Are Dodge Ram 1500 and 2500 Beds the Same Size?
If you’re looking to buy a Dodge Ram, bed size is an important consideration.
So, how do the 1500 and 2500 compare when it comes to the bed?
Dodge Ram 1500s and 2500s do not have the same size bed. Dodge Ram 1500 truck bed lengths range from 67.2 inches to 76.8 inches, while Dodge Ram 2500 beds are 76.8 inches to 98.4 inches long. Yet, 2500 beds are always wider.
In this article, I will detail whether Dodge Ram 1500s and 2500s have the same-sized bed.
Then, I will move on to the advantages of both long and short-bed trucks.
Finally, I will talk about the differences between the payload capacities of the 1500 and 2500 and how comparable trucks stack up regarding bed size.
Do Dodge Ram 1500s and 2500s Have the Same Size Beds?
Ram 1500 and 2500 beds do not have the same dimensions.
For the most part, Ram 2500 beds are longer than 1500 beds.
But, they are sometimes the same length, depending on the specific year and trim.
However, Ram 2500 beds are always quite a bit wider than their 1500 counterparts.
How Big Are the Beds in the Dodge Ram 1500?
The bed size in the Dodge Ram 1500 ranges from 67.2 inches (171 cm) to 76.8 inches (195 cm) in length.
And when it comes to width, all Ram 1500 variations have beds that are 51 inches (130 cm) wide.
In regards to bed depth, 1500 beds are 21.5 inches (55 cm) deep.
How Big Are the Beds in the Dodge Ram 2500?
The length of the bed in the Dodge Ram 2500 ranges from 76.8 inches (195 cm) to 98.4 inches (250 cm).
In terms of width, Ram 2500 beds are a roomy 66.4 inches (169 cm).
However, the 2500’s bed depth is only 20.2 inches (51 cm), a bit shallower than what you’ll find in the Ram 1500.
4 Advantages of a Longer Truck Bed
Below, I will discuss some of the advantages of having a long truck bed, such as the one in the Dodge Ram 2500.
Advantage One: Longer Wheelbase
A car’s wheelbase is the amount of space between the front and rear axles.
And a longer wheelbase is preferable because it can give you lots of benefits, including:
- More stability
- A smoother ride
- More cabin space
- More cargo space
- Better grip on the road
Advantage Two: Easier to Tow a Fifth Wheel
Another significant advantage of long truck beds is that you can tow a wider array of fifth-wheel RVs.
You see, in a truck with a short bed, there is a good chance that the front of the fifth wheel will bump into the back of the truck’s cab.
However, when there is more room in the bed, the truck’s hitch is farther away, meaning cab damage is less likely.
Advantage Three: More Cargo Room
Of course, with a long-bed truck, traveling with long objects, such as ladders and beams, is much easier and safer.
Additionally, you can fit more items in total in a long-bed truck because you have more space.
Advantage Four: Higher Towing Capacity
In most cases, long-bed trucks have a high towing capacity, giving you the option to tow much heavier loads than their shorter counterparts.
And this is also true for the Dodge Ram.
Dodge Ram 1500s can only tow between 6,180 pounds (2,803 kg) and 8,330 pounds (3,778 kg).
Meanwhile, Dodge Ram 2500s can tow between 10,520 pounds (4,772 kg) and 15,220 pounds (6,904 kg).
3 Advantages of a Shorter Truck Bed
Now that we’ve examined why long-bed trucks like the Ram 2500 are better in certain aspects, let’s look at some of the main advantages of short-bed trucks, such as the Ram 1500.
Advantage One: Easier to Maneuver
Overall, the shorter a vehicle is, the easier it is to maneuver on the road.
For example, you need a lot more room to merge if you are driving a long-bed truck.
And if you’ve ever seen a tractor-trailer try to get over on the highway, you know how much of a pain it can be to merge when driving a large vehicle.
Additionally, turning can be a bit more difficult, especially if you are not used to long cars, because you will have to make wider turns.
Plus, driving in reverse is a good bit more challenging in a long-bed truck than in a short-bed truck.
Thus, if you do not have much experience driving long-bed trucks or are an anxious driver, short-bed trucks may be a better option for you.
Advantage Two: Simpler to Park
Of course, when it comes to parking, short-bed trucks are much less of a pain.
For one, many long-bed trucks don’t fit in the average parking space.
For instance, most parking spaces are 18 feet (5.5 m) long, but the Dodge Ram 2500 varies in length between 19 feet and 4 inches (5.9 m) and 21 feet and 9 inches (6.6 m).
In comparison, the Dodge Ram 1500 is between 19 feet and 1 inch (5.8 m) and 20 feet and 2 inches (6.1 m) long.
And although the Dodge Ram 1500 also exceeds the size of most parking spaces, it is still easier to find a spot for the Ram 1500 than the Ram 2500, especially in crowded areas.
Advantage Three: Cheaper
Overall, short-bed trucks are generally cheaper than long-bed trucks.
Case in point, the starting price for the 2023 Dodge Ram 1500 is $36,820, while the 2023 Dodge Ram 2500 starts at $43,885.
Small bed trucks also generally get better fuel economy.
As such, the Dodge Ram 1500 manages 19 mpg (31 kpg) in the city and 24 mpg (39 kpg) on the highway.
The Ram 2500, comparatively, gets about 13 mpg (21 kpg) in the city and 18 mpg (29 kpg) on the highway.
Thus, not only is the short bed version cheaper to buy, but it also will cost less in gas over time.
Do Dodge Ram 1500s and 2500s Have the Same Payload Capacity?
Another essential factor to consider when comparing the Dodge Ram 1500 and 2500 is the payload capacity.
So, who comes out on top?
Well, the 2023 Dodge Ram 2500 has a payload capacity between 2,719 pounds (1,233 kg) and 4,012 pounds (1,820 kg), depending on the variation.
The 2023 Dodge Ram 1500, meanwhile, only has a payload capacity of 1,225 pounds (556 kg) to 2,325 pounds (1,055 kg).
So, if you need to carry a lot of weight in your truck, you are much better off going with the Ram 2500 as it can take more weight and hold more cargo.
Does the Dodge Ram 2500 Have a Long Bed Compared to Other Trucks?
Yes, compared to other trucks, the Dodge Ram 2500 has a long bed, as it is between 76.8 and 98.4 inches (195 to 250 cm) in length.
For comparison, here are the bed lengths of similar trucks:
- 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD – 82.8 to 98.4 inches (210 to 250 cm)
- 2023 GMC Sierra 3500HD – 81.6 to 98.4 inches (207 to 250 cm)
- 2022 Ford F-250 – 81.6 to 98.4 inches (207 to 250 cm)
- 2023 Nissan Titan – 66 to 78 inches (168 to 198 cm)
- 2022 Chevrolet Colorado – 61.2 to 74.4 inches (155 to 189 cm)
Conclusion
The Dodge Ram 1500 and 2500 do not have the same bed size.
Ram 2500 beds are usually longer and always wider than Ram 1500 beds.
