Ram 1500 Bed Width: Sizes, Dimensions & Cargo Space Guide

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If you’ve been wondering about the Ram 1500 bed width and whether it will actually fit your gear, tools, or weekend toys, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about ram truck bed sizes, from the exact interior dimensions to how those numbers translate into real-world cargo capacity.

Whether you’re hauling lumber to a job site, loading up an ATV for a weekend adventure, or just need room for the family camping gear, understanding the Ram 1500 bed dimensions is the first step toward making the right purchase decision.

Quick Answer: Ram 1500 Bed Width & Key Dimensions

Most modern Ram 1500 beds measure approximately 66.4 inches wide on the interior, measured between the inner bed walls. However, the width between the wheel wells, the measurement that matters most for flat cargo, is narrower, typically around 51 inches.

Here’s a quick comparison of the two bed sizes available on current Ram 1500 models:

Specification

Short Bed (5’7”)

Standard Bed (6’4”)

Interior Length

67.4 inches

76.3 inches

Interior Width

66.4 inches

66.4 inches

Width Between Wheel Wells

~51 inches

~51 inches

Bed Depth

21.5 inches

21.5 inches

Cargo Volume

53.9 cubic feet

61.5 cubic feet

When dealers or manufacturers reference “Ram 1500 bed width,” they’re typically referring to the inside width at the top of the bed walls, not the full exterior truck width. This distinction matters when you’re planning what will actually fit.

These dimensions remain consistent across recent model years, so if you’re shopping for a 2024 Ram 1500 or 2025 Ram 1500, the bed width numbers above apply. Knowing the exact width helps you plan for sheet goods like plywood, ATVs, side-by-sides, and aftermarket bed accessories before you make your purchase.

Ram 1500 Bed Size Options (2024–2025 Overview)

The modern Ram offers two primary bed lengths but essentially one standard bed width across the lineup. This simplifies accessory shopping while giving you flexibility in overall truck length.

Available bed configurations for 2024–2025 Ram 1500:

  • 5 foot 7 inch bed (Short Bed): Interior length of approximately 67.4 inches, 66.4 inches interior width, cargo volume of 53.9 cubic feet

  • 6 foot 4 inch bed (Standard Bed): Interior length of approximately 76.3 inches, 66.4 inches interior width, cargo volume of 61.5 cubic feet

Both bed lengths share the same interior bed width, around 66.4 inches. So when you’re choosing between RAM truck bed sizes, you’re really deciding on cargo length and overall vehicle footprint, not width.

An 8 foot bed (long bed) does appear on Ram 1500 Classic models and certain fleet or work configurations. The width remains similar, but the truck’s overall length increases significantly, which affects parking and maneuverability.

This consistency in width across bed lengths is good news for anyone shopping for tonneau covers, bed racks, or cargo management systems. Most aftermarket manufacturers design around that 66-inch interior width standard.

Interior Bed Width vs. Exterior Truck Width

Interior bed width and exterior truck width are two completely different measurements that serve different purposes. Understanding both helps you avoid surprises at the dealership, or in your garage.

Interior bed width (approximately 66.4 inches) is what matters for cargo fit. This is the space between the inner bed walls where your gear, materials, and equipment actually sit.

Overall exterior width (typically 82–88 inches with mirrors, depending on configuration) is what matters for parking, garage clearance, and navigating tight spaces. This full size pickup dimension determines whether the vehicle fits in your driveway or between the parking structure pillars.

The most critical measurement for many drivers is the width between wheel wells, approximately 51 inches on the Ram 1500. This narrower floor width determines whether you can lay 4x8 sheets completely flat or load very wide recreational vehicles at floor level.

Where each measurement is taken:

  • Sidewall-to-sidewall: Measured at the top of the bed walls, above the wheel housings (66.4 inches)

  • Wheel-well-to-wheel-well: Measured at floor level between the inward bulges of the rear wheel housings (~51 inches)

  • Exterior width: Measured across the widest point of the body, typically including fender flares

Keep in mind that bed liners, RamBox storage, and aftermarket rail caps can reduce usable interior width by up to an inch or more. If you’re working with tight tolerances for cargo, measure after adding accessories.

Cab Configurations & How They Affect Bed Length (Not Width)

Choosing between Quad Cab and Crew Cab changes your bed length options and rear legroom, but basic bed width stays the same regardless of cab style.

Typical cab and bed pairings on modern Ram 1500:

Cab Style

Available Bed Lengths

Rear Legroom

Best For

Quad Cab

6 foot 4 inch only

Less space

Balanced cargo/passenger needs

Crew Cab

5’7” or 6’4”

More space for up to six passengers

Families, crews, longer trips

The Quad Cab pairs exclusively with the 6’4” standard bed on current Ram 1500 models. This gives you maximum cargo length but somewhat less rear legroom for passengers.

The Crew Cab offers versatile configurations; you can choose either the shorter bed (5’7”) for a more maneuverable truck or the standard 6’4” bed if you need extra cargo length. The crew configuration provides significantly more room for passengers, making it popular with family buyers.

Since interior bed width remains consistent at about 66.4 inches across all cab styles, shopping for tonneau covers and bed racks is straightforward. You’re essentially choosing the same width regardless of your cab choice.

For context, Ram 1500 Classic and heavy duty models like the Ram 2500 and 3500 follow similar cab/bed pairing logic. Those vehicles are covered briefly later in this guide for buyers exploring the full Ram lineup.

Ram 1500 Bed Width for Common Cargo (Plywood, ATVs, Tools)

Buyers often ask about Ram 1500 bed width specifically because they need to know what will physically fit. Here’s how the dimensions translate to common cargo scenarios.

Plywood and Sheet Goods

Standard 4x8 sheets (plywood, drywall, OSB) are 48 inches wide and 96 inches long. The good news: 48-inch-wide sheets fit between the wheel wells with room to spare, since that space measures approximately 51 inches.

For length, you’ll need the tailgate down. The shorter bed (67.4 inches) plus an open tailgate provides enough length for standard 8-foot sheets. Many drivers secure sheets with the front resting on the bed floor and the rear extending over the lowered tailgate.

ATVs and Side-by-Sides

Most standard ATVs range from 42 to 48 inches wide and fit comfortably between the wheel wells. Larger sport UTVs can exceed 60 inches in width, which means they’ll need to ride on top of the wheel wells rather than between them.

If you regularly haul a wide side-by-side, measure your vehicle’s track width before assuming it fits flat on the bed floor. The 66.4-inch wall-to-wall width accommodates many machines, but the ~51-inch floor width between wheel wells is the limiting factor.

Toolboxes and Storage Systems

Most aftermarket toolboxes, bed slides, and cargo management systems are designed around the Ram’s typical 66-inch interior width. Standard crossover toolboxes fit snugly between the bed walls, and many slide-out systems are manufactured specifically for the ram truck bed dimensions.

Real-world examples:

  • Standard riding lawn mower (typically 44-48 inches wide): Fits between wheel wells

  • Job-site table saw: Fits easily with room for additional materials

  • Camping gear for a family of four: Plenty of space in either bed length

  • Two dirt bikes: Side-by-side placement works with proper tie-downs

Ram 1500 Bed Width by Model Year (2019–2025)

The 2019 model year introduced the current-generation Ram 1500 (DT platform), and bed width has remained largely consistent through 2025. This makes accessory shopping and cargo planning straightforward across a diverse range of model years.

2019–2021 Ram 1500:

  • Interior bed width: ~66.4 inches

  • Same 5’7” and 6’4” bed options

  • Introduced updated bed features including LED lighting and improved tie-downs

2022–2025 Ram 1500:

  • Interior bed width: ~66.4 inches (unchanged)

  • Same bed dimensions with some trim level and feature updates

  • Continued refinement of RamBox and cargo management options

Ram 1500 Classic:

The Ram 1500 Classic continued alongside the new ram truck on a more traditional platform. Classic models maintained similar bed width dimensions (close to 66 inches interior) but featured different overall body styling and cab configurations, including Regular Cab options with 6’4” and 8’ beds.

For used truck shoppers: Verify exact specs in the owner’s manual or window sticker, as wheel-to-wheel width and cargo volume can differ slightly based on factory-installed bed liners and options.

Bottom line for accessory shopping: For most tonneau covers, bed racks, and cargo systems, 2019–2025 Ram 1500 standard bed width is treated as interchangeable. Products designed for one model year typically fit across the entire DT-generation lineup.

Ram 1500 Bed Width vs. Ram 2500 & 3500

Ram heavy duty models (2500 and 3500) offer longer bed options with very similar interior width to the Ram 1500. The key differences lie in frame height, payload capacity, and towing capacity, not bed width.

Model

Bed Length Options

Approximate Interior Width

Primary Use

Ram 1500

5’7”, 6’4”

66.4 inches

Light-duty hauling, daily driving

Ram 2500

6’4”, 8’

~66 inches

Heavy hauling, serious towing

Ram 3500

6’4”, 8’

~66 inches

Maximum payload and towing

The width similarity across the lineup means cargo that fits side-to-side in a Ram 1500 bed will generally fit in a Ram 2500 or 3500. However, the heavy duty models feature higher bed rails and different frame heights, which affects how you load equipment.

If you’re deciding between a Ram 1500 and the heavy duty models, the choice typically comes down to capacity and towing requirements rather than bed width. Someone who needs to haul 5,000+ pounds regularly or tow heavy trailers will benefit from the 2500 or 3500, but they won’t gain significant interior bed width.

Important note on accessories: Tonneau covers and bed caps designed around bed width are not directly interchangeable between Ram 1500 and Ram 2500/3500. Different bed and tailgate shapes require model-specific accessories, even though interior widths are similar.

Bed Features That Influence Usable Width (RamBox, Liners, Racks)

Factory and aftermarket bed features can reduce effective interior width even though official specs remain unchanged. If you’re planning to carry very wide cargo, consider how these additions affect your usable space.

RamBox Side Storage

RamBox transforms the space inside the bed walls into lockable, illuminated storage compartments. It’s excellent for organizing gear and securing valuables, but the inner bed walls are reshaped inward to accommodate the storage bins.

This narrows the main cargo zone, which can matter for:

  • Very wide ATVs or side-by-sides

  • Oversized toolboxes

  • Custom cargo platforms

If hauling maximum-width cargo is your priority, consider skipping RamBox to preserve every inch of bed width.

Spray-In vs. Drop-In Bed Liners

  • Spray-in liners (like Line-X or Mopar spray-in) add approximately 0.25–0.5 inches per side, minimally affecting interior dimensions

  • Drop-in liners feature formed ribs and raised edges that can reduce usable width more noticeably

For buyers on the margin, fitting a specific toolbox or cargo slide, the liner choice matters.

Bed Racks and Rail Caps

Certain bed rack systems and rail caps affect how wide flat items can sit above the wheel wells. If you plan to carry plywood or sheet goods resting on top of the wheel housings, check that your rack system doesn’t interfere with that loading method.

Practical tip: Measure again after adding a liner, RamBox, or any accessories before ordering a custom toolbox or slide-out tray. The difference of an inch can mean the difference between a perfect fit and a frustrating return.

How to Measure Your Ram 1500 Bed Width Accurately

Real-world measurements sometimes differ from spec-sheet numbers due to factory variations, installed accessories, or measurement methodology. Here’s how to get accurate dimensions.

Step-by-step measurement process:

  1. Measure inside width at the top rails: Place your tape measure across the widest point between the inner bed walls, near the top of the bed. This should be close to 66.4 inches on a standard Ram 1500 bed.

  2. Measure between wheel wells: Drop to floor level and measure the narrowest point between the wheel housings. This is your usable flat cargo width, typically around 51 inches.

  3. Confirm bed depth: Measure from the bed floor to the top of the side rails. Standard depth is approximately 21.5 inches.

  4. Measure length: With the tailgate closed, measure from the front bed wall to the inside of the tailgate.

If your truck has RamBox, a bed liner, or aftermarket panels:

Measure again after installation. These features can change usable bed width by up to an inch or more, which affects:

  • Toolbox fitment

  • Cargo slide compatibility

  • Camper shell or cap sizing

  • Custom platform builds for camping or work

Why accurate measurements matter: Ordering the wrong size tonneau cover, camper shell, or cargo slide creates hassle and return shipping costs. Spend five minutes with a tape measure before spending hundreds on accessories.

Choosing the Right Ram 1500 Bed Width & Length for Your Needs

While bed width is essentially fixed at 66.4 inches across the Ram 1500 lineup, combining it with the right bed length is key for matching your work requirements, recreation habits, or family needs.

Guidance by use case:

  • Daily driving and city parking: The 5’7” shorter bed on a Crew Cab keeps overall vehicle length manageable while still providing solid cargo space

  • Mixed family and work use: Crew Cab with either 5’7” or 6’4” bed offers room for passengers plus flexibility for weekend projects

  • Frequent hauling of lumber, equipment, or materials: The 6 foot 4 inch bed provides extra length; consider the 8’ bed on Classic or work configurations if maximum cargo length is essential

  • Recreational vehicles (ATVs, motorcycles): Either bed length works; focus on between-wheel-well width for your specific machine

  • Job site requirements: Match bed length to typical load (pipe, lumber, equipment); width is consistent either way

Both bed lengths share the same approximate 66.4-inch interior width, so your decision is mainly about cargo length and overall truck footprint, not how much fits side-to-side.

Before you visit the dealership:

Bring measurements of your most common cargo, trailer tongue dimensions, ATV width, toolbox specs, or typical lumber lengths. This lets you compare how items fit in each bed configuration during your test drive.

The sales team at any Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealer can help you explore the available trim levels and engine options, but knowing your specific cargo dimensions beforehand makes the conversation more productive.

Final recommendation: If possible, test-load or visually mock up your larger items at the dealership. Seeing how your gear fits in the actual bed, rather than trusting spec sheets alone, confirms that the Ram 1500 bed width and length will support your real-world needs.

Key Takeaways

  • The Ram 1500 bed width is approximately 66.4 inches between the interior walls, consistent across both 5’7” and 6’4” bed lengths

  • Width between wheel wells (~51 inches) is the critical dimension for flat cargo like 4x8 plywood sheets

  • Quad Cab and Crew Cab configurations affect bed length options but not basic width

  • RamBox, bed liners, and aftermarket accessories can reduce usable interior width slightly

  • Bed width is similar across Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 models, while capacity and towing drive the choice between them

  • 2019–2025 Ram 1500 models share consistent bed dimensions, simplifying accessory compatibility

Next Steps: Making the Most of Your Ram 1500 Bed

Understanding Ram 1500 bed width helps you make confident decisions about which configuration fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re a contractor who needs to load job site materials, an outdoor enthusiast hauling recreational gear, or a person juggling family duties with weekend projects, the Ram 1500’s cargo space delivers versatility.

If you’re ready to explore the new Ram truck lineup in detail, we hope this guide gives you the foundation to ask the right questions. Schedule a test drive at your local dealership to see how the dimensions translate to your actual cargo. Contact the service team if you have questions about accessory installation or bed liner options that might affect your usable width.

The right Ram 1500 bed configuration is out there; now you have the details to find it.

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