Updated on 5/7/2024

By Abigail Scott

I'm Abigail Scott, an author, adventurer, and mother of three. When I'm not navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood, you can find me tackling the turbulent waters as a professional whitewater kayaker or scaling impressive rock faces as a climbing guide. The rush of adrenaline, whether from kayaking or climbing, is a feeling I cherish deeply. But the thrill doesn't stop there; I capture the breathtaking allure of nature through my lens as a professional photographer. And when I'm not submerged in the wild, my software engineering skills amplify my outdoor pursuits, allowing me to harness technology in unique ways. Through my writings, whether articles or blog posts, I share not just my adventures but my heart, hoping to spark a flame of inspiration in others to break boundaries and experience the world's wonders.

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Darby Industries 944 Extend-A-Truck

Description

Extend-A-Truck Extender is designed for secure and safe hauling of long loads above or behind the vehicle. It features a 4" wide support and adjustable height for roof top hauling as well as bed extension. This extend-a-truck can be stored flat behind the seat when not in use and comes with a red flag.

Designed for secure and safe hauling of long loads

Features a 4 Feet wide support

Can be stored flat behind the seat when not in use

Features adjustable height for roof top hauling

Comes with a red flag

Comes with a receiver hitch

Designed for secure and safe hauling of long loads

The extend a truck will fit a standard 2" receiver.

Yes it is. I use it on my 2014 Jeep Wrangler Sport soft top to haul my kayak. I use a light bar in the front to support the other end of the kayak.

This would only include the rear hitch support.

I have no used it on a Hobie Mirage Island. I have a Mirage Revolution 13. I believe they recommend a trailer for the Island series. My boat is 13'6". The bed of my truck is 5'. That leaves 8' 6" hanging out. The Island is 18'6" so you would have five more feet out the back depending on the size of your truck bed. The width of the extender is 49". Not sure what the width of the Islander is when the pontoons are folded in. It might work if you aren't driving too far, but if it were me, I'd look into a trailer. Hope that helps.

Things we like

Good weld quality
Works well for canoe support
Price isn't terrible
Can be stored behind the seat in a pickup
Has loops to use with a ratchet strap to secure load

Things we don't like

Square tubing is thin but should work fine for intended load rating
Significant slop in the slip joint for height adjustment
Paint is very thin, easily scratched and scuffed
Item was inside an intact box but was filthy with what appeared to be dust from abrasive blasting (don't open it in your house)
Needs more reflective tape on the black tubing to make it stand out
Flag included in the box isn't durable

Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

What size trailer hitch does it fit? 2"x2"?

The extend a truck will fit a standard 2" receiver.

Is this tall enough to clear the back soft top on a Jeep Wrangler (for kayaks)?

Yes it is. I use it on my 2014 Jeep Wrangler Sport soft top to haul my kayak. I use a light bar in the front to support the other end of the kayak.

is this only the rear hitch piece? or does it also include the roof top piece as well?

This would only include the rear hitch support.

Anyone used this on a hobie island tandem mirage?

I have no used it on a Hobie Mirage Island. I have a Mirage Revolution 13. I believe they recommend a trailer for the Island series. My boat is 13'6". The bed of my truck is 5'. That leaves 8' 6" hanging out. The Island is 18'6" so you would have five more feet out the back depending on the size of your truck bed. The width of the extender is 49". Not sure what the width of the Islander is when the pontoons are folded in. It might work if you aren't driving too far, but if it were me, I'd look into a trailer. Hope that helps.