Hey Jimmy!

I was looking at the photos of the steelhorse bed x-tender on your web page, and I see that it does not use the factory holes (or the factory-style stops).

Steel horse makes one specifically for the supercrew. So I ask, did you get the supercrew model or the universal model?

Anybody else? Any comments on the steel horse?

I got one on order. Price was good ($160 + shipping), but I will cancel it if I find out it doesnt use the factory holes. That little screw-on bracket doesnt look too strong.

 

mine is universal and does not use factory predrills-
the supercrew specific unit can be removed from your truckbed in either position-the universal is mounted on
the bracket by a cam and has two locking
straps that go into the tailgate latch so that the extender is secure from theft-when the universal is inside the truckbed and the tailgate is locked the cam mount prevents the extender from being removed-
the universal mounting bracket is very strong(pulling on the universal extender in either direction (200 lbs) doesnt budge it-
i went with the universal purely for the security and cheap price
i have since moved the outside separator bars so that the extender looks more balanced
thanx for your interest

 

Let me just revive this topic for those (if any) who are interested.

Ive found that dealers (parts dept) are asking $330+ for the factory bed extender (most likely, mfg by Steelhorse). Steelhorse sells an aftermarket bed extender for about $170 (the same as Ford's factory invoice price). They have models that fit three different types of trucks; fullsize, mini/midsize, and supercrew/sport-trac/flair (the sport-trac uses the exact same Ford extender as the crew).

I ordered the Supercrew model - its now in my garage. The quality, materials, and construction is equivalent to the Ford part (further supports the idea that the Ford part is mfg by - or under license of Steelhorse). The shape is different - the Steelhorse model has squared off corners, the Ford model tapers. The mounting style is also different. Steelhorse is using the same universal mounting brackets on all of their models (you can see the setup on Jimmy's page). The brackets do not use the factory mounting holes. For those without a bedliners, or with a sprayed-in liner, this is not too much of a problem. It is a little 'unfriendlier' to those with a drop-in liner (which I have). IMO the Ford steel pivot bolt seems stronger than the Steelhores steel brackets. Another difference is the Steelhorse model uses a strap to secure it from bouncing around in the bed. Ford uses a plastic bar that pushes into another factory hole. While the strap is not as ingenious as Ford's setup, the strap provides more security. With the tailgate closed, the unit cannot be removed - Ford's version can.

Now with all that said and done, Im not sure if I want it. I wanted the Ford version.

I need to decide if I will keep it, send it back, or sell it.


Im open for suggestions.

 

Hey!
Is there a link to Jimmy's page? I would like to check out the setup he's got with the bed x-tenders. I have a factory drop in bedliner in my 99 flairside and I am also inclined to use the factory holes if possible. I wouldn't want to start drilling holes on my truck if I don't have to. But then again, the price difference sounds too much between what Ford wants and what Steelhorse sells for a very similar part. Do you know if Steelhorse can sell the OEM part that they supply to Ford at a cheaper price than what I can get for from the dealer?
Thanks.

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Hyper 1

99 XLT 4X4 Sport SuperCab
Flairside-Black.
4.6L V8/Auto.
3.55 Limited Slip.
Class III Towing Package.
Borla CatBack Exhaust.
Dual Borla 4.5" Carbon Exhaust tips.
K&N FilterCharger.