What Size Truck Bed Should I Get For My Truck

Truck Bed

What Size Truck Bed Should I Get For My Truck

In the truck market, the box refers to the length of the truck bed. There are many reasons you might want to know the size of your truck bed. Whether it is helping friends out during a move, hauling things, or towing a load, pick-up trucks are always handy.

That’s why many people certainly love their trucks.

Although trucks are very useful, you don’t need a work-related reason to buy one.

Trucks usually offer three cab choices where each cab is paired with a different bed size.

Of course, if you’re in the market for a pickup truck, there is a lot to choose from, including color, engine size, upholstery, light duty or heavy duty, and two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

And then the cab/box configuration.

In this post, we will discuss the different size truck beds available on the market to help you choose one that perfectly suits your needs. Keep reading!

truck bed size

Boxes or pickup truck beds are available in varying lengths, depending on the truck and manufacturer.

Although manufacturers tend to change the sizes with every new model, truck bed sizes can be classified into three sizes: short, standard, and long.

The truck bed is what makes a truck a truck. Here are the different types sizes of truck beds.

Short truck beds

Although the standard short bed is considered 5’8″ long, a short truck bed can be anywhere between 5- to slightly over 6-foot long, depending on the specific model and manufacturer.

Short beds are possible with certain cab configurations because they are relatively unconventional.

Despite being small, they allow the owner to haul a good amount of cargo. The appeal of short beds is the better handling they offer.

Trucks with short beds are a perfect choice for drivers who want a versatile truck that is agile and sporty.

Some of the models that come with short bed configurations include:

  • Ford Ranger
  • Toyota Tacoma
  • Chevrolet Colorado
  • Nissan Frontier
  • GMC Canyon

Standard truck bed

The standard truck bed is a little bit longer than the short-bed variations. Truck beds measuring about 6’5″ are considered standard.

They also vary depending on the model and manufacturer, where most models come with beds ranging from 6’4″ to 6’75”.

Trucks with standard beds provide more hauling power needed for most situations.

Although you won’t have the most compact model, your vehicle will precisely fit in most garages and parking slots without looking odd.

Although the choices are many, some of the models with this configuration include;

  • Chevrolet Silverado
  • Nissan Titan
  • Ram 1500
  • GMC Sierra
  • Toyota Tundra
  • Ford F-150

Long or Extended Bed

As the name suggests, these are relatively longer beds.

Trucks with this configuration usually come with a box that is about 8′ long. With this length, you can haul a sizable amount of cargo.

Long truck beds are ideal and, of course, a common choice for commercial vehicles.

If you need plenty of cargo room to haul trailers or campers, long lumber, or other large items, a truck with a long bed might be your right choice.

As with short beds, long truck beds are available with specific configurations.

Some of the models with long bed include:

  • Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Ram 2500
  • Ram 3500
  • GMC Sierra 1500
  • Ford F-350
  • Ford F-250
  • Toyota Tundra

size of truck bed

Before trucks became family haulers, nearly all trucks came complete with an 8-foot bed and a regular cab. That has completely changed.

Trucks come with varying cab/box configurations, each presenting unique pros and cons.

That said, the right size for your will depends on what you want to do with your truck.

For example, a truck that is suitable for recreational use might not be ideal for drivers who commonly have more than one passenger.

Here are factors to consider so you choose a truck bed that suits your needs.

How you will use your truck:

Do you haul too often?

How much do you carry in your truck?

How you plan to use your track will steer you through many ensuring choices.

If you haul too often or are simply buying a truck for commercial use, a long truck bed might be the right fit.

On the other, if you intend to use your truck as a passenger vehicle or don’t plan to haul anything major, a truck with a mega cab or crew cab with a short box is an ideal option.

What you haul:

All trucks offer lugging power.

The truck bed right for you will depend on what you will be transporting.

If you are certain to be moving basic items, a truck with a short bed will deliver versatility while allowing you to haul a good amount of cargo.

Where you drive:

If you live within a large town, you will probably need a compact truck to maneuver city streets and tight parking lots.

On the other hand, trucks with extended beds are ideal on construction sites and farms where there is enough space.

Cab size: Your truck’s box makes it a one-of-a-kind vehicle, allowing for unmatched versatility. All the same, the truck bed is not the only useful part.

You need to match the truck bed with a reasonable cab size, depending on your truck usage. Not all truck bed sizes are suitable for all cab configurations.

This means the ruck you choose might limit the hauling power you can get.

Ideally, you need a truck that accommodates your passengers while providing a reasonable cargo room.

Final thoughts

There’s a lot to consider when choosing a truck bed size.

Long truck beds add to the length of the vehicle, which means you may experience difficulties parking in certain places.

All the same, owning a truck offers a unique experience, thanks to the versatility of these vehicles.

The right truck bed size for you will ultimately depend on how you plan to use the truck.

Trucks with short boxes are ideal for daily drivers, while longer beds are suitable for commercial use or hauling massive loads.

Cheers,

Truck Report Geeks

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