Anybody got one of these and what is the good, the bad and the ugly, if any? Thinking of buying genuine Ford one, but there are aftermarkets around too, Which is best?


Part number and sales bs follows:
Ford FL3Z-99286A40-C Bed ExtenderYour truck can already carry a mountain of gear, but this bed extender ups the ante by increasing cargo length another two feet with the tailgate down. Or, if needed, contain smaller items with the tailgate up. Powder-coat finish enhances appearance and durability. Taillights remain visible when extended, in compliance with DOT lighting requirements. Bed extender cannot be removed when tailgate is up and locked, making theft difficult. Angle-release mounting brackets enable easy installation or removal . Adjustable strap latches make sure the bed extender is secured to the tailgate when down.

 

The good is that it locks in place either in or out. The bad is that it is like a Fisher Price plastic toy. I got rid of mine after less than a week. I would still like to have the stainless tubular ones that Ford used to offer as an option. On the aftermarket ones, you have to use a little nylon strap to keep it from bouncing around, they don't lock into place.

 

I love mine. I hardly ever use it as a bed extender. I use it as a bed divider to keep gas cans, trash etc. from sliding to the front of the bed. This pic was my 2017 but I removed the bed extender to install on my 2020.I also kept the bed mat and tailgate protector.

 

I bought this as a Christmas present for my wife right after she got her F150. Let me tell you, it's great. Works very well, keeps everything from sliding to the front, but gets out of the way nicely enough.

Word of warning, if you have the drop-in bedliner you've got to drill holes in it up the tailgate pillars, and it's easier to fold/unfold it if you unlatch it first.

Otherwise, it's very solid, you never have to remove it, and the instructions to install are very simple and loaded with pictures. It's worth the price, but check Amazon because you can get it for a little cheaper than through your dealer, typically.

 

Throwing this out there as a potential solution - if you're looking for a less expensive way to keep cargo from sliding forward, an inexpensive cargo bar and some crates works well. I have THIS one from harbor freight.

Nice thing is you can adjust where it is, so from chest freezers to grocery runs it works:

 

I have to let you know this story. I picked up a hard cover, used for my 2018 F-150. While agreeing to purchase the top he brought out the extender. I told him I didn't want it and to sell it and make more money for him self. I all ready got a great price on the hard cover. he said go ahead and take them and sell them and that he didn't have time to deal with them. He did say they were easy to put in and use. Off I went, got home and I did put them in to try. I can say now I'm so glad I got them. I use the heck out of them. They have been a real asset while using my bed, great in all three positions.

 

Use mine constantly. Not to extend the bed but to keep things back near the tailgate where I can reach them. I also have to haul diesel for my tractor and the extender works really well to keep the cans upright.