Fleetside truck beds are the most common style of pickup truck. Chevrolet and Ford are two manufacturers that make them, but other manufacturers have different names for them. GMC calls their version a wide side, while Jeep and Dodge call it a town side. While they are different styles, they all have the same basic layout.
Fleetside trucks all have wide beds. Chevrolet developed a special design for their pickups in the mid-1950s. Until then, pickup beds were narrow and had separate fenders. They also had a step to help people get inside the bed. In 1958, Chevy introduced a new design, the fleetside bed, which extended in width and eliminated the step for easier access.
While fleetside truck beds are the most common type, there are also styleside beds. These are similar to fleetside trucks, but have more space and extend over the rear wheels. Some people prefer these trucks over others because they can fit more cargo inside the bed.
How is Fleetside Measured on a Truck?
There are two main types of truck bed configurations: styleside and fleetside. Both have flat sides and wheel arches within the bed. They are standardized in most truck manufacturers and simplify the manufacturing process while maximizing hauling capacity. Styleside is also commonly used by Ford.
A fleetside truck bed is typically wide and long, with wheel arches on the sides. This shape was first introduced with the introduction of fleetside trucks in the year 1924. It has evolved since then. In 1958, Chevrolet and GMC introduced a redesign that added the ‘Fleetside’ bed configuration. These trucks also featured a new suspension system, frame, and 4.6-liter V8 engine that produced 175 horsepower.
Using a 10-foot tape measure and paper, measure the inside edge of the sidewall and over the opposite bulkhead. Make sure to hold the tape measure level and straight. Take a note of the measurement so you can use it for reference.
Was There a Fleetside Chevy Truck Made?
Fleetside is the term for a pickup truck with a flat bedside and rear quarter panels that run lengthwise along the wheel-well openings. Fleetside pickups are distinguished from styleside and stepside trucks, which do not have flat bedsides. The first truck to be made in this style was a 1918 Chevrolet One-Ton. It had a wide bed and a 36 horsepower OHV 4-cylinder engine. It also included a step for easier access.
Although the first Fleetside pickups were not designed for everyday use, this new model was one of the most handsome and popular Chevy pickups. It featured slightly flared wheel arches and one of the first pickups to use metallic paint. In addition to these features, the second-generation C-10 model came equipped with carpets, AM/FM radio, and chrome trim.
By the mid-1950s, Chevrolet trucks became more sophisticated and stylish. The new Chevy Task Force pickup shared its design roots with the Chevy Bel Air and introduced a new small-block V8 engine. The same year, the company introduced the Cameo truck, which featured factory-installed 4-wheel-drive. The Fleetside was available through 1959, and later updated Task Force models were introduced.
What Does Flareside Mean on a Truck?
When describing a truck bed, fleetside usually means a flat, rectangular bed with a step. While many manufacturers use different terms, Chevy first introduced the stepside concept decades ago. Today, Chevy calls this style of bed the “Stepside,” while Ford calls it the “Flareside” and Dodge calls it the “Thriftside.” Both terms refer to trucks that have a step in the bed.
While fleetside pickup beds have been the standard for pickups since 1957, stepside and flareside pickups came along just a few years later. The latter offers more cargo space and is considered the standard configuration. Stepside pickups, on the other hand, are smaller than fleetside beds. Ford discontinued the stepside bed in 2005.
Flareside trucks are the most popular style. This design features stepside steps on the cargo box and behind the tailgate. The Ford Flareside truck line is a good example of this. These trucks have distinct characteristics that will make truck buyers think differently. They’re a great option for those who need a truck that’s versatile and comfortable.
Will a Stepside Bed Fit on a Fleetside?
Sadly, a stepside bed will not fit on a fleetside truck bed. The differences between these two types of truck beds include the shape of the tailgate and the frame. Also, the stepside bed has a shorter hose and a smaller cab. However, a stepside bed can fit on a regular bed truck, but a fleetside truck bed may require modifications to its fuel filler neck.
Fleetside is the most common style of truck bed. It is the standard style of truck bed used by Chevy, GMC, Ford, and Dodge. Fleetside beds have flat sides and wheel arches on the inside. This style allows for easier manufacturing and maximized hauling capacity. Short-box trucks are a popular choice among hot rodders. Ford also uses the term styleside to refer to a fleetside truck bed.
Some Ford trucks used stepside beds for decades. From 1967 to 1979, they used the styleside bed name. A step is located outside the truck bed and aligns with the wheel well arches. This design allows for a rectangular space for cargo inside the box. Ford and Chevy have also used flareside to refer to the style of their trucks.
Why Did They Stop Making Stepside Trucks?
Until about 10 years ago, Ford and Chevy made stepside trucks. They were a good choice for businesses because of their large cargo beds. But after that, the stepside bed was out of production. Fortunately, other automakers still made stepside trucks. That’s why they’re so rare these days.
The stepside cab had rear wheels that stuck out, and the fenders were built to cover them. But as the market changed, so did the trucks’ appearance. By the 1960s, cabs didn’t have the rear wheels sticking out, and some had separate fenders. This made them more popular, but they were losing ground to modern styling.
Stepside trucks were very popular in the 1950s and 1960s, but the trend has shifted away from them. While some truck manufacturers still make them, many others have abandoned them. Today’s trucks are not stepside, but instead have a flareside design.
Is Flareside the Same As Stepside?
If you’re looking for a flat-sided pickup truck, you may be confused about the difference between a stepside and a fleetside. While both terms describe the same style of truck bed, they’re not identical. The difference comes down to the way that the bed is shaped. While a stepside has a flat bottom and a steeply sloped top, a flat-sided bed has a rounded top.
The answer depends on your needs. If you need to haul large, heavy cargo, a fleetside will work better. A stepside is best for hauling small and lightweight items, while a fleetside is better for carrying large and heavy items. It’s important to determine the exact measurements of your bed so that you can order the right replacement panels.
Fleetside truck beds are the most common. Ford and Chevy use the term for their trucks, and other manufacturers have their own names for regular box style pickup beds. For example, GMC and Dodge use the term styleside. Ford uses the term styleside for their truck beds, but it’s not quite the same.
How Do I Know What Size Truck Bed I Have?
The best way to determine what size truck bed you have is to find out how long it is by measuring it. Measure the distance from the tailgate to the inside wall of the bulkhead. Note that the measurement you get may not be the same as the fitment size on the product page because most companies round up measurements to the nearest half-foot.
You can also check the label on the truck to determine the hauling capacity. This will tell you the total weight that your truck can safely carry, including passengers. Most user manuals will also list the truck’s weight. Once you know the weight of your truck, you can determine what size bed you have.
If you’re unsure, you can always take measurements of the width and length of your truck bed. You’ll need a tape measure to accurately measure the width of the bed. Start at the left side of the bed’s bulkhead. Make sure to use a straight measuring tape and make sure to measure twice. The measurements you get will tell you which accessories will fit in your truck bed.
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