Understanding the dimensions of your pickup truck bed is crucial, especially if you frequently haul materials. The space between the wheel wells, often called the “width between the arches,” is a particularly important measurement that significantly impacts what you can carry. This article delves into the specifics of this dimension across various truck models, explaining its importance, variations, and factors that influence it.
The Significance of Bed Width Between Wheel Wells
The width between the wheel wells directly impacts the cargo capacity of your truck bed. This dimension dictates whether you can fit standard building materials like drywall, plywood, or pallets flat on the bed floor. If the width is insufficient, you’ll need to load these materials at an angle or on top of the wheel wells, potentially reducing the overall cargo you can safely transport.
Beyond practicality, knowing this measurement also aids in securing cargo effectively. Understanding the available space allows you to choose appropriate tie-down points and secure straps, ensuring your load doesn’t shift during transit. It also helps when designing or purchasing bed accessories like toolboxes or storage systems.
Finally, this dimension plays a role in the overall versatility of the truck. A wider bed between the wheel wells offers more flexibility in hauling various items, making the truck more adaptable to different needs, whether for work or recreational activities.
Factors Influencing Wheel Well Width
Several factors contribute to the variation in width between the wheel wells across different pickup truck models. These include:
Truck Class
Pickup trucks are generally classified into categories such as compact, mid-size, and full-size. Full-size trucks typically have the widest beds between the wheel wells, often accommodating standard 4×8 sheets of plywood or drywall flat on the floor. Mid-size trucks offer a smaller width, which may require materials to be loaded at an angle or on top of the wheel wells. Compact trucks, the smallest of the group, generally have the narrowest bed widths.
Truck Manufacturer and Model
Each truck manufacturer, such as Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Ram, Toyota, and Nissan, designs its truck beds with unique dimensions. Even within a single manufacturer, different models like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, or Ram 1500 will have variations in the width between the wheel wells. These variations can stem from design choices related to the truck’s overall dimensions, payload capacity, and target market.
Bed Length
While the bed length primarily affects the overall volume of cargo, it can indirectly impact the wheel well placement and thus the width between them. Longer beds might offer more room to maneuver around the wheel wells, potentially allowing for a slightly wider space between them, but this isn’t always the case.
Model Year
Manufacturers often make design changes from year to year. It’s vital to know that the width between the wheel wells can change between model years, even within the same truck model. Therefore, relying on general information might not be accurate. Always confirm the measurements for the specific year of your truck.
Drivetrain (4×4 vs. 4×2)
Although less common, the drivetrain configuration can, in some instances, influence the truck bed design and potentially the wheel well placement. For example, a 4×4 model may have slightly different suspension components that could impact the overall bed design compared to a 4×2 model. However, this is not a universal rule and varies by manufacturer and model.
Common Wheel Well Widths by Truck Class
While specific measurements vary, we can provide general ranges for the width between the wheel wells for different truck classes:
Full-Size Trucks
Full-size trucks like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500, GMC Sierra, and Toyota Tundra typically have a bed width between the wheel wells of approximately 48 to 51 inches. This width often allows for standard 4×8 sheets of plywood or drywall to be loaded flat on the bed floor.
Mid-Size Trucks
Mid-size trucks, such as the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Canyon, generally have a narrower width between the wheel wells, typically ranging from 41 to 45 inches. This narrower width usually requires materials to be loaded at an angle or on top of the wheel wells.
Compact Trucks
Compact trucks, which are less common today, generally have the narrowest beds. The width between the wheel wells in these trucks is typically under 40 inches, making it challenging to haul larger items.
Measuring the Width Between Your Truck’s Wheel Wells
Accurately measuring the width between your truck’s wheel wells is crucial to ensure you have the correct dimensions for your specific vehicle. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Gather your tools: You will need a measuring tape (preferably a long one, at least 12 feet) and a notepad and pen or a digital device to record the measurements.
- Prepare the truck bed: Ensure the truck bed is empty and clean. Remove any debris or obstructions that might interfere with accurate measurement.
- Locate the narrowest point: The narrowest point between the wheel wells is usually at the rear of the bed, closest to the tailgate.
- Measure the distance: Place one end of the measuring tape against the inside of one wheel well. Extend the tape straight across to the inside of the opposite wheel well. Ensure the tape is level and taut for an accurate reading.
- Record the measurement: Note the measurement in inches or centimeters. Double-check the measurement to ensure accuracy.
- Verify the measurement: Take a second measurement at a different point between the wheel wells (e.g., towards the front of the bed) to verify the initial measurement. Minor variations might occur due to slight differences in wheel well shape. Use the narrowest measurement as your reference point.
Specific Truck Model Dimensions (Examples)
To provide concrete examples, here are some approximate measurements for popular truck models:
- Ford F-150 (Current Generation): Bed width between wheel wells is approximately 50-51 inches.
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (Current Generation): Bed width between wheel wells is approximately 48-49 inches.
- Ram 1500 (Current Generation): Bed width between wheel wells is approximately 48-50 inches.
- Toyota Tacoma (Current Generation): Bed width between wheel wells is approximately 41-42 inches.
- Ford Ranger (Current Generation): Bed width between wheel wells is approximately 44-45 inches.
It is vital to remember that these measurements are approximate and can vary slightly depending on the specific model year, bed configuration, and any factory-installed accessories. Always measure your own truck for accurate dimensions.
Utilizing the Bed Space Effectively
Even if your truck bed isn’t wide enough to accommodate standard materials flat, several strategies can help you maximize the use of your bed space:
Using Bed Extenders
Bed extenders attach to the tailgate and extend the length of the bed, allowing you to haul longer items more safely. This can be particularly useful for items like lumber or kayaks.
Employing Bed Racks
Bed racks create a raised platform above the bed, providing additional storage space for items that don’t need to be protected from the elements. They are ideal for carrying ladders, pipes, or recreational equipment.
Optimizing Cargo Placement
Careful placement of cargo can significantly improve the amount you can haul. Placing smaller items between the wheel wells and larger items on top can help utilize the available space efficiently.
Using Tie-Downs and Straps
Properly securing your cargo with tie-downs and straps is crucial for safety. Use appropriate straps and anchor points to prevent items from shifting during transit.
Where to Find Specific Truck Bed Dimensions
Several resources can provide specific truck bed dimensions for your particular model:
- Owner’s Manual: The owner’s manual is an excellent source of information, including detailed specifications and dimensions for your truck.
- Truck Manufacturer Website: Most truck manufacturers provide detailed specifications and dimensions for their vehicles on their official websites.
- Online Truck Forums: Online truck forums are a valuable resource for connecting with other truck owners and sharing information about specific models and dimensions.
- Dealerships: Dealerships can provide accurate measurements and information about the dimensions of different truck models.
Conclusion
Understanding the width between the wheel wells in your pickup truck bed is essential for maximizing cargo capacity, securing loads effectively, and ensuring the versatility of your vehicle. While general guidelines exist for different truck classes, it’s crucial to measure your specific truck model and year to obtain accurate dimensions. By knowing these dimensions, you can choose the right accessories, optimize cargo placement, and ensure you can haul materials safely and efficiently. Remember that small differences in wheel well width can greatly affect your truck’s usefulness.
What is the typical width between the wheel wells of a standard pickup truck bed?
The typical width between the wheel wells, also known as the “dog house,” in a standard full-size pickup truck bed generally ranges from 48 to 50 inches. This measurement is crucial because it dictates whether you can lay a standard 4×8 sheet of plywood or drywall flat on the bed floor. Knowing this dimension is vital for hauling materials and planning loads efficiently.
However, it’s important to note that this is a general range, and specific measurements can vary slightly between different truck manufacturers, models, and even trim levels within the same model year. Always consult the manufacturer’s specifications for your particular truck to get the most accurate measurement before attempting to load oversized items.
Why is the space between the wheel wells in a truck bed important?
The space between the wheel wells directly impacts the truck bed’s functionality and hauling capacity. A wider space allows for carrying larger items flat, such as plywood or drywall, making construction projects and home improvement tasks significantly easier. This space also influences how efficiently you can pack and secure other types of cargo.
Conversely, a narrower space limits the size of items that can be laid flat, potentially requiring you to angle or stack materials, which can be less stable and increase the risk of damage during transport. Understanding this dimension allows you to choose the right truck for your specific needs or plan your loads more effectively.
How can I find the exact width between the wheel wells for my specific truck?
The most reliable way to find the exact width between the wheel wells for your specific truck is to consult the owner’s manual. This document typically contains detailed specifications, including bed dimensions. Alternatively, you can visit the manufacturer’s website and search for the specifications of your truck model and year.
Another option is to use a measuring tape to measure the distance between the wheel wells yourself. Ensure you measure at the narrowest point, usually at the bed floor level. You can also search online forums and communities dedicated to your specific truck model, as other owners may have shared their measurements and experiences.
Do all pickup trucks have the same width between the wheel wells?
No, all pickup trucks do not have the same width between the wheel wells. The dimensions can vary considerably based on several factors, including the manufacturer, model, model year, and bed size (short bed, standard bed, long bed). Even within the same model year, variations can occur between different trim levels.
For instance, heavy-duty trucks often have slightly different dimensions compared to light-duty trucks, and older models may differ from newer ones due to design changes. Compact or mid-size trucks will also have significantly narrower dimensions than full-size trucks. Therefore, it is essential to verify the specific dimensions for your particular truck.
What happens if an item is wider than the space between the wheel wells?
If an item is wider than the space between the wheel wells, you won’t be able to lay it flat on the bed floor. This can necessitate alternative loading strategies, such as placing the item on top of the wheel wells, angling it diagonally within the bed, or securing it vertically.
These alternative methods may require additional securing measures, such as straps, ropes, or cargo nets, to prevent the item from shifting during transport. In some cases, it might be necessary to use a trailer to haul wider items safely and efficiently, avoiding potential damage to the cargo or the truck bed.
Does the type of truck bed liner affect the width between the wheel wells?
The type of truck bed liner can potentially affect the usable width between the wheel wells, although the impact is usually minimal. Drop-in bed liners, which are pre-formed plastic inserts, can slightly reduce the width because they add thickness to the bed floor and sides, including the wheel wells.
Spray-in bed liners, on the other hand, generally have a negligible impact on the width because they are applied as a thin coating directly to the bed surface. While they add a layer of protection, the reduction in width is usually so minimal that it doesn’t significantly affect the ability to haul standard-sized items.
How does a truck bed’s overall length relate to the usefulness of the space between the wheel wells?
The overall length of the truck bed complements the usefulness of the space between the wheel wells. While the width between the wheel wells determines whether you can lay certain items flat, the bed length dictates how many of those items can be accommodated. For example, a long bed with sufficient width between the wheel wells is ideal for hauling multiple sheets of plywood.
Conversely, a short bed, even with adequate width between the wheel wells, might only be able to accommodate a limited number of larger items before running out of space. Therefore, when choosing a truck, consider both the width between the wheel wells and the overall bed length to ensure it meets your hauling needs effectively.