How To Measure The Truck Bed for Cover?

Though unsure of the size of your truck bed, you’re prepared to purchase a tonneau cover. Finding out only requires a few minutes and a measuring tape. We’ll go over how to take measurements for a tonneau cover on your pickup truck.

Truck bed covers are made to fit tightly. That’s the whole point of using a tonneau: to protect your truck bed and the cargo inside. It’s critical to understand the length of your truck bed in order to ensure a proper fit.

What Size Is My Truck Bed?

Flip up your tailgate and grab a measuring tape. Remove or get creative with any toolboxes that are mounted to the bed. Don’t extend the tape measure over the truck bed rails when measuring the inside of the bed. Don’t lay the tape measure flat on the truck bed; instead, take these measurements near the rails at the top of the bed. Here’s how to go about it:

• Grasp the bulkhead, which is the vertical wall at the front of the pickup bed, with the end of the tape measure.
• Inside your tailgate, place the other end of the tape measure.
• You won’t require this measurement when ordering a topper or tonneau cover because pickup truck bed widths are constant regardless of length. If so, measure the interior space between each bed rail using the same method as above.

When looking for toppers and covers, you’ll need to know your truck’s year, make, and model in addition to its bed length. Since manufacturers typically round the bed length up or down, precise measurements may vary slightly. 

How To Measuring Your Truck Bed For A Tonneau

There are variations among truck brands and models. Thus, if your measurement differs by a couple of inches from the length stated below or the manufacturer’s specifications, don’t get alarmed. Although it’s common to round bed length numbers, your measurement should be close to the stated length. 

Grab a measuring tape that is at least 8 to 10 feet long, as well as a piece of paper, and start taking measurements. 

When measuring your truck bed for a tonneau cover, simply follow these steps:

1. Lower the tailgate and stand behind your truck
2. Extend your measuring tape along the floor of the bed to the bulkhead wall (right behind the cab)
3. Take your measurement at the end of the floor of the bed where the gap is located
4. Divide by 12 to convert your measurement from inches to feet (this is usually how tonneau covers will be listed)

The length of the tonneau is typically rounded off to an even number by the tonneau manufacturer. You ought to be a few inches away from that. When looking for a tonneau, it’s okay if your measurement doesn’t exactly match what you see. For your specific make and model of the pickup truck, the majority of manufacturers standardize their tonneau sizes.

How To Measuring Your Truck Bed For A Bed Liner

Depending on the type you select, measuring for truck bed liners can be a little more challenging. Many vendors will let you enter the details of your truck to get the appropriate size. Measure the truck bed’s width, length, and depth in inches at the areas that are the furthest apart if you plan to do it yourself. Add the length and the width, then multiply the result by two. The depth should be increased by two inches before adding the sum to the earlier figure.

If that seems complicated, then you’ll be glad to know that you can get the best truck bed liner and a fully custom fit with DualLiner. Four or five interlocking pieces are made to precisely fit your truck and your bed.

Other Ways To Check Your Truck Bed Length

Measuring The Width

Place the tape on the inside edge of the “bulkhead,” which is the side of the wall, to take this measurement.” Extend your tape measure over the interior of the opposing bulkhead while keeping it straight, then take a measurement.

The wheel wells on many pickup trucks extend all the way to the sides of the bed, so be aware of that. Instead of measuring between the inside of the wheel wells, use that distance if you’re planning to flatten something for transportation.

Measuring The Length

Similar to measuring the width, the truck bed’s length can also be determined. To ensure accuracy, it is advised to take measurements starting from the inside of the front bulkhead and ending at the outside of the tailgate. Make sure the tape is straight and level throughout. Additionally, you ought to record the measurement for your records.

Things To Consider When Measuring For A Tonneau

You’ll need a 10-foot or longer tape measure, an eraser, and paper to record your measurements before you can start. For more complicated calculations, your smartphone’s calculator may be useful.

For most trucks, really all you need to know is the length. There are, however, some additional options to consider. The most popular additional options to consider when selecting your cover are listed below. Make the corrections the first time to avoid the hassle of a return.

To get some of that wonderful storage, just like with stepside beds, the side rails of your truck bed will be pushed inward. Be careful because most tonneau manufacturers provide options for both with and without.

It’s pretty amazing how this rail system transforms your truck bed into a platform for Lego-style construction. However, if you have the system, you’ll need to pick a cover made for it. Each cover will indicate whether it is built for it or not, so keep an eye out for that when adding items to your cart!

Conclusion

In order to measure the size of a truck bed for the broadest range of applications, you already possess all the information you require. Please message us if you have any questions if you’re interested in finding out more. We’ll be happy to help.