Ever tried to buy a tonneau cover or a truck bed liner, only to realize you have absolutely no idea what size your truck bed actually is? You're not alone. Many truck owners assume they know their bed size, but accurate measurements are crucial for ensuring a proper fit and avoiding costly returns. Whether you're planning to install aftermarket accessories, hauling specific cargo, or even just comparing trucks, knowing your truck bed dimensions is essential for making informed decisions and getting the most out of your vehicle.
Accurate truck bed measurements are vital not just for accessories. They also play a critical role in safe and efficient hauling. Overloading your truck or attempting to transport items that exceed the bed's dimensions can damage your vehicle, create hazardous driving conditions, and even result in legal penalties. By understanding the length, width, and depth of your truck bed, you can confidently plan your loads and ensure you're operating within safe and legal limits.
What exactly needs to be measured to determine my truck bed size?
Where exactly should I start and end the tape measure for length?
For length, start your measurement at the inside of the front bulkhead (the wall separating the truck bed from the cab) and extend it to the inside of the tailgate. Make sure the tailgate is fully closed and locked in its normal operating position.
Precision is key for accurate truck bed measurements. When positioning the tape measure at the front bulkhead, ensure it's flush against the metal and not catching on any plastic bed liners or cargo. Similarly, at the tailgate end, ensure the tape measure extends to the rearmost inner surface of the tailgate when it's fully closed. Avoid measuring to the outer edge of the tailgate, as this will include the thickness of the gate itself and give you an inaccurate bed length. Ideally, use a metal tape measure, as cloth or flexible tapes can stretch and distort your results.
If your truck has a bed liner, consider its impact on the usable space. Some bed liners conform tightly to the bed, while others might significantly reduce the interior dimensions. While measuring to the metal is the standard, you may also want to measure the length considering the bed liner if you plan to use the bed primarily with the liner in place. This will give you a more practical understanding of the available cargo space. Remember to measure at several points across the width to account for any variations in shape.
How do I account for bed liners or tonneau covers in my measurements?
When measuring your truck bed, always measure with the bed liner *in* and the tonneau cover *off*. The bed liner effectively reduces the usable space of your bed, so measuring without it will give you inaccurate dimensions. Tonneau covers generally don't affect the interior dimensions significantly, but removing them ensures you're measuring the actual bed space and not any obstructions or modifications they might introduce.
For bed liners, it's crucial to measure *inside* the liner, from the front to the tailgate, and from side to side. The liner is permanently installed and defines the functional cargo area. If you were to measure the bare metal of the truck bed *underneath* the liner, your measurements would be too large, leading to fitment issues when purchasing accessories like toolboxes or drop-in bed organizers.
While tonneau covers are typically installed *outside* the bed rails, they can sometimes slightly overhang or interfere with certain accessories. Therefore, removing it entirely before measuring ensures that your measurements are accurate and representative of the unobstructed bed space available. If your tonneau cover significantly changes the *height* of the available space within the truck bed (e.g., a low-profile hard cover), you may want to measure the *vertical* space from the bed floor to the lowest point of the closed tonneau cover if you are considering carrying taller items.
What's the best way to measure the width, considering the wheel wells?
The most accurate way to measure the width of your truck bed, accounting for wheel wells, is to take two measurements: the maximum width between the bed walls at their widest point, and the narrower width between the inside of the wheel wells. These two measurements are both important depending on what you want to haul.
To properly assess the overall usable width, start by measuring the distance between the inner walls of the truck bed at the point where they are furthest apart, typically near the top of the bed rails. Record this number as your maximum bed width. Next, measure the distance between the inside faces of the wheel wells at their widest point. This narrower measurement is crucial because it dictates the maximum width of flat items that can fit between the wheel wells on the bed floor. Understanding both the maximum bed width and the width between the wheel wells ensures you can accurately determine what types of cargo your truck bed can accommodate. For instance, if you're hauling plywood or drywall, the space between the wheel wells is the limiting factor. Knowing both measurements allows you to plan your loads efficiently and avoid potential problems.How accurate do my measurements need to be for common uses?
For most common truck bed uses like buying a tonneau cover, bed liner, or transporting cargo, accuracy within a half-inch (0.5 inch) is generally sufficient. This level of precision ensures a good fit and prevents issues such as covers being too tight or cargo sliding around excessively.
While extreme precision down to the millimeter isn't typically necessary, avoiding significant errors is crucial. A measurement that's off by several inches can lead to buying the wrong size accessories or miscalculating the amount of material needed for a DIY project. Always double-check your measurements and consider taking multiple readings from different points to minimize potential inaccuracies. If you're between sizes for something like a bed liner, it's often better to round up to the next available size and trim as needed.
Furthermore, remember to account for any obstructions or irregularities within your truck bed. Wheel wells, bed rails, and tie-down points can affect the usable space. If you plan on installing a toolbox or other permanent fixture, measure the remaining space accordingly. For tasks requiring more exacting tolerances, such as building a custom truck bed camper or fabricating specialized racking systems, consulting with a professional and using calibrated measuring tools is highly recommended.
Are there different methods for measuring a standard vs. a short bed?
No, the method for measuring a truck bed remains the same regardless of whether it is a standard bed or a short bed. You always measure the interior length from the inside of the bulkhead (the wall behind the cab) to the inside of the tailgate when it's closed.
While the *method* doesn't change, the *importance* of accurate measurement might be perceived differently. A small error on a short bed has a greater proportional impact. For example, a 2-inch error on an 8-foot bed (96 inches) is about 2% of the bed length. The same 2-inch error on a 5.5-foot bed (66 inches) is over 3% of the bed length. This is important when considering things like a camper shell or a load of lumber. Keep in mind that truck bed sizes are typically nominal, not exact. A "6-foot bed" might actually measure 71 or 73 inches. Always take careful interior measurements yourself rather than relying solely on manufacturer specifications when accuracy is critical, such as when buying bed accessories. Double-check your measurements to ensure you get the best possible fit.Should I measure with the tailgate open or closed, and why?
You should measure your truck bed with the tailgate closed to determine the standard interior cargo space. This measurement represents the usable space within the confines of the truck bed itself and is how manufacturers typically advertise bed length. Measuring with the tailgate open will give you the *maximum* possible length, but it’s not representative of the actual cargo area when the tailgate is closed and secured.
When considering what you'll be hauling, the "tailgate closed" measurement is critical for ensuring items fit *within* the bed. For example, if you're planning to carry sheets of plywood, knowing the interior length with the tailgate up will tell you if they'll fit flat. The "tailgate open" measurement is more relevant when hauling items that exceed the bed length, such as lumber or longer pieces of equipment, and you plan to rest them on the open tailgate and properly secure them. Essentially, think of the closed-tailgate measurement as defining your primary cargo area and the open-tailgate measurement as defining the extended, but less secure, cargo area. The closed measurement is almost always what you need to know first. If you frequently haul items longer than your bed, consider investing in a bed extender which provides more support than resting things on an open tailgate, especially over bumpy roads.How do I measure the depth of the bed from the top of the sides?
To measure the truck bed depth, simply extend a measuring tape from the inside top edge of the truck bed side (also known as the bed rail) straight down to the truck bed floor. Ensure you are measuring vertically and not at an angle for the most accurate reading.
The depth of your truck bed, sometimes referred to as the bed height, is a critical dimension for determining cargo capacity and compatibility with various accessories like tonneau covers, bed caps, and ladder racks. When measuring, be sure to measure from the highest point of the bed rail, as some may have slight curves or variations. It's also a good practice to take multiple measurements along the length of the bed sides and average them. This accounts for any potential inconsistencies in the manufacturing of the truck bed. Remember to measure inside the bed, not the outside. The exterior height of the truck bed side includes the thickness of the metal or composite material. You only want the internal depth where you'll be loading cargo. The accuracy of this measurement is crucial if you're planning to purchase a drop-in bed liner, as these are designed to fit snugly within the existing bed dimensions.And there you have it! Measuring your truck bed doesn't have to be a chore. With these simple steps, you'll have the dimensions you need in no time. Thanks for stopping by, and we hope this guide helps you find the perfect accessories or gear for your truck. Feel free to come back anytime you need a little help with your vehicle!