The 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty is available in two distinct bed lengths: a 6.75-foot short bed measuring 81.9 inches along the cargo floor, and an 8.0-foot long bed measuring 98.1 inches. Cab selection determines bed availability, with the Regular Cab paired exclusively with the 8.0-foot bed, while SuperCab and Crew Cab configurations offer both options.
Core Specifications: 2017 Ford F-250 Bed Options Overview
The 2017 model year marked a monumental shift for Ford's heavy-duty truck lineup. Redesigned under the internal platform code P558, the 2017 F-250 introduced a high-strength, military-grade aluminum-alloy body mounted to a fully boxed frame constructed from over 95 percent high-strength steel. This architectural overhaul reduced vehicle weight by up to 350 pounds while increasing frame stiffness eightfold compared to the outgoing 2016 model.
Despite the radical change in body materials, Ford maintained two standard nominal box lengths for the F-250: the 6.75-foot (standard/short) box and the 8.0-foot (long) box. Both boxes share identical interior floor widths and side depths, ensuring uniform utility for cargo management systems, sheet goods, and slide-in equipment across the lineup.
| Specification | 6.75-Foot Standard Bed | 8.0-Foot Long Bed |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 81.9 inches | 98.1 inches |
| Volume | 65.4 cu. ft. | 78.5 cu. ft. |
| Depth | 21.1" | 21.1" |
| Width (Floor) | 66.9" | 66.9" |
| Width (Wheelhouses) | 50.5" | 50.5" |
Key Dimensions of the 6.75-Foot Bed
The 6.75-foot box is engineered for drivers who require heavy-duty towing and payload capabilities without the extended overall length of a full-size commercial bed.
- Floor Length: 81.9 inches (~6.82 feet)
- Maximum Inside Width (Floor): 66.9 inches
- Width Between Wheelhouses: 50.5 inches
- Cargo Depth (Inside Height): 21.1 inches
- Cargo Volume: 65.4 cubic feet
- Tailgate Opening Width: 60.5 inches
Key Dimensions of the 8.0-Foot Bed
The 8.0-foot box serves as the traditional workhorse standard, maximizing volumetric storage and facilitating flat storage of standard building materials with the tailgate fully closed.
- Floor Length: 98.1 inches (~8.18 feet)
- Maximum Inside Width (Floor): 66.9 inches
- Width Between Wheelhouses: 50.5 inches
- Cargo Depth (Inside Height): 21.1 inches
- Cargo Volume: 78.5 cubic feet
- Tailgate Opening Width: 60.5 inches
Both bed options provide 50.5 inches of clearance between the interior wheel wells. This specification is critical for tradespeople and material haulers, as it allows standard 4x8-foot sheet goods (such as plywood, drywall, or composite panels) to lay completely flat on the bed floor without resting on the wheel housings.
Cab Configurations and Bed Compatibility Matrix
Selecting a 2017 Ford F-250 requires balancing interior passenger space with exterior cargo capacity. Ford structured the Super Duty vehicle architecture so that cab style directly governs available bed lengths, total vehicle length, and turning radius.
- Regular Cab (2 Doors): 8.0-Foot Long Bed ONLY
- SuperCab (Extended): Choice of 6.75-Foot or 8.0-Foot Bed
- Crew Cab (4 Doors): Choice of 6.75-Foot or 8.0-Foot Bed
Regular Cab
The Regular Cab configuration is built exclusively for commercial fleets and vocational utility. It features two full-size doors and a single row of seating for up to three occupants. To maximize hauling utility, Ford pairs the 2017 Regular Cab only with the 8.0-foot long bed. This yields a 141.6-inch wheelbase and an overall bumper-to-bumper vehicle length of 232.0 inches, offering maximum bed area with the shortest achievable turning circle for an 8-foot configuration.
SuperCab
The SuperCab features front doors alongside rear-hinged half-doors that open backward, providing access to a second-row seating bench. The SuperCab can be configured with either bed option:
- SuperCab with 6.75-Foot Bed: Rides on a 148.0-inch wheelbase with an overall vehicle length of 238.4 inches.
- SuperCab with 8.0-Foot Bed: Extended to a 164.2-inch wheelbase with an overall vehicle length of 254.6 inches.
Crew Cab
The Crew Cab is the most popular consumer configuration, equipped with four full-size, independently opening doors and full rear legroom. Like the SuperCab, the Crew Cab is available in both bed formats:
- Crew Cab with 6.75-Foot Bed: Utilizes a 159.8-inch wheelbase and has an overall length of 250.0 inches. This combination represents the standard setup for personal-use towing and daily driving.
- Crew Cab with 8.0-Foot Bed: The largest configuration available in the non-commercial truck market, utilizing a 176.0-inch wheelbase and measuring 266.2 inches from front bumper to rear tailgate.
| Cab Style | Bed Length | Wheelbase (in) | Overall Length (in) | Bed Cargo Volume (cu ft) | Primary Target Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Cab | 8.0-Foot Long | 141.6 | 232.0 | 78.5 | Commercial Fleets, Utility Hauling |
| SuperCab | 6.75-Foot Short | 148.0 | 238.4 | 65.4 | Balanced Work/Daily Drive |
| SuperCab | 8.0-Foot Long | 164.2 | 254.6 | 78.5 | Extended Work Crew + High Cargo |
| Crew Cab | 6.75-Foot Short | 159.8 | 250.0 | 65.4 | Personal Towing, Family Hauling |
| Crew Cab | 8.0-Foot Long | 176.0 | 266.2 | 78.5 | Maximum Towing/Cargo, Long-Distance Transit |
Historical Timeline of Ford F-250 Bed Configurations
The evolution of the Ford F-250 bed spans several structural, mechanical, and material generations. Understanding this timeline helps clarify how the 2017 redesign fits into the broader history of Ford Super Duty trucks.
- 1999–2007 (Gen 1)
- Steel Body
- 81.8" / 98.0" Beds
- 2008–2010 (Gen 2)
- Tailgate Step
- Bed Depth Refinements
- 2011–2016 (Gen 3)
- Power Stroke 6.7L
- Fully Boxed Upgrades
- 2017–2022 (Gen 4)
- Aluminum Alloy
- 81.9" / 98.1" Beds
- 2023–Present (Gen 5)
- Bed Side Steps
- Modern Integrated Tech
First Generation Super Duty (1999–2007)
In 1999, Ford split the F-250 away from the light-duty F-150 platform, creating a dedicated heavy-duty chassis line under the Super Duty moniker.
- Bed Lengths Offered: 6.75-foot (81.8 inches) and 8.0-foot (98.0 inches).
- Construction: Heavy-gauge stamped steel box with steel bed floor reinforcement cross-members.
- Features: Standard double-wall bed sides and removable tailgate. The interior floor width provided the iconic 50.0-inch width between wheel wells, establishing the industry baseline for drywall cargo transport.
Second Generation Super Duty (2008–2010)
The second-generation update focused on structural rigidity, utility, and refined exterior tailgate integration.
- Bed Lengths Offered: 6.75-foot and 8.0-foot.
- Innovations: Ford introduced the optional Integrated Tailgate Step (often called the "man step"), which stowed inside the tailgate structure along with a flip-up grab handle.
- Utility Upgrades: Enhanced cargo tie-down hooks and optional factory-installed bed extenders were added to increase usability for shorter bed variants.
Third Generation Super Duty (2011–2016)
While the third generation focused heavily on powertrain modernization—introducing the in-house 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel and 6.2-liter Boss V8 gas engine—the cargo box retained its high-strength steel heritage.
- Bed Lengths Offered: 6.75-foot (81.8 inches) and 8.0-foot (98.0 inches).
- Towing Evolution: Ford introduced factory-under-bed fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitch mounting cross-members directly integrated into the frame beneath the steel bed floor. This eliminated the need for aftermarket bed-rail installations that occupied interior bed volume.
Fourth Generation Super Duty (2017–2022) — The Aluminum Redesign
The launch of the 2017 model year represented the most significant platform transformation in Super Duty history.
- Bed Lengths Offered: 6.75-foot (81.9 inches) and 8.0-foot (98.1 inches).
- Material Transformation: Ford replaced traditional steel bed panels with high-strength, military-grade 6000-series aluminum alloy. This construction reduced body weight while increasing dent and rust resistance.
- Dimensional Enhancements: Box depth was expanded to 21.1 inches (up from roughly 20.0 inches in prior generations), increasing overall volumetric capacity.
- Cargo Tech Integration: The 2017 bed added the BoxLink cleat system, LED interior box lighting, remote-release power locking tailgates, and integrated bed step improvements.
Fifth Generation Super Duty (2023–Present)
The fifth-generation Super Duty continues to build upon the aluminum-body platform established in 2017.
- Bed Lengths Offered: 6.75-foot and 8.0-foot.
- Accessibility Enhancements: Integrated side steps were added directly into the bed side sheet metal forward of the rear wheels, alongside step cutouts in the rear bumper corners.
- Electrical Expansion: Expanded onboard generator capability (Pro Power Onboard) was added, offering up to 2.0 kW of bed-accessible AC electrical output.
Practical Implications: Choosing Between the 6.75-Foot and 8.0-Foot Beds
Choosing the right bed length for a 2017 F-250 involves weighing maneuverability, vehicle storage, bed utility, and fifth-wheel towing geometry.
| 6.75-Foot Short Bed | 8.0-Foot Long Bed |
|---|---|
| Fits in standard driveways | Fits 8-foot sheet goods with tailgate UP |
| Easier suburban parking | Eliminates manual fifth-wheel sliders |
| Shorter overall wheelbase | Accommodates larger fuel tanks (48 gal) |
| Preferred for daily driving | Maximum volumetric payload capacity |
1. Fifth-Wheel and Gooseneck Towing Clearance
For owners planning to tow fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailers, bed length directly affects hitch selection and cab clearance during tight maneuvers:
- 6.75-Foot Bed: The distance from the kingpin (located directly over or slightly ahead of the rear axle) to the back of the cab glass is shorter. During tight turns (approaching 90 degrees), the front corner of a wide-body fifth-wheel trailer can contact the rear cab window. Owners of 6.75-foot beds typically install a manual or automatic sliding fifth-wheel hitch or equip the trailer with a extended Sidewinder pin box.
- 8.0-Foot Bed: Provides sufficient clearance between the hitch head center and the rear cab glass. A standard stationary fifth-wheel hitch can be safely operated without risk of cab contact during jackknife maneuvers.
2. Vehicle Length, Garage Fitment, and Daily Driving
Overall vehicle footprint dictates convenience in daily parking and residential storage:
- A Crew Cab 6.75-Foot Bed measures 250.0 inches (20.83 feet) long. Fitting this truck inside a standard residential garage (typically 20 to 22 feet deep) is often difficult, but it remains manageable in standard suburban parking lots.
- A Crew Cab 8.0-Foot Bed measures 266.2 inches (22.18 feet) long. This setup rarely fits into standard residential garages and requires wider turning radiuses, making tight parking structures and commercial drive-thrus challenging to navigate.
3. Fuel Tank Capacity Variations
In the 2017 F-250 lineup, bed length directly dictates factory fuel tank capacity, which impacts cruising range when towing:
- 6.75-Foot Bed (Gas Engine): 34-gallon fuel tank.
- 6.75-Foot Bed (6.7L Diesel): 29-gallon or 34-gallon fuel tank depending on cab setup.
- 8.0-Foot Bed (Crew Cab 6.7L Diesel): 48-gallon fuel tank, providing extended range for long-distance highway hauling.
Key Bed Features Introduced on the 2017 F-250
The 2017 Super Duty introduced several engineered accessories and structural improvements designed specifically for its aluminum bed format.
High-Strength Aluminum Construction
The 2017 F-250 bed uses heat-treated 6000-series aluminum alloys. Aluminum resists cosmetic rust and oxidation caused by scratched paint, salt exposure, or surface abrasion. However, owners installing third-party hardware must avoid direct contact between bare steel bracketry and the aluminum bed metal. Stainless steel fasteners, rubber isolators, or powder-coated brackets are required to prevent galvanic corrosion.
BoxLink Tie-Down System
The 2017 model year standardizes four structural reinforced mounting plates built into the inner walls of the bed. These interface with Ford’s BoxLink system:
Removable, locking die-cast zinc cleats insert into the plates.
Cleats withstand up to 275 pounds of horizontal tie-down force each (or 600 pounds across diagonal vectors).
The mounting plates can also anchor bed dividers, cargo ramps, or storage bins.
2017 Ford BoxLink Cleat System
- Bed Wall Structural Plate
- Locking Zinc Cleat Assembly
- Supports tie-downs, bed dividers, and optional loading ramps
Advanced Lighting and Power Options
- LED Box Lighting: Forward and rear LED pods mounted near the upper inner walls illuminate the bed interior under bed covers or tonneau caps. They are activated via a cab switch or a push-button inside the bed near the rear tail lamp.
- 110V/400W AC Outlet: Higher trim levels (LTZ, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited) offer an optional 110-volt household AC power outlet inside the cab, fed by dual heavy-duty alternators to charge cordless tool batteries at the jobsite.
Maintenance, Accessories, and Compatibility Guidelines
Owners outfitting or servicing a 2017 Ford F-250 bed should consider the following compatibility guidelines:
Tonneau Covers and Truck Caps
Because the 2017 model introduced revised bed rail profiles and thicker double-wall aluminum top edges, tonneau covers, ladder racks, and truck caps designed for 2016 or earlier Super Duty trucks are not cross-compatible with the 2017 model. Buyers must order covers specific to 2017–2022 model years, selecting between the 6.75-foot and 8.0-foot lengths.
Drop-In and Spray-In Bed Liners
- Spray-In Liners: Factory Tough Bed spray-in polyurethane liner was available directly from the factory. Aftermarket spray-in installations require proper surface scuffing and aluminum-compatible primer formulations.
- Drop-In Liners: High-density polyethylene drop-in liners must be cut specifically for 2017+ box dimensions to accommodate the revised wheelhouse profiles and BoxLink interface plates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact length of the 2017 Ford F-250 short bed?
The nominal 6.75-foot short bed on the 2017 Ford F-250 measures exactly 81.9 inches along the bed floor from the inside of the front bulkhead to the inside of the closed tailgate.
Can a 4x8 sheet of plywood lay flat in a 2017 F-250 short bed?
Yes, a 4x8-foot sheet of plywood will lay completely flat between the wheelhouses, which are spaced 50.5 inches apart. However, because the short bed floor measures 81.9 inches (approx. 6.8 feet), an 8-foot sheet will extend past the bed floor, requiring the tailgate to remain lowered during transit.
How do I know if my 2017 F-250 has a 6.75-foot or 8.0-foot bed?
You can identify your bed size by measuring the inside floor length from the cab bulkhead to the tailgate. Alternatively, look at the space between the front of the rear wheel arch and the rear edge of the cab: a short bed (6.75-foot) has a narrower gap of roughly 14 inches, whereas a long bed (8.0-foot) features a wider gap of approximately 22 inches. Furthermore, all Regular Cab models come equipped with the 8.0-foot long bed.
Will tonneau covers from a 2016 F-250 fit a 2017 F-250?
No. The 2017 redesign changed the exterior bed rail contours, tailgate thickness, and cab wall dimensions. Accessories designed for 2016 and older models will not properly fit or seal on a 2017 model year bed.
Is an automatic sliding hitch required for towing a fifth-wheel with a 6.75-foot bed?
While not strictly mandated by law, a sliding hitch (manual or automatic) or a Sidewinder extended pin box is strongly recommended when towing a fifth-wheel with a 6.75-foot bed. Without a slider or pin extension, tight low-speed turns (such as backing into a campsite) can cause the front corner of the trailer to strike the truck's rear cab glass.
Summary and Practical Buyer Recommendation
When purchasing or configuring a 2017 Ford F-250, choose the 6.75-foot bed if the vehicle will double as a daily driver, requires standard residential garage clearance, or is primarily used for bumper-pull towing. Select the 8.0-foot bed if your priorities center on maximum fifth-wheel clearance, standard 48-gallon factory fuel capacity (on diesel Crew Cab models), enclosed transport of 8-foot construction materials with the tailgate shut, or slide-in camper installation.
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