The 5'7" Bed Fix: How to Safely Haul a Dirt Bike in Your RAM 1500 Crew Cab
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You just bought a brand-new 2019–2026 RAM 1500 Crew Cab. The massive, spacious interior is incredible for the family, but it came with a major compromise: the tiny 5'7" short bed.
For daily driving, it's perfectly fine. But the weekend arrives, and you try to load up your dirt bike, a full-size ATV, or a load of 8-foot lumber from the hardware store. Suddenly, you realize the tailgate absolutely will not close. You resort to leaving the tailgate down and weaving a sketchy, chaotic web of ratchet straps, hoping your expensive gear doesn't bounce out onto the highway at 70 MPH.
There is a much safer, professional way to handle this. You urgently need a Bed Extender.
A premium extender, like the legendary AMP Research BedXtender HD, acts as a heavy-duty, aircraft-grade aluminum cage. It bolts securely to your bed pillars and flips out over the open tailgate, instantly giving you an extra two feet of fully enclosed, highly secure cargo space.
In this guide, we break down exactly how to install an AMP BedXtender, explain why the "Moto" version is the ultimate hack for dirt bike riders, and show you exactly what specialized brackets you need if you are dealing with the dreaded narrow RamBox cargo system.
Compare Premium Bed Extender Options
Heavy-Duty Hauling or Aerodynamic Style?
|
Extender Model |
Top Brands |
Shape |
Best For |
|
BedXtender HD Max |
AMP Research |
Classic V-Shape. |
Maximum Capacity. The traditional, ultra-rugged design that provides the absolute largest enclosed area over the tailgate. |
|
BedXtender HD Sport |
AMP Research |
U-Shape. |
Tonneau Covers. Features a slightly lower profile that easily clears the locking rails of low-profile tonneau covers. |
|
BedXtender HD Moto |
AMP Research |
Slanted. |
Dirt Bikes. Specifically slanted on the sides to easily clear the rear tires of motorcycles and ATVs loaded on the edges of the bed. |
Frequently Asked Questions (Bed Extenders)
Can I still use my tonneau cover with a Bed Extender installed?
Yes, absolutely.
This is the brilliant part of the AMP Research design. The extender flips inward and outward underneath the level of the bed rails. Whether you have a soft roll-up, a hard folding cover, or a retractable canister, the BedXtender will operate flawlessly without touching your cover. (Pro Tip: The "Sport" model offers the best clearance for low-profile covers).
Do I have to drill holes into my truck bed to install this?
Yes, in most cases.
To ensure the extender can safely support the weight of heavy gear shifting against it during hard braking, the heavy-duty mounting brackets must be securely fastened. This typically requires drilling three small pilot holes into the metal D-pillars at the very back of your truck bed. It is a highly straightforward, 30-minute installation, and the included templates make it virtually foolproof.
Will this extender stop my groceries from sliding around?
That is its best secondary feature.
When you aren't hauling lumber or dirt bikes with the tailgate down, you simply flip the lightweight aluminum extender backward into the closed bed. It instantly creates a secure, fenced-in "trunk" space right at the tailgate, entirely preventing your groceries, toolboxes, or propane tanks from aggressively sliding all the way to the front cab wall.
Maximize your short bed.
Haul your gear safely and stop your groceries from sliding. Shop our verified collection of premium 2019–2026 RAM 1500 Bed Extenders.