2020 Ford F 350 Bed Length – Choosing The Right Size For Your Hauling
The 2020 Ford F-350 is available with two primary cargo box configurations: a 6.75-foot standard bed and an 8-foot long bed. Selecting the right size depends on whether you prioritize maneuverability for daily driving or maximum volume for towing and heavy-duty work.
You have likely spent hours looking at different Super Duty configurations, trying to decide which setup fits your lifestyle. Whether you are a weekend DIYer hauling lumber or an off-road enthusiast loading up a dirt bike, the 2020 ford f 350 bed length is the most critical factor in your vehicle’s overall utility and fitment.
Understanding these dimensions isn’t just about fitting plywood in the back; it’s about how your truck handles on the trail, fits in your garage, and manages your trailer tongue weight. Let’s break down the specs so you can make an informed decision for your next build or purchase.
Understanding Your 2020 Ford F-350 Bed Length Options
Ford designed the 2020 Super Duty lineup to cater to diverse needs, from commercial construction sites to family camping trips. The two available box lengths are engineered to handle significant payload capacities while maintaining structural integrity under heavy stress.
The standard bed, measuring 6.75 feet, offers a balance of space and ease of parking. The long bed, at 8 feet, provides the maximum possible floor space for bulky equipment, slide-in campers, or long-reach tools that won’t fit in smaller configurations.
It is important to note that these measurements are nominal. While the 8-foot bed is the industry standard for “long bed” trucks, the actual interior cargo volume can vary slightly depending on whether you have a factory spray-in bed liner or additional aftermarket protection installed.
Comparing the 6.75-Foot vs. 8-Foot Cargo Box
Deciding between the two options often comes down to your primary use case. If your truck is a daily driver that occasionally pulls a trailer, the 6.75-foot option is usually more than sufficient and makes navigating tight parking lots significantly easier.
However, if you are a serious hauler, the extra 1.25 feet of the long bed is a game-changer. That added length is often the difference between being able to close your tailgate with a standard pallet inside or leaving it dropped, which is a major safety concern on public roads.
The 6.75-Foot Standard Bed
This is the most common choice for crew cab owners. It provides plenty of room for most recreational gear while keeping the truck’s overall wheelbase shorter, which helps with tighter turning radiuses on narrow forest service roads or job sites.
The 8-Foot Long Bed
Choose the long bed if you frequently transport long-span materials like lumber or piping. It is also the preferred choice for those planning to mount a slide-in truck camper, as these units are almost universally designed for 8-foot beds to maintain the proper center of gravity.
Technical Specifications and Interior Dimensions
Beyond the simple exterior length, you should consider the width between the wheel wells. Both the standard and long beds on the 2020 F-350 offer a width of approximately 50.5 inches between the wheel houses, which is wide enough to lay a standard 4×8 sheet of plywood flat.
The total interior volume of the long bed is roughly 78.5 cubic feet, whereas the standard bed offers about 65.4 cubic feet. If you are calculating for storage bins or custom drawer systems, these internal measurements are vital to your planning.
Always verify your specific vehicle’s build sheet, as features like the Tailgate Step or factory-installed tie-down cleats can slightly impact the usable length of the floor. When installing aftermarket bed slides or tonneau covers, check the manufacturer’s fitment chart specifically for the 2020 model year.
Impact on Towing and Maneuverability
The 2020 ford f 350 bed length directly influences your truck’s wheelbase. A longer bed requires a longer frame, which affects your turning radius. If you spend your weekends navigating tight mountain trails, the standard bed is the clear winner for maneuverability.
For towing, the long bed offers a slight advantage in weight distribution. It provides more room between the cab and the trailer, which is crucial if you are using a fifth-wheel hitch. A longer bed reduces the risk of the trailer nose hitting your cab during sharp, low-speed maneuvers.
If you are new to towing, remember that a longer wheelbase generally provides a more stable towing platform. While the difference between the two beds might seem small on paper, the change in how the truck tracks on the highway is noticeable to experienced drivers.
Maintenance and Accessory Considerations
Regardless of your chosen bed size, keeping your cargo box in good shape is essential for the longevity of your F-350. Using a high-quality bed liner is your first line of defense against rust and dents caused by shifting loads.
If you use your truck for off-roading, ensure your tie-down points are rated for the weight of your gear. Check these bolts periodically; vibration from corrugated dirt roads can cause them to loosen over time. A quick inspection every few months is a simple habit that prevents costly damage.
Think about your lighting setup as well. If you have a long bed, adding auxiliary LED cargo lights is highly recommended. The factory lights often get blocked by tall gear, making it difficult to find tools or secure items at night.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2020 Ford F-350 Bed Length
Can I convert my 6.75-foot bed to an 8-foot bed?
No, this is not a practical modification. The bed length is tied to the frame length of the truck. Extending the frame to accommodate a longer bed requires extensive, unsafe, and expensive structural modifications that void your warranty and compromise the truck’s towing rating.
Does the bed length affect the payload capacity?
Generally, the bed length itself has a negligible effect on payload capacity, but it does change the truck’s curb weight. The long-bed configuration is slightly heavier, which technically reduces your net payload capacity by a small margin compared to the same trim level with a shorter bed.
Is the 2020 ford f 350 bed length the same for all cab configurations?
Not necessarily. The Regular Cab is typically only available with the 8-foot bed. The SuperCab and Crew Cab configurations offer a choice between the 6.75-foot and 8-foot options, depending on the specific trim level and powertrain package you select.
Will a tonneau cover from a 2019 model fit my 2020 F-350?
Yes, the bed dimensions for the 2020 F-350 remained consistent with the previous model years of the same generation. However, always double-check the specific mounting hardware, as small design changes in the tailgate or bed rail caps can occur during mid-cycle refreshes.
Understanding your truck’s dimensions is the first step toward building a more capable and efficient machine. Whether you choose the standard or long bed, ensure your gear is secured, your lights are bright, and your maintenance is up to date. Stay safe and stay comfortable out there on the road!
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