What is considered a long bed truck?
A long bed truck is a pickup with an extra-long cargo bed behind the cab, typically about 8 feet (96 inches) in length.
In practice, manufacturers describe bed lengths using categories such as short, standard, and long. The long bed designation is reserved for the maximum cargo length behind the cab and is commonly found on full-size pickups.
Bed length categories
Most buyers encounter three broad categories when shopping for a pickup: short beds, standard beds, and long beds. The exact inch measurements vary by model and cab style, but the following ranges are typical in North America.
- Short bed: roughly 5 feet to 5 feet 8 inches (about 60 to 68 inches).
- Standard/regular bed: roughly 6 feet 4 inches to 6 feet 7 inches (about 76 to 79 inches).
- Long bed: about 8 feet (96 inches).
These ranges are general guidelines. Always check the exact bed length for a given model and cab style, because some trucks offer unique lengths (for example, 5'7" or 6'4") that are product-specific.
Bed length and cab style
The bed length you can get on a pickup is often tied to the cab configuration. Larger cabs (like crew cabs) typically share shorter bed options, while the eight-foot bed is more commonly offered on regular or extended cab configurations across many brands. Availability of an 8-foot bed varies by model year, trim, and market.
- Full-size pickups (for example, Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, Ram 1500) commonly offer an 8-foot long bed option, especially with standard or extended cabs.
- Mid-size pickups (such as Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier) generally rely on shorter bed lengths and rarely offer an 8-foot option.
- Exact bed lengths and their availability depend on year, trim, and regional market, so always verify the official spec sheet for the exact configuration you want.
For buyers who need maximum cargo length behind the cab, a long bed configuration on a full-size pickup is typically the go-to choice, but it may come with trade-offs in cabin space and maneuverability in tight spaces.
Why long beds matter in everyday use
A long bed provides extra room for long items like plywood, ladders, ladders, or lengthy building materials, and can improve payload practicality for certain work tasks. However, the longer bed can reduce turning radius and complicate parking in smaller garages or urban streets. Prospective buyers should weigh cargo needs against daily usability when choosing a bed length.
Summary
In practical terms, a long bed truck is the 8-foot (96-inch) bed option that offers the most cargo space behind the cab on full-size pickups. Short and standard beds provide less carrying length but more cabin comfort and easier maneuverability. Always consult the specific model’s current specifications for the exact bed lengths available with your preferred cab style and trim.
Which Ford trucks have an 8 foot bed?
F-150: 5.5-ft, 6.5-ft, or 8-ft beds – Versatile and class-leading, F-150 beds offer options for everyone from campers to contractors. F-250/F-350 Super Duty: 6.75-ft or 8-ft beds – Built for high payloads, towing equipment, and professional-grade jobs.
How do I know if my truck is long bed or short bed?
The standard short bed refers to truck beds that are six feet five inches long, while the standard long bed refers to truck beds that are approximately seven feet long.
What is considered a long bed on a truck?
Typically, a long bed is 8 feet long, a standard bed is 6 feet 5 inches long, and a short bed is roughly 5 feet 8 inches long.
What is considered a short bed truck?
A short bed truck is a pickup with a bed length typically under 6.5 feet, varying by the truck's size class. In full-size trucks, a short bed is usually around 5.5 to 6.5 feet, while compact and mid-size trucks often feature shorter beds of approximately 5 to 6 feet. This configuration prioritizes maneuverability and fuel economy over maximum cargo capacity.
Common short bed lengths
- Compact and Mid-size: Approximately 5 to 6 feet
- Full-size: Approximately 5.5 to 6.5 feet
Characteristics of short bed trucks
- Prioritizes maneuverability: Shorter wheelbase makes them easier to park and navigate in tight spaces, which is ideal for city driving.
- Offers passenger comfort: They are often paired with crew cabs, providing ample space for passengers.
- Limited cargo space: The smaller bed is less ideal for hauling large, bulky equipment or materials.
- Better fuel economy: The shorter length can contribute to better fuel efficiency compared to long-bed models.
