How big is the bed of a 1986 Ford f250?
In 1986, the Ford F-250 could be ordered with two bed lengths: a short 6.5-foot bed and a long 8-foot bed.
This article outlines the standard bed sizes for that model year, how to identify which bed your truck has, and practical steps to measure or verify the bed length when evaluating a used vehicle or planning parts compatibility.
Bed size options
The 1986 F-250 offered two common bed lengths depending on configuration. The following list summarizes these standard options:
- Short bed: about 6.5 feet long (approximately 78 inches or 198 cm). This size is typical on Regular Cab models and provides a more maneuverable overall footprint.
- Long bed: about 8 feet long (approximately 96 inches or 244 cm). This length increases cargo capacity and suits longer loads.
Note: Some regional or dealer-specific configurations could differ, but the 6.5 ft and 8 ft beds were the standard options for most 1986 F-250 pickups.
How to verify your truck's bed length
To confirm the bed length on a specific 1986 F-250, measure directly or check official documentation. The steps below help you determine the correct bed size quickly and accurately.
- Close the tailgate and measure along the top edge from the tailgate to the front bed wall, using a tape measure.
- For best accuracy, measure the interior length along the floor from the tailgate inside to the inner front bulkhead where the cab begins.
- Compare the measurement to the standard options: approximately 78 inches for a short bed or 96 inches for a long bed.
- If you have access to the vehicle’s VIN or build sheet, check the original configuration notes, which list the bed length among the equipment details.
Measuring and verifying the bed helps ensure compatibility for parts, bed liners, replacement beds, and resale assessments.
Summary
The 1986 Ford F-250 typically offered two bed lengths: a short 6.5-foot bed (about 78 inches) and a long 8-foot bed (about 96 inches). Exact dimensions can vary slightly by trim or dealer configuration, so measuring the bed or checking the build sheet or VIN is the best way to confirm the correct size for a specific truck.
