You’ve heard the term thrown around at dealerships, seen it listed in classifieds, and perhaps even noticed it on the options list when customizing your dream pickup online – “short box”. Yet, unless you’re a truck enthusiast or industry insider, this terminology might have left you scratching your head.
Short box pickup trucks typically have bed lengths between 5 to 6.5 feet, depending on the model and manufacturer. These shorter bed lengths are ideal for drivers looking for more compact vehicles while still maintaining the utility of a pickup truck.
Keep reading to learn more about the utility of short bed trucks!
Table of Contents
Short Bed Truck Manufacturers
When it comes to short box trucks, different manufacturers have different offerings.
Here are some of the most popular truck manufacturers and their short box options:
Ram
Ram offers a 6’4″ short box on their Ram 1500 model. This size is available on both the Quad Cab and Crew Cab configurations.
Ford
Ford offers a 5’6″ short box on their F-150 model, as well as a 6’6″ box.
The shorter box is available on the Regular Cab and SuperCab configurations, while the longer box is available on the SuperCrew configuration.
Chevrolet
Chevrolet offers a 5’8″ short box on their Silverado 1500 model. This size is available on both the Double Cab and Crew Cab configurations.
Toyota
Toyota offers a 5’5″ short box on their Tundra model. This size is available on both the Double Cab and CrewMax configurations.
Nissan
Nissan offers a 5’6″ short box on their Titan model. This size is available on both the King Cab and Crew Cab configurations.
GMC Sierra
GMC Sierra offers a 5’8″ short box on their Sierra 1500 model. This size is available on both the Double Cab and Crew Cab configurations.
Overall, truck manufacturers offer a variety of short box options to meet the needs of different drivers.
It is important to carefully consider the size and configuration of the truck before making a purchase to ensure it meets all necessary requirements.
Truck Types
Pickup Trucks
Pickup trucks are versatile vehicles that can be used for work or play.
They come in a variety of sizes and configurations, including short bed, long bed, and standard bed.
- Short bed pickups are typically around 5’8″ long, while standard beds are around 6’5″ long.
- Long beds are typically around 8′ long, but this can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer.
Cab Sizes
Pickup trucks also come in a variety of cab sizes, including regular cab, extended cab, double cab, and crew cab.
Regular cab pickups have one row of seats and two doors, while extended cab pickups have a small backseat and two small doors that open in the opposite direction of the front doors.
Double cab pickups have a larger backseat and four doors, while crew cab pickups have a full backseat and four doors.
Conventional Trucks
Conventional trucks are larger than pickup trucks and are typically used for commercial purposes. They come in a variety of configurations, including two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
Conventional trucks typically have two doors and are designed to be used with a trailer. They are available in a variety of sizes, including full-size trucks that can haul heavy loads.
When choosing a truck, it is important to consider the type of work that will be done with the vehicle.
For example, a short bed pickup may be more maneuverable in tight spaces, but a long bed truck may be better for hauling large items.
Similarly, a crew cab pickup may be better for families, while a regular cab may be more suitable for work purposes. Ultimately, the choice of truck will depend on the specific needs of the buyer.
Truck Features
When it comes to trucks, there are several features that differentiate them from other types of vehicles.
Let’s take a look at some of the key features of a truck, including its interior, power and performance, cargo, and passenger capacity.
Cargo and Passengers
One of the main reasons people choose trucks is for their cargo and passenger capacity. Trucks come in a variety of bed sizes and lengths, with the most common being short, standard, and long.
A short bed is typically around 5’8″ long, a standard bed is around 6’5″ long, and a long bed is around 8′ long, although these dimensions can vary by manufacturer.
In addition to bed size, trucks also offer a variety of cargo management features, such as tie-downs, bed liners, and cargo boxes. Passenger capacity can also vary depending on the cab style, with options like regular, extended, and crew cabs.
Some trucks, like the Nissan Frontier, offer a mix of bed lengths and cab styles to provide more options for buyers.
Overall, trucks offer a unique combination of features that make them ideal for a variety of tasks, from hauling cargo to transporting passengers.
By understanding the different features that are available, buyers can choose the truck that best meets their needs.
Interior
Trucks come with a variety of interior options, depending on the trim level and equipment package.
For example, the high-end High Country trim of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes with a new interior that features premium materials and advanced technology, such as a 10.2-inch touchscreen display and wireless charging.
Other features that may be available on a truck’s interior include heated and ventilated seats, a premium sound system, and a panoramic sunroof.
Some trucks, such as the GMC Sierra 1500, also offer advanced driver assistance technologies like Super Cruise, which allows for hands-free driving on compatible highways.
Power and Performance
Trucks are known for their power and performance, and there are several factors that contribute to this. One of the most important is the engine, which can vary in size and output depending on the truck’s intended use.
For example, the LT trim of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes with a standard 4.3-liter V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque, while the heavy-duty Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD offers a 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V8 engine that delivers 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque.
Other factors that can impact a truck’s power and performance include its chassis and duty rating. For example, a truck with a higher duty rating will generally be able to tow and haul more weight than one with a lower rating.
Truck Use and Applications
Pickup trucks are versatile vehicles that can be used for a variety of purposes. They are commonly used for work, transportation, and recreation. The size of the truck bed, or box, plays an important role in determining the truck’s suitability for different applications.
For work trucks, a larger box is often preferred. This allows for more cargo space, which is necessary for carrying tools, equipment, and materials. A long box, which is typically 8 feet in length, is often the best choice for work trucks.
However, a short box, which is typically 6 feet in length, can also be used for lighter loads or when maneuverability is more important than cargo space.
For transportation, a short box is often sufficient. It provides enough space for luggage or groceries, while still being easy to park and maneuver in tight spaces.
The Chevrolet Silverado RST and SCR models are designed for a balance of performance and comfort, making them ideal for transportation purposes.
For recreation, the size of the box depends on the activity. A short box is often preferred for off-roading, as it provides better maneuverability and ground clearance. A long box, on the other hand, is better suited for carrying larger items such as ATVs or dirt bikes.
The Ford F-150 ASH model is designed for off-road adventures, while the GMC Sierra Sand model is designed for beach and dune driving.
For agricultural purposes, a long box is often preferred for carrying large amounts of grain or hay. The Ram 1500 DOC model is designed for farm use, with features such as a locking tailgate and a spray-in bed liner.
For production purposes, a long box is often necessary for carrying large equipment or materials. The Chevrolet Silverado Production model is designed for this purpose, with a long box and heavy-duty suspension.
Overall, the size of the truck box depends on the intended use and application. It is important to choose a box size that is suitable for the task at hand, in order to maximize efficiency and productivity.
Short Box FAQs
What is the difference between a short box and a long box truck?
A short box truck has a bed length that is typically around 5’8″ to 6’5″, while a long box truck has a bed length of around 8′. The difference in length can affect the amount of cargo that can be carried and the maneuverability of the vehicle.
How does the length of a short box truck compare to a standard bed truck?
A standard bed truck typically has a bed length of around 6’5″ to 8′. This means that a short box truck is shorter than a standard bed truck, which can affect the amount of cargo that can be carried.
Are short box trucks more fuel efficient than long box trucks?
The fuel efficiency of a short box truck versus a long box truck can depend on factors such as the weight of the vehicle and the type of engine. In general, a shorter vehicle may be more fuel efficient, but this can vary depending on the specific make and model.
What are the advantages of owning a short bed truck?
Short bed trucks are often more maneuverable and easier to park than long bed trucks. They can also be more fuel efficient and may be a good option for those who do not need to carry large amounts of cargo.
Can a short box truck carry the same amount of cargo as a long box truck?
No, a short box truck cannot carry the same amount of cargo as a long box truck. The shorter bed length means that less cargo can be carried. However, short box trucks may be a good option for those who do not need to carry large amounts of cargo.
What is the typical length of a short box truck?
The typical length of a short box truck is around 5’8″ to 6’5″. However, the exact length can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
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