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Ford F-150 5.5 Vs. 6.5 Bed: When Size Truly Matters

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • If you need a truck that’s easy to maneuver and park, and you don’t need to haul a lot of cargo, then the 5.
  • If you need a truck that can haul a lot of cargo, or you want a truck that’s more versatile, then the 6.

The Ford F150 is one of the most popular trucks on the market, and for good reason. It’s a versatile truck that can be used for work, play, or anything in between. One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when buying an F150 is choosing between a 5.5-foot bed and a 6.5-foot bed.

5.5-Foot Bed

The 5.5-foot bed is the standard bed length on the F150. It’s a good choice for people who need a truck that’s easy to maneuver and park. It’s also a good choice for people who don’t need to haul a lot of cargo.

Pros:

  • Easier to maneuver and park: The 5.5-foot bed is shorter than the 6.5-foot bed, making it easier to maneuver and park in tight spaces.
  • Better fuel economy: The 5.5-foot bed is lighter than the 6.5-foot bed, which can lead to better fuel economy.
  • Lower price: The 5.5-foot bed is typically less expensive than the 6.5-foot bed.

Cons:

  • Less cargo space: The 5.5-foot bed has less cargo space than the 6.5-foot bed.
  • Not ideal for hauling large items: The 5.5-foot bed may not be long enough for hauling large items, such as furniture or appliances.

6.5-Foot Bed

The 6.5-foot bed is a good choice for people who need a truck that can haul a lot of cargo. It’s also a good choice for people who want a truck that’s more versatile.

Pros:

  • More cargo space: The 6.5-foot bed has more cargo space than the 5.5-foot bed.
  • Better for hauling large items: The 6.5-foot bed is long enough for hauling large items, such as furniture or appliances.
  • More versatile: The 6.5-foot bed can be used for a wider variety of tasks than the 5.5-foot bed.

Cons:

  • Harder to maneuver and park: The 6.5-foot bed is longer than the 5.5-foot bed, making it harder to maneuver and park in tight spaces.
  • Worse fuel economy: The 6.5-foot bed is heavier than the 5.5-foot bed, which can lead to worse fuel economy.
  • Higher price: The 6.5-foot bed is typically more expensive than the 5.5-foot bed.

Which Bed Length is Right for You?

The best bed length for you depends on your needs and preferences. If you need a truck that’s easy to maneuver and park, and you don’t need to haul a lot of cargo, then the 5.5-foot bed is a good choice. If you need a truck that can haul a lot of cargo, or you want a truck that’s more versatile, then the 6.5-foot bed is a good choice.

Other Factors to Consider

In addition to the bed length, there are a few other factors you should consider when choosing an F150:

  • Engine: The F150 is available with a variety of engines, including a V6, a V8, and a diesel engine. The engine you choose will depend on your needs and budget.
  • Trim level: The F150 is available in a variety of trim levels, from the base XL to the luxurious Platinum. The trim level you choose will determine the features and amenities that are included in your truck.
  • Cab size: The F150 is available with three cab sizes: Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew. The cab size you choose will depend on how many people you need to seat.

Test Drive Both Bed Lengths

The best way to decide which bed length is right for you is to test drive both the 5.5-foot bed and the 6.5-foot bed. This will give you a chance to see how each bed length fits your needs and preferences.

The Verdict: Ford F150 5.5 vs 6.5 Bed

The Ford F150 is a great truck, and both the 5.5-foot bed and the 6.5-foot bed have their own advantages and disadvantages. The best bed length for you depends on your needs and preferences. If you need a truck that’s easy to maneuver and park, and you don’t need to haul a lot of cargo, then the 5.5-foot bed is a good choice. If you need a truck that can haul a lot of cargo, or you want a truck that’s more versatile, then the 6.5-foot bed is a good choice.

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

Ultimately, the decision between the Ford F150 5.5-foot bed and the 6.5-foot bed is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. By carefully considering the factors discussed in this blog post, you can make an informed decision that you’ll be happy with for years to come.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between the 5.5-foot bed and the 6.5-foot bed on the Ford F150?

The 5.5-foot bed is shorter than the 6.5-foot bed, making it easier to maneuver and park. The 6.5-foot bed has more cargo space and is better for hauling large items.

2. Which bed length is right for me?

The best bed length for you depends on your needs and preferences. If you need a truck that’s easy to maneuver and park, and you don’t need to haul a lot of cargo, then the 5.5-foot bed is a good choice. If you need a truck that can haul a lot of cargo, or you want a truck that’s more versatile, then the 6.5-foot bed is a good choice.

3. What other factors should I consider when choosing an F150?

In addition to the bed length, you should also consider the engine, trim level, and cab size. The engine you choose will depend on your needs and budget. The trim level you choose will determine the features and amenities that are included in your truck. The cab size you choose will depend on how many people you need to seat.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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