Owning a pickup truck is a great way to maximize your vehicle's uses and functions. The bed provides room for cargo, equipment, and practically anything you can fit in, not to mention it's a fun way to ride! Find out which trucks we've discovered feature a 6-foot bed.
Most manufacturers produce truck beds that measure between 5 to 8 feet long. Mid-sized trucks that feature a 6-foot bed are sold by Ford, Dodge, GMC, Nissan, Chevrolet, and Toyota, to name a few.
Aside from the truck bed, the article includes sections on cab design, payload capacity, and other features of the vehicle. Read on and compare the specifications which you think will work for you.
Pickup Trucks: Brief History And Overview
A pickup truck is a multi-purpose transport that has an enclosed cabin for passengers and an open cargo area or bed. Originally designed as a work vehicle for construction, farming, and other industrial uses, it has evolved into a popular passenger car.
Historically, pickup trucks underwent several changes based on the manufacturing companies that aimed to modify their application. Cargo beds were introduced and incorporated to accommodate equipment, tools, and materials necessary for the trade.
Eventually, consumers began purchasing the model for personal transport rather than for utility reasons.
The popularity of pickup trucks can be attributed to their versatility and hauling capabilities. They are suitable for city driving, cross country, off-road and outdoor trips.
The introduction of camper shells provided a small living space that equipped the pickup with the amenities of a motorhome. Sports enthusiasts like bikers, campers, nature lovers, contractors, and other tradesmen also prefer the use of trucks for both passenger transport and as utility vehicles.
Pickup modifications further expanded their applications for towing, rescue, and emergency situations.
Pickup Truck Beds
A cargo bed is an empty space at the back of a pickup truck designated for storage and transport outside the cabin of the vehicle. The rear end features a door, called a tailgate, that allows loading access to the bed.
Most beds are covered by a durable plastic liner or a spray-on coating that functions to protect the base metal from cargo or passenger impact, provide waterproofing, and resist corrosion,
Bed covers are materials used to enclose the cargo area. Tarp, hard plastics, composites, and other fabrics serve to keep the contents dry and protected from the elements.
When shopping for a truck, the bed size is an important consideration since it would determine what general purposes it could be used for.
Truck beds, also referred to as boxes, are available in different lengths and loading capacities. Generally, they are categorized as short, standard, and long.
Short Bed
Short beds found in midsize trucks measure 5 to 6 feet long and are ideal for individuals and families that use the cargo area sparingly. Since the overall length of the vehicle is medium-sized, they maneuver easily in traffic and can be used as transport like a regular car.
There is ample room for luggage pieces, gear, and equipment for the occasional weekend or camping trip and off-road adventures.
Since the cargo bed is relatively small, the pickup is paired with a cab that has four full doors and seats five to six passengers comfortably.
The following trucks have short beds:
- Chevy Sonoma
- Chevy Silverado
- GMC Sierra
- Dodge Dakota
- Dodge Ram 1500
- Ford F-150
- Nissan Titan
- Toyota Tacoma
Standard Bed
Standard or regular beds have an average length of 6 feet and 6 inches which many owners find the most functional. It can be used to haul longer materials like lumber, pipes, and other construction-related items and equipment.
It provides enough room to sleep in during camping trips and long cross-country rides. Motorcycles, sports gear, canoes, and other leisure and recreational items can be accommodated with room to spare.
The total length of the vehicle would depend on the accompanying cab or passenger room you opt for.
The following trucks have standard beds:
- Chevy Colorado
- GMC Canyon
- Chevy S-10
- Dodge Ram 2500
- Ford Ranger
- Ford 250
- Nissan Frontier
- Toyota Tundra
- Lincoln Mark LT
Long Bed
The typical length of a long bed is 8 feet and is ideal for owners who use their pickup trucks for work-related purposes.
Contractors, farmers, retail businessmen, and practically all forms of tradespersons can use long truck beds for transporting materials, produce, and other merchandise.
To minimize the total length of the service vehicle and optimize its handling and maneuverability, most long bed owners prefer to combine it with a standard cabin that seats two to three people. Incidentally, this number of persons is the ideal work crew for most enterprises.
The following trucks have long beds:
- Dodge Ram 3500
- Ford F-350
- Chevy S-10
- Nissan Titan
What Are The Different Cab Sizes For Trucks?
The cab or pickup cabin is the front portion of the truck that separates the driver and passengers from the cargo bed which comes with different accommodation sizes. Depending on your needs and preference, it may range from a functional work-related two-seater or a car-like cabin that comfortably seats five.
Regular Or Standard Cab
A regular or standard cab has a classic look and is built with a two-seater cabin and two standard doors. The design itself makes it easier to maneuver since the size is relatively standard or average.
This type of cab size is ideal for business use since it can be installed with larger bed dimensions or proportions without the hassle of driving a longer truck.
Extended Cab
An extended cab features a two-seater front seat and a smaller back seat area that is accompanied by a "suicide door." It is half the size of a vehicle’s standard door.
It may have smaller legroom or space in the back seat, but it is a great option if you intend to use it for day-to-day driving around your city or town. It does not considerably affect the wheelbase of your vehicle, and it can still accommodate enough room for more than three people.
Double Cab
A double cab is similar to an extended cab, however, it features four standard doors. The size of the back seat entrance is larger than the dimensions of a suicide door. The design provides more legroom and comfortable seat for adults.
In most cases, this cabin size is paired with either a 5- or 6-foot bed proportion.
Crew Cab
A crew cab is a five-seater vehicle that is designed with the largest cabin dimensions. It is relatively convenient for adults and families alike since it provides a more comfortable travel experience. It is installed with a shorter bed to accommodate the size of the cabin.
Cargo Bed Length And Cab Size: Final Consideration
What separates a pickup from other cars and vehicle types is the dual property it features, transport and cargo capacity. Incidentally, it would determine the length and dimensions of your truck. The decision on which exact model to buy hinges on the balance between passenger comfort, utility, and handling.
To illustrate, a standard cab with a regular bed seats two to three people and is relatively medium-sized yet functional enough for work purposes.
An extended cabin combined with a short bed is ideal for families that utilize the truck as regular transport but needs the space for occasional outdoor trips like camping or fishing.
Long beds work best when used in relation to work and occupational needs like hauling materials or transporting goods. To minimize the length of the vehicle, a standard cabin is best suited to match the cargo bed.
Determine the overall functions and purposes that you require in a truck and then decide which specific make or model works.
In Closing
The overall function of the truck is the major factor to consider when choosing the right cabin size and bed dimensions. Always remember to select the one that most fits your needs. We hope this article proved to be insightful.
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