Truck Bed Sizes Guide - Pickup Bed Length & Width Chart

Choosing the Right Truck Bed Size

Short Bed (5.0-6.0 feet)

Length: 60-72 inches (5-6 feet). Advantages: Better maneuverability in tight spaces, easier parking in garages and urban areas, shorter overall vehicle length, better fuel economy (less weight), improved ride quality (shorter wheelbase). Disadvantages: Limited cargo capacity (won't fit 4×8 plywood flat, bikes/motorcycles may not fit lengthwise), less stable for towing heavy loads. Best For: Daily drivers, commuters who occasionally haul, city driving, families who want truck utility without full-size length.

Standard Bed (6.5-7.0 feet)

Length: 78-84 inches (6.5-7 feet). Advantages: Best all-around compromise (hauling vs. maneuverability), fits 4×8 sheets diagonally or with tailgate down, adequate towing stability, good cargo volume for most needs, available with crew cab on most models. Disadvantages: Longer wheelbase than short bed (affects turning radius), won't fit full 8-foot lumber flat. Best For: Most truck buyers, weekend projects, recreational hauling (ATVs, dirt bikes), moderate towing (boats, trailers), contractors who don't regularly haul full sheets.

Long Bed (8.0-8.2 feet)

Length: 96-98 inches (8 feet). Advantages: Maximum cargo capacity (fits 4×8 sheets flat with tailgate closed, 10-foot lumber with tailgate down), best towing stability (longer wheelbase), largest payload capacity, essential for work trucks. Disadvantages: Very long overall vehicle (difficult to park, reduced maneuverability), usually requires regular cab or extended cab (crew cab + long bed very long), rougher ride (longer wheelbase on bumps), lower fuel economy. Best For: Contractors and tradespeople, frequent full-size material hauling, heavy towing (gooseneck, fifth-wheel trailers), work trucks, farmers/ranchers.

Truck Bed Dimensions Explained

Length Measurement

Bed length is measured from inside the bulkhead (front wall behind cab) to inside the tailgate when closed. This is the usable cargo floor length. Manufacturers round to nearest foot (e.g., 67" becomes "5.5 foot bed"). Always check actual inches, not rounded feet, when planning cargo fitment.

Width Measurements

Width at floor: The widest point between bed walls at the floor level (62-72 inches typically). This is the usable width for flat cargo like plywood. Width at wheel wells: The narrowest point between wheel well protrusions (41-52 inches typically). This restricts placement of wide items and determines whether you can fit cargo between wheel wells. Why two widths? Wheel wells protrude into bed, creating narrow section in middle and wider sections at front/rear.

Depth (Height)

Measured from bed floor to top of bed rail. Typical range: 19-22 inches. Affects vertical cargo capacity and ease of loading/unloading. Lower bed rails = easier loading but less containment. Higher bed rails = better cargo containment but harder to reach into bed.

Cargo Volume

Measured in cubic feet, calculated as length × width × depth of usable bed space. Doesn't account for wheel well intrusions. Higher volume = more total cargo capacity. F-150 8-foot bed: 77.4 cu ft. Tacoma 5-foot bed: 35 cu ft (less than half the capacity).

Cab and Bed Combinations

Full-Size Trucks (F-150, Silverado, Ram, Tundra, Sierra)

Regular Cab: 2 doors, 2-3 passengers. Available with standard or long bed. Longest bed options (8 feet). Shortest overall vehicle length for given bed size. Rare configuration (less than 5% of full-size truck sales). Extended/Double Cab: 4 doors (smaller rear doors), 5-6 passengers, small rear legroom. Available with standard or long bed (not short bed on most models). Good compromise for occasional rear passengers. Crew Cab: 4 full-size doors, 5-6 passengers, full rear legroom. Available with short or standard bed (long bed option creates very long truck). Most popular configuration (70%+ of full-size truck sales). Family-friendly with adequate cargo space.

Mid-Size Trucks (Tacoma, Frontier, Colorado, Ranger)

Extended Cab: 2 doors + small rear access doors, 4-5 passengers. Available with short or long bed. Smaller interior than crew cab. Crew Cab: 4 full doors, 5 passengers. Typically only available with short bed (5-6 feet). Crew cab + long bed rare or unavailable on mid-size trucks.

Payload Capacity by Bed Size

What is Payload?

Payload capacity is the maximum weight you can safely carry in the truck bed and cabin combined. Includes passengers, cargo, tools, toolboxes, and any bed accessories. Calculated as: Payload = GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) - Curb Weight.

Typical Payload Capacity Ranges

Mid-size trucks: 1,200-1,600 lbs (Tacoma, Frontier, Colorado, Ranger). Half-ton full-size (1500 series): 1,500-2,300 lbs (F-150, Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, Tundra, Sierra 1500). Three-quarter-ton (2500 series): 2,500-4,000 lbs (F-250, Silverado 2500, Ram 2500). One-ton (3500 series): 4,000-7,500 lbs (F-350, Silverado 3500, Ram 3500).

How Bed Size Affects Payload

Short beds: Typically have HIGHER payload ratings (lighter weight = more capacity remaining). Example: F-150 SuperCrew + 5.5' bed = 2,100 lbs payload. Long beds: Typically have LOWER payload ratings (heavier bed weight reduces available capacity). Example: F-150 SuperCrew + 8' bed = 1,800 lbs payload. Why? Longer beds weigh 150-250 lbs more, reducing available payload capacity despite having more physical space.

Common Cargo Fitment

Building Materials

4×8 plywood/drywall sheets: Short bed: Won't fit flat (too short). Standard bed: Fits diagonally or with tailgate down. Long bed: Fits flat with tailgate closed. 8-foot lumber (2×4s, 2×6s, etc.): Short bed: Won't fit (requires roof rack or tailgate down + red flag). Standard bed: Requires tailgate down. Long bed: Fits perfectly with tailgate closed. 10-foot lumber: Standard bed: Requires tailgate down + extends ~2 feet. Long bed: Requires tailgate down + extends ~1 foot.

Recreational Equipment

ATV/UTV: Most full-size ATVs fit in any bed size (48-50" wide fits between wheel wells). Long bed better for longer UTVs. Check bed width at wheel wells—must be 50"+ for standard ATVs. Dirt bikes/motorcycles: Short bed: Difficult (rear tire hangs over tailgate for bikes over 85" wheelbase). Standard bed: Fits most dirt bikes and dual-sport bikes. Long bed: Fits all dirt bikes and many street bikes comfortably. Mountain bikes: Short bed: Fits 2-3 bikes (wheels off or tailgate down). Standard bed: Fits 3-4 bikes comfortably. Long bed: Fits 5+ bikes.

Appliances and Furniture

Refrigerator (standard): 30-36" wide, fits in any bed size (place between wheel wells). Washer/Dryer: 27-30" wide, fits in any bed size. Sofa/couch: Short bed: Loveseat only. Standard bed: Most sofas fit lengthwise. Long bed: King-size mattress fits lengthwise (76" × 80" mattress in 96" bed).

Bed Features and Accessories

Tailgate Features

Standard tailgate: Opens down, supports 500-1,000 lbs when open (check your truck's rating). Multi-function tailgate (Ram, GMC): Splits horizontally or opens as barn doors for easier access. Step tailgate (Ford): Integrated step and handhold for easier bed access. Powered tailgate (premium option): Opens/closes electrically via key fob or button.

Bed Liner Options

Spray-in liner: Permanent polyurethane coating sprayed directly onto bed. Pros: Doesn't shift, no gaps (complete protection), textured surface prevents sliding, enhances resale value. Cons: Permanent (difficult to remove), expensive ($400-$600 installed), can trap moisture if chipped. Drop-in liner: Thick plastic liner that drops into bed. Pros: Removable, cheaper ($100-$300), DIY installation. Cons: Can trap moisture and cause rust, shifts during use, may scratch bed underneath. Bed mat: Rubber mat covers bed floor only (sides unprotected). Pros: Inexpensive ($50-$150), easy to install/remove, prevents sliding. Cons: Limited protection, doesn't protect bed sides or tailgate.

Tonneau Covers

Soft roll-up: Vinyl cover that rolls toward cab. $200-$400, easy operation, removable, decent security. Hard folding: Aluminum or fiberglass panels that fold. $500-$1,200, excellent security, maintains bed access, can support roof loads. Retractable: Canister-style cover that retracts into housing. $1,200-$2,500, most convenient, flush appearance, excellent security. One-piece hard: Single panel (fiberglass or aluminum). $400-$800, best security, requires space to remove cover.

Toolboxes

Crossover toolbox: Mounts behind cab across full bed width (70" wide × 18" deep × 16" tall typically). Reduces bed length by 1-2 feet. Standard in many work trucks. Side-mount toolbox: Mounts along bed rail (one or both sides). Maintains full bed length. Reduces width at wheel wells. Underbody toolbox: Mounts underneath truck frame (doesn't reduce bed space). Smaller capacity than in-bed boxes.

Towing and Bed Size

How Bed Length Affects Towing

Stability: Longer wheelbase (cab + bed length) = more stable towing. Long bed trucks tow large trailers more safely than short beds. Physics: Greater distance between front axle and hitch reduces trailer sway. Weight distribution: Longer beds allow tongue weight to distribute over longer frame. Better weight distribution = improved handling while towing.

Towing Capacity by Configuration

Bed length doesn't directly determine towing capacity—engine, transmission, axle ratio, and frame strength determine max towing. However, longer beds typically correlate with higher towing packages. Example (Ford F-150): Short bed + SuperCrew: 11,000 lbs max towing. Long bed + SuperCab: 13,000 lbs max towing (heavier-duty frame and axle).

Fifth-Wheel and Gooseneck Towing

Bed length requirement: Minimum 6.5-foot bed for fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch (most manufacturers recommend 8-foot bed for optimal clearance). Short beds (5-6 feet) require special sliding hitches to prevent trailer from hitting cab during sharp turns. Why longer beds? Fifth-wheel/gooseneck hitches mount in bed over rear axle. Trailer kingpin must clear cab during turns—short beds don't provide enough clearance. Maximum towing: Fifth-wheel/gooseneck can tow 15,000-35,000 lbs (3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks).

Fuel Economy by Bed Size

Short Bed vs Long Bed MPG

Typical difference: 0.5-1.5 MPG better fuel economy with short bed vs long bed (same engine/drivetrain). Why? Long beds add 150-300 lbs weight, increase overall length (more aerodynamic drag), longer wheelbase (more rolling resistance). Real-world example (F-150 5.0L V8): Short bed: 17 city / 23 highway MPG. Long bed: 16 city / 22 highway MPG.

Crew Cab Impact

Crew cab (larger cab, more weight) reduces fuel economy more significantly than bed length. Crew cab + short bed typically gets 1-2 MPG worse than regular cab + long bed despite shorter bed.

Measuring Your Truck Bed

How to Measure Bed Length

1. Lower tailgate: Open tailgate completely
2. Measure inside bed: Place tape measure against inside of bulkhead (front wall)
3. Measure to tailgate: Extend tape to inside of closed tailgate position (where tailgate closes)
4. Record measurement: Measure to nearest inch (e.g., 67", 79", 96")
5. Convert to feet: 67" = 5.6 feet ("5.5-foot bed"), 79" = 6.6 feet ("6.5-foot bed"), 96" = 8 feet ("8-foot bed")

Measuring Width

Width at floor: Measure bed wall to bed wall at floor level (widest point). Width at wheel wells: Measure the narrowest point between wheel well protrusions (typically at center of bed). This determines what can fit between wheel wells (most restrictive dimension).

Heavy-Duty Trucks (3/4-Ton and 1-Ton)

Ford Super Duty (F-250, F-350)

6.75' bed: 81" length, available with crew cab. 8' bed: 97.6" length, available with crew cab and regular cab. Payload: 3,000-7,500 lbs depending on F-250 vs F-350, drivetrain, cab configuration.

Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra HD (2500, 3500)

6.75' bed: 81.2" length, available with crew cab. 8' bed: 97.8" length, available with crew cab, regular cab, double cab. Payload: 3,500-7,400 lbs.

Ram 2500/3500

6.4' bed: 76.3" length, available with crew cab. 8' bed: 96" length, available with crew cab, regular cab. Payload: 3,200-7,680 lbs (Ram 3500 dually configurations offer highest payload).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common truck bed size?

Answer: 6.5-foot standard bed with crew cab. This configuration represents 40-50% of full-size truck sales. It offers the best compromise between passenger comfort (crew cab), cargo capacity (6.5-foot bed), and maneuverability (not excessively long).

Can I fit a 4×8 sheet of plywood in a short bed?

No, not flat. Short beds (5-6 feet) are too short for 8-foot sheets. Solutions: Place plywood diagonally (may fit at angle), lower tailgate and slide sheet in (extends past tailgate), use roof rack or ladder rack, cut plywood to fit (if acceptable for your project).

Is an 8-foot bed worth the extra length?

Depends on usage: Yes, if: You regularly haul full-size sheets (plywood, drywall), haul 8-10 foot lumber frequently, tow fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailers, use truck for work/contracting. No, if: Primarily use truck for commuting with occasional hauling, have limited parking space (urban/suburban), value maneuverability over maximum cargo space, don't regularly haul items over 6 feet long.

Does bed length affect ride quality?

Yes, slightly. Longer beds = longer wheelbase = slightly rougher ride over bumps and uneven surfaces (longer frame takes longer to settle). Short beds = shorter wheelbase = slightly smoother ride. The difference is minor—cab configuration (regular vs crew) has greater impact on ride quality than bed length.

Can I add a bed extender?

Yes. Bed extenders attach to tailgate and extend bed length by 1-2 feet (tailgate down). Useful for lumber, ladders, kayaks, bikes. Costs $50-$300 depending on style (basic vs heavy-duty). Does not increase payload capacity—just allows longer items to extend past bed.

What bed size do I need for an ATV?

Any bed size works for most ATVs. Standard ATVs are 48-50" wide (fit between wheel wells of all full-size trucks). Length varies (72-84" typical)—short beds work if you lower tailgate. Check your specific ATV dimensions and truck bed width at wheel wells before purchasing.

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