bed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sometimes, you need more room in your truck bed. Other times, it doesn’t make sense to buy an extra long truck bed if it won’t be consistently utilized. To temporarily extend the truck bed and increase its cargo capacity, consider a truck bed extender. One with a fortified yet lightweight construction and a clever, space-efficient folding design is ideal. If you need to bring more gear for your trip or a job, simply reach for your truck bed extender and load up freely.

There are three main types of truck bed extenders, each functioning uniquely.

Standard Truck Bed Extender:

A standard bed extender essentially acts as a metal cage that helps contain cargo. Instead of driving with your tailgate up like usual, you would leave it down and load cargo using that extra space. The cage, or the bed extender, contains everything inside the truck bed the way your tailgate normally would. They’re simple, easy to D.I.Y., and super space-saving.

Trailer Hitch Bed Extender:

This type of bed extender connects to the trailer hitch of your truck. It serves as an appendage supporting lengthy items jutting out from the truck bed. Mount the extender to your hitch and set it to the right length for whatever extra-long cargo you need to haul. This could be logs of lumber, PVC pipe, or a very long kayak. Strap the cargo down, and you’re ready to go! This type of bed extender can also be used as a hitch-mounted bike carrier. The versatility and functionality of hitch bed extenders are unmatched!

Bed Trays or Bedslides:

The least common type of truck bed extenders are bed trays or bedslides. Bedslides are installed directly onto the bottom of the truck bed. They slide out when needed, providing a workstation platform or making it easy to unload cargo. When unused, they slide neatly into the truck bed, acting as a large drawer to shelve and organize cargo.

These slide-out truck bed extenders are a bit more complicated and time-consuming to install. They are quite different than the first two bed extenders. The extension feature of bedslides is for stationary use only. However, the benefits include a platform to organize and easily access your tools. This allows users to avoid the struggle of awkwardly lugging heavy cargo while climbing into their truck beds. Another perk of bedslides is the ability to convert your truck bed into one colossal, organized drawer for all of your bulky items.

The ideal bed extender for you will vary based on your vehicle, accessories, and type of cargo. For example, if you don’t have a hitch on your truck, you won’t be able to use a hitch bed extender. If you just need a modest extension, a standard truck bed extender will do since they can add up to about four feet. If you need to extend the length of your bed for transportation specifically, you don’t want to opt for a bedslide. Choosing the best truck bed extenders is all about finding the right one for you.

We all know that time is money. In the world of hauling with your rig, space, too, becomes a form of valuable currency. The AMP Research Bed X-Tender HD offers some of the highest quality construction for peace of mind while driving and hauling. It adds an extra two feet of length to your truck bed, enabling it to handle loads like never before. It’s built to handle heavy cargo like a champ, with a tougher-than-nails construction. Made of T6 aluminum alloy and composite uprights, the whole component is lightweight enough to handle yet sturdy and rigid enough to withstand wear and tear from the bulkiest of cargo.

Flip the clamshell back into your bed for a perfect storage container that safely houses your gear and groceries whenever needed! It comes with all the necessary hardware for easy, intuitive installation. Finally, top it off with a scratch and dent-resistant powder coat finish, available in black or silver. You can rough it up daily, and it’s guaranteed to last through the years, backed by its 3-year warranty.

The Promaxx Adjustable Hitch Rack Truck Bed Extender is a highly versatile bed extender that can extend in four directions rather than just two. Adjust it forward and backward for extra length and upwards and downwards for a precise height match to your cargo. They’re so adaptable that you can alter the height to reach that of your roof, thus acting as a roof rack extender. Extend not only the cargo storage space in your truck bed but also your roof. This is easily one of the best truck bed extenders for versatile utility. Maximize your truck’s real estate in multiple dimensions with the Promaxx Adjustable Bed Extending Hitch Rack.

Gone are the days of climbing into your truck bed like Gollum entering a cave in search of a ring. With the Bedslide 1000 Classic Bed Extender, you can reach anything from right next to your tailgate. This standout bed extender is a timeless solution to enhance truckbed access, storage, and organization through cutting-edge innovation. Use it as a workstation, or turn your truck bed into a king-sized storage drawer for all your oversized tools and gear.

The Bedslide 1000 Classic easily holds 1,000 pounds of evenly distributed weight and allows you to slide all this equipment out from under the tonneau cover or truck cap. Its Bedtrax T-slots enable users to attach racks for added organization and strength. The Bedslide 1000 Classic is made in the U.S.A. with 100% weather-resistant & heavy-duty materials, backed by a 5-year warranty. It is easily one of the best truck bed extenders in the bedslide category, streamlining your loading process and overall gear storage.