If you are shopping for a pickup truck or comparing truck sizes, one of the most common questions is: “how many feet is a long bed truck?”
A long bed truck usually has a cargo bed that measures around 8 feet long. However, the total length of the truck can range from about 18 to 22 feet depending on the cab style, wheelbase, and truck brand.
Long bed trucks are popular with contractors, farmers, RV owners, and anyone who needs extra cargo space. They provide more hauling room than short bed or standard bed trucks, making them ideal for work and heavy-duty use.
In this guide, you will learn:
- The exact dimensions of a long bed truck
- How truck bed sizes compare
- Long bed measurements by major truck brands
- Pros and cons of long bed pickups
- How to choose the right truck bed size
Let’s break it all down in simple terms.
What Is Considered a Long Bed Truck?
A long bed truck is a pickup truck with a cargo bed measuring approximately 8 feet in length.
Truck manufacturers usually offer three main bed sizes:
| Truck Bed Type | Approximate Length |
|---|---|
| Short Bed | 5 to 5.8 feet |
| Standard Bed | 6 to 6.8 feet |
| Long Bed | 8 feet |
The “bed” refers to the open cargo area behind the cab.
Most full-size pickup trucks offer a long bed option. These trucks are designed for:
- Carrying construction materials
- Towing heavy trailers
- Transporting large equipment
- Outdoor recreation and camping
In many cases, long beds are paired with regular cab or crew cab configurations.
How Many Feet Is a Long Bed Truck Exactly?
The answer depends on whether you mean:
- The truck bed length
- The total truck length
Typical Long Bed Dimensions
| Measurement | Average Size |
|---|---|
| Truck Bed Length | 8 feet |
| Total Vehicle Length | 18–22 feet |
| Width | 6–7 feet |
| Height | 6–6.5 feet |
An 8-foot bed is the standard definition of a long bed truck.
However, the entire vehicle becomes much longer once you include:
- The engine compartment
- Cab size
- Bumpers
- Wheelbase
For example:
- A regular cab long bed truck may be around 18 feet long
- A crew cab long bed truck can exceed 22 feet
That is why parking and maneuvering can sometimes be challenging with long bed pickups.
Long Bed Truck Dimensions by Popular Brands
Different truck brands have slightly different dimensions. Here’s a closer look at some popular models.
Ford Long Bed Dimensions
The Ford F-150 and Ford Super Duty trucks commonly offer long bed options.
| Ford Model | Long Bed Length | Total Length |
|---|---|---|
| Ford F-150 Long Bed | 8 feet | Around 20 feet |
| Ford F-250 Long Bed | 8 feet | 21–22 feet |
Ford trucks are popular for:
- Towing
- Commercial work
- Camper hauling
Chevrolet Long Bed Dimensions
Chevrolet Silverado trucks also offer 8-foot beds.
| Chevrolet Model | Long Bed Length | Total Length |
|---|---|---|
| Silverado 1500 | 8 feet | Around 20 feet |
| Silverado 2500 HD | 8 feet | 21+ feet |
Heavy-duty Silverado models are especially common on job sites.
Ram Long Bed Dimensions
Ram trucks provide several bed options, including long beds.
| Ram Model | Long Bed Length | Total Length |
|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500 | 8 feet | Around 20 feet |
| Ram 2500 | 8 feet | 21–22 feet |
Ram long bed trucks are known for:
- Comfortable interiors
- Strong towing capability
- Smooth ride quality
Toyota Long Bed Dimensions
Toyota offers long bed options mainly on the Toyota Tundra.
| Toyota Model | Long Bed Length | Total Length |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra | Around 8 feet | About 20 feet |
Toyota long bed trucks are popular for reliability and durability.
Long Bed vs Short Bed Truck
Choosing between a long bed and short bed depends on your needs.
| Feature | Long Bed | Short Bed |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Space | More | Less |
| Parking Ease | Harder | Easier |
| Towing Stability | Better | Good |
| Turning Radius | Wider | Smaller |
| Off-Road Driving | Less Agile | More Agile |
| Daily City Driving | Less Convenient | More Convenient |
Long Bed Advantages
- Fits plywood sheets flat
- More room for tools
- Better weight distribution for towing
- Ideal for work trucks
Short Bed Advantages
- Easier to park
- Better for urban driving
- Lighter overall weight
- More maneuverable
If you frequently haul large materials, a long bed truck is usually the better choice.
Benefits of a Long Bed Truck
Long bed trucks offer several important advantages.
1. More Cargo Space
The biggest advantage is extra hauling room.
An 8-foot bed can hold:
- Lumber
- Drywall sheets
- Furniture
- Motorcycles
- Landscaping equipment
This makes long beds perfect for construction and home improvement projects.
2. Better Towing Stability
Longer wheelbases improve towing stability.
This helps reduce:
- Trailer sway
- Bouncing
- Instability on highways
Many RV owners prefer long bed trucks for towing travel trailers or fifth-wheel campers.
3. Improved Camper Compatibility
Truck campers often require long beds for proper support.
A long bed provides:
- Better weight distribution
- More mounting space
- Safer camper installation
4. More Professional Work Capability
Contractors and tradespeople benefit from the additional storage area.
A long bed truck can easily transport:
- Ladders
- Pipes
- Power tools
- Building supplies
Drawbacks of Long Bed Trucks
Despite the benefits, long bed trucks also have some downsides.
1. Harder to Park
Long bed trucks require more parking space.
In crowded cities or small garages, maneuvering can become difficult.
2. Larger Turning Radius
Because of the longer wheelbase, long bed trucks need wider turns.
This can make:
- U-turns harder
- Tight parking lots frustrating
- Off-road trails more challenging
3. Reduced Fuel Efficiency
Longer and heavier trucks may use more fuel.
Although modern trucks are improving fuel economy, long bed models are still generally less efficient than smaller pickups.
Who Should Buy a Long Bed Truck?
A long bed truck is best for people who regularly haul large loads.
Good Candidates Include:
- Contractors
- Farmers
- Landscapers
- RV owners
- Boat owners
- Construction workers
- Outdoor enthusiasts
If you only drive around town and rarely haul cargo, a short bed may be more practical.
How to Measure a Truck Bed Correctly
Many people measure truck beds incorrectly.
Here is the right way to do it.
Step 1: Open the Tailgate
Lower the tailgate completely.
Step 2: Measure Inside the Bed
Use a tape measure from:
- The inside front wall
- To the inside edge of the tailgate
Step 3: Record the Measurement
Truck bed sizes are usually rounded:
- 67 inches = 5.5 feet
- 78 inches = 6.5 feet
- 96 inches = 8 feet
Common Mistakes When Measuring
Avoid these errors:
- Measuring outside the truck body
- Including bumpers
- Measuring with the tailgate closed incorrectly
- Forgetting wheel well spacing
Accurate measurements matter when buying:
- Tonneau covers
- Truck campers
- Toolboxes
- Bed liners
Common Truck Bed Sizes Explained
Understanding all bed sizes makes comparison easier.
Short Bed
- Around 5 to 5.8 feet
- Best for city driving
- Popular with crew cab trucks
Standard Bed
- Around 6.5 feet
- Good balance of utility and convenience
- Common for everyday truck owners
Long Bed
- Around 8 feet
- Maximum hauling capability
- Best for commercial and heavy-duty work
Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Truck Bed
Before buying a truck, think carefully about how you will use it.
Consider Your Daily Driving
If you drive in crowded areas often, a long bed may feel oversized.
Think About Cargo Needs
Choose a long bed if you regularly transport:
- Lumber
- ATVs
- Equipment
- Trailers
Check Garage Space
Some long bed trucks may not fit inside standard garages.
Always measure your parking space first.
Consider Cab Configuration
Crew cab long bed trucks provide:
- Passenger space
- Cargo space
But they are also among the longest consumer vehicles on the road.
FAQs
How many feet is a long bed truck bed?
A long bed truck bed is usually around 8 feet long.
What is the total length of a long bed truck?
Most long bed trucks measure between 18 and 22 feet overall.
Is an 8-foot bed considered a long bed?
Yes. In the pickup truck industry, an 8-foot cargo bed is generally classified as a long bed.
Are long bed trucks harder to drive?
They can be more difficult to park and maneuver because of their longer wheelbase and overall size.
Which is better: long bed or short bed?
It depends on your needs. Long beds are better for hauling and towing, while short beds are easier for daily driving and parking.
Conclusion
So, how many feet is a long bed truck?
In most cases, a long bed truck has an 8-foot cargo bed, while the total vehicle length usually ranges from 18 to 22 feet depending on the truck model and cab size.
Long bed trucks are ideal for hauling heavy loads, towing trailers, transporting construction materials, and supporting truck campers. They offer excellent utility and cargo space, though they can be harder to park and maneuver in tight spaces.
Before choosing a truck, think about your daily driving habits, cargo needs, towing requirements, and available parking space. For work-focused drivers and heavy haulers, a long bed truck often provides the best overall functionality and value.
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