Explaining the Difference Between Short Bed and Long Bed Trucks
Short bed trucks generally measure in at 6-1/2 to 8 feet long, while long bed trucks can range anywhere from 8 to 20 feet in length. Short beds are typically used for light-duty vehicles such as passenger pickups and SUVs, whereas long beds are most commonly seen with commercial or semi-trucks.
The primary benefit of short bed trucks is that they can often fit in places where longer models cannot, allowing them to maneuver and park in tight spaces. That being said, the shorter wheelbase limits their payload capacity when compared to a long bed truck. This makes them better suited for lighter applications such as carrying boxes and furniture rather than hauling heavy equipment or multiple passengers at once. Long beds on the other hand offer greater stability with their extended wheelbase and can handle larger loads accordingly. They also tend to accelerate more slowly due to their extra weight, making it harder to reach higher speeds while cornering or taking sharp turns.
Driving Safety and Handling
The length of a short bed truck can have an effect on the handling and driving safety of the vehicle. Short bed trucks usually have a wheelbase that is shorter than that of a standard size pickup, which results in reduced stability while cornering or making sharp turns. This can be especially dangerous when driving in icy or wintry conditions. Additionally, since the cargo bed is also shorter than a standard model, there is less room for cargo, meaning that if the driver overloads their vehicle with heavy loads, it can cause uneven weight distribution, resulting in difficulty controlling the vehicle. Furthermore, overloaded beds may create dangerous conditions for other vehicles around them due to instability in potentially hazardous driving situations. Therefore, whenever driving a short bed truck it is important to make sure that both you and your cargo are within the weight capacity of your vehicle, and to practice safe driving habits like maintaining appropriate speed limits and using caution when accelerating quickly or taking curves/sharp turns.
Pros and Cons of Different Bed Sizes
A short bed truck typically has a length of 5-8 feet. This size is great for maneuverability on tight turns and winding roads, and it also provides more stability than its larger counterparts. The downside to this size is that the shorter bed may limit the amount of cargo you can transport in one trip.
A long bed truck usually has a length of 8-11 feet, making it ideal for hauling larger loads, such as building materials or heavy machinery. That being said, this size will not be as easy to maneuver and can be more difficult to parking just about anywhere due to its large size. The extra length also adds weight which can decrease fuel efficiency.
Finally, an extended bed truck has an even longer bed at 11-14 feet in length – perfect for those longer haul trips but likely not necessary unless absolutely necessary due to their immense size and difficulty maneuvering around bends in roads or into parking spaces.
Common Uses of Short Bed Trucks
Towing: Short bed trucks are often used for towing small boats, trailers, and other lightweight vehicles. Depending on the type of truck you have, some may also be equipped with a third axle to increase its towing capacity.
Hauling: Because of their smaller size, short bed trucks can be great for hauling materials around town or over the country. This is especially true if you have an extended cab with extra space for passengers or materials. Materials like gravel, lawn mowers and landscaping equipment, furniture, and other items fit nicely into a short bed truck’s cargo space. Just make sure that your vehicle is rated to carry the weight of whatever would need to be hauling.
Carrying Passengers: With their compact size and plenty of legroom in the rear seats, short bed trucks are surprisingly suitable vehicles for carrying more than a couple people around town–especially if you’re planning on making a few stops in different locations during your journey.
Tips for Maintaining and Taking Care of Short Bed Trucks
A short bed truck is typically between 6 and 8 feet in length. In order to maintain your short bed truck and extend its lifespan, it is important to take some basic preventive maintenance steps. First, check the fluid levels regularly and replace any fluids when needed. Be sure to use only the manufacturer approved engine oil specified for the make and model of your truck.
Second, proper tire pressure will help ensure that your tires are able to perform their best for as long as possible. Regularly rotate tires to even out wear patterns and scheduling routine wheel alignments can help your vehicle’s steering systems run smoother.
Third, regularly washing and waxing your truck will not only keep it looking sharp but will also protect the body from corrosion caused by rain, sleet, snow and road salt. Avoid frequently driving through water or mud as chemicals such as calcium chloride can get stuck on undercarriages or other parts of trucks and cause rust or corrosion over time.
Finally, be sure that you properly winterize your truck in cold climates – checking antifreeze levels are especially important in order to prevent freezing or boiling over during winter months. Taking these simple steps can help maintain the condition of a short bed truck over time while saving money on repairs resulting from neglect in the long run.
Customization Options For Short Bed Trucks
Customizing a short bed truck can provide an opportunity for people to express their own artistic vision and technical know-how. Paint jobs are amongst the most popular options, with people opting for personalised or unique designs to set themselves apart from other truck owners. But it isn’t just style that is improved – suspension can also be upgraded with robust components that can improve off-roading performance and stability. Additionally, engine modifications such as upgraded turbochargers, cold air intakes and fuel injection systems can provide better power and torque for when the going gets tough. Furthermore, exterior accessories such as bumpers, mud guards, side steps, running boards and bed covers provide added protection and style on top of the stock bodywork of a short bed truck. All these customization options combined lead to a truly unique ride that will turn heads wherever it goes!
