How much cargo can a F-150 bed hold?
The bed of a Ford F-150 can hold roughly 53 to 77 cubic feet of cargo, depending on bed length, and up to about 3,325 pounds of payload with the right configuration.
To understand these numbers, it’s important to distinguish between cargo volume (how much space the bed offers) and payload capacity (how much weight you can carry, including passengers and cargo). The F-150’s cargo space varies by bed size, cab configuration, engine, and optional equipment. When planning loads, always stay within the official payload rating for your specific truck and keep passengers’ weight in mind too.
Bed dimensions and cargo volume
Ford offers three bed lengths for the F-150, and each length provides a different amount of cargo space measured in cubic feet.
- 5.5-foot bed: 52.8 cubic feet of cargo volume
- 6.5-foot bed: 62.3 cubic feet of cargo volume
- 8-foot bed: 77.0 cubic feet of cargo volume
In practical terms, the longer the bed, the more loose items you can lay flat or stack, up to the bed’s volume limit. Payload ratings still apply to weight, not just space.
Payload capacity and weight limits
Payload capacity is the maximum weight the vehicle can carry in cargo plus passengers, per the official rating for your exact configuration.
- Maximum payload: up to about 3,325 pounds (1,510 kilograms) with the right combination of engine, cab, bed, and options
- Typical payload range: roughly 1,800 to 3,000 pounds depending on configuration
- Important note: the payload rating includes occupants; adding passengers reduces the available bed cargo capacity accordingly
When loading, prioritize distributing weight evenly and staying within the stated payload for your truck to maintain handling and braking performance.
Practical loading tips
These guidelines help maximize safety and efficiency when using the F-150 bed for cargo.
- Use appropriate tie-downs and anchor points to secure loads
- Distribute weight evenly from front to back and side to side
- Avoid exceeding the vehicle’s payload rating, especially with frequent stopping and cornering
- Consider a bed liner, ramp, or tonneau cover to protect and secure cargo
Following these tips helps ensure that you stay within safe limits while making the most of the truck’s cargo capabilities.
Summary
The Ford F-150 offers three bed lengths with varying cargo volumes (52.8, 62.3, and 77.0 cubic feet) and a maximum payload of up to about 3,325 pounds, depending on configuration. Real-world loading should always account for both the bed’s volume and the payload rating, including the weight of any passengers. With careful planning and proper equipment, the F-150 can handle a wide range of everyday and work-related cargo.
