Have already bought a screw but want to add bed extender. Are they easy to install? Do you have to drill holes or do they just bolt on? Any help is appreciated..

 

if you purchase the rack extension, all you will have to get are the two center pivot pins that the rack rotates on. the holes for them are already there and threaded. the holes for the locking pins are also there, should take you all of ummmmmmm, about the time it took to read this reply.
before you pay full retail for a rack, check at a dealership for any takeoffs. believe it or not, some people 'DONT' want these. i'm a parts manager in northern maine and have a take off on the floor.

 

I'm somebody that finds the extender a PITA. Gets in the way when you want to put luggage or anything bulky into the bed (you need to remove it), doesn't do crap when carry lumber. When in the closed position, it severely limits what you can carry.

For my money, a set of rachet straps is every bit as effective as the bed extender, which incidentally, is taking up room in my garage. Taking offers from Houston, Texas.

 

I have to agree with the statements above. Mine is neatly stored away in the garage. Go for the rachet straps instead.

If I left it in the truck bed, someone would probably steal it anyway

 

Ok, I'll chime in with Beastrider and Neil.....When I bought the truck, the rack looked pretty in the bed...kind of cool......now it looks kind of cool hanging in the garage.....I have to say though, my wife likes it when she goes shopping, but alas, it doesn't fit in her mini-van

 

All I would use the extender for is a trip to the grocery store, so the bags don't slide all the way to the back of the box. Small trips to the inlaws house, need to store a few items and again don't want to have it all slide to the back of the box. I am planning on getting a lid so at least this would cover the extender up so no one can steal it..

So basically you folks are saying if I buy the extender and hardware no driling is required? correct? Thanks again for the help!

 

I carry a portable toolbox in my truck for emergencies. With the extender in and my ARE lid down, it secures the tools quite nicely and minimized them sliding around in the box. Not a big deal to remove if needed either.

 

Sometimes the extender cna be a pain, but I have used it both out and in for a few occasions, the rest of the time it sits in my garage. In it makes a great little spot for holding smaller items such as grocerys etc. out it gives just enough extra room for that extra camping gear.

I will not sell mine, only use it about every month or 2 but I still like mine.

 

Just to let you know, I saw one on ebay yesterday, it was $99 then.
Dave

 

Yea I saw the one on E-bay also, just need to make sure no drilling is required.

 

rsav,

when I bought my crew it didn't have a bed extender, I got the dealer to throw one in as a deal closer (wife thought it was cute). The dealer had to order one, a week later they tried to give me a Steelhorse extender. They are flimsy junk, so they ordered me a Ford extender.

They are easy to install, the holes are already in the sides of the bed panels. The hardware includes self tapping screws. Just use an allen wrench, screw them in. simple, no drilling at all.

hope this answers your question
Smlcrew

 

Thanks for the feedback on this issue!

 

I use mine to hold the coolers behind my 4 wheeler when I go hunting. Otherwise, it usually sits in the garage. I have a hard cover for the bed and have used the extender folded in to keep luggage from shifting when I go to the airport.

 

Be Careful . I have an aftermarket one that requires you to drill out the holes already there for the OEM one . I didn't do it but the dealer gave me mine so nothing lost . Mine sits in the garage .

 

if any of you gentlemen who have the FACTORY Ford bed extender are interested in selling it I need on. If anyone is interested in selling one let me know, thank you.