Ford Ranger Truck Bed Size: Genius Choice

Ford Ranger Truck Bed Size: A Genius Choice for Any Adventure!

Choosing the right Ford Ranger truck bed size is a smart move for carrying all your gear. Whether you’re hauling tools for a DIY project, loading up for a weekend camping trip, or moving furniture, knowing your Ranger’s bed dimensions makes all the difference. It ensures you can fit what you need, securely and efficiently. Let’s break down the options so you can make the most of your Ranger’s versatile cargo space.

Understanding Your Ford Ranger Truck Bed Size Options

The Ford Ranger is a fantastic mid-size pickup renowned for its capability and adaptability. A big part of that adaptability comes from its truck bed. Ford has historically offered a couple of key bed lengths for the Ranger, designed to suit different needs and preferences. Understanding these sizes is the first step to maximizing your Ranger’s utility.

When you’re looking at a Ford Ranger, you’ll typically find two main truck bed lengths to choose from. These lengths are crucial for determining what you can haul and how you can configure your cargo. The choice between them usually depends on your primary use for the truck. Do you need a bit more space for larger items, or is a more maneuverable vehicle important to you?

The Short Bed: Compact Versatility

The shorter bed option on the Ford Ranger, often referred to as the “Short Bed” or “Standard Bed,” is a popular choice for many. It offers a great balance between cargo capacity and overall vehicle maneuverability. This makes it a favorite for those who value ease of parking and driving in tighter spaces while still needing to carry a good amount of gear.

What is a Ford Ranger Short Bed?

Historically, the Ford Ranger short bed has typically measured around 6 feet in length. This measurement is generally taken from the inside, tailgate-closed position, from bed wall to bed wall. It’s important to remember that external dimensions might differ slightly, but for cargo planning, the internal dimensions are what matter most.

What Can You Fit in a Ranger Short Bed?

Even though it’s the shorter of the two options, the Ranger short bed is surprisingly capable. Here’s what you can typically expect to fit:

• Most standard at-home DIY project materials like lumber (though some sheets might overhang slightly when diagonally placed).
• Camping gear for a family of four, including tents, sleeping bags, coolers, and chairs.
• Motorcycles or dirt bikes (often one or two, depending on tire width and handlebar placement).
• Sports equipment like kayaks (with proper tie-downs or rack systems), paddleboards, or multiple bicycles.
• Furniture items such as couches, chairs, or dressers.
• Groceries and shopping hauls for a week or more.

The key here is knowing how to pack efficiently. Using cargo nets, tie-down straps, and bed extenders can significantly increase the practical capacity of your short bed.

The Long Bed: Maximum Cargo Capacity

For those who need to haul larger items or simply want more space for their adventures, the Ford Ranger long bed is the way to go. This bed offers extended length, providing more room for bulky materials, longer equipment, and greater flexibility in how you load your truck.

What is a Ford Ranger Long Bed?

The longer bed option for the Ford Ranger, often called the “Long Bed” or “Step-Side Bed” depending on the generation and specific configuration, typically measures around 7 feet in length internally. Again, this is the usable cargo space from the front of the bed to the closed tailgate.

What Can You Fit in a Ranger Long Bed?

The extra foot of length in the long bed opens up a world of possibilities for hauling:

• Larger construction materials like full sheets of plywood or drywall without needing to angle them too much.
• Multiple ATVs or dirt bikes, allowing for more comfortable spacing.
• Longer recreational gear such as canoes, longer ladders, or extra-long lumber.
• More significant home renovation debris or yard waste.
• Larger furniture pieces like king-size mattresses or extended dining tables.
• Camping equipment for extended trips with more people or gear.

This extra space is invaluable if your Ranger is your primary workhorse or if you frequently transport items that push the limits of a shorter bed.

Ford Ranger Truck Bed Dimensions: A Closer Look

To truly understand which bed size is right for you, it’s helpful to look at the specific dimensions. These numbers will help you visualize what fits and what doesn’t. While exact dimensions can vary slightly between model years and trim levels, these are generally accepted interior measurements for recent Ford Ranger generations.

It’s always a good idea to double-check the specifications for your particular model year. You can often find this information in your owner’s manual or on the official Ford website. Knowing the precise width between the wheel wells is also critical, as this is often the narrowest point and can dictate whether certain items fit lengthwise without being angled.

The width between the wheel wells (around 44.4 inches) is a common measurement for mid-size trucks. This means that if you’re hauling something that is wider than this, you’ll either need to angle it or use a bed extender. For example, a standard 4×8 sheet of plywood might fit lengthwise if angled carefully, but it won’t lie flat across the bed.

Calculating Your Cargo Needs

Before you decide, take stock of what you most commonly haul. Think about:

• Length: Do you often carry items longer than 6 feet? Construction materials, lumber, kayaks, or long ladders are good examples.
• Volume: How much stuff do you need to carry at once? Are you packing for a week-long camping trip or just a weekend getaway?
• Bulkiness: Some items, while not necessarily long, are bulky and take up a lot of volume, like large coolers or storage bins.
• Frequency: How often do you find yourself needing more space than your current setup provides?

By honestly assessing your typical cargo needs, you can make an informed decision about whether the short bed’s convenience or the long bed’s capacity is a better fit for your lifestyle.

Choosing the Right Cab with Your Bed Size

It’s important to note that Ford Ranger bed sizes are often tied to the cab configurations. Generally, the shorter bed is available with both the SuperCab (extended cab) and SuperCrew (crew cab) configurations, while the longer bed is more commonly offered with the SuperCab. This is because the longer bed requires a longer wheelbase, which is typically paired with the cab that has less rear passenger space.

SuperCab vs. SuperCrew

• SuperCab: These Rangers have rear-hinged doors for access to the back seats. They usually come with the longer bed option and are a great choice if you need the added cargo length but don’t regularly transport more than two or maybe three passengers.
• SuperCrew: These Rangers have four full-sized doors and a more spacious rear seating area. They are typically paired with the shorter bed to keep the overall vehicle length more manageable. This is ideal if passenger comfort is a priority alongside cargo hauling.

So, when you’re looking at Ford Rangers for sale, the cab style you prefer will likely influence the bed size you end up with, and vice versa. It’s a package deal designed to offer different balances of passenger and cargo space.

Maximizing Your Ford Ranger Truck Bed

Regardless of which bed size you choose, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your Ford Ranger’s cargo area. Investing in accessories can significantly enhance its utility and protect your investment.

Essential Truck Bed Accessories

Here are some accessories you might consider:

1. Tonneau Covers: These covers protect your cargo from the elements and prying eyes. They come in various styles, from soft roll-up covers to hard, foldable, or retractable options. A tonneau cover is a great way to add security and improve aerodynamics. For a guide on Tonneau cover types, check out resources from the Truck Trend website.
2. Bed Liners: A spray-in or drop-in bed liner protects the truck bed from scratches, dings, and corrosion. This is crucial if you plan on hauling rough or heavy items regularly.
3. Cargo Management Systems: Think about bed dividers, cargo nets, tie-down anchors, and toolboxes. These help keep your load organized and prevent items from shifting during transit, which is vital for safety.
4. Bed Extenders: For that extra bit of space, a bed extender can be a game-changer. It flips out to extend the cargo area past the tailgate, allowing you to carry longer items more safely.

These accessories are widely available at dealerships, auto parts stores, and online retailers. When choosing, always ensure the accessory is specifically designed for your Ford Ranger model year to guarantee a proper fit and function.

Ford Ranger Truck Bed Liner Options

Protecting the surface of your truck bed is paramount, especially if you plan on hauling anything that could scratch or dent it. Ford Rangers offer a couple of primary ways to achieve this:

Spray-In Bed Liners

Spray-in liners are typically applied by professionals and create a durable, seamless coating directly onto the truck bed. They offer excellent protection against impacts and abrasion and can be tinted to match your truck’s color.

• Pros: Extremely durable, provides a textured grip, seals the bed from moisture and corrosion, doesn’t rattle, can be customized.
• Cons: More expensive upfront, requires professional application, can be difficult to remove if needed later.

Drop-In Bed Liners

These are pre-formed plastic or rubber liners that are installed by simply dropping them into the truck bed and securing them. They are a more affordable and DIY-friendly option.

• Pros: More affordable, easy to install yourself, can be removed, offers good protection against impacts.
• Cons: Can sometimes allow moisture to get trapped underneath, may shift or rattle, can be scratched more easily than spray-ins, may reduce some usable bed volume.

When considering a bed liner, think about the types of items you’ll be carrying. If it’s mostly light cargo and occasional DIY, a drop-in might suffice. For heavy-duty use, construction materials, or frequent off-roading, a spray-in liner is generally the better long-term investment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Ford Ranger Truck Bed Size

Q1: Which Ford Ranger models come with the 6-foot bed?

The 6-foot (short) bed is commonly available with both the Ford Ranger SuperCab and the SuperCrew models. This makes it a versatile option for various cab preferences.

Q2: Can I fit a standard 4×8 sheet of plywood in a Ford Ranger short bed?

A standard 4×8 sheet of plywood will not lie flat across a 6-foot Ranger bed. You will need to angle it diagonally, and even then, the back corners may overhang the tailgate. Using a bed extender or opening the tailgate can help accommodate such items more securely.

Q3: What is the difference in cargo volume between the short and long beds?

The longer bed offers a significant increase in cargo volume. While precise figures can vary by model year, the 7-foot bed provides roughly 25-30% more usable space than the 6-foot bed, allowing for bulkier or longer items.

Q4: Are Ford Ranger truck bed sizes the same for all generations?

While Ford has generally maintained similar bed lengths for the Ranger, there can be slight variations between different generations and model years. Always verify the specific dimensions for the Ranger model you own or are interested in purchasing.

Q5: Can I tow a trailer with a longer bed Ranger?

Yes, towing capacity is more often related to the truck’s powertrain, chassis, and towing package rather than just the bed length. A Ranger equipped with the appropriate towing features can tow trailers regardless of whether it has a short or long bed. However, for very long trailers, the longer wheelbase of a long-bed Ranger might offer slightly more stability.

Q6: How do I protect my Ford Ranger’s truck bed?

You can protect your bed with a spray-in bed liner, a drop-in bed liner, or by using durable mats and cargo containment systems. These accessories prevent scratches, dents, and corrosion, preserving the resale value and appearance of your truck.

Conclusion: Making Your Genius Choice

Selecting the correct Ford Ranger truck bed size is indeed a genius choice when you align it with your practical needs. Whether you lean towards the nimble and still very capable 6-foot short bed, or the expansive and load-all-you-need 7-foot long bed, both offer fantastic utility for any adventure or task. Understanding their dimensions, how they pair with cab configurations, and the accessories available to enhance them empowers you to make the most of your Ranger.

By considering what you’ll be hauling most frequently, how much passenger space you require, and the importance of maneuverability versus sheer cargo volume, you can confidently choose the bed size that perfectly suits your lifestyle. Equip your Ranger with the right bed liner and cargo management tools, and you’ll be ready to tackle any job or getaway with confidence and ease. Happy hauling!