When you’re in the market for a pickup truck, one detail you’ll come across frequently is bed length. But if you’re scratching your head wondering how to distinguish between a short bed and a long bed, we’ve got your back!
Distinguishing between a short bed and a long bed truck is typically done by measuring the length of the truck bed or the cargo area. A short bed usually measures between 5’5″ to 5’8″ feet in length, while a long bed is approximately 7 feet long; however, these measurements can vary slightly depending on the truck model and manufacturer.
This guide will take you through the essentials to help you confidently differentiate between these two different bed types!
Key Takeaways
- Truck beds come in different sizes, and knowing how to tell a short bed from a long bed can help you make an informed decision.
- The standard short bed is usually around 5’5″ to 5’8″ long, while the standard long bed is approximately 7 feet long.
- Short bed pickups are often found in midsize pickup trucks and are usually shorter in length than their long bed counterparts, making them easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
However, these measurements can vary by a few inches depending on the manufacturer. It’s important to note that some trucks may have non-standard bed lengths, so it’s always a good idea to measure the bed yourself to be sure!
Table of Contents
Understanding Truck Bed Sizes
When it comes to trucks, one of the most important features to consider is the size of the truck bed. There are several different truck bed sizes available, and it can be difficult to know which one is right for your needs.
In this section, we will discuss the most common truck bed sizes and how to tell the difference between a short bed and a long bed.
Common Truck Bed Sizes
Truck bed sizes can vary depending on the make and model of the truck.
However, there are a few standard sizes that are commonly used across different manufacturers:
- Short Bed: This is the smallest truck bed size, typically measuring around 5 to 6 feet in length. Short beds are often found on mid-size pickup trucks, such as the Toyota Tacoma or the Chevrolet Colorado.
- Standard Bed: This is the most common truck bed size, measuring around 6 to 7 feet in length. Standard beds are often found on full-size pickup trucks, such as the Ford F-150 or the Chevrolet Silverado.
- Long Bed: This is the largest truck bed size, typically measuring around 8 feet in length. Long beds are often found on heavy-duty pickup trucks, such as the Ford F-250 or the RAM 2500.
How to Tell the Difference Between a Short Bed and a Long Bed
If you are trying to determine whether a truck has a short bed or a long bed, there are a few things to look for:
- Length: The easiest way to tell the difference between a short bed and a long bed is by measuring the length of the truck bed. Short beds are typically around 5 to 6 feet in length, while long beds are around 8 feet in length.
- Wheelbase: Another way to tell the difference between a short bed and a long bed is by looking at the wheelbase of the truck. Short beds are often paired with a shorter wheelbase, while long beds are paired with a longer wheelbase.
- Manufacturer Specifications: Finally, you can consult the manufacturer’s specifications to determine whether a truck has a short bed or a long bed. This information is usually available on the manufacturer’s website or in the owner’s manual.
Identifying Short Bed Trucks
When it comes to identifying short bed trucks, there are a few key factors to consider.
Exterior Dimensions
Short bed trucks typically have a bed length of 5’5″ to 5’8″. This is shorter than the standard bed length of approximately 6’5″ for most full-size trucks.
Midsize pickup trucks like the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, and Honda Ridgeline often have short beds.
One way to quickly identify a short bed truck is by looking at the overall length of the vehicle. Short bed trucks are usually shorter than their long bed counterparts, which can be up to 8′ long.
However, this can vary depending on the manufacturer and specific model.
Interior Dimensions
Short bed trucks may have less cargo space than long bed trucks, but they can still be quite spacious.
The interior width of a short bed truck can range from 50″ to 61″, while the interior length can range from 67″ to 78″. This can provide plenty of room for hauling smaller items or equipment.
Manufacturer Specifications
Manufacturer specifications can vary widely between different makes and models of short bed trucks.
It’s important to consult the manufacturer’s website or owner’s manual to determine the exact dimensions and specifications of a particular truck.
Some manufacturers may offer optional bed lengths or configurations, such as a crew cab with a short bed or a regular cab with a long bed.
It’s important to consider these options when shopping for a short bed truck, as they can affect the overall dimensions and capabilities of the vehicle.
Identifying Long Bed Trucks
When shopping for a pickup truck, one of the most crucial factors to consider is the bed length. Long bed trucks offer more cargo space and are better for hauling heavy loads.
Here are some ways to identify a long bed truck.
Exterior Dimensions
The most apparent difference between a short bed and a long bed truck is the length of the bed.
A standard long bed truck typically measures around 8 feet in length, while a short bed truck measures around 6 feet 5 inches. However, these measurements may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer.
Another way to identify a long bed truck is to look at the overall length of the vehicle. Long bed trucks are generally longer than short bed trucks because of the extended bed length.
For example, the 2023 Ram 1500 Long Bed has an overall length of 232 inches, while the Short Bed has an overall length of 216 inches.
Interior Dimensions
Long bed trucks offer more cargo space than short bed trucks, which is why they are popular among commercial users.
The interior dimensions of a long bed truck will vary depending on the manufacturer and model.
For example, the 2023 Ford F-150 Long Bed has a cargo box length of 8 feet, a width of 65.2 inches, and a height of 21.4 inches. The cargo box also has a volume of 77.4 cubic feet, making it ideal for carrying large items.
Manufacturer Specifications
Manufacturers often provide specifications for their vehicles, including the bed length and cargo capacity. These specifications can be found on the manufacturer’s website or in the owner’s manual.
For example, the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado Long Bed has a cargo box length of 98.18 inches, a width of 71.4 inches, and a height of 22.4 inches. The cargo box also has a volume of 89.1 cubic feet, making it one of the largest cargo boxes available on a pickup truck.
In conclusion, identifying a long bed truck is relatively easy by looking at the exterior and interior dimensions, as well as the manufacturer’s specifications. By understanding the differences between short and long bed trucks, buyers can make an informed decision when purchasing a pickup truck.
Comparing Short Bed and Long Bed Trucks
When it comes to pickup trucks, one of the most important factors to consider is the bed size. Short bed and long bed are the two most common types of truck beds available.
Here are some key points to keep in mind when comparing short bed and long bed trucks:
Length
The most obvious difference between short bed and long bed trucks is their length. Short beds are typically around 5’5″ to 5’8″ long, while long beds can be as long as 8′.
The standard short bed is 6’5″ long, and the standard long bed is around 7′ long. However, these measurements can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and model.
Maneuverability
Short bed trucks are generally more maneuverable than long bed trucks.
They are easier to park and navigate through tight spaces, making them a good choice for city driving or for those who frequently need to navigate through narrow streets or parking lots.
Long bed trucks, on the other hand, can be more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, but they offer more cargo space.
Cargo Capacity
Long bed trucks have a larger cargo capacity than short bed trucks, which can be a major advantage for those who frequently haul large items or need to transport a lot of cargo.
However, short bed trucks can still be a good choice for those who only need to haul smaller items or who don’t need as much cargo space.
Price
Long bed trucks are generally more expensive than short bed trucks, although this can vary depending on the make and model.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that the price difference may not be significant enough to justify choosing one over the other, especially if you prioritize maneuverability or cargo capacity over price.
Overall, the choice between a short bed and long bed truck will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
If you frequently need to transport large items or need as much cargo space as possible, a long bed truck may be the better choice. However, if maneuverability is more important to you, a short bed truck may be the way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What classifies as a short bed?
A short bed is typically classified as a truck bed that measures less than 6.5 feet in length. These beds are commonly found on midsize and full-size pickup trucks.
Is a 6.5 bed short or long?
A 6.5-foot bed is considered a standard bed and falls somewhere between a short bed and a long bed. It is commonly found on full-size pickup trucks.
How do I know what size truck bed I have?
The easiest way to determine the size of your truck bed is to measure it. Measure from the inside of the front wall of the bed to the inside of the tailgate. This will give you an accurate measurement of the length of your truck bed.
What is the difference between a short bed and a long bed?
The main difference between a short bed and a long bed is the length of the bed.
Short beds typically measure less than 6.5 feet, while long beds are typically 8 feet in length. Long beds provide more cargo space, while short beds are more maneuverable.
How can I tell if my truck has a short or long bed?
The easiest way to tell if your truck has a short or long bed is to measure the length of the bed. If the bed measures less than 6.5 feet, it is a short bed. If it measures 8 feet, it is a long bed.
What are the full-size truck bed dimensions?
Full-size truck bed dimensions can vary depending on the make and model of the truck. However, a standard full-size truck bed is typically 6.5 feet in length, while a long bed is 8 feet in length.
It is always best to check the manufacturer’s specifications to determine the exact dimensions of a specific truck model.
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