I got an extender like this for my Ridgeline, for when I occasionally pick up a longer item and for transporting kayaks. I'm happy to have the shorter bed that allows me to fit the vehicle in my garage without having to give up my workstation.
For a motorcycle or my riding mower, I'd rather trailer it. As a single person, it makes life a lot easier with loading a trailer that's low to the ground. I can usually rent one at U-Haul for about $25
I've a CrewMax and found that purchasing a bed extender solved my problems with it being a shorter bed. As long as you're not putting stupid heavy stuff on the tailgate, this should be more than sufficient for you and your family. It's done well for me and mine when we've gone on our trips.
Here is the one I bought, I guess it was 89.99 originally, I did have a $10 off coupon. I honestly think it would be worth it for you, they can be a PITA to hoist up there. I bought it specifically for how much I can adjust it... the picture from Amazon does a good job at showing it off.
Wind noise increased slightly with the Prinsu rack but not to a crazy level. For +$15 I added the "noise reducing trim." They should just include it with the rack. I think it helps? I've never driven around without the trim. Assembly and installation took a few hours, but the rack is SOLID.
You may have better luck than me with a hitch extender. Thule Goalpost or Yakima LongArm both look pricey but less than a roof rack. Not a fan of the thing I bought.
The roof top tent is awesome. Time will tell if it was worth the money. Used it two nights so far. On the planned third night, the campsite was walk-in only, so we were back to the ground tent and backpacking pads we already owned.
I have this one, it works great.
Here you go: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B093GWYGH5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
Confusingly I am pretty positive the "Mid-Size" one is the one you need. It takes a little bit of force to get the snug fit all the way to its minimum size, but a rubber mallet or a little bit of aggressive manhandling will get it to the size you need.
Running with the gate up and the yak resting on it is a poor idea for the stress it will put strain on the yak at that point.
I use one of these to carry a 12 foot yak in my truck, then just secure the lose bits in the back of the cab or in bags in the bed. I actually am able to keep my hard bed cover down. This extender works VERY well.
MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Truck... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D4CXIKY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Well worth the cost. I’ve carried sheets good and 16’ lumber with and without it. You still have to watch out around corners, but you won’t be tearing up your tailgate or worried about all that loose weight coming loose and flopping around (or worse).
It’s modular too so it stores smaller and I’ve been able to carry ladders and 20’ baseboard bundles on my roof rack with the back supported in the tall position.
So I just got the MaxxHaul bed extender that seems to be a clone of the one you have, but when assembled at its lowest height, it's still 4-3/4" higher than level with the bed; does the Ecotric you have actually get perfectly level?
I don't have my hard cover yet but will update when I do the rubber feet are 2+ inches each and could be trimmed if needed. It's this extender Truck Bed Extender for Ford Ranger, Maverick, Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon Pickup Trucks https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B093GWYGH5/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_JGHZWHBNJEB511X95KKX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender For Ladder, Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber) , Black , 37 x 19 x 3 inches https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01D4CXIKY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PKQ1V161BEK4MVEEFHM6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I have a Subaru, and use my roof rails if it won't fit in the back. I use a hitch mounted pick up truck bed extender if I'm hauling anything overly long. The bed extender can be run vertical allowing me to get three points of contact if I'm hauling anything long. I saw in a previous reply that you don't want to permanently mount roof rails because of your sun roof. You can also get temporary strap mounted ones like this one which are rated around 150 lbs per the manufacturer.
If you're going to do any serious off-roading, skip the Ridgeline. If you're going to do that heavy landscaping stuff like a skidsteer or bobcat, skip the Ridgeline. Otherwise, it's a fantastic option.
Ultimately, you're trading off-road/utilitarian features for better street features.
I bought my used '19 Ridgeline from my Ford guy when I went in looking to buy a new Ranger. The used Ridgeline was pretty much the same price as the new Ranger for me, so it became a test between those two. The length is nearly identical to the Ranger.
I liked the Ranger's powertrain, but the Ridgeline had a much nicer cabin, much larger rear seats and better road manners. Granted, a new Ridgeline starts about $10k higher than a Ranger or Tacoma. You're really paying for a nice SUV with a utilitarian bed. It's basically a Honda Passport.
I've done 2 kayaks in the Ridgeline with the hitch-mounted bed extender that comes out when necessary. For me, that ends up being about 3 times a year (We get to leave them in a certain spot during the summer season). I can tow my Miata. I can tow a camper. I can do my home improvement projects. It's great for snow and gravel/fire roads. Anything heavier duty than that and you'll need to reconsider.
Here’s the link to the extender: Link
Here it is on Amazon
Moab Pickup Truck Bed Extender for Chevy Colorado GMC Canyon Ford Ranger https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096YCZJ86/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_HRX252S4TQJY6RK1860M?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
So I don't have my kayak but Im getting a 12ft pedal drive to go on my small SUV. I was worried about the overhang so I order this hitch extension.
ttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BQ59QZH/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_A262SVJ7ZMFPHKKR0SVT
Not sure if it'll work, if not I'm still just going with crossbars and padding
I’m going to get a bed extender similar to this when the weather warms up for a couple paddle boards. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AW6BEBK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_BWQ2HNMVB69BM9VZMY6D?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Amazon 68.50
ECOTRIC Pick Up Truck Bed Hitch Extender Extension Rack Canoe Boat Kayak Lumber w/Flag https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01AW6BEBK/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_HF355PG91NYBSFDGNRSR
Several to chose from
Honestly, it comes down to availability, can you even find one? I had a 6 foot bed on my shitbox danger ranger and it wasn't terribly more useful than the 5 foot bed. If it was an 8 foot bed that could fit a full sheet of plywood, then I would have a different opinion. This 5 vs 6 foot bed stuff seems all the same to me.
I bought a bed extender so I can haul long stuff, so its worked out great.
https://www.amazon.com/MaxxHaul-70231-Extender-Ladder-Lumber/dp/B01D4CXIKY
Get yourself one of these and you'll feel a lot better about moving stuff like that.
7BLACKSMITH Adjustable Steel Pick Up Truck Bed Hitch Extender Extension Rack for Boat Lumber Long Loads Canoe Ladder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079FSSN4P/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_529Y76QFCWCVTP9KJE1K?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I have a short bed on my Nissan Titan crew cab. I bought a quyak type bed extender that opens 4', I hauled 16' lumber home no problem. That's the fix.
Don't have a rack or anything yet.
Have a f150, was thinking about getting something like this
Also need paddles. Any recommendations for some good ones?
Have life jackets already.
Checked out buying used but couldn't find anything worthwhile in my area.
You can get support braces that go into the hitch receiver. Here's one of many many choices on Amazon. Works great for kayaks and long lumber.
I have a tundra with a 5.5 ft bed. I use a lumber hitch for lumber, plywood, etc. I mainly do sports, kite surfing, mountain biking, camping and fishing. Stuff gets dirty and sandy so it has to be a truck. I think the bed is a little small as my tundra bed gets full with kitesurf gear.
​
If you have a roof rack, I would suggest something like this mounted in the vertical position. If you don't have a roof rack, then I'm not really sure what you are describing.
too many times i've been annoyed at my lack of ability to transport a couple 4x8 sheets for a small project without renting a truck/trailer.
cheap pickup bed extender (shortened by 5")
Voilà!
Depending on what type of rack you have on your roof, you can use of the hitch bed extenders. These are normally seen being used in their short configuration for use with a pickup bed, but most types can also be used in a taller configuration for use with a rooftop. There are some pictures here, but I also recommend looking for one that has the extenders on the side that would prevent anything from sliding sideways.
https://www.amazon.com/Erickson-07605-Pick-Up-Extender-Junior/dp/B01CADYILQ/
You need what is called a "bed extender." Here is an example. They are reasonably cheap and you only need this piece. No other roof rack additions. Store it in your shed.
Not sure got it years ago on amazon, but looks just like this. https://www.amazon.com/ECOTRIC-Truck-Extender-Extension-Lumber/dp/B01AW6BEBK?ref_=Oct_mh_s9_apbd_otopr_b14297&pf_rd_r=WZEEG01FVCSG627068SB&pf_rd_p=4d9e9728-f87d-58a5-a833-299fdf9131a8&pf_rd_s=mobile-hybrid-11&pf_rd_t=BROWSE_ANYWHER...
I only use it for the 14 foot tandom kayak. The 10 footers I dont bother and just have them hang off the tailgate. Heavy duty enough I've never worried about performance.