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The Battle Of The Beds: Ford F150 Long Bed Vs Short Bed – Which Wins?

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

  • When it comes to choosing a pickup truck, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether you want a long bed or a short bed.
  • The main difference between a long bed and a short bed is the length of the truck bed.
  • Ultimately, the best way to decide which Ford F150 is right for you is to test drive both a long bed and a short bed model.

When it comes to choosing a pickup truck, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether you want a long bed or a short bed. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to weigh your options carefully before making a decision.

What’s the Difference Between a Long Bed and a Short Bed?

The main difference between a long bed and a short bed is the length of the truck bed. A long bed typically measures between 8 and 8.5 feet long, while a short bed typically measures between 5.5 and 6.5 feet long.

Which One is Right for Me?

The best way to decide which bed length is right for you is to consider how you plan on using your truck. If you need to haul large items, such as lumber, plywood, or furniture, then a long bed will be a better choice. However, if you don’t need to haul large items very often, then a short bed will be more maneuverable and easier to park.

Advantages of a Long Bed

  • More cargo space
  • Can accommodate larger items
  • Ideal for hauling lumber, plywood, and furniture
  • More stable when towing a trailer

Disadvantages of a Long Bed

  • Longer wheelbase makes it less maneuverable
  • Harder to park in tight spaces
  • Reduced fuel economy

Advantages of a Short Bed

  • Shorter wheelbase makes it more maneuverable
  • Easier to park in tight spaces
  • Better fuel economy

Disadvantages of a Short Bed

  • Less cargo space
  • Can’t accommodate larger items
  • Not as ideal for hauling lumber, plywood, and furniture
  • Less stable when towing a trailer

Other Factors to Consider

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

  • Cab size: The Ford F150 is available with three different cab sizes: Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew. The Regular Cab has two doors and seats three people. The SuperCab has four doors and seats five people. The SuperCrew has four doors and seats six people.
  • Engine: The Ford F150 is available with a variety of engines, including a V6, a turbocharged V6, and a V8. The V6 engines are more fuel-efficient, while the V8 engines offer more power.
  • Trim level: The Ford F150 is available in a variety of trim levels, from the base XL to the top-of-the-line Limited. Each trim level offers different features and options.

Making the Final Decision

Ultimately, the best way to decide which Ford F150 is right for you is to test drive both a long bed and a short bed model. This will give you a chance to experience the difference in handling and maneuverability, and to see how much cargo space you really need.

The Final Word: Which One is Better?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether a long bed or a short bed is better. The best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you need to haul large items on a regular basis, then a long bed will be the better choice. However, if you don’t need to haul large items very often, then a short bed will be more maneuverable and easier to park.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. What is the difference between a long bed and a short bed Ford F150?

A long bed Ford F150 typically measures between 8 and 8.5 feet long, while a short bed Ford F150 typically measures between 5.5 and 6.5 feet long.

2. Which one is better, a long bed or a short bed Ford F150?

The best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you need to haul large items on a regular basis, then a long bed will be the better choice. However, if you don’t need to haul large items very often, then a short bed will be more maneuverable and easier to park.

3. How much cargo space does a long bed and a short bed Ford F150 have?

A long bed Ford F150 has approximately 78 cubic feet of cargo space, while a short bed Ford F150 has approximately 53 cubic feet of cargo space.

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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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