Install: AMP Research Bed Extender (74801-00A)

Today, I worked on installing an AMP Research 74801-00A Bed X-Tender HD on my 2009 Tacoma. I thought I would do a quick write-up of the install, so it helps someone in the future...

Step 1: Use the templates provided to set up the holes that need to be drilled for the bracket...





Step 2: Use a punch and mark the 3 holes on the template on each side. Use a 9/64" drill bit and drill holes on each side.



Step 3: Install the Pivot brackets on each side using the 3 Philips screws provided for each side.



Step 4: Time to put the bed extender together. The 3 long tubes need to be slid into the end pieces. But before you do that, you need to mark the long tubes about 7" from each end. This is how far the long tube will need to slide into the end pieces.







Step 5: Slide the side straps on the end pieces. Don't forget to do this. I did mine way ahead of time as soon as I unboxed them, hence you see it in the picture above.

To slide the long tubes into the end pieces, so I decide to lube it up . I used some all-purpose oil and lubed the holes and the tubes up. End result is something like this...



Step 6: Use the plastic joint connectors and center them where the long tubes and end pieces meet. They only go on one way since one tube is thicker than the other. Then use the torx T-20 screws to tighten the the two pieces together. Start in the middle and work your way up and down and tighten all 6 screws. REMEMBER the screws go on the side, from the back, all you will see is the black plastic piece.



Step 7: The side straps have latches the that click into the tailgate locks. But, the standard ones that come on the straps do not work on the taco. They provide these with the toyota kit.

In the 1st picture below, what is on the strap needs to come off and what is on tailgate needs to be installed.

Take a Torx T-20 and undo the bolt. You will need a 4mm allen to install the Tacoma specific adapter.

The 2nd picture shows it installed.





Step 8: Install the bed extender on the truck and adjust the side straps to be tight and "lock" it into the tailgate. This is what it looks like when its locked into the side.



You are done! Go enjoy your new bed extender and put it to good use! Some final pictures of the installed product!








Hope this helps! Anyone questions, holler - I will gladly help you in any way I can with your install!

 

Looks great. I really need to get one of those.

 

great write up! been debating getting one of these just can't justify the cash

 

great write up. been debating on getting one of these but just havent really looked into it that much

 

After my install, I wish I had mounted the brackets 1/8" higher as the extender kind of leans forward. Doesn't affect operation, just an OCD aesthetic thing. I'd tape up the templates provided about 1/8" above the bed, or better yet, cut each template to be 1/8" longer on the bottom.

Thanks again Blacksheep for the install write ups and confirmation that the AMP extender will clear the rails of the Access Limited Tonneau. For anyone else installing both, here's some pics showing just how much clearance there is (also notice I got a little crazy with the weather stripping, but it works!)

 

Check out my custom version of the bed extender:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd...nice-rack.html

 

Hey bro, the pics are no longer posted up. I was able to get my hands on that same bed extender for free, and just received the mounting hardware kit for it in the mail. Do you have anymore of the pics? Thanks in advance

 

Small world... I just installed mine. Well the older version that looks sleeker.

What are you having trouble with? There should be instructions included?

 

Just wanted to see it to look.. but yeah I can't see any pictures. Just grey with a minus sign.

 

How much was the mounting hardware?

Waiting for pics op

 

Im a bit of a novice. I've got the instructions, just looking for another view before I go drilling holes in my truck.

 

I've got quick detach hardware for sale if you interested.

 

PM sent

 

Just installed the HD Extender on my new 2014 TRD Sport. I figured I could follow the instructions, but this tip was something helpful that wouldn't have been in the instructions. Very helpful and it worked great.









Here are my own tips for those who are doing their own for the first time.

(1) Note that the plastic braces are not reversible (the screw holes face the bed). Nor can they be flipped vertically. If you look carefully on the inside of the smooth half, there are is more plastic on the inboard half. That's because the aluminum tube on that side is the male connector and is narrower than the outboard tube which is the female connector (wider). I can't take pictures of it since it's already assembled now, but if you look really carefully, you will see this. Also, if the parts don't come together cleanly and simply, then you've messed it up. I did this the wrong way before I got it right.

(2) The buckles are a little tricky. Look at the pictures really carefully before screwing in the Toyota mounts. Again, if it doesn't come together exactly right, you've messed it up. Also did this.

(3) A little WD-40 helps get the tubes inserted and aligned. Be careful you don't apply too much as it will be tough to grasp the tubes.

(4) Be sure to follow the taping instructions. It is critical to helping you align the tubes properly.

That's about all I have. Good luck to you.

 

I have one. Works great. With a DCSB its almost a must if you haul stuff. I use it all the time especially when hauling firewood.

 

Sorry to bring this up again, I got a older amp research bed extender (u-shape) with the round tubes for cheap. I am also getting a access cover. Hopefully they will fit? Should I wait and install cover first?

 

You should have no problem with the older u shaped extender clearing the access cover rails. If you look at my first pic above (right by the taillight) you can see that the angled section on the newer models isn't what gives it enough clearance, the straight section on the older models would clear just fine.

That being said, I HIGHLY recommend getting the quick release mounting brackets that allow you to lift the extender straight up. Having to raise mine to 45 degrees to get it in/out is really frustrating when hauling big pieces of furniture and such because I have to lift them over the extender...otherwise there isn't enough room to get it up to 45 degrees. (There's a "that's what she said" in there somewhere). This would also alleviate any concerns with clearing the access cover.

Hope this helps!

 

Hmm, ok sounds good here is two photos below. It was a PN 2105-13 from AMP a older bed extender. Got it for $50 bucks, but it seems i will have it to cut it down? anyway to make the bars shorter other making it more narrow?

Thank you - I was going to follow the template for drilling from a brand new extender.

 

Will the AMP Research

$330 74801-01A Bed X-Tender Black

74801-01A Bed X-Tender fit my 2015 Tacoma double cab? Amazon says no. According to Amazon it will fit a 2010 Tacoma. Looking online I see no difference between the 2010 & 2015 model bed sizes. Any help would be appreciated. I would call AMP Research to ask, but I can't. Thanks.