One of the main things to consider when truck shopping is how long of a bed (or box) you need. Midsize and HD models come in short or extended-bed configurations. Half-tons have brief and prolonged options too, but also offer a third “standard” box, sized in the middle.
In terms of length, what’s the difference between short-bed and long-bed trucks? Extended beds measure about 6.0 ft in midsize pickups and 8.0 ft in half-ton and HD units. As for compact beds, the range is around 5.0 ft in small models, 5.8 ft in half-tons, and 6.5 ft in heavy-duty automobiles.
Note that accurate measurements vary between automakers but rarely by more than an inch or two.
But bed length doesn’t just dictate how much gear a truck can haul; it also affects ride quality, fuel economy, and more. This guide covers each box option in detail, helping you pick the ideal truck bed length to suit your requirements.
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Long Bed Vs. Short Bed Length: Pros And Cons Of Each
Short Bed Pickups Are Easier To Park And Maneuver
Midsize pickups max out at about 19 ft when equipped with an extended bed, which isn’t too much more than a large sedan. These models are excellent in tight spaces, no matter the bed length.
However, half-ton trucks can reach nearly 21 ft, and HD models can exceed 22 ft. These are also wider than midsize pickups, making them much more difficult to maneuver around town. They also almost certainly warrant parking in the rear of the lot and outside the garage.
For an effortless time navigating your daily errands, there’s no competing with the sleek wheelbase of a compact bed.
Long Bed Trucks Typically Offer A More Stable Towing Experience
Towing with a midsize pickup isn’t affected much by the difference between short-bed and long-bed models. But most half-ton and HD trucks can tow 10,000 lbs. or more, which is a substantial amount of weight, especially at highway speeds when trailer sway becomes a real concern.
So, is it better to tow with a long or short bed? While bed length doesn’t really alter how much weight a truck can pull, the extended wheelbase of a long bed will provide improved stability when hauling enormous loads.
Long bed vs. short bed length is even more noticeable when towing on windy days or rough roads.
Reduced Cargo Capacity In Short Bed Models
What is a brief bed truck’s cargo box volume? Short-bed compact pickups offer around 41.2 cubic inches of storage, while half-tons and HDs have roughly 52.8 and 65.4, respectively.
What is a long bed truck’s cargo box volume? Midsize models offer about 50 cubic inches of space when equipped with an extended bed. Half-tons provide up to 77.7, and HD extended box trucks have the maximum storage at 78.5.
Be extra cautious of the 5.8 ft compact box in a half-ton, which limits what you can haul without a trailer, like ATVs, motorcycles, and full sheets of plywood. Instead, consider a standard or extended bed half-ton if you use the bed regularly.
Fuel Economy Negatively Affected By Longer Beds
While not so much in midsize pickups since they often have light fiberglass beds, half-ton, and HD trucks can weigh 200 to 300 lbs. more when equipped with an extended box rather than a compact one. This means the engine must work harder to compensate, decreasing fuel economy.
Yes, aerodynamics, rear axle ratio, cab size, engine, tires, and more also come into play, but if you want the optimal mpg, a small bed will eke out the most.
Looking to truly spend less at the pump? Check out our previous article for a few tips on how to improve your gas mileage.
Pickups With Shorter Beds Usually Cost Less
After building several fresh test trucks, we found extended bed upgrades to cost just a few hundred dollars in HD models. Surprisingly, half-tons can reach $1,500 with a long bed instead of a short one, and compact vehicles can surpass $2,000.
When it comes to used trucks, websites like Kelley Blue Book and NADA Guides sometimes don’t include a value for extended beds. So, if you’re lucky, you could potentially find a pre-owned truck with a longer bed for the same price as a truck with a compact bed.
Fifth Wheel Towing Is Best In Long Bed Trucks
One advantage of a long bed over a short bed is that they’re superior when towing a fifth-wheel travel trailer. Typically, only heavy-duty trucks are built to accommodate a fifth wheel.
Fifth-wheel trailers overlap and mount into the bed of a truck and often weigh 12,000 to 15,000 lbs. or more. In long-bed trucks, a regular fifth-wheel hitch will work, but short beds do best with a pricier “slider” hitch that’s also more prone to jamming/binding.
A longer bed also provides enhanced stability when towing a fifth wheel. This stems not only from the extended wheelbase but also because of the placement of the mass in front of the rear axle.
Long Bed Vs. Short Bed Length – Which Truck Bed Is Best For You?
For midsize pickup shoppers, consider an extended bed. Not only for the additional foot of storage, but they don’t have the same drawbacks associated with bigger half-ton and HD trucks. What’s more, even with a long bed, you can still park in the front of the lot or in a standard garage.
In regard to trucks weighing half a ton, a compact bed is generally adequate for most drivers. If additional room is required, the standard-sized bed is approximately one foot longer and can still accommodate an ATV or motorcycle (with the tailgate lowered). Opting for a extended bed is not possible for crew cab models.
HD truck beds only differ by approximately 1.5 feet between an extended bed and a short bed, so it really comes down to your specific needs. If you plan to tow a fifth-wheel cross country, go for the long, but for most drivers, a short bed will be more practical as a daily driver.
