How To Measure Truck Bed For Tonneau Cover?

If you’re looking to add a truck bed tonneau cover, you’ll need to make sure that you choose a cover that has a snug fit. That’s why it’s important to know how to measure your truck bed correctly. Learn the correct method on how to measure truck bed for tonneau cover. 

 

While you can use the measuring tape to calculate the length, and width of your truck bed, you need to make sure that you follow the right steps, discussed below, to achieve accurate results.

 

Knowing the truck bed measurements will help you choose the right truck bed accessories, such as nerf bars and bed liners. The key is to measure the entire length of the bed, not just a small part.

 

You might have questions like “what size does my truck bed need to be?” “Is the cover going to fit my truck bed?” “How can I make sure my cover is going to fit?”.

 

In this article, we will answer all of these questions and give you tips for measuring the truck bed. We’ll help you with everything you need to know about measuring your truck bed and installing a tonneau cover.

 

Flickr Image by DiamondBack Covers

Why Is It Necessary to Measure the Truck Bed for the Tonneau Cover?

 

The tonneau truck bed cover protects your goods from prying eyes and environmental elements like bad weather. It’s important to measure the truck bed to make sure that you get the right size cover. 

 

If the cover is too small, it will not protect your goods. If the cover is too big, it will be difficult to install and will not fit properly. So, it is important to measure the truck bed correctly so that you get the right size cover.

 

Tips to Measure Your Truck Bed

 

Measuring the bed correctly is vital to having a successful installation. With the right measurements, you can be sure that your cover will fit properly and look great on your pickup truck.

 

You can use the tips listed below to measure a truck bed correctly and get the right size tonneau cover.

 

1. Use Measuring Tape

 

To use a tape measure, start at the front of the bed and measure to the back. Then, measure from one side of the bed to the other. Make sure to write down these numbers so you don’t forget them.

 

You can also use a ruler or yardstick to measure the bed, but a measuring tape is a better option because it’s easy to use and provides you with the most accurate measurements.

 

2. Measure the Inside of The Truck Bed

 

It’s important to measure the inside of the truck bed because this is where the cover will be installed. To do this, start at one side of the bed and measure to the other. After that, measure from the front to the back. Make sure to write down these numbers as well.

 

3. Measure the Bed Rails

 

The bed rails are the metal bars that run along the sides of the truck bed. To measure them, start from one end to the other. Then, measure from the top to the bottom and write down these numbers.

 

Flickr Image by U.S. Department of Agriculture

4. Choose the Right Size Cover

 

Now that you have all of your measurements, it’s time to choose the right size cover. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a new cover.

 

• First, you need to make sure that the cover is big enough to fit over the entire truck bed.

 

• It’s also important to choose a cover that is small enough to not obstruct your view when driving.

 

• The cover should work with all the other truck bed accessories you have, such as a toolbox or bike rack.

 

Important Note: Most bed lengths of commercially available tonneau covers are usually rounded. Therefore, your bed length numbers should be within one to two inches of the advertised measurements.

 

Example Conversion Chart

Truck	Short Bed Actual Length	Long Bed Actual Length	Standard Bed Actual Length
Ford F-150	Actual Length: 67” Advertised Length: 5’7”	Actual Length: 97.6” Advertised Length: 8’	Actual Length:78.9” Advertised Length:6’7”
RAM 1500	Actual Length: 67.4” Advertised Length: 5’7”	Actual Length: 98.3” Advertised Length: 8’	Actual Length: 76.3” Advertised Length: 6’4”
Chevy & GMC 1500	Actual Length: 69.3” Advertised Length: 5’8”	Actual Length: 97.8” Advertised Length: 8’	Actual Length: 78.8” Advertised Length: 6’6”
Toyota Tundra	Actual Length: 66.7” Advertised Length: 5’7”	Actual Length: 97.6” Advertised Length: 8’	Actual Length: 78.7” Advertised Length: 6’7”

What Are the Common Errors That Might Occur While Measuring Truck Beds?

 

There are a few common errors that might occur while measuring truck beds. So just check out some of them:

 

1. Not Measuring the Entire Length of The Bed

 

This is one of the most common mistakes people make when measuring their truck bed for a tonneau cover. It’s important to measure the entire truck bed length, not just a small section.

 

2. Measuring from The Outside of The Bed Rails

 

Another common mistake is measuring from the outside of the bed rail. This will give you an inaccurate measurement and could result in a cover that’s too large for your truck bed.

 

3. Forgetting to Note Down the Measurements

 

Once you’ve measured your truck bed, it’s important to write down the measurements so you don’t forget them. This will help you when you’re shopping for a cover and ensure that you get the right size.

 

4. Not Following the Instructions

 

When it comes to installing a tonneau cover, it’s important to follow the instructions that come with it. Failure to do so could result in damage to the cover or your truck.

 

Also Read: How Much Does a Tonneau Cover Improve Gas Mileage?

 

What Are the Pros and Cons of Measuring a Truck Bed?

 

Measuring a truck bed for a tonneau cover has both pros and cons including the following:

 

Flickr Image by DiamondBack Covers

 

Pros

 

• Measuring the truck bed is the best way to ensure that you get the right size cover for your truck bed.

 

• You don’t have to worry about returning a cover if it’s the wrong size when you shop for a cover.

 

• Measuring a truck bed ensures that you won’t have any problems with the cover obstructing your view while driving.

 

Cons

 

• Installing the cover requires the additional step of taking measurements, which takes time and effort.

 

• If you make a mistake while measuring, you could end up with a cover that’s either too small or too large for your truck bed.

 

• You need to have patience and take your time while measuring to ensure that you get accurate measurements.

 

Final Verdict

 

Measuring a truck bed for a tonneau cover is the best way to ensure that you get the right size cover. It’s an additional step that you have to take, but it’s worth it to avoid any problems with the cover later on.

 

Be patient and take your time while taking measurements, and make sure to write down numbers so you don’t forget them.

 

We hope this guide will help you understand the right way to measure your truck bed for a tonneau cover, along with the common mistakes that you should avoid during the process. Do let us know your views in the comments section below.