Does anyone else have concerns about your bed extender being stolen out of the back of the trucks. When I got my new screw, I was assuming that I could lock the tail gate and you would have to open the tailgate to get it out. Not true, you can remove it with the tailgate up. Any thoughts?

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2001 F-150 SuperCrew 4x2 lariat – Dark Green with Tan 2 tone, leather captains chairs, Moon roof, sliding rear window, 5.4 V8, 3.55 Limited Slip Axle, Class III Trailer Towing Pkg., Remote Keyless Entry, 6 CD Changer, Ford Cab Steps

 

I would be concerned too. I was at my dealers one Sunday when they were closed looking around and there set one in the back of a Screw. I took it out and looked at it. Could have just walked away with it. Careless huh?

All I can think of is an a bicycle lock through the load tie downs.

Hey, by the way where do you park this thing for extended periods, unattended where I can get to it?

[This message has been edited by cphilip (edited 09-27-2000).]

 

I have the bed extender... I tried to remove it when the tailgate is shut and locked without success. I think its safe under those conditions.

The Bedextender has a U shaped connection and is installed in the extended position (with tailgate open). The U connection is upside down at this point when attaching it. I flip the bed extender into the bed and the U connector is right side up and lock the tailgate.

From this position, I can not seem to figure out how lift or wiggle the bed extender out from under the holding pins since the bed of the truck is in the way of pushing the U connector far enough for removal of the bed extender.

Has anyone been successful in removing the bed extender in this under these conditions?


If so,How? If it can be done without *major damage or within seconds* I should invest in a lock or leave it at home.

Regards,
SCrewBall

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2001 F-150 Supercrew 4X4 Lariat
Solid Black
5.4L Triton(TM) V8
LT Grey Leather Captain's Chairs
Electronic AM/FM Premium Stereo
Cassette and 6-Disc CD Changer
Trailer Tow Group, Class III
3.55 Limited Slip Axle
Bed Extender
Cab Steps
Skid Plates
and Front License Plate Bracket

Pictures of the Baby!!!

 

again, this was my thought, but when I stopped by my local truck accessory shop, they guys came out and removed it with the tail gate up. When I took it out the other day because I was traveling, I took it out with the gate up.

It’s not easy with it up, but I wanted to see if it could be done, and it can. You can push the “U” shaped connection and slide the pins down and out. Then do the same to the other side and it’s out. It's an expensive option to be able to remove that easily and without any tools.

 

Screwball;
I tried doing the same thing you did, but apparently didn't describe it as well. I was also on the showroom floor, so I wasn't about to force anything. I paid enough for the one I ordered and didn't want to have to buy anything else.
Perhaps I could have removed it with a little force, but then again, considering Jbird's name, perhaps he is more adept at removing car parts???
When mine arrives I'll take a closer look, and if need be, put a coated cable with a small pad lock on it. It will at least keep the "honest crooks" from getting it.

 

Well, I did'nt believe it so I went and tried and sure enough the extender can be removed without a lot of effort WITH THE TAILGATE CLOSED!!!!! I like the idea of the coated cable and padlock.........

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Y2K+1 F-150 SCrew
4x2 Lariat 5.4
Black\Silver 2-Tone
Hideous Lariat Striping Removed!!!
Med.Graphite Captain's Chairs
Power Moon Roof
6-Disc CD in 98 Expy Console
Class 3 Towing Group
3.55 Limited Slip Axle
Factory Bed Extender
Ameraguard Spray In Liner

Pictures

 

SgtFury,
Nice looking truck, especially if the “G” on the front plate is for the Green Bay Packers.!!!!

Crewboss,
No, the "J" in Jbird isn't for "Jail", but it made me laugh.

I was trying to stay away from the cable and lock, but it may be the best option. Other thought was to put something under the extender so that you couldn't slide it down off the "U" connector and only alow you to lift it up when in the opened position.

 

Jbird,
No the G is for the Georgia Bulldogs!
Ooooh and I see you're from Arkansas - our next opponent!
Goooooooo DOGS!!!!
Sic em!!!!!
Woof Woof Woof Woof

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Y2K+1 F-150 SCrew
4x2 Lariat 5.4
Black\Silver 2-Tone
Hideous Lariat Striping Removed!!!
Med.Graphite Captain's Chairs
Power Moon Roof
6-Disc CD in 98 Expy Console
Class 3 Towing Group
3.55 Limited Slip Axle
Factory Bed Extender
Ameraguard Spray In Liner

Pictures



[This message has been edited by SgtFury (edited 09-27-2000).]

 

I read a post a couple of months ago that raised the same concern, so I checked it out the other day when I was at the dealership looking at the new Dark Highland Green color. The only way I could remove the extender on the new Screw on the showroom floor was to open the tailgate. With the tailgate open and the extender out on the tailgate, I pressed a two-pronged clip and had to lift up to remove the extender from the "U" shaped bracket. With the tailgate closed and the extender inside the bed, I could not slide the extender out of the "U" shaped bracket because the bracket was pointing down.
I am wondering if the design has changed or if I was just doing something wrong.

[This message has been edited by crewboss (edited 09-27-2000).]

 

I don't think so, I just got my truck about a week ago. You are correct, the "U" bracket is upside down then the tailgate is shut, but you can still push down and slide it out with the tailgate shut. I think that there could have been a better design so that you couldn't slide it out. That way I would just lock my tailgate. Now I have my bed extender sitting in my garage until I need it. And hopefully can plan for it...

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2001 F-150 SuperCrew 4x2 lariat – Dark Green with Tan 2 tone, leather captains chairs, Moon roof, sliding rear window, 5.4 V8, 3.55 Limited Slip Axle, Class III Trailer Towing Pkg., Remote Keyless Entry, 6 CD Changer, Ford Cab Steps

 

If any of you guys have, or are getting an alarm, you can do what I did. I had the installer add two hood switches to the upper right side, and lower left side of the bed. If you play with it long enough, you can mount the switches perfectly so that when the locks on the extender are in, they are included in the zone protection of the alarm.
It works great, you can't even begin to take the thing out with out setting off the alarm. If you find the right installer, it shouldn't cost too much, it cost my installer about $50 and four hours of playing to get it to work right.

 

Well My wife and I tried to get our bed extender out with the tail gate up. We just couldn't do it. I will take your advise and use the Home Depot cable idea. We park the Truck at the Delta employee lot at Boston Logan airport and I bet someone could get it out if I don't lock it down. Thanks for giving us the heads up on this poor design.

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2001 F-150 SUPERCREW
5.4L,4x4, Toreador Red, cab steps, tow package, 3.55LS,6 disc CD, moonroof,
pwr seat,bed extender

 

The coated cable is cheap at Home Depot. You just have to decide the length you want and crimp loops in each end. I can use it to lock other things in the bed too. I use the Master locks that can be keyed. My receiver hitch pin, gates, shed, etc., all use the same key, just various sized padlocks. I hate carrying around a bunch of keys and trying to find the right one in the dark.
Of course, if the bracket were designed a little better, we wouldn't have to worry about it, since Ford has the locking tailgate.

 

I tried removing the extender with the tailgate closed/locked, and it seems that it can be done. The problem lies in that the extender can be unclipped and then pushed down far enough to clear the peg. I have a locking hard lid on my bed so I don't have to worry, but if I didn't here's what I'd do:
With the extender in the open position, I'd install a spacer and rubber bumper, similar to the ones on the rest of the cage, right on top of each end of the cage.
That way, when the extender is in the closed position, the bumper acts to prevent a thief from pushing the cage down to clear the peg. If you lock the tailgate, that should do it!

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2001 Supercrew XLT 4x2, 4.6, 3.55, tow pkg, moonroof, Oxford White ext. Dark graphite int, Bed Ext, ******** Decklid, Pioneer/Infinity/Rockford sound sys


[This message has been edited by lnavarro (edited 09-30-2000).]

[This message has been edited by lnavarro (edited 09-30-2000).]

 

OK,here it is! The sure fire way to feel safe about leaving your bed extender in your truck all the time!
Buy a set of keyed-alike brass locks with a 2" shackle. Use a center punch to mark the spot where you will drill a hole straight through the bracket, so that when the lock is in place, the clip cannot be moved.
See photos below!

[This message has been edited by FyrDawg2 (edited 12-10-2000).]