Abstract: The vehicle cargo extender allows a user to effectively extend the bed of a vehicle to accommodate and support cargo having dimensions extending beyond an unmodified bed. The extender has a deck assembly and an arm assembly. The deck, which may be folded for easier storage, forms a floor on which cargo may rest. The arm assembly comprises an extension tube, a storage receiver tube, a crosspiece receiver tube, and a crosspiece assembly. The extension tube, when in use, is inserted into and secured within a receiver hitch. The deck is coupled with the arm assembly. The user may also attach a shelf assembly to the arm assembly to carry additional cargo. When in the stowed position, the crosspiece is coupled to the crosspiece receiver tube and may have reflectors or auxiliary taillights. The storage receiver tube and crosspiece may be nested and secured together within a receiver hitch. When in the stowed position, the arm assembly forms a step to allow the user easy access to the pickup truck bed.