Bed Extender for 5 Foot Bed

For those of you running those bed extenders that flip over on top of the open tailgate... Do you find it solves the problem of having a short bed? Or is it not even close?

 

I have been wondering the same thing. Also, has anyone had trouble with anything in the bed slipping between the gaps in the bed extender?

 

I had the dealer install one before I drove it off the lot 10 years ago. With the 5' bed I'd not be without one. I ordered the cap for it the day I bought it and it hasn't been off. With the extender folded inside and the gate up it keeps gear within easy reach of the gate without having to climb inside. With the tailgate down and the extender folded out I have about 6 1/2' of bed.

 

Hmmm. That said, I can see the bed extender making a 6 foot bed into 7.5 feet. Just that I'm leaning towards to 6 foot bed truck.

 

I honestly only use mine to coral stuff I buy at the store. It does not extend the 5" bed enough for me to get any of my motorcycles in. I have to completely remove it when I haul my bikes. I kind of wish I had gotten the 6' bed. I just think they look strange. Being superficial got in the way of being practical. The extender is very easy to remove when you don't need it though.

 

the bed extender is great. what people do not talk about is how when flipped inwards, it helps to keep your gear up close to the tailgate without sliding all over the place back there. No more having to reach all the way to the back of your pickup bed to get something that slid up there when you hit the brakes. Maybe not a big deal for some of you but for the rest of us who have a bed cover it can be a pain.

 

Any idea if the one sold by the dealerships is as good as the "aftermarket" ones?

 

The Toyota oem extender is made by amp research I believe.

Try to find one of these for hauling bikes. Amp research moto x tender. It's the original version. The new version is much narrower. And only works with 1 full size bike.

 

As a long bed owner, a bed extender will not suffice. It does not extend the bed, just lets you put things down on an already flimsy tailgate.

 

I hauled a ten foot kayak in my short bed the other day with the extender down. it's worked great a couple of times for me. It also comes in handy when the tailgate is up as it keeps things from sliding around

Edited to add, I also have an access cab with the long bed and while it is not a substitute for the long bed, I find that it does come in handy every once in a while.

 

As a short bed owner it helps tremendously. Without the funny look of a long bed.

 

Short beds look funny.
I don't like putting things on my tailgate. Also good luck running a cap with an extender.

The long bed costs as much new as an extender... just get a long bed OP lol.

 

I had a Frontier with the extender that I never used - they have some utility but for me bungees or straps were easier.

 

You wanna know what's funny looking? Honda Ridgelines!

Anyway, I went from a long bed to a short bed, both with bed extenders. I used them the exact same way on both trucks. With the tailgate closed they are great for things like propane tanks and five gallon buckets. With the tailgate open and extender flipped out, I use it all the time for lumber. With ten foot lumber (in the short bed) it moves the fulcrum past the half way point and makes it super secure with a strap across the two "D" rings on the floor nearest the tailgate.

 

Caps are ugly also!! Lol. I have found the short bed with no cap is pretty much useless. But wife don't want caps, covers, or long bed. So I'm stuck with extender.

 

Lol. Who's truck is it? Yours or hers?

 

Theirs?

 

I find the extender is useful for hauling lumber. It adds enough length to keep the COG within the bed and makes tying the lumber down easier. Carrying 10 foot boards with a short bed is a little un-nerving without it.

 

Why do you feel you need an extender to haul your bikes? Do the back wheels not sit on the tail gate? If you feel you need something at the back of the bike just run a strap from the tie downs at rear of the bed thru the wheels.

 

It use it to keep all of the gear bags, gas cans and firewood from falling out. I find it useful. It clearly does nothing to keep the bikes in place. Short bed doesn't have much room to begin with.