Pickup trucks are undoubtedly a dominant force on roads worldwide. Globally, pickup trucks like the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado are quite popular, especially in regions like North America, Australia, and even some parts of Asia.
Other popular trucks worldwide include the Toyota Hilux, a favorite in places like Australia and South Africa, and the Isuzu D-Max, widely used across Southeast Asia.
It's not surprising that pickup trucks are now very popular. They are versatile enough for individual and family use and powerful enough for light and even moderate hauling. A family could enjoy a good, long road trip or an individual can use a truck just for grocery shopping.
The Importance Of The Truck Bed
The versatility of a pickup truck is largely due to its most distinct feature: the truck bed. While everyone is secure inside the cab with the driver, the truck bed is used to haul everything and anything in between.
Generally, there are three types of truck beds based on their length:
- Short Bed - 5 ft. to 5.5 ft.
- Standard Bed - 6 ft to 6.5 ft.
- Long Bed - 8 ft.
It should be noted that the 8 ft. truck beds are the norm for long beds today. However beds longer than 8 feet did exist for personal, non-commercial use from the 1950s to the 1970s. Longer beds today are only found in commercial trucks as they require more power and the space they provide is no longer practical especially considering the high price tag.
Some Factors To Consider When Choosing A Truck Bed
Truck Bed Length: This is an important factor to consider when choosing a pickup truck because it directly affects the vehicle's hauling capacity and versatility. If the truck bed is too short, it may not be able to accommodate large items and if it is too long it may not be practical for everyday driving.
Truck Bed Depth: A truck with good bed depth provides better storage because it increases the vertical space for storage.
Wheel Well Width: After the length and height, the wheel well width should also be considered. This is because it can dictate the maximum width storage of a single material such as a door or plywood. This is measured between wheel wells and usually 48 to 50 inches long.
Variation with Manufacturer: While there is a common understanding of truck bed types based on length, some manufacturers may have slightly different dimensions. For example, an F-150 short bed is measured at 5.5 ft., while the Toyota Tacoma is measured at 5 ft.
Cab Size
Aside from the maximum storage space you can get from a truck bed, it's also important to know your preferred cab size.
There are three types of cab sizes:
- Regular Cab - Two Seater Trucks
- Double Cab - Trucks with Extra Row of Seats at the Back
- Crew Cab - Trucks with Extra Row of Seats at the Back and Extra Storage
Cab size affects the length of bed available. For example, the Ford F-150 regular cab only comes in standard or long bed configuration, while their crew cab comes only in short or standard bed configuration.
Dimensions of Popular Pickup Truck Beds
Pickup truck beds actually come in various sizes depending on the make and model. Here are the dimensions of some popular pickup trucks:
Ford F-150
- Short Bed: 5.5 ft (67.1 inches) long, 65.2 inches wide.
- Standard Bed: 6.5 ft (78.9 inches) long, 65.2 inches wide.
- Long Bed: 8 ft (97.6 inches) long, 65.2 inches wide.
Chevrolet Silverado
- Short Bed: 5.8 ft (69.9 inches) long, 71.4 inches wide.
- Standard Bed: 6.6 ft (79.4 inches) long, 71.4 inches wide.
- Long Bed: 8 ft (98.3 inches) long, 71.4 inches wide.
Toyota Tacoma
- Short Bed: 5 ft (60.5 inches) long, 41.5 inches wide between wheel wells.
- Standard Bed: 6 ft (73.7 inches) long, 41.5 inches wide between wheel wells.
Ram 1500
- Short Bed: 5.7 ft (67.4 inches) long, 66.4 inches wide.
- Standard Bed: 6.4 ft (76.3 inches) long, 66.4 inches wide.
- Long Bed: 8 ft (98.4 inches) long, 66.4 inches wide.
GMC Sierra
- Short Bed: 5.8 ft (69.9 inches) long, 71.4 inches wide.
- Standard Bed: 6.6 ft (79.4 inches) long, 71.4 inches wide.
- Long Bed: 8 ft (98.3 inches) long, 71.4 inches wide.
Conclusion
Pickup truck beds come in various sizes. Knowing the dimensions of different truck beds will help you make an informed decision when choosing a pickup truck. Don't forget to consider your specific needs, lifestyle, and preferences to find the perfect truck for you.
