Securing cargo with tailgate down and bed extender...

This is a stupid bed extender question...but I could not find the answer anywhere on these forums or on the data sheet/install guide.

I am more interested in using the bed extender to keep my cargo at the back of the truck bed (against the tailgate) than I am for using it to secure extended cargo with the tailgate down. I have a near-endless supply of milk crates so everything I carry goes inside of them. Problem is they slide around like crazy and there's no easy way to tie them down.

For someone who has the bed extender, can you take an (accurate) measurement of the distance between the extender and the inside of the tailgate when it's closed? It'd be so helpful.

If this doesn't work out I will come up with a homebrew solution.

 

I know this has nothing to do with your original question but to help cut down on things sliding around get a bed mat.

 

I already have a bed mat! It helped a lot. Still, when you brake quickly or have heavy items they will slide.

 

How about a bed divider: https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem/toyota~bed~deivider~tacoma~pt767-35051.html

 

I thought about that too. I want to keep things towards the back, I have a tonneau cover (and the hold downs for it block part of the rail), and the bed extender is cheaper with more utility!

 

Holy
Expensive batman
That's nuts

 

Yes it certainly is.

 

Gotcha, and yes it is very expensive for that divider. Good luck in your search.

 

What about one of those bed bars from Walmart (or comparable store)? They almost act as a shower curtain rod. You just twist it, expand it to your desired length, and tighten it up. You could put it so that your milk crates don't slide forward. I wanna say they're under $50. Let me see if I can find a picture.

 

http://www.autoanything.com/hitch-bed-accessories/69A6220A0A0.aspx

 

That's not a terrible idea...but I got a PM and it sounds like the crates fit into the extender! There's 21". A crate is only like 16" or so.

 

I haven't measured but my I know my Nissan bed extender gives me nearly 2 extra feet in length. Maybe 21-22 inches folded or extended.

 

You can guess at the depth as it would be roughly the size of the Tailgate

 

I like OP's idea. (Using Same OEM tonneau cover) If bed extender can be used instead as a bed divider (and cheaper), I'll buy it.

 

I use this under my cover. It keeps a couple of bins that i have in place.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Keeper-Ratcheting-Cargo-Bar-47059/207097432

 

That's cheap and functional too. What about a net? I was thinking in that idea too. But I don't know how to attach it to the cargo floor in order to function as a stopper divider.

 

Mine came with a net but I also use the extender to keep groceries, softball equipment, folding chairs and anything else close to the tailgate.

 

I use my bed extender to keep stuff in the back by the tailgate it works great. I can't get outside to measure, but a milk create will fit.

 

yeah you're good for 16", but it's closer to 20 ¼"

 

So, just to be sure, the bed extender can be used IN the bed and with the OEM Tonneau cover in place (over) without interference, I'm correct?