Introduction
A long bed pickup is a type of truck that features a longer cargo bed than most others in its class. It provides a larger area to fit bigger items, or many small ones, when carrying loads or pulling a trailer. With the higher capacity comes more maneuverability and the flexibility to easily transport heavy items, making it an extremely useful investment for those needing to move large pieces of equipment or haul oversized items. The added size gives you both peace of mind and extra capability on the road. With this in mind, it’s worth considering if a long bed pickup is right for your needs – either for work, recreation or simply as an upgrade from a regular-sized truck.
The Different Types of Long Bed Pickups and Their Benefits
A long bed pickup is a large-sized pickup truck that has an extended bed, usually measuring eight feet in length. It offers more flexibility for hauling cargo and other materials than a traditional-sized pickup. Long bed pickups offer distinct advantages over their smaller counterparts, as they can accommodate larger items such as building materials, furniture, or even boats and other recreational vehicles. The ability to haul extra supplies makes them ideal for a variety of tasks — whether it’s moving houses, getting to the job site or embarking on a camping adventure.
Long bed pickups come in a variety of types; some have fixed beds while others offer removable beds or sliders. A fixed-bed truck typically comes standard with wheel wells that provide clearance beneath the edges of the bed. Removable beds are essentially extensions of traditional pickups and add extra length when needed; this versatility makes them an excellent solution for homeowners who occasionally need to haul large items but don’t need the capacity provided by full-size trucks all the time. Sliding beds allow for even greater versatility, allowing users to slide out additional room when required and expanding capacity to almost twice its original size.
The extended cargo space also lends itself well to storage capabilities; having more placement options rather than simply behind one seat means long bed trucks can store tools, equipment or even specialized containers without taking up interior seating room in many cases. Finally, long bed pickups are often made with stronger frames than traditional-sized trucks making them capable of handling especially heavy loads with ease — something not all smaller models can do safely and effectively.
Common Configurations for Long Bed Pickups and Their Advantages
Long bed pickup trucks are some of the most versatile and useful vehicles available. They are generally constructed with a longer cab and box (bed) compared to regular pickups, often providing up to 8 feet of length in the bed. These features can be put to good use for those who regularly transport large objects or perform hauling tasks. Some of the most common configurations for long bed pickups and their advantages include:
• Standard Long Bed: This configuration is the most popular option and provides access to cargo areas that measure 8 foot in length, allowing drivers to safely transport large items without worry about overhanging cargo on highways.
• Splitting Long Bed: For drivers who need more secure storage during hauling jobs, this configuration combines two separate compartments within the same long bed that provide increased safety for any cargo being transported.
• Extended Cab with Long Bed: This setup pairs a standard cab with an extended-length bed, adding up to 9 feet of total length for those who carry particularly large items around town or on cross-country trips. The extended cab also allows passengers additional room from which to enjoy the ride.
• Boxed Side Long Bed: Those who find themselves transporting awkward loads will appreciate this configuration which promises extra strength due its boxed-in sides measured at 21” tall per side. Many removable tool boxes can also be added as an accessory to allow carrying tools or extra supplies securely while traveling.
Proper Care and Maintenance for Long Bed Pickups
As with any vehicle, proper care and maintenance is essential for long bed pickups. This type of truck has a larger wheelbase than other models, making it more prone to wear and tear from a variety of road conditions. To keep your pickup running at peak performance and reliability, here are some tips for ensuring long-term health for it:
1. Regular Oil Changes: Be sure to check the oil levels in your truck regularly and change it as recommended by the manufacturer. Fresh oil helps lubricate vital engine parts, extends the life the engine and prevents costly repair bills down the line.
2. Inspect Suspension Components: Regularly inspect all of your trucks’s suspension components — shocks, struts, springs, etc.— so they can be replaced when necessary before they wear out completely or become damaged leading to even more serious issues such as poor ride quality or transmission issues due to misalignment.
3. Look Underneath Regularly: The longer wheelbase on a long bed pickup means there is more weight on its undercarriage which wears out faster than normal vehicles. Therefore, regularly inspect underneath the vehicle for cracked hoses or other leaks that can cause damage if not caught early enough.
4. Pay Attention to Tires :Examine each tire’s tread depth periodically so you can rotate them properly and ensure they have enough tread depth left over to handle whatever terrain you might find yourself driving through on any given day (snowy roads, muddy paths, etc.). Knowing when it’s time for new tires can go a long way towards safe operation and avoiding accidents due to poor tire traction when braking or cornering at high speeds.
5. Have It Serviced Yearly : Routine maintenance work like replacing essential fluids & filters should be done every couple of years or according to factory recommendations (whichever comes first). A yearly service will also help identify then correct any minor issues before they become worse – saving time & money in the process!
Common Uses for a Long Bed Pickup and Its Versatility
A long bed pickup is a great all-rounder for tackling large projects, transporting items of multiple sizes and also for hauling heavier payloads than shorter bed counterparts. It is suitable for light business use and as a core everyday vehicle with its excellent towing and hauling capabilities. This type of cargo area can easily accommodate larger items like furniture, appliances, and lawn equipment such as mowers, hedge trimmers and other power tools. Its size makes it an ideal choice when hauling hay bales or logs which require adequate length to fully secure them in the back without risk of them falling out.
The versatility this model offers makes it suitable for many recreational outings too, with ample room for transporting camping gear, boats and bicycles when needed. For anyone looking for extra comfort, many come with luxury upgrades such as upgraded upholstery or extended cab seating space that can comfortably accommodate four passengers. This type of design also allows more headroom in the cabin when compared to a short bed pickup truck. Additionally, some models are available with extendable beds so you can transport goods even longer than usual if need be.
Common Features and Accessories You Can Add to Your Long Bed Pickup
1. Tonneau Cover: A tonneau cover is a great addition to any long bed pickup, providing extra security and protection from the elements. It also helps improve fuel economy as it streamlines airflow over the bed and tailgate. Some versions can even come with locks for added safety and privacy.
2. Bed Liner: Install a durable drop-in or spray-on bed liner to protect your truck’s bare metal from the elements and wear and tear caused by hauling cargo. Bed liners also make cleaning easier, reducing rusting and corrosion.
3. Bull Bars: Bull bars are sturdy steel grilles that provide excellent front end protection from small animals, debris on the road, other drivers and parking lot obstacles. Bull bars also give your truck a rugged look — perfect if you plan to take it offroading or just want it to look more aggressive!
4. Bumpers: Upgrade your factory bumpers with aftermarket styles that add style points while protecting your vehicle’s body from damage caused by collisions or impacts in general. Many models today feature integrated skid plates for additional protection when driving off-road or in areas with limited visibility due to grassy terrain or foggy conditions.
5. Lights: Install lights along the sides of your long bed pickup like LED light bars and auxiliary spotlights to increase night time visibility while you’re out after dark on the road or working on projects away from home base. Off-road LED light kits include new wiring harnesses, mounts and switches so everything runs smoothly without issue – just be sure to check local laws regarding light regulations before going ahead with installation!
Common Safety Measures to Take With a Long Bed Pickup
1. Make sure to check and maintain tire pressure often – correctly inflated tires can help with traction and ability to stop.
2. Always use the highest appropriate speed limit for your vehicle and the road conditions you’re driving in.
3. Load cargo evenly, taking the time to shift weight if necessary for a stable ride, and secure any large items with ratchet straps or other fastening systems.
4. Use your mirrors frequently when making turns, as it may be difficult to determine how far into a turn you are due to the length of the truck bed extending past the rear of the cab.
5. Exercise extra caution when turning around tight areas due to longer wheelbase of long bed pickups, which may require multiple maneuvers in order to complete a turn successfully.
6. Increase stopping distance between yourself and cars ahead; braking is typically slower in larger, higher center-of-gravity vehicles like trucks with long beds like this one due to their size and weight relative to traditional vehicles on the roadway.
7.Know all regular maintenance checks for your truck by consulting your vehicle manual for schedules, as well as about different tips for tailoring certain safety features specifically to your truck model/style of pickup bed.
Conclusion
A long bed pickup is a great choice for anyone needing to haul large items. With its large size, it can easily fit larger loads such as furniture and building materials. The combination of ample interior storage and flatbed dimensions makes it equally suited for camping trips. Its ability to handle all-terrain terrain makes it an excellent road trip vehicle. Finally, its superior fuel economy means you can enjoy the convenience of traveling in comfort without breaking the bank. All things considered, owning a long bed pickup is ideal for anyone looking to maximize the versatility of their vehicle while avoiding costly repairs and maintenance fees.
