“Fleetside” is a general term that refers to the type of bed on a truck. Fleetside trucks typically have a longer bed than other trucks. They also have a wide bed. A fleetside bed is more streamlined and designed for maximum load capacity.
Fleetside trucks have flat sides that run along the length of the truck bed. They do not have a step at the end of the bed. In comparison, stepside trucks have a step-like front end. Fleetside trucks, on the other hand, have flat sides and rear quarter panels that run lengthwise across the wheel well openings.
Ford and Chevy pickup trucks have flat beds. They call them “Fleetside,” while other manufacturers refer to them by different names. For example, GMC and Chrysler call theirs “Stepside” while Ford refers to them as “styleside.”
How is Fleetside Measured on a Truck?
There are many different ways to measure the length of a truck bed. The smallest Fleetside trucks have a length of 4.3 feet, while larger trucks have lengths of more than 8 feet. The bed length is measured from the inside edge of the sidewall to the inside edge of the wheel wells.
A fleetside bed is the most popular type of truck bed, and is used by many companies. Chevy, GMC, Dodge, and Ford all use the term fleetside to refer to their trucks. They have flat sides and wheel arches inside the bed, which makes them easier to manufacture and maximize hauling capacity. A short-box bed is another common type of truck bed, but these are usually reserved for hot rodders or other enthusiasts with a passion for hot rodding.
Ford pickup trucks are the most common trucks with a fleetside bed. Ford used the term styleside to distinguish between their short-box and long-box pickup trucks, but other manufacturers use the term “fleetside” instead. Interestingly, the Chevy Fleetside truck was introduced in 1955 and is the first type of truck with a straight fender box. It was eventually discontinued in 2005.
What is F150 Fleetside?
When you drive a Ford F150, you might see the word Fleetside on the bed of the truck. It is a way to indicate that the rear fenders are located on the outside of the truck bed, as opposed to the inside. Fleetside is a term that Ford trucks have been using since the 1970s.
Fleetsides are optional, but they do add to the lifespan of the truck. While passenger cars usually only last five years, pickup trucks are more robust and can last 15 or more years. Although their styling remains largely static, the interior amenities and periodic facelifts can extend their life span to 20 years or more.
While the term flareside was first used on pickup trucks in the 1950s, Ford didn’t fully incorporate it into its truck designs until the 1990s. The company then introduced a special-edition sport F150 with flareside nameplates. The company continued to use this tradename for trucks until 2009, when it moved into the stepside truck segment.
What Does Flareside Mean on a Truck?
Styleside and Flareside are terms for the different truck bed styles. A styleside truck has its rear fenders on the inside of the truck bed, while a fender-flare truck has its rear fenders on the outside. Typically, styleside trucks have narrower beds and are primarily used to carry cargo.
The earliest trucks with stepside beds were made by Chevrolet. They feature a boxy shape with wheelwell arches outside the bed, and a step that’s built into the fender flare. Ford, on the other hand, focuses on a “flared” fender design, with its step close to the bumper. The term “fleetside” has a more modern definition.
Ford and Chevy call their beds fleetside, but other manufacturers use other terms for the box-style pickup bed. GMC, Jeep, and Dodge have their own terms for this style, but most of the manufacturers still call it fleetside.
Why Did They Stop Making Stepside Trucks?
Ford trucks used to have a nine-foot stepside that was designed for unloading aggregate, gravel, rocks, and dirt. Today, however, stepsides are no longer being manufactured. Instead, they have been replaced by flareside trucks, which do not have a step big enough to carry tools or a spare tire, but have wheel wells inside the bed. Despite their name, flareside trucks are not just for style, but for function as well.
Stepside trucks had their origins in the 1960s. These trucks were referred to as fleetsides, stepside trucks, and fendersides by various manufacturers. In fact, the term “stepside” was first used in a 1959 Chevrolet dealer’s brochure. Until that time, stepside wasn’t a generic name for all trucks. Instead, it was a Chevrolet-exclusive tradename.
In the 1960s, pickup truck buyers started demanding more from pickup trucks, and the market spread to higher prices. Today, the pickup truck segment is larger than ever, and sales are headed to six figures. The stepside truck, along with the prominent rear wheel arches, was eventually phased out. But now, some manufacturers are bringing them back. One such company is AutoPort, which recently converted 500 stepside GMC Sierra pickups, which will be sold to dealers worldwide.
What is My Trucks Bed Size?
The first step in figuring out your truck’s bed size is to measure it. To do so, lay down a piece of tape and stretch it from the widest part of the bed to its narrowest point. Once you have the correct measurement, you can then compare it to the advertised length or the name of your truck’s bed.
Most pickup trucks come with one of three standard bed lengths: short, standard, and long. The standard length is around six feet and 6.5 feet long. However, you will find that actual lengths will vary by a couple of inches. A typical truck bed is about 19 to 21 inches tall.
Your truck’s bed size will vary according to your cab size and what you plan to use it for. While some beds are suitable for large, bulky loads, others aren’t. Be sure to check with the manufacturer before making your purchase.
What is Ford Fleetside?
The term “fleetside” refers to a type of truck bed. Unlike a standard box, a fleetside bed extends over the rear wheels, providing more space in the bed. This type of bed is commonly used for hauling cargo. It also provides more visibility and improved styling.
The Fleetside was introduced as a low-cost design element to modernize the pickup truck, giving it more cargo space. Other manufacturers followed suit, including Dodge in 1957, and Ford in 1958. The stepside pickup was given stepchild status in the industry, but the fleetside proved to be immensely popular. It drew the attention of designers, who began adding chrome accents and quad headlamps. Some even branded the trucks with fanciful names, such as Chevrolet’s “Apache.”
Fleetside trucks outnumber stepside pickups twenty-to-one on the road. They’re easy to swap out, and many owners opt for different styles. The Sportside box, a cross between a Stepside and a Fleetside, is also a popular style. It features a half-step for bed access and slightly flared rear fenders.
What is the Bed of a Truck Called?
The bed is the area under the truck where objects are loaded and hauled. It is often referred to as the “cargo box” or “bed.” Originally, a truck bed had flat sides and rungs for carrying freight. Today, truck beds are made of steel.
A pickup truck bed is usually made of steel or aluminum, with stainless steel and fiberglass used on more expensive models. These frames are treated to resist corrosion. Linings for the bed are usually made of plastic or rubber to protect items from scratches. Although people often refer to the truck bed as the bed, it’s not a place where people sleep.
The bed of a truck can have many names, but there are two basic types: the styleside and the fleetside. The fleetside bed is the standard for GM and Dodge trucks. Its flat sides make it easier to manufacture and maximize hauling capacity. The short-box truck bed is usually the favorite of hot rodders. Ford uses the term “styleside” for its pickup bed.
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