Bed Extenders

Gomez · Feb 16, 2004

I'll be getting a new truck soon and was wondering how well the bed extenders I see available work. Initially, I was determined to get an 8' bed, but it seems that the majority of trucks with extended cabs come with the shortened bed. Since I'm leaning toward a new F-150, I've already given up on the manual trans. I also was hoping to get leather for easier (dog hair) cleaning, but you can't get a Lariat/SuperCab with an 8' bed.

Bed Extender

Inspector507 · Feb 16, 2004

The bed extenders are good, but they won't hold lumber from falling out.

yooperdave · Feb 17, 2004

I bought something from MENARDS which is an adjustable "T" bar that fits into my 2" receiver hitch.

My 6.5' long cargo bed can haul 16' lumber with NO PROBLEM.

I would strongly recommend one to anyone trying to maximize their hauling capacity of their pick up.

Yooper Dave

mikim · Feb 17, 2004

<font color="blue">My 6.5' long cargo bed can haul 16' lumber with NO PROBLEM </font>
What does the law say about something hanging out 10 feet past your bumper / tail lights? I'd like to find out if it's legal in Texas .... seems I heard once that 4 feet was max...do you know Bird?

KubotaSteve · Feb 17, 2004

I just bought my dad one for Christmas from Harbor Freight. It goes into the 2" receiver hitch and on the T bar that goes across, it has hooks on either end to tie rope, ratchet strap, bungee cord, etc. He has used it yet, but one drawback I would see is that if your vehicle does not set up very high it could drag when going over hills. His truck sets up fairly high and it doesn't look like it will be a problem. The other downside is the weight limit is 350 pounds which isn't a lot of weight. I think for occaisional use it would be ok, but not for everyday use. As far as the length, I thought that as long as it was flagged it was ok. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Inspector507 · Feb 17, 2004

In Ohio, it's 4' beyond the body must be flagged

jpr62902 · Feb 17, 2004

Mine's from Harbor Freight too and came with a red flag that had a grommet to fit through the height adjustment pin. That T-bar was a Godsend when I had to haul 60+ sheets of 12' drywall.

Egon · Feb 17, 2004

P/U's and bed extenders.

P/U's are terrible for hauling long loads. Bed extenders will have legal limits and requirements. They may also allow you a clear view of the sky if the load is long and heavy.

A small trailer is the easiest for hauling those odd long loads that always seem to increase in size.

Egon

Inspector507 · Feb 17, 2004

Was a 16' wood garage door with glass in one panel too much for in an 8' bed on and old F100?? Hee Hee took it slow because I kept lifting the front wheels......or so it felt /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

yooperdave · Feb 17, 2004

I think mine is made by HITCH HAND. I believe it is rated for 650#. The elevation of the T is adjustable, so the load can be raised at the end even if the back of the truck is going down. The support is approximately 11.5' from the front of the load. I have used mine dozens of times going 85 miles to my farm.
I do use several red flags on the end.

Yooper Dave