Discover The Ultimate Guide: How To Measure Ford F150 Truck Bed

Quick summary

Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip, hauling materials for a home project, or just need to know the dimensions for your next truck bed cover, knowing how to accurately measure your Ford F-150 truck bed is essential.
Extend your tape measure from the inside of the front wall of the bed to the inside of the tailgate.
For a tonneau cover, you’ll need to measure the length and width of the bed, as well as the height of the bed rails.

Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip, hauling materials for a home project, or just need to know the dimensions for your next truck bed cover, knowing how to accurately measure your Ford F-150 truck bed is essential. This comprehensive guide will break down the process step-by-step, ensuring you get precise measurements every time.

Why Accurate Measurements Matter

Accurate truck bed measurements are crucial for numerous reasons:

Choosing the Right Accessories: From tonneau covers and bedliners to truck boxes and ladders, knowing your truck bed’s dimensions ensures a perfect fit for your chosen accessories.
Maximizing Cargo Space: Understanding the available space allows you to efficiently load and secure your cargo, preventing damage and maximizing your carrying capacity.
Planning for Projects: If you’re using your truck bed for hauling materials, accurate measurements help you determine the size and shape of items you can safely transport.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you start measuring, gather the following tools:

Measuring Tape: A standard tape measure with a minimum length of 12 feet is ideal.
Notebook and Pen: To record your measurements.
Level (Optional): For ensuring accurate measurements, especially when measuring the bed’s height.

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Ford F-150 Truck Bed

1. Prepare Your Truck:

Park your F-150 on a level surface.
Ensure the tailgate is down and secured.
Remove any items from the truck bed.

2. Measuring the Length:

Extend your tape measure from the inside of the front wall of the bed to the inside of the tailgate.
Record this measurement as the “bed length.”

3. Measuring the Width:

Measure the width of the bed from the inside of one wheel well to the inside of the other wheel well.
Record this measurement as the “bed width.”

4. Measuring the Height:

Measure the height from the bed floor to the top of the bed rails.
Record this measurement as the “bed height.”

5. Measuring the Wheel Well Depth:

Measure the depth of the wheel wells. This is the distance from the inside of the bed wall to the inside of the wheel well opening.
Record this measurement as the “wheel well depth.”

6. Measuring the Bed Rail Height:

Measure the height of the bed rails. This is the distance from the bed floor to the top of the bed rails.
Record this measurement as the “bed rail height.”

7. Measuring the Tailgate Height:

Measure the height of the tailgate from the bed floor to the top of the tailgate.
Record this measurement as the “tailgate height.”

8. Measuring the Bed Floor to Top of Cab:

Measure the distance from the bed floor to the top of the cab. This measurement is helpful for determining the maximum height of cargo you can safely transport.
Record this measurement as the “bed floor to cab height.”

Understanding the Different Ford F-150 Bed Sizes

Ford F-150 trucks come in various bed lengths, offering varying cargo capacity. Here’s a breakdown of the common bed sizes:

5.5-foot Bed: This is the shortest bed option, ideal for maneuvering in tight spaces.
6.5-foot Bed: A versatile option offering a balance between space and maneuverability.
8-foot Bed: The longest bed option provides maximum cargo space.

Additional Considerations

Bedliner: If your truck has a bedliner, factor in its thickness when measuring.
Bed Accessories: Consider the impact of any existing bed accessories, like bed rails or toolboxes, on your measurements.
Truck Model Year: Bed dimensions can vary slightly across different Ford F-150 model years.

Important Tips for Accurate Measurements

Double-Check Your Measurements: Always double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy.
Use a Level: A level can help ensure your measurements are taken at a consistent height.
Measure from Inside: Measure from the inside of the bed walls and tailgate to get the most accurate dimensions.

Beyond the Basics: Measuring for Specific Accessories

Knowing the basic measurements of your truck bed is a great starting point. However, depending on the specific accessory you’re planning to buy, you may need additional measurements. Here are a few examples:

Tonneau Cover: For a tonneau cover, you’ll need to measure the length and width of the bed, as well as the height of the bed rails.
Bed Liner: Measure the length and width of the bed to ensure a perfect fit for your bedliner.
Truck Box: You’ll need to measure the length, width, and height of the bed, as well as the height of the bed rails.

Mastering Your Ford F-150: A Powerful Tool at Your Fingertips

By understanding how to accurately measure your Ford F-150 truck bed, you gain control over its capabilities. Whether you’re a seasoned truck owner or a first-time buyer, these measurements empower you to make informed decisions about accessories, cargo, and project planning.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Tape Measure

While precise measurements are essential, remember that your Ford F-150 is more than just numbers. It’s a versatile tool, a reliable companion, and a reflection of your personality. Embrace the journey of customizing your truck, and let your imagination guide you as you unlock its full potential.

Discover the Ultimate Guide: How to Measure Ford F150 Truck Bed