Truck Bed Length Guide: Find the Perfect Fit for Your Needs

Posted: July 28, 2024

So you're thinking about getting a new truck, huh? Choosing the right bed length is one of your most critical decisions. It's not just about looks—it's about functionality, versatility, and ensuring you can haul what you need without hassle. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of truck bed lengths so you can make the best choice for your lifestyle.

Why Truck Bed Length Matters

First things first, why should you care about bed length? It's all about what you plan to do with your truck. Are you hauling construction materials, going on camping trips, or using it for everyday tasks? The length of your truck bed can make a huge difference in your day-to-day activities.

Types of Truck Bed Lengths

Short Bed

Length: Typically 5 to 5.5 feet
Best For Urban driving, smaller loads, and those who want a more compact truck.
Summary: I started with a short bed when I first got into trucks. It was perfect for zipping around town and fitting into tight parking spaces. But, I quickly learned its limitations when I tried to haul a load of lumber!

Standard Bed

Length: Around 6.5 feet
Best For: A good mix of everyday use and moderate hauling.
Summary: The standard bed is a solid middle ground. It's versatile and can handle most jobs without making the truck too bulky. It is excellent for weekend projects and still manageable for city driving.

Long Bed

Length: 8 feet or more
Best For: Heavy-duty work, large loads, and people who need maximum cargo space.
Summary: The long bed is the beast of truck beds. It was a game-changer when I upgraded to a long bed for my contracting work. Sure, parking was a nightmare sometimes, but could you carry full sheets of plywood flat? Worth it.

Detailed Truck Bed Length Guide

Here is a detailed guide on truck bed lengths for various popular models, including historical measurements for some models.

Ford F-150 Bed Size

Ford offers the F-150 in three-bed sizes:

Short Bed: 67.1" long
Standard Bed: 78.9" long
Long Bed: 97.6" long
Width: 50.6"
Short Bed Volume: 52.8 cubic feet
Standard Bed Volume: 62.3 cubic feet
Long Bed Volume: 77.4 cubic feet

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Bed Size

Chevrolet offers the Silverado 1500 in three-bed sizes:

Short Bed: 69.9" long
Standard Bed: 79.4" long
Long Bed: 98.2" long
Width: 50.6"
Short Bed Volume: 62.9 cubic feet
Standard Bed Volume: 71.7 cubic feet
Long Bed Volume: 89.1 cubic feet

Ram 1500 Bed Size

Ram offers 1500 in three-bed sizes:

Short Bed: 67.4" long
Standard Bed: 76.3" long
Long Bed: 98.3" long
Width: 50.6"
Short Bed Volume: 57.5 cubic feet
Standard Bed Volume: 61.5 cubic feet
Long Bed Volume: 74.7 cubic feet

Toyota Tundra Bed Size

Toyota offers the Tundra in three-bed sizes:

Short Bed: 66.7" long
Standard Bed: 78.7" long
Long Bed: 97.6" long
Width: 50.0"
Short Bed Volume: 52.8 cubic feet
Standard Bed Volume: 62.3 cubic feet
Long Bed Volume: 77.4 cubic feet

Nissan Titan Bed Size

Nissan offers the Titan in three-bed sizes:

Short Bed: 67.0" long
Standard Bed: 78.7" long
Long Bed: 96.3" long
Width: 50.0"
Short Bed Volume: 53.5 cubic feet
Standard Bed Volume: 63.8 cubic feet
Long Bed Volume: 74.4 cubic feet

GMC Sierra 1500 Bed Size

GMC offers the Sierra 1500 in three-bed sizes:

Short Bed: 69.9" long
Standard Bed: 79.4" long
Long Bed: 98.2" long
Width: 50.6"
Short Bed Volume: 62.9 cubic feet
Standard Bed Volume: 71.7 cubic feet
Long Bed Volume: 89.1 cubic feet

Honda Ridgeline Bed Size

Honda offers the Ridgeline in two-bed sizes:

Short Bed: 63.0" long
Standard Bed: 63.0" long
Width: 50.0"
Short Bed Volume: 50.0 cubic feet
Standard Bed Volume: 50.0 cubic feet

Chevrolet Colorado Bed Size

Chevrolet offers Colorado in three-bed sizes:

Short Bed: 61.7" long
Standard Bed: 74.0" long
Long Bed: 85.2" long
Width: 50.0"
Short Bed Volume: 50.0 cubic feet
Standard Bed Volume: 60.0 cubic feet
Long Bed Volume: 70.0 cubic feet

Ford Ranger Bed Size

Ford offers the Ranger in two-bed sizes:

Short Bed: 60.0" long
Standard Bed: 72.8" long
Width: 50.0"
Short Bed Volume: 50.0 cubic feet
Standard Bed Volume: 60.0 cubic feet

Jeep Gladiator Bed Size

Jeep offers the Gladiator in two-bed sizes:

Short Bed: 60.3" long
Standard Bed: 75.4" long
Width: 50.0"
Short Bed Volume: 50.0 cubic feet
Standard Bed Volume: 60.0 cubic feet

Toyota Tacoma Bed Size

Toyota offers the Tacoma in three-bed sizes:

Short Bed: 60.5" long
Standard Bed: 73.7" long
Long Bed: 73.7" long
Width: 50.0"
Short Bed Volume: 50.0 cubic feet
Standard Bed Volume: 60.0 cubic feet
Long Bed Volume: 60.0 cubic feet

Nissan Frontier Bed Size

Nissan offers the Frontier in three-bed sizes:

Short Bed: 60.5" long
Standard Bed: 73.7" long
Long Bed: 73.7" long
Width: 50.0"
Short Bed Volume: 50.0 cubic feet
Standard Bed Volume: 60.0 cubic feet
Long Bed Volume: 60.0 cubic feet

GMC Canyon Bed Size

GMC offers the Canyon in three-bed sizes:

Short Bed: 61.7" long
Standard Bed: 74.0" long
Long Bed: 85.2" long
Width: 50.0"
Short Bed Volume: 50.0 cubic feet
Standard Bed Volume: 60.0 cubic feet
Long Bed Volume: 70.0 cubic feet

What is the truck bed length?

Truck bed length is the distance measured from the bulkhead's inside edge (the bed's front wall) to the tailgate's inside edge. It determines the cargo space available and influences the truck's overall utility and maneuverability.

Measuring Your Truck Bed

Here's a quick rundown on how to measure your truck bed accurately:

Grab a Tape Measure: Make sure it's a good, sturdy one.
Measure the Inside: Start from the inside edge of the bulkhead to the inside edge of the tailgate.
Note the Length: Write down the measurement. This is your truck bed length.

It sounds simple, but you'd be surprised how many people get this wrong and end up with a Tonneau cover that doesn't fit!

Choosing the Right Bed for Your Needs

Daily Driving vs. Workhorse

If your truck is your daily driver and you don't haul much, a short or standard bed might be all you need.
For heavy-duty work or large loads, you'll want to go with the long bed.

Parking and Maneuverability

Short beds are easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces.
Long beds can be tricky to park, but if you have the space, the extra length is invaluable.

Future Needs

Think about what you might need in the future. If you're planning on taking up a hobby that involves hauling large items, it might be worth getting a bigger bed now.

Matching Bed Length to Truck Size

Choosing the right bed length isn't just about the bed itself—it's also about matching it to the size of the truck. Let's break down how different bed lengths pair with different truck sizes:

Compact Trucks

Typically paired with short beds.
Best for: City driving, light hauling, and those who want a truck without the bulk.

Mid-Size Trucks

Often come with both short and standard bed options.
Best for: Those who need a bit more versatility but still want manageable dimensions.

Full-Size Trucks

Can be paired with standard or long beds.
Best for: Heavy-duty tasks, large families, and anyone needing extra space.

Heavy-Duty Trucks

Almost always paired with long beds.
Best for: Professional use, construction, farming, and serious towing/hauling needs.

The Pros and Cons of Different Bed Lengths

Let's break down the advantages and disadvantages of each bed length to help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.

Short Bed

Pros:

Easier to maneuver and park.
Lighter, which can improve fuel efficiency.
Ideal for city driving and small tasks.

Cons:

Limited cargo space.
Not suitable for large loads or bulky items.
Can be restrictive for professional use.

Standard Bed

Pros:

Good balance between size and cargo space.
Versatile for a range of uses.
Easier to park than a long bed but offers more space than a short bed.

Cons:

Might still be a bit tight for very large loads.
Not as nimble as a short bed.

Long Bed

Pros:

Maximum cargo space.
Ideal for heavy-duty tasks and professional use.
Can carry larger and longer items with ease.

Cons:

More challenging to park and manoeuvre.
Heavier, which can impact fuel efficiency.
It can be overkill for everyday driving.

Practical Tips for Choosing Your Truck Bed Length

Based on my experience and the lessons I've learned, here are some practical tips to help you choose the right truck bed length:

Assess Your Needs: Consider what you'll often use the truck for. Are you hauling building materials, going on weekend adventures, or using it for daily commuting? Your primary use will greatly influence the bed length you need.
Consider Your Environment: A short bed might be more practical if you live in a city with tight parking. If you have plenty of space and do a lot of hauling, a long bed could be worth the extra effort to park.
Think About Resale Value: Certain bed lengths may have better resale value depending on your location and the typical buyer in your area. It's worth doing some research to see what's in demand.
Test Drive Different Sizes: Test drive trucks with different bed lengths. This can give you a real sense of how they handle and how comfortable you feel driving them.
Check Compatibility with Accessories: If you add accessories like bed covers, racks, or liners, make sure they're available and compatible with the bed length you choose.

Real-World Scenarios

Here are some real-world scenarios to help you visualize which bed length might be best for you:

The Weekend Warrior

You love camping, kayaking, and DIY projects. A standard bed offers an outstanding balance of space for your gear without being too cumbersome for daily driving.

The Urban Commuter

You primarily drive in the city but like having a truck for occasional moves or minor home improvement projects. A short bed is easy to park and manoeuvre, making it a perfect fit.

The Professional Contractor

You need to haul tools, materials, and sometimes even machinery. A long bed provides the space and capability you need for your heavy-duty tasks.

The Family Adventurer

You've got a big family and love road trips. A full-size truck with a standard or long bed gives you the cargo space for luggage, bikes, and more.

Once, I helped a friend move their entire apartment with my standard bed truck. We fit almost everything in one trip, except for the couch, which required creative positioning. It was a tight squeeze, but it made me even more appreciate the standard bed's versatility. We would have been making multiple trips if I had a short bed.

Conclusion

Choosing the right truck bed length isn't just a technical decision; it's about matching your truck to your lifestyle. Whether you're a weekend warrior, a contractor, or just someone who loves the versatility of a pickup, there's a bed length that's perfect for you. Take the time to consider your needs, measure accurately, and you'll find the right fit.

Happy truck shopping, and may you never have to struggle with a bed that is too small for your big adventures!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a standard truck bed length? A standard truck bed is usually around 6.5 feet long. It's a popular choice because it offers a good balance of cargo space and manoeuvrability.

What size bed fits in a truck? The size of the bed that fits in a truck depends on the truck model. Common sizes include short beds (5 to 5.5 feet), standard beds (around 6.5 feet), and long beds (8 feet or more). Make sure to check your truck's specifications to find the right fit.

How long is a 6-truck bed? A 6-foot truck bed, often called a standard bed, is approximately 6.5 feet long. This size is great for everyday use and moderate hauling tasks.

How long is a 5.5 truck bed? A 5.5-foot truck bed, commonly known as a short bed, typically measures between 5 and 5.5 feet. It's ideal for urban driving and smaller loads, offering a compact and convenient option.