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Introduction
A short truck bed offers unique advantages for those that drive pickups. They provide a unique combination of maneuverability, versatility and capacity, making them the ideal choice for both domestic and commercial applications. Their smaller size means they are easier to manuever in tight spaces, such as congested city streets or out-of-the-way back roads. Furthermore, they offer greater payload capacity than some larger trucks, making them suitable for heavier loads. Additionally, they are often used in commercial applications where long beds would be too large or impractical. Finally, their size makes them ideal for tight parking spots or crowded commercial lots which can accommodate larger vehicles. In conclusion, by offering a variety of benefits related to exterior design and interior space efficiency the short truck bed provides an invaluable asset to drivers that require the most out of their vehicle’s performance.
Benefits of a Short Truck Bed
A short truck bed is a great choice for those looking to make the most of their truck’s performance, space and fuel economy. The shorter length gives the truck more maneuverability on narrow roads, as well as making it easier to park in tight spaces. Additionally, they are less likely to turn over when carrying heavy loads. This also results in lowered fuel costs, as short beds have been found to have better engine efficiency. Inside the truck bed, you can fit more cargo with a shorter length than would be possible with a typical long-bed truck. And if you need more capacity than the standard size offers, there are dual rear wheels available that can expand your hauling potential without compromising your maneuverability or fuel economy.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Short Truck Bed
Storage Capacity: When buying a short truck bed, you want to make sure it has enough storage capacity for all your needs. If you are hauling large furniture or tools, you will need more storage than smaller items. You should factor in how tall the bed walls are and consider going with an option that is wider or longer than necessary if needed.
Safety: Safety should always be a top priority when making any purchase for your vehicle. Short truck beds can be higher up off the ground compared to other trucks, so it is important to choose a model that has sturdy and secure construction materials. This will help promote maximum protection while travelling in various conditions.
Comfort: No matter what type of truck bed you have, comfort is key when purchasing any vehicle accessory. Select a model that has comfortable seating options and plenty of leg room, as well as adequate cabin insulation to reduce noise levels and protect against external temperature changes. Upholstered seat cushions are also ideal for long drives in order to ensure comfort and prevent fatigue.
Installation and Maintenance of a Short Truck Bed
A short truck bed is a great tool for many types of businesses or activities. However, it’s important to understand that this size requires specialized maintenance and installation techniques. Some of the most important types of maintenance to focus on include cleaning the bed surface, checking any mounting points for corrosion and damage, keeping any electronics properly connected and inspecting overall construction. It’s also essential to check for wind noise, rocking when driving over rough terrain, and overall performance when hauling cargo with a short bed truck. Finally, it’s important to keep an eye out for your tires being properly rotated and replaced as needed. Proper maintenance of a short truck bed can ensure safety and maximize its lifespan.
Tax Benefits and other Financial Incentives for Short Truck Beds
Investing in a short truck bed can provide significant tax benefits and other financial incentives. Short beds are generally classified as any cab with a 6-1/2 ft., 7-ft., or 8-ft. short bed size, and this classification provides some added advantages when it comes to taxes and other financial incentives.
One major advantage of owning a short bed truck is that the smaller size makes qualifying for certain types of tax deductions easier. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires certain vehicles to meet the “non-luxury vehicle” requirement, meaning they must weigh less than 6,000 pounds in order to qualify for certain deductions. Similarly, many states have adopted similar taxation policies for medium and large trucks (over 6,000 pounds). Having a shorter truck bed qualifies the vehicle as much smaller than normal, which can potentially mean hundreds, even thousands of dollars saved on IRS deductions alone.
Additionally, there are often local financial incentives or credits available from particular automotive manufacturers or dealerships to encourage customers to purchase specific types of vehicles or models with improved mileage ratings—and many times these incentives apply to those buying short bed trucks as well. Check with current manufacturing sites and dealership locations for listings of current incentives related to your selection before making your investment choice — you could be surprised at how much money you can save just by making some careful decisions prior to investing in a short bed vehicle.
Convenience
A shorter truck bed can be a great convenience if you’re looking for something easy to maneuver and don’t need the extra hauling space. They are much easier to park, especially in tight spots like parking lots with limited capacity. The smaller size also helps reduce weight and gas consumption, making them an economical option for those who don’t need extended haulin power. In addition, short beds are often less expensive than larger beds due to their simple construction.
A short truck bed also has some drawbacks that might make it less desirable to someone seeking more overall carrying capability. You will have limited capacity when transporting bulky items such as furniture, sporting equipment, or any type of large cargo. The smaller size will not allow you the same level of flexibility when trying to fit things in the back of your vehicle. Furthermore, even though they may save on fuel costs initially, the lack of storage space in your vehicle might eventually cause a higher gas bill since you’re needing to make more trips with fewer items each time. Lastly, short trucks tend to have shorter wheelbases which means less stability at higher speeds or when pulling heavy loads on rough terrain.
Common Types of Short Truck Beds
Standard Truck Bed: The most common type of short truck bed is the standard truck bed. It measures between 5 and 6 feet long, making it a great option for those who don’t need the extra space of a longer bed. Standard beds are usually made from steel or aluminum and can be topped off with a hard top or soft top cover to protect cargo during transport. This type of short truck bed is perfect if you don’t require more than 1,000 pounds of carrying capacity, but if you need something to haul heavier loads, an upgrade will probably be necessary.
Extended Cab Bed: For those that require more cargo room but don’t want to upgrade to a full-size truck bed, there is the extended cab bed. These measure in at 7 feet long and, in addition to at least one cab compartment up front, offer around 500 additional cubic feet of hauling capacity. They are ideal for people wishing to haul smaller items like tools and camping gear without having to invest in a full-size pickup truck. Like their standard counterparts, these beds come equipped with either a hard top or soft top cover for added protection for items being transported over long distances.
Utility Bed: Perhaps the best solution for individuals who often have enough cargo that requires special storage solutions is the utility bed. As its name implies, the utility bed offers extra storage compartments located throughout the length of the entire truckbed; perfect for those needing multiple secure storage options when conducting job site runs or moving large quantity items across town. Just like other short beds mentioned above this one too comes equipped with either a hardtop or softtop cover giving drivers both versatility and convenience when getting things done quickly and efficiently over any terrain imaginable.
Accessorizing Short Truck Beds
When you have a short truck bed, the options available for personalizing your vehicle may seem limited. However, with some creativity and ingenuity, you can turn your short truck bed into something that’s truly unique. Here are some ways of accessorizing a short truck bed:
1. Bed covers: A great accessory for any sized truck bed is a tonneau or soft tonneau cover. This type of cover helps keep your belongings safe and secure while keeping dirt and debris out of the back of your truck.
2. Toolbox: Another attractive option for short truck beds is to add a toolbox on the side rails of your truck bed. This allows you to store stuff securely while freeing up more space in the bed itself and giving your vehicle a professional look.
3. Racks: Consider installing racks along both sides of the outside edge of your truck bed if you need extra storage for items like surfboards, bicycles, or skis. These racks can be permanently mounted or can be easily removed when not in use.
4. Bed rug liner: To protect the surface of your bed from damage due to wear and tear, consider adding a carpeted or rubberized rug liner to it for added protection and extra durability.
5. Lights: Installing a light bar along the top edge of your truck’s cab can provide plenty of illumination with its powerful LED lights during nighttime drives, which also adds an aesthetic touch as well with its sleek design and/or color combos available to match your vehicle’s exterior styling preferences.
6. Tailgate handle guard: Installing this accessory will help against potential theft as it cannot be opened whatever lock you attempt to use on it unless it is opened from inside the cab itself—so intruders won’t be able to gain access by breaking in through the tailgate itself!
Wrap Up
A short truck bed can be an ideal choice for those looking for an extra bit of utility and maneuverability without sacrificing cargo space. They provide more volume than their compact mid-sized counterparts, yet still fit in tight spaces that full-sized models can’t navigate. Whether you’re running errands around town or taking on weekend projects, a short truck bed can be the perfect compromise between convenience and capability. However, if you often carry large items such as ATVs or work equipment, you may want to go with a larger model for longer hauls. Be sure to evaluate all your transportation needs before choosing the right bed size.
