The 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty is available in two primary bed sizes: a 6.75-foot standard bed measuring 81.9 inches in floor length and an 8-foot long bed measuring 98.1 inches in floor length. Both bed options share an interior floor width of 66.9 inches, 50.5 inches of clearance between the wheel wells, and an interior wall height of 21.1 inches.
Overview of 2017 Ford F-250 Bed Configurations
The 2017 model year marked the launch of the fourth-generation Ford Super Duty lineup. This redesign introduced a high-strength, military-grade aluminum-alloy body mounted on a fully boxed, high-strength steel frame. By shifting to aluminum construction for the cab and bed, Ford shed up to 350 pounds of body weight compared to the 2016 generation, allowing engineers to strengthen the frame, increase payload ratings, and redesign the cargo box dimensions.
Unlike light-duty pickups that often offer three bed sizes (short, standard, and long), the 2017 F-250 heavy-duty truck simplifies options into two distinct bed lengths:
- 6.75-Foot Bed (Standard / Short Box): Designed to balance cargo capacity with maneuverability, making it the most common choice for daily drivers and personal towing setups.
- 8.0-Foot Bed (Long Box): Engineered for maximum cargo volume, full-length construction materials, commercial utility, and stationary fifth-wheel towing applications.
Selecting the right bed size involves understanding how dimensions affect overall vehicle length, turning radius, payload distribution, and accessory compatibility.
Detailed Dimensions: 6.75-Foot Bed vs. 8-Foot Bed
Understanding exact bed dimensions is essential when purchasing tonneau covers, bed liners, camper shells, toolboxes, or evaluating cargo transport capabilities.
6.75-Foot Bed (Standard Box) Specifications
The 6.75-foot bed is available on SuperCab (extended cab) and Crew Cab configurations. While referred to colloquially as the "short bed," its floor length exceeds 6.5 feet, offering substantial cargo area.
- Interior Floor Length (Tailgate Closed): 81.9 inches (6.82 feet)
- Maximum Interior Width (At Floor): 66.9 inches (5.57 feet)
- Width Between Wheelhouse Arches: 50.5 inches (4.20 feet)
- Cargo Box Height (Bed Depth): 21.1 inches (1.75 feet)
- Tailgate Opening Width: 60.5 inches (5.04 feet)
- Total Cargo Volume: 65.4 cubic feet
8.0-Foot Bed (Long Box) Specifications
The 8-foot bed is the default option for the Regular Cab and an option for both SuperCab and Crew Cab configurations. It provides an uninterrupted 8-foot floor length with the tailgate closed.
- Interior Floor Length (Tailgate Closed): 98.1 inches (8.175 feet)
- Maximum Interior Width (At Floor): 66.9 inches (5.57 feet)
- Width Between Wheelhouse Arches: 50.5 inches (4.20 feet)
- Cargo Box Height (Bed Depth): 21.1 inches (1.75 feet)
- Tailgate Opening Width: 60.5 inches (5.04 feet)
- Total Cargo Volume: 78.5 cubic feet
Technical Comparison Table
The following table compares the dimensional specifications of both 2017 Ford F-250 bed options to assist with vehicle sizing and fitment verification.
| Dimension Parameter | 6.75-Foot Standard Bed | 8.0-Foot Long Bed |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal Bed Length | 6.75 Feet (6' 9") | 8.0 Feet (8' 0") |
| Bed Length at Floor | 81.9 inches | 98.1 inches |
| Bed Width (Maximum at Floor) | 66.9 inches | 66.9 inches |
| Bed Width (Between Wheel Wells) | 50.5 inches | 50.5 inches |
| Bed Wall Height / Depth | 21.1 inches | 21.1 inches |
| Tailgate Opening Width | 60.5 inches | 60.5 inches |
| Total Cargo Volume | 65.4 cu. ft. | 78.5 cu. ft. |
| 4x8 Sheet Plywood Support | Supported (Tailgate open or elevated) | Supported (Tailgate closed flat) |
| Fifth-Wheel Hitch Clearance | Requires slider or extended pin box | Fits standard fixed fifth-wheel hitch |
Cab Configurations and Total Vehicle Length
The bed length directly determines the vehicle's wheelbase and total bumper-to-bumper length. Knowing these measurements is crucial for confirming garage clearance, tight job-site maneuverability, and turning clearance.
2017 F-250 Cab & Bed Configurations:
- Regular Cab
- Doors: Door 1, Door 2
- Bed: 8.0-Foot Long Bed
- Wheelbase: 141.6"
- Total Length: 231.2"
- SuperCab (Standard Bed)
- Doors: Door 1, Half Door
- Bed: 6.75-Foot Bed
- Wheelbase: 148.0"
- Total Length: 238.0"
- SuperCab (Long Bed)
- Doors: Door 1, Half Door
- Bed: 8.0-Foot Long Bed
- Wheelbase: 164.2"
- Total Length: 254.4"
- Crew Cab (Standard Bed)
- Doors: Door 1, Full Door 2
- Bed: 6.75-Foot Bed
- Wheelbase: 159.8"
- Total Length: 250.0"
- Crew Cab (Long Bed)
- Doors: Full Door 1, Full Door 2
- Bed: 8.0-Foot Long Bed
- Wheelbase: 176.0"
- Total Length: 266.2"
1. Regular Cab
- Bed Size Available: 8.0-Foot Long Bed only.
- Wheelbase: 141.6 inches.
- Overall Length: 231.2 inches (19.26 feet).
- Turning Radius: 23.9 feet (curb-to-curb).
2. SuperCab (Extended Cab)
- 6.75-Foot Bed Configuration: 148.0-inch wheelbase | 238.0 inches overall length (19.83 feet).
- 8.0-Foot Bed Configuration: 164.2-inch wheelbase | 254.4 inches overall length (21.20 feet).
3. Crew Cab (Full Four-Door)
- 6.75-Foot Bed Configuration: 159.8-inch wheelbase | 250.0 inches overall length (20.83 feet).
- 8.0-Foot Bed Configuration: 176.0-inch wheelbase | 266.2 inches overall length (22.18 feet).
Parking & Garage Tip: Standard residential garages typically measure 20 to 22 feet in depth (240 to 264 inches). A 2017 Crew Cab with an 8-foot bed (266.2 inches) will standardly exceed standard residential garage depths, while a Crew Cab with a 6.75-foot bed (250.0 inches) requires careful measurement of wall clearances and hitch drawbars.
Practical Utility: Sheet Goods, Payload, and Towing Dynamics
Beyond raw numbers, the choice between the 6.75-foot and 8-foot bed changes how the truck handles daily trade tasks and recreational towing.
Carrying Standard 4x8 Construction Materials
A critical metric for contractors and tradespeople is whether standard 4x8-foot drywall, plywood, or OSB sheets lay flat inside the bed.
- Between Wheel Wells: Both bed options measure 50.5 inches between the rear wheel wells. Because standard building sheets are 48 inches wide, materials lay completely flat on the floor in both beds without riding up on the wheel arches.
- 8-Foot Bed: An 8-foot sheet sits completely flat on the 98.1-inch floor with the tailgate fully shut and locked, protecting materials from weather and loss.
- 6.75-Foot Bed: An 8-foot sheet extends past the 81.9-inch bed floor by roughly 14.1 inches. To haul 4x8 sheets, drivers must travel with the tailgate down, install a tailgate extender, or support the material above the wheel wells using lumber supports resting in the bed's integrated structural notches.
6.75-Foot Bed with 4x8' Sheet (Tailgate Down):
- Bed Floor: 81.9"
- Tailgate: Open
- Material: 4x8 Sheet Plywood (96")
- Overhang: 14.1" onto Tailgate
Fifth-Wheel and Gooseneck Clearance Dynamics
When towing gooseneck trailers or fifth-wheel RVs, the distance from the hitch ball/kingpin location (centered slightly ahead of the rear axle) to the back of the cab is a vital safety clearance point.
Fifth-Wheel and Gooseneck Clearance Dynamics:
8.0-Foot Long Bed (Fixed Hitch Suitable):
- Clearance Area (Cab to Axle / Hitch): ~48"+
6.75-Foot Short Bed (Tight Turning Clearance):
- Clearance Area (Cab to Axle / Hitch): ~38"
- Note: Risk of cab contact during sharp turns without a slider hitch.
8.0-Foot Bed Advantage: Provides ample clearance (over 48 inches from the axle centerline to the cab window). Drivers can execute 90-degree tight turns without risking the trailer nose contacting the truck cab's rear window or aluminum corner panels. Standard fixed fifth-wheel hitches function safely.
6.75-Foot Bed Towing Considerations: The distance from the axle to the cab wall is reduced by approximately 16 inches. During sharp maneuvers or jackknife backing angles, clearance drops significantly. Owners of 6.75-foot beds towing fifth-wheels generally require:
- A manual or automatic sliding fifth-wheel hitch (such as a PullRite SuperGlide) that moves the pivot point rearward during sharp turns.
- An extended pin box (such as a Reese Sidewinder) on the trailer pin frame to push the pivot point 20 inches further back.
Generation Fitment & Compatibility: 2017 vs. Older Model Years
When purchasing aftermarket accessories—such as camper shells (toppers), tonneau covers, drop-in liners, or bed racks—verifying model year cross-compatibility is essential. A common error among truck owners is assuming accessories fit across all Super Duty generations.
The 2017 Generation Redesign (2017–2022 Compatibility)
The 2017 model year launched the 4th Generation Super Duty platform, which remained structurally consistent through the 2022 model year.
- 2011–2016 vs. 2017–2022 Beds: Bed accessories from 2011–2016 models do not fit the 2017 F-250 correctly. The 2017 redesigned aluminum bed features deeper sidewalls (21.1 inches vs. ~20 inches on previous steel models), altered bed-rail contours, updated bulkhead profiles, and a reshaped tailgate top surface.
- 2017–2022 Cross-Fitment: Bed accessories built specifically for a 2017 F-250 6.75-foot or 8-foot bed will directly fit 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 F-250 and F-350 single-rear-wheel models of matching bed length.
Ford BoxLink System Integration
Introduced prominently on the 2017 redesign, the Ford BoxLink system includes four reinforced structural interface plates mounted to the interior sidewalls of both the 6.75-foot and 8-foot beds.
Interior Bed Sidewall (BoxLink Cleat Layout):
- Front BoxLink Plate with Locking Cleat
- Rear BoxLink Plate with Locking Cleat
- Wheel Well Arch
These plates accept die-cast zinc tie-down cleats rated for 275 lbs cross-side load and 600 lbs vertical load. They also accept standardized S-hooks, E-track accessories, bed dividers, and stowable loading ramps without drilling into the bed's aluminum inner panels.
Step-by-Step: How to Measure and Confirm Your 2017 F-250 Bed Size
If you are buying a used 2017 F-250 or ordering parts online and need to verify the exact bed length, follow these steps:
Step 1: Measure Floor Length Inside the Bed
Open the tailgate and place a tape measure at the inner edge of the front bulkhead (the wall behind the rear cab window). Extend the tape along the bed floor to the inside edge of the closed tailgate (or flush with the rear bed sill if tailgate is down).
- Result ~81.9 inches (approx. 6' 10"): You have a 6.75-foot Standard Bed.
- Result ~98.1 inches (approx. 8' 2"): You have an 8.0-foot Long Bed.
Tape Measure Placement (Inside View):
- Measure floor distance from Front Bulkhead Wall to Closed Tailgate
Avoid Common Measurement Errors: Do not measure along the top of the outer bed rails, as rail trim covers extend past the inner metal dimensions. Do not include the open tailgate surface when measuring floor length for vehicle ordering purposes.
Step 2: Cross-Check Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or Door Jamb Label
Locate the Federal Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver-side B-pillar inside the door jamb. Locate the WB (Wheelbase) code or exact listed measurement:
- 141.6 in / 3596 mm: Regular Cab with 8.0-foot Bed
- 148.0 in / 3759 mm: SuperCab with 6.75-foot Bed
- 164.2 in / 4170 mm: SuperCab with 8.0-foot Bed
- 159.8 in / 4058 mm: Crew Cab with 6.75-foot Bed
- 176.0 in / 4470 mm: Crew Cab with 8.0-foot Bed
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 4x8 sheet of plywood fit in a 2017 F-250 6.75-foot bed?
Yes, a 4x8 sheet of plywood fits flat on the floor between the wheel arches, which measure 50.5 inches apart. However, because the bed floor length is 81.9 inches, the 96-inch plywood sheet will extend roughly 14 inches past the end of the bed, requiring you to transport it with the tailgate down or secured at an angle.
Will a tonneau cover from a 2016 F-250 fit a 2017 F-250?
No. The 2017 F-250 introduced an all-new aluminum body with modified bed dimensions, taller sidewalls (21.1 inches), and updated bed-rail plastics. Tonneau covers, camper shells, and bed caps designed for 2011–2016 models are not compatible with 2017 models.
Do I need a slider hitch for fifth-wheel towing with a 6.75-foot bed?
In most cases, yes. The 6.75-foot bed leaves roughly 38 inches of clearance between the trailer hitch point and the rear cab glass. Without a manual/automatic sliding hitch or an extended trailer pin box (such as a Reese Sidewinder), sharp turns can cause the front corner of the trailer to make contact with the truck's rear cab.
What is the bed depth on a 2017 Ford F-250?
The bed depth (wall height from the floor to the top of the bed rail cap) on all 2017 Ford F-250 models is 21.1 inches. This is approximately 1.1 inches deeper than the previous steel-body generation (2011–2016), increasing total interior cargo volume.
Does a spray-in bed liner change the bed dimensions?
Factory or aftermarket spray-in bed liners (such as Ford's factory Tough Bed liner) apply a polyurea coating approximately 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick over the bed floor and walls. This coating has a negligible effect on overall inner dimensions and does not alter fitment for tonneau covers or bed accessories. Drop-in thick plastic liners, however, can reduce the width between wheel arches by 0.5 to 1 inch.
Summary Recommendation
When choosing or equipping a 2017 Ford F-250, match the bed size to your primary usage profile:
- Choose the 6.75-foot bed if the truck serves as a daily driver, family vehicle, or routine highway vehicle where parking maneuverability, standard garage storage, and overall vehicle length (under 21 feet on Crew Cabs) are top priorities.
- Choose the 8-foot bed if you regularly transport fully enclosed 8-foot construction materials with the tailgate closed, install cross-bed toolboxes while retaining generous floor space, mount slide-in truck campers, or perform frequent fifth-wheel towing without needing specialized sliding hitches.
Before buying covers or liners, double-check your vehicle's exact floor measurement (81.9 inches vs. 98.1 inches) to ensure full compatibility with 2017–2022 fourth-generation Super Duty accessories.
