A truck bed cover is a product that many truck owners will need. Not only does it protect the cargo inside the vehicle, but it also upgrades the appearance of your pickup truck. It is a trendy accessory. The design of the tonneau cover is closely related to your car model. To buy the correct size bed cover, you need to know the dimensions of your truck bed very well. To buy the proper cover and save money caused by inappropriate sizes, follow my article to learn how to measure the truck bed length and know the truck bed dimensions of standard pickup truck models.

Steps to Properly Size Your Truck Bed for a Tonneau

Before purchasing a tonneau cover, measuring the length of your truck bed is always necessary. This will determine whether the tonneau cover you purchase will fit. This measurement is not difficult at all and requires only a tape measure, and you can also prepare a pen and paper to record your values if necessary.

Now that you have your tools ready, follow these steps:

Method 1: Measure along the bedrail

• Step 1:Stand in the upper left corner or upper right corner of the truck bed
• Step 2:Place the end of the measuring tape on the inside of the bulkhead
• Step 3: Run the measuring tape along the bed rail to the inside edge of the top of the tailgate
• Step 4:Record the value on the tape measure—record exact measurements in inches. Be precise, as this measurement determines the tonneau cover size you need.

Method 2: Measure along the floor of the bed

Step 1: Put down the truck tailgate and stand at the rear of the truck

Step 2: Place the end of the tape measure on the floor of the bed and inside the bulkhead (the bulkhead at the front of the pickup truck that separates the cab from the bed)

Step 3: Use a tape measure from the bulkhead to the edge of the gap between the lathe and the tailgate. (It will be more convenient if you have an assistant to help)

Step 4: Record the value on the tape measure.

Note

• Once you have the dimensions, divide by 12 to convert your measurements from inches to feet (dealers often quote them in feet). Many tonneau cover manufacturers provide size charts on their websites or in their product descriptions to help You find the right size tonneau cover for your truck.
• Most bed manufacturers round up bed sizes, so choose the option closest to your size.
• In addition to bed length, you'll also want to know your truck's year, make, and model. This information lets you choose the right accessories for your truck bed.
• Some truck beds will adopt a tapered design, with the width of the partition and the width of the tailgate being different. When you encounter a truck bed of this design, when you install the tonneau cover, you will find that it is not entirely aligned with the truck bed, but you don't have to worry. This is because when the factory produces the bed cover, it is designed to be rectangular. It will not affect your use of the cover.

If you still need to learn how to measure the length of a truck bed, you can watch the video below.

Factors to Remember When Sizing Up Your Tonneau

Several factors can influence the fit and compatibility of a tonneau cover with your truck:

• Accessories Installed:Consider any existing accessories on your truck bed, such as toolboxes or bed extenders. These can affect the required measurements for a tonneau cover.
• Bed Liner:Determine if your truck bed has a bed liner installed. Bed liners can add thickness and change the dimensions that the tonneau cover needs to accommodate.

Tips and Tricks for Getting the Right Measurements

To ensure you get accurate measurements for your tonneau cover:

• Use a Helper:Enlist a friend or family member to assist with measurements, especially for longer truck beds.
• Double-Check Measurements:Always measure twice to confirm accuracy before purchasing a tonneau cover.

Alternative Methods for Measuring Truck Bed Length

If you're unable to measure your truck bed directly, you can use alternative methods:

• Consult the Manufacturer's Specifications: Look up your truck's make and model online or in the owner's manual to find the standard bed length.
• Use a Fitment Guide: Many tonneau cover manufacturers provide fitment guides on their websites. Enter your truck's details to find the recommended cover size.

2024 Frequent Truck Bed Sizes

Truck bed sizes can vary widely depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Typical standard bed lengths for pickup trucks include:

FAQs

How to Determine the Bed Size of Your Truck?

To determine your truck's bed size, refer to the manufacturer's specifications or physically measure the length and width of your truck bed.

How to Verify if a Tonneau Cover Fits Your Pickup?

Verify the compatibility by matching your truck's measurements with the recommended cover size provided by the manufacturer.

Is My Truck Equipped with a Short or Long Bed without Mesuring?

• Short Bed: Typically around 5 to 6 feet in length.
• Standard Bed: Generally between 6.5 to 8 feet in length.
• Long Bed: Usually over 8 feet in length.

• Short Bed: The front and rear fenders are nearly equal in area.
• Long Bed: The area in front of the fenders is almost twice as large as the rear overhang.

How to Choose the Perfect Tonneau Cover?

Now that you know how to measure your truck bed cover, it's time to purchase the cover you want. Consider factors like material (e.g., vinyl, aluminum), style (e.g., roll-up, folding), and compatibility with your truck's features when choosing a tonneau cover.

In conclusion, measuring your truck bed accurately is essential for selecting the right tonneau cover. By following these steps, considering important factors, and utilizing alternative methods if needed, you can ensure a perfect fit and optimal performance from your tonneau cover. Consider manufacturer guidelines and seek professional assistance if you encounter any challenges during the measurement process. You can also pick the right truck bed cover for you by filtering by model and year directly in our store.

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