Bed Extender Security Question

[bangingd]

I bought a Ford bed extender and installed today. I did not buy from Ford but is an OEM. I would think that the extender should not be able to be removed while in the tucked position for security. All I have to do is wiggle the extender and it comes right out. Has anybody come across this issue and is there a proven fix? If not I will experiment.

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[knighj1]

I have not tried, but like you I have also thought about it b/c its like a 200 option that I dont want to replace b/c someone feels they like it better than I do. Also some will probably say dont worry about it, but deep down they also care or would bi*ch if it got stolen.

[Merton Leeper]

bangind:
You bring up a great question, "Can the bed extender be locked?" The answer is yes! I have a new F-150 King Ranch that came with a factory bed extender. In the big "how to book - instructions on how everything works", it tells you how to lock in the bed extender. It is simple. Look carefully at the extender and you will see that it has screws on the inside of the extender of which only one is a phillips head. If you turn this phillips head screw clockwise, you will eventually hear an audible click that locks the extender in place. Do this on both sides. I have this safety item as well as a locking tonneau cover and tailgate.
Hope this helps. Mert

[bangingd]

Originally Posted by Merton Leeper

bangind:
You bring up a great question, "Can the bed extender be locked?" The answer is yes! I have a new F-150 King Ranch that came with a factory bed extender. In the big "how to book - instructions on how everything works", it tells you how to lock in the bed extender. It is simple. Look carefully at the extender and you will see that it has screws on the inside of the extender of which only one is a phillips head. If you turn this phillips head screw clockwise, you will eventually hear an audible click that locks the extender in place. Do this on both sides. I have this safety item as well as a locking tonneau cover and tailgate.
Hope this helps. Mert

Thanks Mert, I noticed that after I posted. After thinking about it somebody could still take it with a phillips screwdriver. After looking at it I actually installed a hard rubber spacer with a 1/4" elevator bolt that goes through the stainless wall and used a nylock nut inside the tube to secure. This way even if somebody loosened up the screw they could not push the extender down far enough to get it past the slide guides.

My luck will be it pisses somebody off and they key my truck.

If interested in my little creation let me know and I will post pictures.

Thanks, Chris

[Merton Leeper]

bangingd:
I am always interested in ways to further secure items that could be stolen from my truck, especially my bed extender. I use it year round. In the winter for my ice sleds and in the summer to hold my Avon boat within the confines of the bed. So, it would be great to see your posted pictures. Mert

[Jughed]

Me too! I am looking to pick up a extender real cheap, I dont need any hickups when Im trying to get out of there in a hurry. Seriously might want to take some pics and do a write up on the process. One of the guys who works for me would be interested. He has a Explorer sport, do you know if they are the same?

[kd4crs]

You can drill holes for a pair of (keyed alike) extended shackle gate locks that will keep anyone from removing the bed extender. I did this on mine and it works great. Don't forget to hose clamp your passenger side tailgate hinge, it might save your tailgate from being stolen.

[I12AV82]

I haven't looked to see which way the "security" screws are facing when it's stowed, but if they face toward the tailgate and you lock it, they'd have a hell of a time stealing it.

[bangingd]

Originally Posted by kd4crs

You can drill holes for a pair of (keyed alike) extended shackle gate locks that will keep anyone from removing the bed extender. I did this on mine and it works great. Don't forget to hose clamp your passenger side tailgate hinge, it might save your tailgate from being stolen.

Do you have any pictures and a manufacturer? I am interested.

Thanks

Originally Posted by I12AV82

I haven't looked to see which way the "security" screws are facing when it's stowed, but if they face toward the tailgate and you lock it, they'd have a hell of a time stealing it.

They face inward towards the center of the bed. Very easy to get loosen.

[bangingd]

Here is what I did.

Parts needed:
2-Rubber stoppers (Not sure about the diameter but they are 1" long.
2-1-1/4" long 1/4"-20 elevator bolts.
2-1/4"-20 Nylock nuts
2-1/4" flat washers
Locktite (If Desired)
Total cost is about $5.00 from Lowe's.

Install steps:
1: Pull the extender out of the bed.
2: Remove the lock pin assemblies.
3: Use a large phillips screwdriver or other blunt object to push out the rail end caps to allow access inside the tube to install nylock nut and washer.
4: Drill hole in rubber stopper for elevator bolt.
5. Drill hole in extender tube. (Make sure it is on the right side. When the extender is in the stowed position you should have to push down on the extender to remove it from the pivot bolts.) These stoppers will be on the bottom in the stowed position.
6:Bend flat washers slightly to match the radius in the inside of the tube. I did this caveman style with a curved object and a hammer.
7: Install stopper with a washer and Nylock nut in the inside of the tube and tighten. (You can get a open end wrench inside the tube to hold nut.
8:Place a drop of Locktite on the top of the threads above the nut inside the tube.
9. Reinstall lock pin and end cap.

This should limit the downward travel of the extender while in the stowed position. It should not travel enough to be removed from the pivot pins.

Here are a couple of pictures of the end product. Looks almost like it should be there.

[snappylips]

Originally Posted by bangingd

2-Rubber stoppers
2-1-1/4" long 1/4"-20 elevator bolts.

Are these both from Lowes?

BTW, nice set up.

SL

[bangingd]

Originally Posted by snappylips

Are these both from Lowes?

BTW, nice set up.

SL

Yes, They are in the Hardware bins with the nuts and bolts etc...

Thanks

[Merton Leeper]

bangingd:
It is interesting to note that my bed extender is different from yours, in that, I have levers that set it either in or out and not the push in bolt that you have. In my old 2001 Screw, the bed extender looked exactly like yours. Just thought I would mention this, apparently there are two extenders that are made by Ford.
Mert

[bangingd]

Originally Posted by Merton Leeper

bangingd:
It is interesting to note that my bed extender is different from yours, in that, I have levers that set it either in or out and not the push in bolt that you have. In my old 2001 Screw, the bed extender looked exactly like yours. Just thought I would mention this, apparently there are two extenders that are made by Ford.
Mert

Could you snap a picture? I am not quite sure what you are referring to.

Thanks, Chris