Choosing the right Ram 1500 is about more than picking an engine, trim, or drivetrain. The bed length can make a noticeable difference in how easily your truck handles everyday driving, hauling, work projects, and weekend activities.
The Ram 1500 is available with either a 5'7" short bed or a 6'4" bed, giving Lewisville-area truck shoppers two ways to balance cargo space and overall truck size. If you're comparing available configurations, you can shop new Ram 1500 trucks in Lewisville to see which bed and cab combinations are currently available.
That extra length can be useful, but the shorter bed may make more sense if your Ram 1500 spends most of its time commuting around Lewisville, Flower Mound, The Colony, or Carrollton.
Here is what separates the two configurations and how to decide which Ram 1500 bed is right for you.
Ram 1500 5'7" vs. 6'4" Bed: At a Glance
| Feature | 5'7" Bed | 6'4" Bed |
|---|---|---|
| Bed floor length | 67.4 in. | 76.3 in. |
| Cargo volume | 53.8 cu. ft. | 61.3 cu. ft. |
| Width | 66.4 in. | 66.4 in. |
| Between wheel wells | 51 in. | 51 in. |
| Depth | 21.4 in. | 21.5 in. |
The biggest difference is straightforward: the 6'4" bed gives you 8.9 additional inches of usable floor length and about 7.5 additional cubic feet of cargo volume. Width and wheel-well clearance remain essentially the same between the two beds.
So the decision really comes down to how often you need that additional length.
The 5'7" Ram 1500 Bed: Easier for Everyday Driving
For many Ram 1500 owners, the 5'7" bed is the better all-around choice.
It provides plenty of room for groceries, tools, luggage, outdoor equipment, home-improvement supplies, and other everyday cargo without making the truck longer than necessary. The shorter box is particularly appealing when your Ram 1500 doubles as your daily driver.
That can matter around Lewisville, where your truck may spend just as much time navigating local roads, parking lots, and shopping centers as it does hauling cargo.
The 5'7" bed can also be a good fit if you regularly:
- Commute to work in your Ram 1500
- Park in a residential garage
- Carry landscaping or home-improvement supplies
- Transport camping and recreational equipment
- Use your truck for a mix of work and personal driving
You still get a substantial pickup bed without committing to the added overall length of the 6'4" configuration.
The 6'4" Ram 1500 Bed: More Room for Larger Loads
The 6'4" bed is the more practical choice when cargo space is a priority.
Its 76.3-inch floor length gives you considerably more room for longer items, while the additional cargo volume provides greater flexibility when loading multiple pieces of equipment or materials.
For example, the longer bed can make more sense if your Ram 1500 regularly carries:
- Longer boards and building materials
- Landscaping supplies
- Work equipment and tools
- Larger recreational gear
- Multiple bags, boxes, or containers
- Cargo that needs to remain flat in the bed
If you routinely find yourself wishing your truck had just a little more room, the 6'4" bed may be worth the additional truck length.
Does the 6'4" Bed Make the Ram 1500 Much Bigger?
Yes, but the difference is primarily noticeable in the truck's overall length rather than its width.
For example, the current Ram 1500 Crew Cab with the 5'7" bed measures about 232.4 inches overall, while the Crew Cab with the 6'4" bed measures about 241.3 inches. That's roughly 9 inches of additional truck length, which corresponds closely with the difference in bed length.
The extra length isn't necessarily a problem. But if you frequently park in a garage, maneuver through tight parking spaces, or simply prefer a more manageable truck for everyday driving, the 5'7" bed deserves serious consideration.
On the other hand, drivers who regularly use their Ram 1500 as a work truck may find the additional length worthwhile.
5'7" vs. 6'4": Which Ram 1500 Bed Is Better for Towing?
The bed itself isn't the primary factor determining how much a Ram 1500 can tow.
Maximum towing capacity depends on factors such as the engine, drivetrain, axle configuration, cab and equipment configuration, and proper truck equipment.
That means you shouldn't choose the 6'4" bed simply because you plan to tow a trailer.
Instead, think about what you're carrying in the bed and what you're pulling behind the truck as two separate considerations.
If your trailer is the priority, compare the towing ratings of specific Ram 1500 configurations. If cargo in the bed is the priority, the 6'4" box gives you more usable space.
Which Ram 1500 Bed Is Better for Work?
If your Ram 1500 is primarily a work truck, the 6'4" bed is usually the more useful option.
Those additional inches can make a difference when you're carrying longer materials, tools, equipment, or larger loads. The increased cargo volume also gives you more flexibility when you need to load several items at once.
That doesn't mean the 5'7" bed can't handle work. It simply means the 6'4" bed gives you more room to work with.
For contractors, landscapers, property owners, and drivers who regularly haul materials around North Texas, that extra capacity may be worth the tradeoff in overall truck length.
Which Ram 1500 Bed Is Better for Daily Driving?
For drivers who use their Ram 1500 primarily as transportation, the 5'7" bed is often the more convenient choice.
You still have a large, capable pickup bed, but the shorter overall configuration can be easier to live with day-to-day. If you're driving through Lewisville, commuting along I-35E, running errands in Flower Mound, or making trips across Denton County, you may appreciate not having several additional inches of truck behind you.
The 5'7" bed can also make sense if you rarely carry long cargo. There's little reason to choose the longer bed simply because it is available if you won't regularly use the additional space.
What About Camping, Bikes, and Outdoor Gear?
Both beds can work well for outdoor activities, but the right choice depends on what you carry.
The 5'7" bed is more than capable of handling coolers, camping equipment, luggage, tools, and other recreational gear. If you use your Ram 1500 for occasional weekend trips, you may not need the extra length.
The 6'4" bed becomes more attractive when your gear takes up substantial floor space or you regularly transport longer equipment.
For someone who uses a Ram 1500 for work during the week and outdoor activities on the weekend, the longer bed can provide useful additional flexibility.
5'7" vs. 6'4" Ram 1500 Bed: Which One Should You Choose?
There isn't one right answer for every Ram 1500 buyer.
Choose the 5'7" bed if you want:
- A more manageable overall truck size
- Easier everyday driving and parking
- A good balance of passenger and cargo usability
- Plenty of room for typical household and recreational cargo
- A Ram 1500 that works well as a daily driver
Choose the 6'4" bed if you want:
- More usable cargo length
- Greater cargo volume
- More flexibility for work equipment and materials
- Additional room for larger or longer loads
- A truck configured more heavily around hauling needs
In other words, the 6'4" bed gives you more cargo flexibility, while the 5'7" bed can be easier to live with every day.
Find the Right Ram 1500 for Your Needs in Lewisville
The best Ram 1500 configuration depends on how you actually use your truck. If you're primarily commuting and running errands around Lewisville, the 5'7" bed may give you the right combination of cargo space and maneuverability. If you regularly haul equipment, materials, or larger loads, the 6'4" bed may be the better fit.
At Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Lewisville, our team can help you compare Ram 1500 configurations and find a truck that fits the way you drive and work. Browse our Ram inventory or visit us in Lewisville to compare your options in person.
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