Solution to the tailgate extender problem!

[Phlfwd22]

If you’re like me, you don’t like the Ford extender because of the stupid shape that takes away two big chunks of your tailgate. I prefer the U shaped ones to get the full space of the downed tailgate, but they don’t make any yet for the RR nor do the 23 Ford brackets fit and most importantly, I did NOT want to drill my brand new truck when there are already two mounting holes there on the D pillar So.. I improvised!

just a couple of these metal plates from Lowe’s. Drilled out some holes then painted it black. Used them as the mounting plate then attached the extender hardware directly to it. No new holes in the Ranger, works perfect. This is the one I got - almost half the price of the OEM Ford one and a better shape imo

https://a.co/d/hQwTWsA

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[SubaruRaptor]

Why did you drill so many holes?

 

[Phlfwd22]

Why did you drill so many holes?

I didn’t, it’s a truss gusset plate it came like that with the holes. I just made a couple big enough to get the bolt through and used the existing holes to mount the hardware onto

 

[Sparky62]

I didn’t, it’s a truss gusset plate it came like that with the holes. I just made a couple big enough to get the bolt through and used the existing holes to mount the hardware onto

Great write up, just looking at Lowes, I'm seeing 5", 7" & 9" , what size were the gusset plates you used?

 

[Alaska Steve]

@Phlfwd22 is the spacing between the plate and the bed side necessary? I’m thinking of using rivets instead of screws to mount the bed extender to the plate and mounting the plate flush with the bed. Also, what size plates and mounting bolts?

 

[snowman3]

@Phlfwd22 is the spacing between the plate and the bed side necessary? I’m thinking of using rivets instead of screws to mount the bed extender to the plate and mounting the plate flush with the bed. Also, what size plates and mounting bolts?

similar question, would a piece of plywood work? Mount bed extender to plywood, counter sink on the back side w/ a lock nut if needed. Bolt plywood to truck frame.

 

[RangerDangerStranger]

How did you attacjh the extender to the plate?

 

[MulchBags2]

If you’re like me, you don’t like the Ford extender because of the stupid shape that takes away two big chunks of your tailgate. I prefer the U shaped ones to get the full space of the downed tailgate, but they don’t make any yet for the RR nor do the 23 Ford brackets fit and most importantly, I did NOT want to drill my brand new truck when there are already two mounting holes there on the D pillar So.. I improvised!

just a couple of these metal plates from Lowe’s. Drilled out some holes then painted it black. Used them as the mounting plate then attached the extender hardware directly to it. No new holes in the Ranger, works perfect. This is the one I got - almost half the price of the OEM Ford one and a better shape imo

https://a.co/d/hQwTWsA

I don’t understand. What’s wrong with the default OEM extender?

 

[RangerDangerStranger]

I don’t understand. What’s wrong with the default OEM extender?

It has a weird semi V shape for some stupid reason.

 

[Garaged]

If you’re like me, you don’t like the Ford extender because of the stupid shape that takes away two big chunks of your tailgate. I prefer the U shaped ones to get the full space of the downed tailgate, but they don’t make any yet for the RR nor do the 23 Ford brackets fit and most importantly, I did NOT want to drill my brand new truck when there are already two mounting holes there on the D pillar So.. I improvised!

just a couple of these metal plates from Lowe’s. Drilled out some holes then painted it black. Used them as the mounting plate then attached the extender hardware directly to it. No new holes in the Ranger, works perfect. This is the one I got - almost half the price of the OEM Ford one and a better shape imo

https://a.co/d/hQwTWsA

Which bed extender is that?

And which cover?

Any interference with the cover or its rails with that full u-shape?

 

[Alaska Steve]

Which bed extender is that?

And which cover?

Any interference with the cover or its rails with that full u-shape?

I’m in the process of installing mine, using the same extender he used (U-shaped Bed Extender). I’m waiting for the etched primer to dry now. Mine will be flush mounted using 3/16in rivets to attach the supplied mount to my bracket. Here are some pics and a 1:1 template of what I am doing.

 

[Garaged]

Love it. I'm wondering if that extender is the same as the vevor one on Amazon (looks similar) and is on sale at Lowes for a hundred bucks. I look forward to seeing how it works for you

Do you also have a tonneau cover? I read somewhere that Ford's v shape may be to not interfere with some tonneau rails.

 

[Alaska Steve]

Love it. I'm wondering if that extender is the same as the vevor one on Amazon (looks similar) and is on sale at Lowes for a hundred bucks. I look forward to seeing how it works for you

Do you also have a tonneau cover? I read somewhere that Ford's v shape may be to not interfere with some tonneau rails.

My last Ford one fit under the folding tonneau cover and I expect this to as well. We’ll see tomorrow when everything is painted and fitted up.

 

[Alaska Steve]

Ok… I finished up today (also see my earlier post), here are pics…

And, yes there is plenty of space between the bed extender and the tonneau cover.

 

[RangerDangerStranger]

Just finished my brackets. The VEVOR extender comes with a nice paper boardstock template, just have to adjust it for the stock holes, was just 86 bucks on amazon. I did buy a full set of Taps and Dies off amazon for 35 bucks. Those would of gone for 200 back in the day. Blessing/Curse of forgien Affordable parts. Finish up tomorrow, enjoy~

Oven Baked Goodness!, Just like Mom used to make! : )

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