If you’re a proud truck owner, you’re most likely familiar with the important role a truck bed cover plays. It’s more than just a protective shield; it adds aesthetics, provides security, and, above all, it ensures the safe transportation of your goods, equipment, or personal items. But here’s the catch: with a wide range of truck bed sizes out there, picking the perfect cover can be as confusing as a plot twist in a thriller novel. So, how do you navigate the maze of truck bed cover sizes? This is where a truck bed cover size chart comes in handy.
In today’s blog post, we will unravel the mysteries surrounding truck bed cover sizes. We’ll delve into the nuts and bolts of truck bed cover size charts, starting from understanding what they are to how you can use them effectively to choose the best fit for your truck. We’ll also discuss common sizes, types of covers, and factors to consider when choosing one. Ever thought, “What if there’s a truck bed cover size that’s as unique as my truck?” Buckle up, as we’re about to take a ride through the fascinating world of truck bed cover sizes. Ready to turn your truck bed cover shopping from a wild guess into a well-informed decision? Let’s dive in!
Why Accurate Measurements Matter
Before we delve into the process, it’s important to understand why getting the right measurements is so crucial. Tonneau covers are often custom-made to fit specific truck bed sizes. If you order a product based on an incorrect measurement, you may end up with a cover that doesn’t fit or function properly. This can lead to a host of problems, from reduced functionality to potential damage to your truck or the cover itself.
If you’re anything like me—a real truck aficionado—you’ve likely spent hours tinkering, customizing, and optimizing your rig. And when it comes to truck bed covers, let me tell you, a truck bed cover size chart is like a secret weapon—it takes all the guesswork out of the equation!
As someone who loves to get my hands dirty and come up with my own solutions, I initially thought, “Why not just eyeball it? How hard could it be?” But trust me, once you get down to the nitty-gritty, you realize that precision is everything. I learned it the hard way when I ended up with a cover that was too short for my truck bed. What a mess!
Now, these size charts are my go-to. They are incredibly comprehensive, covering a wide range of truck makes and models, and include all the relevant measurements you need: length, width, height—you name it! It’s fantastic, really, how it simplifies the process of finding the perfect fit. It’s like having a personal mechanic guide, except it’s in your pocket and always available.
Truck Bed Cover Size Chart
The beauty of the size chart is that it considers various types of covers, from roll-up and folding covers to retractable and hinged.
- Roll-Up Tonneau Covers: These covers roll up to the front of the bed, allowing you to easily access your cargo.
- Folding Tonneau Covers: These covers fold up in sections, giving you access to part or all of your bed.
- Hinged Tonneau Covers: These covers are similar to a trunk lid, they lift up from the tailgate side.
- Retractable Tonneau Covers: These covers retract into a canister at the front of the bed.
- Snap/Snapless Tonneau Covers: These covers use a system of snaps or a track system to attach the cover to the bed.
That’s a lot of bases covered, right? It’s really something else to see how it helps match your specific truck bed size to the appropriate cover, no matter the style you prefer.
Here is a diagram representing the different types of tonneau covers for various truck bed sizes:
This chart considers various types of covers, from roll-up and folding covers to retractable and hinged, for different truck bed sizes: small, medium, and large.
| Truck Size | Typical Bed Length |
|---|---|
| Compact | 5 – 6 feet |
| Mid-Size | 6 – 7 feet |
| Full-Size (Short) | 5.5 – 6.5 feet |
| Full-Size (Standard) | 6.5 – 8 feet |
| Full-Size (Long) | 8 – 9 feet |
Not only has using these charts saved me from potential blunders, but they’ve also sparked ideas for custom solutions. It’s all about understanding the dimensions and working with them. Now, I can play around with different materials, like canvas, aluminum, or vinyl, to create a truck bed cover that’s as unique as my truck. Truck bed cover size chart:
| Truck Size | Roll-Up Cover Size | Folding Cover Size | Retractable Cover Size | Hinged Cover Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact | 5 – 6 feet | 5 – 6 feet | 5 – 6 feet | 5 – 6 feet |
| Mid-Size | 6 – 7 feet | 6 – 7 feet | 6 – 7 feet | 6 – 7 feet |
| Full-Size (Short) | 5.5 – 6.5 feet | 5.5 – 6.5 feet | 5.5 – 6.5 feet | 5.5 – 6.5 feet |
| Full-Size (Standard) | 6.5 – 8 feet | 6.5 – 8 feet | 6.5 – 8 feet | 6.5 – 8 feet |
| Full-Size (Long) | 8 – 9 feet | 8 – 9 feet | 8 – 9 feet | 8 – 9 feet |
So, if you’re a truck lover like me and appreciate a good DIY challenge, you’ve got to get your hands on a truck bed cover size chart. It’s like a road map guiding you to your destination: a well-protected, weather-resistant, and stylish truck bed. It doesn’t get much better than that!
Oh, and let’s not forget about the sense of satisfaction that comes with getting it right the first time. You know that feeling when you put a new piece of equipment on your truck, and it fits like a glove? That’s what you get with a truck bed cover size chart—it takes all the trial and error out of the process.
Now, I won’t say it makes you an expert overnight, but it definitely feels like you’re taking a masterclass in truck bed covers. It’s not just about the size, but you begin to understand the nuances of how each type of cover could suit different usage scenarios. For example, if you frequently haul tall items, a roll-up cover might be your best bet, and the size chart helps you identify the right one for your truck bed size. It’s practical insights like these that add value beyond mere dimensions.
And you know what the best part is? These charts are readily accessible, and most of them are available online for free. That’s the beauty of the internet and the truck enthusiasts’ community—people are always ready to share knowledge and resources. It’s like being part of a worldwide garage where everyone’s excited about trucks and ready to lend a helping hand.
Example Of Some Truck Models Bed Size
| Truck Model | Short Bed Size | Standard Bed Size | Long Bed Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-150 | Actual Length: 67″Advertised Length: 5’7″ | Actual Length: 78.9″Advertised Length: 6’7″ | Actual Length: 97.6″Advertised Length: 8″ |
| RAM 1500 | Actual Length: 67.4″Advertised Length: 5’7″ | Actual Length: 76.3″Advertised Length: 6’4″ | Actual Length: 98.3″Advertised Length: 8″ |
| CHEVY & GMC 1500 | Actual Length: 69.3″Advertised Length: 5’8″ | Actual Length: 78.8″Advertised Length: 6’6″ | Actual Length: 97.8″Advertised Length: 8″ |
| CHEVY COLORADO & GMC CANYON | Actual Length: 62.7″Advertised Length: 5’2″ | Actual Length: 74″Advertised Length: 6’2″ | |
| TOYOTA TUNDRA | Actual Length: 66.7″Advertised Length: 5’7″ | Actual Length: 78.7″Advertised Length: 6’7″ | Actual Length: 97.6″Advertised Length: 8″ |
| TOYOTA TACOMA | Actual Length: 60.3″Advertised Length: 5’2″ | Actual Length: 73.5″Advertised Length: 6’2″ |
If you ask me, truck bed cover size charts have completely transformed the way I approach truck customization. They’ve made it easier, more precise, and a lot more fun. I mean, who doesn’t like when things go smoothly and you end up with a truck that looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor?
So, whether you’re new to the truck world or a seasoned pro, I wholeheartedly recommend getting acquainted with a truck bed cover size chart. You won’t just be saving yourself from a potential misfit, but you’ll also be opening up a whole new avenue to explore and enjoy in the realm of truck customization. It’s a game-changer, folks!
The Measurement Process
The process of measuring your truck bed is quite straightforward. You’ll need to measure from the inside of the bulkhead, which is the front wall of the truck bed, to the inside of the tailgate.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools. You’ll need a tape measure for this task. Make sure it’s long enough to measure the full length of your truck bed.
Step 2: Lower the Tailgate. Start by lowering the tailgate of your truck. This will give you access to the full length of the truck bed.
Step 3: Locate the Bulkhead. The bulkhead is the front wall of the truck bed, located directly behind the cab. This is where your measurement will start.
Step 4: Measure from the Bulkhead to the Inside of the Tailgate. Place the end of your tape measure at the inside edge of the bulkhead. Extend the tape measure to the inside edge of the tailgate. Make sure the tape measure is straight and level for an accurate measurement.
Step 5: Record the Measurement. Take note of the measurement where the tape measure meets the inside edge of the tailgate. This is the length of your truck bed.
Step 6: Consider the Width (Optional). If you need to know the width of your truck bed for certain accessories, measure from the inside edge of one side of the bed to the inside edge of the other side.
Step 7: Check for Special Features. If your truck has a stepside or flare side, where the wheel wells are on the outside of the box, or an integrated toolbox like the RAM box, you may need a specific type of accessory designed for that type of truck.
For example, on a 2016 Ram 1500 with a six-foot-four-inch bed, this is the measurement you would take. However, keep in mind that measurements may vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Special Considerations
It’s also important to note that there are specific cases where different measurements or tonneau covers may be needed. If your truck has a flare or step-side, where the bed is narrower at the cab and wider at the rear, you will need to measure the inside of your truck bed and get a specific tonneau cover designed for those vehicles.
Similarly, if you have a truck that only comes in one size, like the Honda Ridgeline or Chevy Avalanche, it’s not necessary to measure your truck bed. These models are only available in one size, so the tonneau covers designed for them will fit without the need for measurements.
Lastly, if your truck has an integrated toolbox like the RAM box, you will need a specific type of tonneau cover. The RAM box is an integrated toolbox that opens up on the side of the truck bed, and not all tonneau covers will accommodate this feature.
Useful manufacturer’s resources for the truck bed cover size
I’d love to share a couple of resources that I personally found incredibly helpful when navigating the world of truck bed cover sizes.
The first is the TruXedo Product Guide. It’s an excellent resource, providing a wealth of information not just about sizes, but also about the various types of covers they offer. Their easy-to-navigate interface helped me compare different models at a glance. What I particularly appreciated was the inclusion of detailed images and descriptions for each product, which gave me a clear understanding of what I would be getting. Plus, they have an amazing customer support team ready to answer any questions.
Another brilliant source of information is the Retrax Comparison Guide. As the name suggests, it allows you to compare different Retrax covers side-by-side. I found this invaluable when trying to decide which model would be the best fit for my truck. The guide breaks down key features of each model, which helped me weigh my options based on what was most important to me—be it security, ease of use, or the aesthetic appeal of the cover.
These two resources definitely made my decision-making process a whole lot easier. I hope you find them as helpful as I did!
Conclusion
In wrapping up, understanding your truck bed cover size is an essential factor that ensures you pick the right cover for your needs. The perfect fit not only safeguards your cargo but also enhances the aesthetics and longevity of your truck. With the myriad of truck bed covers available on the market, a truck bed cover size chart proves to be an invaluable tool in making the right choice.
We’ve delved into the importance of accurate measurements, discussed the different types of covers and how they correspond to various truck sizes, and answered some common queries in our FAQ section. Remember, getting the right fit requires a blend of accurate measurements, understanding your specific needs, and using a comprehensive size chart as your guiding star.
Don’t let the process overwhelm you; instead, let the journey of choosing your truck bed cover be an adventure. Harness the power of the size chart and you’re well on your way to a stylish, well-protected, and functional truck bed. After all, your truck deserves nothing less than the best!
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do I need a truck bed cover size chart?
A truck bed cover size chart provides specific measurements to ensure you select a cover that fits your truck bed properly. It’s a valuable tool to avoid guesswork and mistakes, especially when ordering online or buying without the opportunity to try it on your truck first.
How do I measure my truck bed?
Measure your truck bed length from the inside edge of the bulkhead (the end near the cab) to the inside edge of the tailgate when closed. The width should be measured from inside of one bed rail to the inside of the opposite bed rail.
Do truck bed covers come in standard sizes?
While there are common sizes to fit the typical lengths of truck beds, like compact (5-6 feet), mid-size (6-7 feet), and full-size (5.5-8 feet), not all truck beds will fall into these categories. Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for the most accurate fit.
Can I use a larger cover on a smaller truck bed?
No, using a larger cover on a smaller bed isn’t recommended. The cover could move, fail to provide weather protection, and might even get damaged or cause damage to your truck.
Are all types of bed covers available in all sizes?
Most types of bed covers, like roll-up, folding, retractable, and hinged, are available in a variety of sizes to fit common truck bed lengths. However, availability can depend on the manufacturer and specific product line.
What if my truck bed size isn’t listed on the chart?
If your truck bed size isn’t listed, it’s best to contact the manufacturer or vendor. They can provide guidance or may even offer custom solutions.