Customer Reviews for Erickson Big Bed - Tailgate Extender

This product seems to be exactly what I was looking for. The size especially when folded and compact makes it perfect to keep in the bed of the truck and not have to worry about hauling something that extends past the bed. Unfortunately the size is not true to what the description states. The length of the main extender should be 52". Which it is not. The TRUE length is 46". That means you lose a half of a foot, which doesn't seem like a lot but when you are hauling larger piece of wood, I'd gladly take the extra length. As it is now for my Ford ranger, if you put the extender into the hitch first all the way and put the hitch pin into the hole, you CAN NOT open the arms to extend it due to it hitting the bottom of the bumper. Had they kept the original size in length this would not be an issue. So now one has to open the arms first, then insert the entire thing into the hitch. It's not as fluid as it should be. One other grip is the top of the eyelet holes on the arms. Because they are raised you are not getting a true 48" area to put something on. You are just shy of the 48" so when you put a piece of plywood down, it hits the raised tie down points and then marks up the wood or whatever you are putting down... Why the change when it was otherwise a great product? Product is very wobbly at the bolt holes and there is a lot of slack. This can be fixed by placing two washers inside and it completely stops the wobble. Please be aware of the dimension changes because it's listed incorrectly on this site and everywhere, with the exception of the manufacture's website.

Works flawlessly. This keeps me from having to use my trailer all the time. For $100 it is a great tool to make life a bit easier. Easy to carry with the handle, and is ready to use in about 30 seconds. You can leave it right in the truck bed, so it's always ready when you need it. You won't be disappointed, I know I sure like mine.

I don't know what Chinese measuring stick they use but there is no way 47 1/2" = 48" between those tie-down points. This would be ok for dimensional lumber because you can stack between the tie-downs. As for sheet goods you'll completely ruin the one edge as it will ride on top of it. 2 solutions: take it back or get the grinder out & start removing material from each tie down.

Husband loves it!! Great quality!

Rating provided by a verified purchaser

Exceeded my expectations! Easy assembly, easy installation, secure load control! Well worth having!

Have to say Shipping was Fast! The Tailgate Extender is heavy duty. The tie down points are sturdy and their at perfect places for lateral and vertical holding power with straps! Wish I bought this years ago.

Slick! Very efficient, well built and easy to assemble and disassemble.

The extender is lightweight and very easy to install and store when not in use. It is great for carrying long lengths of lumber. We can easily carry 2 kayaks with the use of the extender.

Excellent product, far exceeded my expectations. The bed extender was well built and easy to assemble and use.

Works as described... Very convenient to store when not in use!

It’s well-made and easy to work with; it has plenty of tie-down points and the handle placement makes it easy to carry and install too. I’ve used it on lumber, dock sections, sheeting, and small boats/canoes. I wish I would’ve had this thing years ago.

This was a birthday gift for the hubb's and he's really happy with the purchase. The tailgate extender fits his 2004 Suburban truck hitch, but there is some wiggle room around the extender where it connects to the hitch. I read where some people used metal washers to fill the spacing around the extender bar, but we think the extender is designed this way to accommodate shifting weight or driving over bumpy terrain. We're about to make a crown molding purchase and this extender should come in handy for that purpose. If we determine that movement at the hitch where the extender bar meets is a problem, we will add washers to fill in the extra space. Because the instructions are lackluster, I'm giving the item a 4-star review; that said, anyone should be able to properly assemble the tailgate extender using the pictures on the box.

Strong and high quality

Was a bit skeptical before my purchase but once I received it and hauled lumber and a kayak on it. It’s an awesome product. Really do like that you can compact it and store it.

Nice design Holds 2x10 x16 foot boards no issues. Flexis a little under weight ~ 100 lbs. Pin to hold arms up cheap, do not like clevis prefer pin with attached cable so not to lose. Overall a very good product Only design flaw is arms do not lock into position, it relies on the weight to keep them down If boards bounce arms will to Folds up clean and easy to carry. Best product I have found for temp use.

Rating provided by a verified purchaser

Worked well. Happy I purchased it.

Very unique,functional and well designed product..great addition to truck gear...saves time and aggravation of pulling trailer ,when you need to haul something longer.

Very well built from steel. Folds up nicely with carrying handle. Adjustable height matches perfectly with pickup bed height. Easy to assemble with all the right fasteners and self locking nuts. I've had it for a few weeks and it is very handy to have for my shortbox pickup.

Really well made. Nice that it folds for easy storage. I am using it to transport canoe on my Tacoma.

This tailgate extender works very well and is very easy to use. I wish it had a locking mechanism when opened up.

Exactly as described. Works great for supporting my kayak.

Just what I needed for those slightly longer building supplies. Very small footprint when stowed away.

Love this bed extender. I haven't two other standard non-folding units and this is by far the best quality.

Works great. A little heavy to lift but that shows that is quality made.