Pickup trucks are a lot like people. You’ll find that they come in several different sizes and provide a wide range of additional features and abilities.
The biggest difference between trucks and people is that you have a lot more control over your vehicle.
When you start looking at different truck designs, you’ll find that two common categories exist. You can find short bed and long bed options.
Although both designs increase your transportation versatility, some options are better than others for your unique needs.
Short Bed vs Long Bed Trucks Advantages and Disadvantages
What Are the Pros and Cons of Short Bed Trucks?
Although definitions of a short bed truck are variable, this term typically applies to a pickup with less than eight feet of length.
Even if an automaker uses a different definition for a specific model, the pros and cons below include any truck that fits an eight-foot or less bed description.
| List of the Pros of Short Bed Trucks | List of the Cons of Short Bed Trucks |
| Short bed trucks have more maneuverability because their design uses a shorter wheelbase. That means your turning, parking, and backing up are easier to complete. | If you decide that you want to tow a fifth wheel or something heavy with this design, a slider hitch is likely needed. Those are harder to operate than a regular one. |
| Many short bed pickups come with 360-degree cameras to help drivers guide the vehicle into specific boxes for loading and unloading, including garages. | Although a truck bed can store plenty of things, it also leaves them vulnerable to theft and precipitation when left in the open. You may need to invest in a cargo cover if you haul items regularly. |
| It serves as more of a family option. Many four-door trucks are only available with a short box configuration (it’s sometimes referred to as “standard”). More people can ride in comfort without sitting on top of each other. | The seating capacity for a short bed truck could be as little as three. Even when purchasing a King cab or an extended cab model, the maximum seating is typically five. That makes it unworkable for larger families. |
| The cost of a short bed pickup is typically less than a long bed counterpart. Although this advantage isn’t always true, the exceptions usually involve optional features. | Some models can have durability issues. Since the rear bed is separate from the cab, the chassis flexes more than other vehicles. That can be an advantage when driven correctly, but it can also be a disadvantage if the truck is out of control. |
| Many short bed pickups can outperform other vehicles in off-road situations, especially if the vehicle comes equipped with a 4×4 option. There’s less of a chance to high center with this design. | Most short bed pickups have a lower seating arrangement than their long bed counterparts. It’s similar to what you’d receive with a crossover or a passenger vehicle with some models. |
| Unless the bed is very short, you can still haul virtually anything with a shorter design. Step-up tailgates, protective coatings, and anchors for cabs are also available. | Some trucks don’t have placement locations for car seats. Without that transportation option, another vehicle might be needed to handle family travel. |
| This design has a better fuel economy, helping it serve drivers as a daily commuter if needed. When combined with the potential insurance savings, it’s an affordable way to increase hauling and off-road capabilities. | Running with a heavy load can cause a short bed truck to sit lower on its back tires. That can cause rubbing incidents that could impact the overall safety of each passenger. |
What Are the Pros and Cons of Long Bed Trucks?
A long bed truck is a pickup or vehicle that provides eight feet or more of length to use. Since you have more space in the back, that typically means less is available up front.
When comparing long bed trucks to their short bed counterparts, you’ll find several advantages and disadvantages worth considering.
| List of the Pros of Long Bed Trucks | List of the Cons of Long Bed Trucks |
| Long bed trucks provide more cargo capacity for hauling. Depending on the make and model, you can end up with twice the amount that a short bed pickup offers today. | Some long bed trucks are only available as an optional feature. With the Toyota Tundra, you’d need to request it from the dealer while likely purchasing the upgraded double cab truck. |
| This design handles better because the truck has more weight and length. Since the wheels sit further apart, drivers have more stability on the road. There will be fewer control issues to manage even with a full load. | The fuel economy for a long bed truck can be significantly less than what short bed pickups offer. If this option gets 20 miles per gallon, it’s considered an impressive design. You’re more likely to see something in the 10 to 15 mpg range. |
| A long bed truck typically has a better tow rating that pickups with shorter beds. If you have a fifth wheel to haul around, you’ll find more options to consider. | Some automakers don’t offer a long bed pickup in their lineup. That means some drivers might be forced to choose a brand that isn’t preferred. |
| Drivers have more flexibility when operating a long bed truck. You can install a toolbox back there, create camping experiences with over-vehicle tents, or haul an entire RV. It’s easier to convert a long bed into a short bed than in reverse. | The cost of a long bed truck is typically higher than short bed versions. Although some affordable options are out there, you’ll normally pay 15% to 30% more at MSRP for this option. |
| With this truck design, you can enjoy many of today’s best features, including step-up tailgates, multiple anchoring points, and protective coatings that allow for heavy-duty hauling capabilities. | A long bed truck isn’t as easy to maneuver when driving. It doesn’t have the capacity to make U-turns quickly or find your way into a tight parking spot. That might mean it takes more time to run errands. |
| Drivers can leave their RV hitch permanently installed with a long bed design, which means you can get outside and have fun with less preparation. | Even though long bed trucks come with powerful engines, their acceleration profile isn’t always optimal. It might take more time to achieve highway speeds, leading to merging difficulties in heavy traffic. |
| The cost of an upgrade is minimal when working with brands like Dodge and Ford. You can go with a longer bed for less than $1,000 for some models. | Since a long bed truck provides more vehicle to use, the upkeep and maintenance costs tend to be higher for this option than for the short bed counterparts. |
When Should I Buy a Pickup Truck?
Does timing matter when you want to purchase a new truck? Absolutely!
While waiting for the right time might require a little strategizing and patience, you’ll feel better about the timing when the price is lower. Paying less for a short bed or long bed pickup feels almost as good as getting behind the wheel!
When you want to pay less for your dream truck, it’s essential to learn everything you can about your preferred make and model. What is the sticker price? How do the trims, colors, upgrades, and rebates affect the overall cost?
Most websites tell you what a dealer pays for the vehicle. When you come prepared to negotiate, you’ll find a better deal on the paperwork compared to someone who shopped MSRPs from the vehicle brochure.
The best time of year to buy a new truck is in December. When a dealership wants to exceed its sales figures from the previous year, that month becomes crunch time for everyone involved. Moving last year’s models ensures enough space for the current inventory.
If you don’t mind dealing with the hassles of the Black Friday crowd, you can find some pretty good deals waiting there for you.
Here are the other times where it is worth considering a pickup truck.
1. Memorial Day Weekend
Although you can typically find deals throughout the month of May, the holiday weekend tends to offer more incentives and discounts.
Some of the prices are competitive with what you’ll discover when venturing out on Black Friday.
Trucks are particularly popular at this time with the summer travel window coming up. You can do some tailgating, watch the stars, or enjoy the Fourth of July fireworks from the comfort of your pickup.
2. October Savings
Most dealerships provide more opportunities to negotiate prices because this month is usually at the end of the model year.
The business has more motivation to move the older vehicles from the lot to bring in the new inventory.
If you wait until the end of the month, it’s possible to save up to 10% from the MSRP in some locations. You’ll see a lot of traction on short bed pickups during this time.
3. Summer Opportunities
When you shop for trucks from May to September, you’ll find more deals available than during the winter months.
That’s because the new vehicles are aging as unused inventory, which means the dealership gets progressively worried about not moving things.
If you can avoid buying a truck in February, you’ll be more likely to negotiate a decent deal.
Short Bed vs Long Bed Truck: Which Is Better?
Short bed trucks provide more maneuverability at the cost of cargo space. Long bed trucks offer a better towing capacity while costing more to operate. Both pickup designs provide passenger space, off-roading capabilities, and 4WD options to deliver beneficial experiences to everyone.
I used to work as a contractor part-time during my college years. I’d inherited a Dodge Caravan that had seen better days, but it could still haul stuff like a champ.
The most impressive thing I ever stuck in there was an old refrigerator that weighed about 700 pounds.
It barely fit through the rear opening, caused the tires to grind, but I got that thing over to the recycler to make about a hundred bucks.
That was big money back then.
When I eventually upgraded to a long bed truck, I could do so much more with my experience. The jobs got faster and paid more, so I eventually invested in a fifth wheel that we still use.
The pros and cons of short and long bed trucks are very personal. I highly recommend evaluating each point, comparing it to your circumstances, and choosing based on what meets your needs the best.