Ford F150 Bed Sizes: Complete Guide to Truck Bed Dimensions and Options
The Ford F-150 remains America’s best-selling pickup truck, largely due to its versatility in accommodating different cargo needs through three distinct bed size options. Whether you’re hauling tools for weekend adventures, managing equipment at a job site, or simply need a reliable vehicle for everyday driving, understanding the f150 size of bed configurations available can help you make the right choice for your specific requirements.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Ford F-150 truck bed sizes, from exact dimensions and cargo box volume to compatibility with different cab styles. We’ll explore how each bed size performs in real-world scenarios and help you determine which configuration offers the right balance for your needs.
Ford F-150 Bed Size Options
The Ford F-150 offers three bed sizes to accommodate various needs and preferences: the 5.5-foot short bed, 6.5-foot standard bed, and 8-foot long bed. These different bed sizes work in combination with the truck’s three cab styles - Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew - though not every bed option pairs with every cab configuration.
All Ford F-150 beds share the same width of 50.6 inches between the wheel wells, ensuring consistent cargo compatibility across the lineup. However, the bed lengths and overall cargo volume vary significantly, ranging from 52.8 cubic feet in the shortest configuration to 77.4 cubic feet in the longest setup.
The bed construction utilizes high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy across all sizes, providing exceptional durability while reducing weight compared to traditional steel beds. This material choice enhances the truck’s payload capacity, which can reach up to 2,440 pounds when properly equipped, while also improving fuel efficiency and towing performance.
Detailed F-150 Bed Dimensions and Specifications
Understanding the exact measurements of each Ford F-150 bed helps determine what cargo you can realistically haul and how different configurations might impact your daily use. The table below provides comprehensive dimensions for all three bed options:
|
Bed Size |
Length |
Width |
Depth |
Cargo Box Volume |
Compatible Cab Styles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5.5-foot |
67.1 inches |
50.6 inches |
21.4 inches |
52.8 cubic feet |
SuperCrew only |
|
6.5-foot |
78.9 inches |
50.6 inches |
21.4 inches |
62.3 cubic feet |
Regular, SuperCab, SuperCrew |
|
8-foot |
97.6 inches |
50.6 inches |
21.4 inches |
77.4 cubic feet |
Regular Cab only |
The consistent bed width of 50.6 inches across all configurations means that standard pallets, tool boxes, and other equipment designed for pickup trucks will fit properly regardless of which bed length you choose. The uniform depth of 21.4 inches provides adequate space for most cargo while maintaining reasonable loading height.
5.5-Foot Short Bed (SuperCrew Only)
The 5.5-foot bed measures exactly 67.1 inches in length, 50.6 inches in width, and 21.4 inches in depth, providing a cargo box volume of 52.8 cubic feet. This short bed configuration is available exclusively with the SuperCrew Cab, making it ideal for buyers who prioritize passenger space while still needing practical cargo capacity.
Despite being the smallest option, the 5.5 foot bed handles most everyday hauling tasks effectively. You can transport furniture pieces up to 67 inches long, weekend camping gear, groceries, and typical tools and equipment. The shorter overall length makes this configuration excellent for urban driving and parking in tighter spaces.
Maximum payload capacity reaches up to 2,225 pounds with certain engine configurations, while towing capacity can exceed 11,000 pounds when properly equipped. The SuperCrew model with the 5.5 foot bed offers seating for up to six passengers, depending on the specific configuration and features selected.
6.5-Foot Standard Bed
The 6.5 foot bed provides dimensions of 78.9 inches in length, 50.6 inches in width, and 21.4 inches in depth, resulting in a cargo box volume of 62.3 cubic feet. This standard bed size represents the sweet spot for many F-150 buyers, offering the best balance between cargo capacity and overall vehicle maneuverability.
This bed size accommodates longer items that won’t fit in the short bed, including full-size mattresses (with some overhang), plywood sheets (though not laying completely flat), and recreational equipment like canoes or lumber for home projects. The additional 11.8 inches of length compared to the short bed significantly expands cargo possibilities.
The 6.5 foot bed is compatible with all three cab styles, making it the most versatile option in the F-150 lineup. Maximum payload capacity reaches up to 2,195 pounds, while properly equipped configurations can achieve towing capacity of up to 13,500 pounds with the SuperCrew 4WD and 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine combination.
8-Foot Long Bed (Regular Cab Only)
The 8-foot bed offers maximum cargo capacity with dimensions of 97.6 inches in length, 50.6 inches in width, and 21.4 inches in depth, providing 77.4 cubic feet of cargo box volume. This longest bed option is available exclusively with the Regular Cab configuration and primarily the XL trim level, targeting work truck applications and heavy-duty hauling needs.
The 8-foot bed excels at carrying full-size construction materials, including 4x8-foot plywood sheets laying completely flat, drywall, long lumber, and large equipment. This makes it the preferred choice for contractors, landscapers, and other professionals who regularly transport oversized cargo.
When properly equipped, the Regular Cab with 8-foot bed achieves the highest payload capacity in the F-150 lineup at 2,440 pounds. This configuration prioritizes cargo and work capability over passenger comfort, with seating for three occupants maximum.
Bed Size Compatibility with Cab Configurations
Understanding which bed sizes work with different cab styles is crucial for selecting the right F-150 configuration. The Ford truck bed sizes available depend entirely on your chosen cab option, as the manufacturer designs specific combinations to optimize vehicle proportions and functionality.
Regular Cab models accommodate either the 6.5-foot or 8-foot bed, providing maximum cargo space while maintaining a more compact cabin for up to three passengers. This configuration appeals to work truck buyers who prioritize cargo capacity and cost-effectiveness.
SuperCab models, which feature extended cab space with rear seating for up to six total occupants, pair exclusively with the 6.5-foot bed. This combination offers a good compromise between passenger space and cargo capacity for small families or work crews.
The SuperCrew Cab, featuring four full-size doors and the most passenger space (seating 5-6), is available with either the 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot bed. No cab configuration offers all three bed sizes, so your passenger needs will partly determine your cargo options.
What Can You Fit in Each F-150 Bed Size
Real-world cargo capacity varies significantly between the three bed options, affecting what you can transport without requiring a trailer or multiple trips. Understanding these practical limitations helps determine which bed size meets your specific hauling needs.
The 5.5 foot bed handles most household and recreational items effectively, including furniture pieces up to 67 inches long, appliances, weekend gear for camping or sporting events, and standard tool collections. You can fit standard pallets, though positioning requires careful placement, and most items needed for weekend adventures or light work applications.
The 6.5 foot bed expands your capability to include full-size mattresses (with tailgate down and some overhang), longer lumber for home projects, recreational equipment like kayaks or surfboards, and larger tools and equipment. While 4x8-foot plywood sheets won’t lay completely flat, they fit with the tailgate down and minimal overhang.
The 8-foot bed accommodates the largest cargo, including 4x8-foot plywood sheets laying completely flat, full sheets of drywall without overhang, long lumber up to 16 feet (with proper flagging), construction materials, and large equipment. This bed size handles virtually any cargo that fits within legal width and height restrictions.
F-150 Bed Features and Construction
Modern Ford F-150 beds incorporate advanced features and construction techniques that enhance functionality across all bed sizes. The military-grade aluminum alloy construction provides superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to traditional steel, reducing overall vehicle weight while maintaining durability and corrosion resistance.
The BoxLink tie-down system offers configurable mounting points throughout the bed, allowing flexible cargo management regardless of bed size. This system accommodates various accessories and provides multiple anchoring points for securing loads safely during transport.
Available LED bed lighting improves visibility during loading and unloading operations, particularly valuable for work applications or nighttime use. The lighting system integrates seamlessly with the truck’s electrical system and provides bright, even illumination throughout the cargo box.
The optional Pro Power Onboard system transforms your F-150 bed into a mobile generator, providing up to 7.2 kilowatts of power for tools, equipment, or recreational devices. This feature proves particularly valuable for work sites without electrical access or during weekend adventures requiring power for camping equipment.
Additional bed features include available spray-in bedliners for enhanced durability, integrated tailgate steps with lift assist for easier access, remote tailgate release operation, and deployable box side steps. These features improve usability and convenience across various applications and environments.
F-150 Bed Sizes by Model Year
Ford has maintained consistent bed dimensions and options across recent model years, with refinements focusing on features and technology rather than fundamental size changes. Understanding these continuities helps when shopping for new or used vehicles.
The 2024 Ford F-150 maintains the same three bed options established in recent years, with updated technology integration and enhanced cargo management features. All bed sizes continue using aluminum construction with the same exterior dimensions and cargo volume specifications.
The 2023 Ford F-150 offered identical bed configurations with payload capacities up to 3,250 pounds when properly equipped. This model year introduced refined Pro Power Onboard options and enhanced BoxLink accessories for improved cargo management across all bed sizes.
2022 and 2021 model years featured the same fundamental bed specifications, with maximum payload reaching up to 3,270 pounds in optimally configured models. These years saw continued development of bed features and accessories while maintaining consistent dimensions.
The 2020 Ford F-150 established the current bed size framework that continues today, representing a stable platform for buyers seeking consistent specifications across model years. This consistency simplifies the selection process and ensures parts and accessories remain compatible.
Choosing the Right F-150 Bed Size
Selecting the appropriate bed size requires honest assessment of your primary use cases, typical cargo requirements, and daily driving needs. Consider how you’ll use the truck most frequently rather than occasional maximum capacity requirements that might be better served by trailer use.
For daily driving with occasional cargo needs, the 5.5 foot bed in a SuperCrew configuration provides excellent passenger comfort while handling most household and recreational hauling tasks. This combination works well for suburban families who need truck capability but prioritize comfort and maneuverability.
Work applications requiring regular cargo transport benefit from the 6.5 foot bed, which accommodates longer materials while maintaining reasonable overall vehicle length. This size works well for contractors, landscapers, and other professionals who need substantial cargo space but also require passenger seating.
Heavy-duty work applications demanding maximum cargo capacity point toward the 8-foot bed with Regular Cab configuration. This setup provides the highest payload and can accommodate the largest cargo items, though at the expense of passenger space and overall maneuverability.
Consider your typical parking and storage situations when evaluating bed sizes. Longer configurations may present challenges in urban environments, parking garages, or residential driveways, while shorter setups offer greater flexibility in these scenarios.
Factor in both payload and towing requirements for your intended applications. Different engine and cab combinations affect these capacities, so proper equipment selection ensures your chosen configuration meets all performance requirements without compromising safety or capability.
The right bed size balances cargo needs with passenger requirements, daily usability, and long-term versatility. Take a test drive of different configurations to experience how bed size affects the overall driving experience and determine which option provides the best fit for your specific needs and preferences.
Consider visiting your local Ford dealership to see these different sizes in person and discuss which configuration best matches your requirements. The sales team can help you explore various options, arrange test drives, and provide information about current incentives and financing options.
Whether you choose the compact efficiency of the 5.5-foot bed, the balanced capability of the 6.5-foot bed, or the maximum capacity of the 8-foot bed, the Ford F-150 offers proven versatility and reliability for a wide range of applications and lifestyles.
