The 5'7" Bed Solution: How to Actually Haul Gear in Your Crew Cab RAM 1500
Share
You love the massive, comfortable interior of your 2009–2018 RAM 1500 Crew Cab. But there is a well-known catch to getting those huge rear doors: you get stuck with the tiny 5'7" short bed.
For daily driving, it's fine. But the first Saturday you try to haul a dirt bike to the trail, or load up 8-foot lumber from the hardware store, you realize you have a serious problem. Leaving the tailgate down and throwing a single ratchet strap over your expensive gear is a recipe for disaster.
You need to reclaim your cargo space. The absolute best way to maximize a 4th Gen RAM is by installing a premium flip-out bed extender. Engineered solutions like the AMP Research BedXTender HD instantly give you back two feet of highly secure, enclosed space over your tailgate. And when you're done hauling? You flip it backward into the bed to create a rattle-free grocery divider.
In this guide, we break down how to choose the right bed extender, why you absolutely must check if your truck has the RamBox system before ordering, and how this simple 30-minute install changes how you use your truck.
Compare Premium Bed Extenders
Maximum Volume or Sleek Utility?
|
Extender Style |
Top Brand |
Shape & Profile |
Install Difficulty |
Best For |
|
Max Capacity |
AMP Research HD Max |
Classic U-Shape. Maximizes the squared-off volume over the tailgate. |
Medium. Minor drilling for pivot brackets. |
Contractors/ATVs. Getting every square inch of cargo space. |
|
Sport Profile |
AMP Research HD Sport |
Slanted/V-Shape. Matches the aerodynamic lines of modern trucks. |
Medium. Minor drilling for pivot brackets. |
Dirt Bikes. Slanted design leaves room for rear tires. |
|
Cargo Bars |
WeatherTech |
Straight Bar. Ratchets across the bed to divide space. |
Instant. No-drill tension fit. |
Daily Drivers. Stopping coolers and groceries from sliding. |
Frequently Asked Questions (Bed Extenders)
Do I have to drill into my RAM’s bed to install an AMP Research extender?
Yes, but it is minor.
To make the bed extender flip back and forth seamlessly, you must mount two small pivot brackets to the inside pillars of your tailgate opening. This requires drilling three small holes per side. It is a very straightforward process that takes about 30 minutes. (Tip: Use a little rust-preventative paint or silicone on the drilled holes before mounting the brackets).
Can I flip the extender inward and close my tailgate?
Yes! This is the best feature.
When your tailgate is closed, you simply flip the extender backward into the bed. It locks into place and creates a "trunk" space near the tailgate. This is absolutely perfect for holding gas cans, propane tanks, or groceries so they don't slide all the way to the front of the bed where you can't reach them.
Is it legal to drive with my tailgate down and a bed extender out?
Yes, but ensure your lights and plate are visible.
Driving with the tailgate down is 50-state legal as long as your cargo is properly secured and your taillights are not obstructed. The AMP Research extenders are designed with an open-tube profile specifically to allow vehicles behind you to see your factory RAM taillights perfectly.
Stop struggling with a short bed.
Gain two feet of secure cargo space and keep your gear from sliding. Shop our verified collection of premium 2009–2018 RAM 1500 Bed Extenders.