Ford F-150 Bed Width – Your Complete Guide

The bed width of a Ford F-150 is not a single measurement, but varies between 50.0 inches (1,270 mm) between the wheel wells and approximately 65.2 inches (1,656 mm) at its widest exterior point. This key interior width between the wheel arches is the critical dimension for determining what standard cargo, like plywood sheets or pallets, will fit flat. Understanding both measurements ensures you choose the right F-150 bed configuration for your hauling and worksite needs.

Key Takeaways

• Bed width varies by generation: Measure between wheel wells for cargo.
• Standard bed width is ~50 inches: Fits standard plywood sheets flat.
• Check the tailgate width: It’s often wider for hauling sheet goods.
• Consider bed length and cab style: They directly impact total cargo volume.
• Verify before buying accessories: Tonneau covers and liners require precise fit.
• Newer models offer more space: Recent redesigns increased interior bed width.

Ford F-150 Bed Width – Your Complete Guide

So, you’re thinking about a Ford F-150. Maybe you’re hauling lumber for a weekend project. Perhaps you’re loading up gear for a camping trip. Or, you could be figuring out if that new ATV will fit. I’ve been there. You stand in your driveway, mentally measuring, wondering: “Just how wide is that bed, really?”

It’s a simple question with a surprisingly detailed answer. The Ford F-150 isn’t just one truck. It’s a family of trucks, and the bed width can change depending on the year, the cab style, and even the specific trim package. Getting the right measurement isn’t just about numbers on a page. It’s about confidence. It’s about knowing your truck can handle your life.

This guide is here to cut through the confusion. We’ll walk through all the details together, from the tape-measure basics to the real-world implications. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to find the bed width for your F-150 and, more importantly, what that width means for you. Let’s get started.

Understanding Bed Width: It’s More Than One Number

First things first. When we talk about “bed width,” we need to be specific. Truck beds have different width measurements, and each one matters for different tasks.

Width at the Bed Rails vs. Width Between the Wheel Wells

This is the most important distinction. The width at the top of the bed rails is the maximum width. It’s the distance from the inside of the left bed rail to the inside of the right bed rail. This is the space you have for laying down wide sheets of plywood or drywall flat.

The width between the wheel wells is the narrower, constricted space in the middle of the bed. This measurement is crucial because it determines the width of a single, large item you can slide down the center of the bed, like a motorcycle, an ATV, or a pallet.

For most F-150 models, the width between the wheel wells is about 50 to 51 inches. The width at the bed rails is significantly wider, typically around 65 inches. Always check which measurement a product or project requires!

Why These Measurements Matter for You

Let me give you a real example. Last fall, I helped a friend pick up a new refrigerator. The box was 48 inches wide. We knew the F-150’s wheel well width was about 50 inches. That gave us a comfortable 2-inch clearance on either side. It slid right in. If we had only looked at the wider bed rail measurement, we might have been overconfident and not planned for how to navigate the wheel humps. Knowing the right number saved us a major headache.

Ford F-150 Bed Width by Generation (Key Models)

Ford has refined the F-150 over many years. While bed widths have remained fairly consistent, there are subtle changes. Here’s a look at some of the most popular recent generations.

The Current Generation (2021-Present, 14th Gen)

The latest F-150s offer a great balance of space and smart design. For the standard 5.5-foot (67-inch) and 6.5-foot (79-inch) beds, the measurements are very consistent:

• Width at Bed Rails: Approximately 65.2 inches.
• Width Between Wheel Wells: Approximately 50.6 inches.

The 8-foot (96-inch) bed on Regular Cab models is slightly different, with a width between the wheel wells of about 50.0 inches. These trucks are engineered for modern cargo, with integrated tie-downs and available features like the Pro Power Onboard generator that make use of every inch.

The Aluminum-Body Era (2015-2020, 13th Gen)

This was a revolutionary change as Ford switched to a high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy body. The bed dimensions saw a slight, but notable, increase from the previous generation.

• Width at Bed Rails: Increased to about 65.2 inches.
• Width Between Wheel Wells: Increased to about 50.6 inches.

This extra half-inch or so in the wheel well area was a big deal. It meant that standard 48-inch-wide pallets could fit with much less fuss, a direct response to what real truck users needed.

The Earlier Models (2009-2014, 12th Gen)

These trucks are still incredibly common on the road. Their beds are slightly narrower than the newer models.

• Width at Bed Rails: Approximately 65.0 inches.
• Width Between Wheel Wells: Approximately 50.0 inches (sometimes a hair under).

While the difference seems small, it’s the difference between a 48-inch pallet fitting snugly and needing a slight angle. If you’re shopping for a used truck in this range, it’s wise to physically measure the bed if you have a specific, width-critical item to haul.

How Cab Size and Bed Length Affect Width

You might be wondering: “If I get a SuperCab with a 6.5-foot bed, is it wider than a Regular Cab with an 8-foot bed?” The answer is no, and here’s why.

Bed Width is Independent of Cab and Length

This is a key point that often causes confusion. The width of the F-150 bed (both at the rails and between the wheels) is essentially the same across all cab configurations and bed lengths for a given model year. Whether you choose a:

• Regular Cab with an 8-foot bed.
• SuperCab with a 6.5-foot bed.
• Crew Cab (SuperCrew) with a 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot bed.

The interior width measurements will be virtually identical. The cab choice affects how much interior passenger space you have and the overall wheelbase of the truck, but not the bed’s width.

The Real Trade-Off: Bed Length vs. Cab Space

The choice between cab size and bed length is about your lifestyle. A Crew Cab with a short 5.5-foot bed is fantastic for families and daily driving, but that bed length limits you to smaller motorcycles or shorter building materials. The 8-foot bed on a Regular Cab is a hauler’s dream, but you sacrifice interior passenger space. The 6.5-foot bed, available on most cab styles, is the popular “Goldilocks” option for many—long enough for most jobs, yet still manageable in the city.

Practical Applications: What Fits in Your F-150 Bed?

Let’s move from numbers to real life. Here’s how the Ford F-150 bed width translates to common cargo.

Building Materials and Home Improvement

The 65-inch bed rail width is your friend here. A standard sheet of plywood or drywall is 48 inches wide by 96 inches long.

• It will lie flat across the bed, resting on the rails, with overhang on each side.
• Because of the 96-inch length, the tailgate will need to be down for transport in any bed shorter than 8 feet. For a 6.5-foot bed, you’ll have about 2 feet of overhang. Secure it properly!
• With the tailgate down, you can also fit longer items like lumber or pipes diagonally, using the full width and length of the open bed.

Recreational Gear: Bikes, ATVs, and Motorcycles

This is all about the wheel well width (~50.6 inches in newer models).

• ATVs and Side-by-Sides: Most recreational ATVs are 45-50 inches wide. They should fit between the wheel wells of any modern F-150. Larger utility ATVs or side-by-sides may be wider. Always check your specific model’s width.
• Dirt Bikes/Motorcycles: Almost all will fit easily. You can often fit two dirt bikes sideways if you use a clever loading ramp technique.
• Mountain Bikes: You can easily fit 4-5 bikes standing upright with front wheels removed, or lay several flat.

Everyday Hauling: Furniture, Appliances, and More

The F-150 bed is incredibly versatile for moving day or big purchases.

That 50.6-inch wheel well width is designed to accommodate a standard 48″ x 40″ shipping pallet. Most large appliance boxes (refrigerators, washers) are under 48 inches wide. Large furniture items like sofas or mattresses can be laid flat across the bed rails. For tall items, remember to consider the bed’s depth (about 21 inches) and overall height clearance.

Essential Accessories to Maximize Your Bed’s Utility

Knowing your Ford F-150 bed width is the first step. The right accessories help you use every inch safely and efficiently.

Bed Liners and Mats

A spray-in or drop-in bed liner is a must. It protects the bed floor and walls from dents, scratches, and rust. It also provides grip, preventing cargo from sliding around. A good rubber bed mat can add an extra layer of cushioning and noise reduction.

Tie-Downs and Cargo Management

Modern F-150s come with excellent built-in tie-down cleats. For irregular loads, consider:

• Ratchet Straps: The gold standard for securing heavy loads. Get several in different lengths.
• Cargo Nets/Bars: Great for holding down lighter items like bags or coolers.
• Bed Extender: A fantastic accessory for short beds. It effectively lengthens the bed when the tailgate is down, creating a cage to keep smaller items from sliding out.

Toppers, Tonneau Covers, and Toolboxes

These accessories define how you use your bed’s space.

• Hard Folding Tonneau Cover: My personal favorite. It provides security and weather protection, folds up easily for full bed access, and doesn’t compromise the clean look of the truck.
• Bed Topper/Canopy: Turns your bed into a dry, lockable storage or camping space. Be aware it limits the height of your cargo.
• Crossover Toolbox: Sits across the front of the bed, behind the cab. It’s perfect for securing tools but reduces the usable bed length slightly.

When shopping for any of these, you’ll need to know your exact bed length (5.5ft, 6.5ft, 8ft) to ensure a proper fit, as the width is standard.

Data Table: Ford F-150 Bed Dimensions at a Glance

Here’s a quick-reference table for the most common configurations on recent models (2015-Present). Remember, always verify with your specific model’s owner’s manual for absolute precision.

Bed Length	Width at Bed Rails (Approx.)	Width Between Wheel Wells (Approx.)	Best For…
5.5 ft (67″)	65.2 in	50.6 in	Daily driving, families, shorter cargo, with tailgate down for longer items.
6.5 ft (79″)	65.2 in	50.6 in	The versatile choice. Fits most ATVs, motorcycles, and building materials with tailgate down.
8.0 ft (96″)	65.2 in	50.0 in	Maximum hauling. Sheets of plywood/drywall fit with tailgate up. Ideal for contractors.

Final Thoughts and Pro Tips

Understanding your Ford F-150 bed width is a small piece of knowledge that pays off in big ways. It takes the guesswork out of loading up for work or play. You can shop for accessories with confidence and plan projects knowing your truck is up to the task.

Before we wrap up, here are my top two pro tips from years of using trucks:

1. Measure Twice, Load Once. Keep a tape measure in your glove box. When in doubt, pull it out. Don’t just eyeball it, especially for expensive or bulky items. Measure your cargo and compare it to your bed’s wheel well and rail widths.

2. Use Your Tailgate as a Tool. The tailgate isn’t just a door. When down, it’s a bed extender. It can also be used as a workbench or a seat. Modern F-150s have tailgates with clever features like built-in clamping, steps, and desk surfaces. Learn yours—it multiplies your truck’s usefulness.

At the end of the day, the Ford F-150 is designed to be a partner for your adventures and responsibilities. Knowing the specifics, like the true bed width, means you can use it to its full potential. Now, go load up with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard bed width of a Ford F-150?

The standard bed width for a Ford F-150, measured between the inner wheel wells, is 50.6 inches. This is the critical dimension for determining what flat sheets of material, like plywood, can lay flat on the bed floor. The overall exterior width of the bed is significantly wider, at approximately 65.2 inches.

How wide is a Ford F-150 bed with the tailgate down?

With the tailgate down, the effective load floor length increases dramatically, but the width between the wheel wells remains 50.6 inches. The tailgate itself is about 65.2 inches wide, matching the exterior bed width, which can be useful for supporting very wide items that overhang the wheel wells.

Is the Ford F-150 bed width the same for all bed lengths?

Yes, the primary interior bed width between the wheel arches (50.6 inches) is consistent across all available bed lengths: 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot, and 8-foot. This standardization means cargo like standard 48-inch wide pallets will fit within the wheel wells on any F-150 configuration.

Can you fit a motorcycle in an F-150 bed?

Yes, most standard motorcycles will fit in an F-150 bed thanks to its 50.6-inch width between wheel wells. You will need to position the bike diagonally or use a ramp to load it, and securing it with proper tie-downs is essential for safe transport.

What is the difference between width and bed width on an F-150?

“Bed width” specifically refers to the interior cargo space, typically the 50.6-inch measurement between the wheel wells. Overall “vehicle width” is a much larger dimension (around 80 inches for modern F-150s) that includes the exterior mirrors and the truck’s total body width.

Does the Ford F-150 bed width fit a sheet of plywood?

Yes, a standard 4-foot by 8-foot sheet of plywood (48 inches wide) fits perfectly within the F-150’s 50.6-inch interior bed width. The plywood will lay flat on the bed floor between the wheel wells, though it will overhang the tailgate unless you get an 8-foot bed model for full length support.