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Introduction
The Chevy Silverado is a classic full-size pickup truck that has been in production since 1998. It’s popular for its dependability and durability, making it a favorite amongst contractors, outdoorsmen, and anyone who needs the power and convenience of a pickup truck. When shopping for a Chevy Silverado, one must decide between the long bed or short bed option.
The long bed model of the Chevy Silverado offers 8 feet worth of cargo capacity and is best suited for those who need larger volumes of cargo space. Its rigid frame supports up to 6,500 lbs. in payload weight while offering smooth ride quality due to steel frame stabilizer bars and reinforced box side rails. This model also features an EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate withbuilt-in torsion bars for better gripping power when lowering or raising the tailgate which can be done with one hand.
The short bed model provides 5’9” worth of space perfect for those needing smaller amounts of cargo capacity. It can support up to 2,250 lbs., slightly less than the long bay version but still substantial enough for many types of loads such as ATVs, furniture and other small items. The short bed also has an adjustable rear tie downs on the inside corners of its box which add even more capacity to secure belongings when hauling large or heavy items.
Exterior Dimensions
When deciding between a Chevy Silverado long bed versus a short bed, one of the most important factors to consider is the overall size and weight of the cargo that will be transported. For example, if the passenger is looking to carry large loads such as sheet rock or lumber, the longer bed option would be better suited for this type of cargo. In addition to size and weight, it’s also important to take into consideration the number of passengers that will be riding in the truck. If there are more passengers than cargo being carried, then a longer bed might offer more room for passengers as well as their belongings. Furthermore, trips length should also be taken into consideration when selecting between a long bed and short bed; lengthier trips involving multiple stops or hauls may require extra space and storage with a longer bed. Finally, it’s worth noting that each model offers different payload capabilities for each wheelbase size allowing drivers to customize their Silverado beds accordingly.
Interior Configurations
The Chevy Silverado is available with two bed sizes — short (6’6”) and long (8’). The short bed offers a generous interior configuration, as it can comfortably seat up to six passengers. It also provides plenty of storage space, thanks to its vast under-seat storage areas. It has three different cab sizes — regular, double, and crew — that offer unique interior layouts. The regular cab only comes with two doors and a single row of seating, while the double has four doors and two rows of seating for up to seven passengers. Finally, the piece de resistance is the crew cab, which comes with four full-size doors and three rows of seating for up to eight passengers!
The long bed model offers greater cargo versatility than the short bed thanks to its increased length. You get added room behind the cabin area for extra storage or even larger items such as camping equipment or power tools. Plus, the extended length allows you to utilize a variety of innovative truck bed accessories such as toolboxes or tiered shelves to stay better organized when hauling supplies or materials. This option is great if you need extra capacity while also maintaining a little extra nimbleness in terms of steering and maneuvering in tight working environments or busy streets.
Engine Options
Chevy Silverado Long Bed: This model has some great engine options, all of which offer a powerful and efficient performance. The most popular base engine is the 5.3 litre EcoTec3 V8 with 355 horsepower and 383lb-ft of torque. If you want a little more power, then you can upgrade to the 6.2 litre V8 which gives 420hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines have excellent fuel economy, allowing for trips and load hauling without feeling the dread of high fuel bills.
The cons for this model are that it isn’t as fast or responsive as a pick-up with a smaller bed size due to its heavier weight. Also, because it is so large and spacious, it usually requires putting in larger wheels to handle its extra weight capacity.
Chevy Silverado Short Bed: This model has somewhat fewer engine options than the long bed version but they still offer plenty of power and efficiency. Popular choices include the 4.3 litre EcoTec3 V6 with 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque; the 5.3 litre EcoTec3 V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft; or if you’re after something with even more power, you could opt for the 6 litre EcoBoost Direct injection V8 providing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.
The Cons here are that because its lighter than the long bed version, acceleration is not as good or efficient with some engines as it would be on a bigger one; also because of its small size there may not be enough cargo space for loading up large jobs without needing an additional trailer for extra carrying capacity.
Towing Capabilities
When looking at the towing capabilities of the Chevy Silverado long bed vs short bed, there are several key differences. The long bed model has a maximum towing capacity of 12,500 pounds while the short bed model can tow up to 10,700 pounds. The long bed also offers plenty of additional features that can aid in proper towing such as integrated trailer brakes, sway control, and a hitch platform that is specifically designed for large trailers. On the other hand, the short bed version has limited towing support with basic trailer brakes and a smaller hitch platform size.
The larger capacity of the long bed allows for heavier objects or more items on the same trailer being towed. The increased stability provided by its greater size and additional features will enable people to tow certain items safely and comfortably. However, if you don’t need these extra features or don’t have something excessively heavy to tow, then those looking for slightly lighter payload might be better served by opting for a short bed model instead.
Comparison Chart
Short Bed Long Bed
Length 6’6″ 8′
Width 5’8″ 6’6″
Payload 1348 lbs 1572 lbs
Max Towing Capacity 9577 lbs 9600 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 7100 lbs 8650 lbs
Cargo Volume 41.8 cu ft 62.9 cu ft
Passengers 4-5 3-4
Conclusion
The primary difference between the Chevy Silverado Long Bed and Short Bed models are size and cost. The Long Bed is about 25% longer than the Short Bed at 216-inch long compared to only 73-inches in length. Additionally, the Long Bed can accommodate larger loads with a maximum volume of 83 cu ft, while the Short bed is limited to 49 cu ft – nearly 1/3 less. On the other hand, it’s estimated that the Short Bed model is around 10% cheaper than its counterpart.
Choosing between the two beds should ultimately come down to an individual’s needs and budget. For those who plan on carrying larger or bulky items, or anyone looking for increased storage capacity without sacrificing too much additional cost, the Chevy Silverado Long Bed would be the better choice. Conversely, if size and cost are an issue, as well as maneuverability in tight urban areas, then selecting a Short Bed might be a more sensible option for your everyday needs.
