The Complete Guide to Truck Bed Dimensions - 33rd Square (2024)

As a home improvement expert who knows the ins and outs of truck utility, I‘m often asked – how big is my truck bed? What size do I need? In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll cover everything you need to know about truck bed dimensions so you can choose the right pickup for your needs.

A Breakdown of Truck Bed Lengths

Truck beds come in three main size categories:

Short beds – Approximately 5-6 feet long. Short beds account for 70% of new truck sales. They offer easier maneuverability and parking, but limit cargo capacity.

Standard beds – Approximately 6-7 feet long. The most common choice for an all-purpose pickup. Standard beds make up about 20% of new truck sales.

Long beds – Approximately 8+ feet long. Designed for max cargo and towing utility. Long beds are less than 10% of new truck sales.

Here‘s a detailed comparison of bed dimensions across the major truck manufacturers:

As you can see, dimensions can vary significantly across makes and models – there is no universal short, standard or long bed size. Always confirm the exact length with the manufacturer if bed length is a priority.

How Bed Size Impacts Cargo Capacity

The length of your truck bed has a big influence on how much cargo you can haul. Here are some examples of what will fit different bed sizes with the tailgate closed:

Short beds – Good for some home improvement items like doors, ladders up to 12 ft, appliances under 30 inches wide. Not optimal for large items like furniture or dirt bikes.

Standard beds – Can accommodate many home goods like dressers, hutches, full sheets of plywood. Most dirt bikes can fit diagonally. Standard 8 ft ladders can be angled.

Long beds – Enable even the biggest hauling jobs – oversized appliances, furniture, multiple motorsports vehicles, up to 16 ft extension ladders. Payload weight capacity also tends to be higher.

I always recommend measuring the items you plan to carry regularly to choose the minimum bed size needed. Even a foot of length can make a big difference in hauling ability.

Truck Bed Width, Depth, and Other Key Dimensions

In addition to bed length, width and depth also contribute to overall cargo capacity:

Inside Bed Width – Varies from 50-70 inches. Wider beds allow you to place larger items side-by-side. Measure width at floor level – tapered walls reduce usable width at the top.

Inside Bed Depth – Typically 18-22 inches from bed floor to top of side walls. Deeper beds add interior cargo space. Factor in a bed liner which may reduce depth by 1-2 inches.

Wheel Well Width – Wheel wells protrude into the bed, reducing usable width. Average wheel well width is 50-55 inches – narrower wells increase bed space.

Tailgate Opening Width – Around 60 inches wide on most full-size trucks. Wider openings make it easier to load large items.

Tie Down Locations – More tie downs increase securing options but can limit cargo space. High weight rating is also key.

Cargo Box Length – Measured from tailgate to back of the cab, not overall bed length. Impacts cargo space separate from the bed.

Truck Bed Measurement Techniques

Getting accurate bed dimensions requires careful measurement. Here are some tips:

• Use a steel measuring tape for best accuracy. Cloth tapes can stretch and be unreliable.

• For length and width, measure inside wall to inside wall. Do not include the tailgate.

• Take depth measurements from the bed floor up to the top of the side walls.

• Measure bed width in multiple spots – tapered walls will change the dimension.

• Note if dimensions vary significantly side-to-side or front-to-back.

• For wheel wells and tailgate, measure opening width at the narrowest point.

• For tie downs, note the location, number, and weight rating of each.

• Take photos of measurements for future reference.

Having the right tools like a steel tape, telescoping length rod, and laser distance measurer will make getting precise bed dimensions much easier.

Fleetside vs Stepside Bed Styles

In addition to size, truck beds also come in two basic styles:

Fleetside/Styleside – Outer bed walls are flush with the truck body and fenders. Wheel wells do not bulge out. Offers maximum usable width.

Stepside/Flareside – Fenders bulge out over the wheels with "steps" between the bed and cab. Reduces usable width but provides a stylish, vintage look.

Fleetside beds have become the standard as they maximize cargo space. Stepsides are less common but still offered as a retro styling choice on some truck models.

Regulations and Standards for Truck Bed Sizes

While dimensions vary across makes and models, manufacturers follow certain standards and regulations when designing truck beds:

• Minimum bed length of 59 inches for a vehicle to be classified as a truck.

• Maximum width of 96 inches to qualify as a light-duty pickup per DOT regulations.

• Standard wheel well width of 51 inches for compatibility with caps/covers.

• Standard bed height of 31-35 inches for usability.

• Minimum interior bed width of 62 inches for sheets of plywood.

These standards, set by bodies like SAE International, ensure beds have usable dimensions for common truck tasks while meeting road regulations.

Bed Size Myths – What to Know

Over the years I‘ve heard many mistruths about truck bed sizes. Let me debunk some common myths:

Myth: Short beds are only 5 feet long.

Fact: Short beds range from 5-6 feet depending on the truck model. Always check exact measurements.

Myth: All long beds let you fully close an 8 foot ladder inside.

Fact: You need a bed at least 8‘ 6" long to fit an 8 foot ladder with the tailgate closed.

Myth: Fleetside beds give you more overall bed space.

Fact: Stepsides reduce usable width but overall bed volume is the same.

Myth: Newer trucks have gotten longer beds.

Fact: Bed lengths have stayed very consistent over past 30+ years.

Knowing the realities around bed length, width, and capacity will prevent any surprises down the road!

Choosing the Right Bed Size

So how do you decide between a short, standard, or long truck bed? Here are my top tips:

Heavy hauling or fifth wheel towing – Go for the longest bed available. You‘ll appreciate the extra capacity.

Limited parking space – Measure your garage or parking area to make sure a long bed can fit.

Off-road use – Short beds provide better maneuverability on the trails with a tighter turning radius.

Adding a truck cap/shell – Make sure it‘s sized for your bed length. Shorter caps can cost less.

Daily driving and occasional use – A short bed is easiest to park and drive, while providing enough utility for light loads.

There’s no universally “right” bed size. Take careful measurements, evaluate your cargo needs, and choose the bed length that best fits your lifestyle.

The Takeaway on Truck Bed Dimensions

Whether you‘re a construction contractor or just need a pickup for weekend projects, understanding the key measurements of truck beds ensures you get optimal hauling utility. Follow this guide to:

• Compare short, standard and long bed sizes across makes/models.

• Choose the minimum bed length to fit your cargo needs.

• Accurately measure length, width, depth and other dimensions.

• Evaluate fleetside vs stepside for maximum space.

• Avoid common myths and misconceptions about bed sizes.

With the expert insight I‘ve provided as a seasoned home improvement pro, you can feel confident picking the perfect truck bed for your needs! Let me know if you have any other questions.

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