Trucks usually offer three different cab choices: a single cab, an extended cab, and a crew cab. Several different bed sizes can be paired with a cab. Because of this, many people are confused about what’s considered a standard size truck bed.

If you’re not sure about a truck bed’s size and which is best for you, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Read on to learn about the truck bed sizes offered in today’s market.

Standard short bed trucks

The term “standard-sized truck bed” is a bit misleading. There are actually two standard-sized bed: a standard short bed and a standard long bed.

The standard short bed is what most truck manufacturers mean when they mention a standard bed size. This size is one of the most common types of truck beds found today. A compact standard short bed is usually around five feet long and a full-size standard short bed is about 6.5 feet long.

The 2019 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD comes with a standard short bed. This is one of the most popular sizes because it provides plenty of space for large cargo, while not being too long to make parking and maneuvering difficult.

Standard long bed trucks

A standard long bed is just a little bit longer than a standard short bed. The former is usually called simply a “long bed.” Compact long beds are usually around seven feet long and full-sized long beds are around eight feet long.

The long bed is the most popular option for those who plan to use their trucks primarily for work purposes. You can usually find a long bed truck on a farm or at a construction site because they offer plenty of cargo room. The long bed is also ideal for people who want to haul a camper or trailer.

The new 2020 Ford F-150 XL 4 x 4 features a long bed truck that features 77.4 cubic feet of cargo area, which is more than enough space to carry medium-sized equipment and other large cargo.

Extra short bed trucks

The extra-short bed often gets confused with the standard short bed. This is because a lot of truck manufacturers refer to this size of bed as the “short bed.” The extra-short bed is about 5.5 feet long.

With this length, drivers can still haul a good amount of cargo. And some drivers believe short bed trucks have better handling than other sizes. The 2019 Nissan Titan S offers an extra-short bed and is perfect for people who want a versatile truck that’s agile and sporty.

How to choose the right truck bed size

All bed sizes come with pros and cons. Having a truck bed that’s too big can cause your unsecured payload to shift, which could damage the bed. However, having a bed that’s too small can cause problems if you plan to haul large payloads. Obviously, you wouldn’t want to run the risk of having cargo fall out.

Deciding which size is best for you depends on what you use your truck for. If you want a fast, sporty truck, then the extra short bed may be right for you. However, if you want to use your truck for work or recreational use, then you may want to opt for the long bed or standard short bed.