Short Bed vs Long Bed Trucks: What Fits, What Doesn’t

Choosing between a short bed vs long bed truck sounds simple… until you actually start thinking about what you haul, where you park, and how you drive every day.

Bed length is more than specs on a brochure. It affects maneuverability, cargo space, towing dynamics, and even resale value. Whether you’re shopping for an F-150, Super Duty, or Ranger, understanding Ford truck bed sizes will help you choose the truck that truly fits your lifestyle in Statesboro and beyond. Let’s break it down.

First Things First: What’s Considered Short vs Long?

In most full-size trucks like the Ford F-150:

• Short bed = typically around 5.5 feet

• Standard bed = about 6.5 feet

• Long bed = around 8 feet

Super Duty models follow similar patterns, though exact measurements vary. If you’ve ever looked at a Ford truck bed size chart, you’ve likely seen these short bed vs long bed truck options listed across different cab configurations.

Your choice between Ford truck bed sizes depends less on numbers and more on how you actually use your truck.

Ford Truck Bed Size Chart

Below is a general Ford truck bed size chart showing common bed lengths and what they’re best suited for. Exact availability may vary by trim and cab configuration.

Short Bed Trucks: Easier to Live With

Short bed trucks are extremely popular in the short bed vs long bed truck debate, and for good reason.

Where Short Beds Shine

• Easier to park in town

• Better maneuverability in tight spaces

• Ideal for daily commuting

• Fits in most residential garages

• Often paired with crew cabs for family use

For drivers around Statesboro who use their truck as both a work tool and family vehicle, a short bed often makes the most sense.

What Doesn’t Fit as Easily

• Full sheets of plywood without the tailgate down

• Longer ladders or framing materials

• Large recreational equipment without creative loading

Deciding between short bed vs long bed trucks and know most of your hauling is weekend projects, home improvement supplies, or occasional gear? A short bed is more than enough.

Long Bed Trucks: Maximum Space, Maximum Utility

In the short bed vs long bed truck battle, long beds are built for serious cargo.

What Fits in a Long Bed

• Full 4x8 sheets of plywood with the tailgate closed

• Longer lumber and construction materials

• Large toolboxes with room to spare

• Slide-in campers (depending on truck configuration)

Contractors, farmers, and heavy equipment users often lean toward long beds when considering Ford truck bed sizes because fewer compromises are required.

What You Trade Off

• Larger turning radius

• Harder to park in tight areas

• Less convenient for daily errands

If your truck is primarily a work vehicle, a long bed may be worth the trade-off.

Towing and Stability: Does Bed Length Matter?

Yes, but maybe not in the way you think. Longer wheelbases (often paired with long beds) can provide added stability when towing heavy loads. That’s one reason some Super Duty work trucks use long bed configurations.

However, modern short bed vs long bed Ford trucks are all engineered for confident towing across available bed sizes, especially when properly equipped. 

Crew Cab + Short Bed: The Most Popular Combo

If you check a Ford truck bed size chart, you’ll notice many crew cab models pair with 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot beds. Why? Because most drivers today use their truck as:

• A family vehicle

• A commuter

• A weekend hauler

The crew cab short bed combination offers a strong balance between passenger comfort and usable cargo space.

So… Which Bed Is Right for You?

When deciding between a short bed vs long bed truck, ask yourself:

• Do I park in a garage or tight lot regularly?

• Am I hauling construction materials daily?

• Do I need to carry full sheets of plywood often?

• Is my truck primarily for work or mixed use?

If you want everyday practicality with solid hauling capability, short bed models are extremely versatile. If your truck is a job-site tool first and personal vehicle second, a long bed may make your life easier.

Compare Ford Truck Bed Sizes in Statesboro

Seeing dimensions only tells part of the story. The best way to decide between a short bed vs long bed truck is to see them side by side.

At J.C. Lewis Ford Statesboro, our team can walk you through current F-150 and Super Duty configurations, explain how each option fits your needs, and help you review a full Ford truck bed size chart in person. Whatever you’re hauling, we’ll help you find the bed size that works. Visit us today.

Short Bed vs Long Bed Truck FAQs

Choosing the right truck bed size can make a big difference in daily usability and job-site capability. 

+ How long is a short truck bed?

A short truck bed is typically around 5.5 feet long on most full-size trucks like the Ford F-150. Some midsize trucks may have slightly different measurements, but in the F-150 lineup, the short bed is generally the 5.5-foot option paired with crew cab models.

+ What’s the longest Ford truck bed size?

The longest Ford truck bed is typically the 8-foot bed, available on select F-150 and Super Duty configurations. This long bed option is especially popular for work trucks, contractors, and drivers who regularly haul full-length materials.

+ How do I find my Ford truck bed size by VIN?

The VIN contains build information that identifies the original factory configuration. To determine your bed size using your VIN:

1. Locate your VIN (dashboard, driver’s door frame, or registration).

2. Contact your local J.C. Lewis location.

3. Provide the VIN, and the dealership can confirm your exact configuration, including bed length.

+ How wide is a full-size Ford truck bed?

Most full-size Ford truck beds measure approximately 50 inches wide between the wheel wells and around 65–70 inches wide overall, depending on model and trim. This width allows for hauling standard materials like plywood sheets (often with the tailgate down on shorter beds).

+ What size is the bed of a Ford F-150 truck?

Availability of short bed vs long bed F-150 trucks depends on cab configuration and trim level.  The Ford F-150 typically offers three bed sizes:

• 5.5-foot short bed

• 6.5-foot standard bed

• 8-foot long bed