$7 Bed Extender Security Mod

I recently found a bed extender for $50 on Craigslist. I was less than thrilled when I realized the bracket kit was a "quick release" set. So I set out to make it as hard as possible for someone to steal my bed extender. I flipped the brackets upside down, then added a slide latch piece to close in the extender.

You'll need to remove your taillights so that you can get to the area behind where the brackets attach to your bed. Remove the bolts that are circled, then pull straight out on the taillights:


I found some black slide latches at Lowe's for $3.50 a piece.


You'll only need this part:


You'll have to flatten it out a little bit (I used a hammer on the concrete) so that the holes are spaced out to 1 1/4". It should look like this when attached:


Here's where it gets annoying. You have to insert the bed extender into the brackets, then bolt in the slide latch piece. It should look like this:


Tighten the 3 nuts on each side. I put some blue threadlock on all 6 bolts just to be sure.


So, for $7 you can make it harder for those unscrupulous thieves out there to steal your bed extender!

Yeah, it makes it a bitch for me to remove my own bed extender, but I hardly ever need it out completely.

 

so what was the point of mounting the brackett upside down?

 

I just use a bicycle cable lock and run it thru the D-Ring at the back of the bed. I know its not totally theft proof but hopefully it will keep the "casual" thief from taking it.

 

To make it one step harder to get to the bolts when the tailgate is closed.

 

I would imagine mouthing it upside down would cause more ware and tear on the bracket. I actually have had to remove the extender fairly frequently also so this wouldn’t be an option for me.

 

Good effort. Im lazy and just run a combination bicycle lock through the d-rings as well. Like someone said above, just to deter the casual theives

 

i do the cable lock thru the D rings too

 

A novel integrated solution, however:

I find the bed extender to be light. I keep it in my apt. locked up when I'm not using it. If there's a chance I'll need it, I bring it just in case (condom/gun concept)...worst case scenario I have more room than I need.

 

great write up

 

good idea!

 

Damn your condoms are that big that you need the bed extender? U in porn?

 

Hi? Why are you hiding sketchy looking URL's in your post?

 

tail gate lock works for me.

 

I ended up purchasing an Insta-gate off craigslist. I love it.
http://insta-gate.net/

It takes about 1.5" inches while collapsed and can be setup in 10 secs.
Take a look. I picked it up for $125. I use it all the time hauling three dirtbikes and gear.