When it comes to purchasing a pickup truck, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is choosing between a flareside and a styleside bed.
While both options have their own unique benefits, it’s important to understand the differences and considerations associated with each before making your final decision.
Flareside beds, also known as stepside beds, feature a narrow cargo area with fenders that extend out from the sides of the truck.
This design provides a sleek and sporty look, but can limit the amount of cargo space available.
In contrast, styleside beds, also known as fleetside beds, have a wider cargo area with fenders that are integrated into the body of the truck.
This design provides more cargo space and a more traditional look, but may not be as visually appealing to some buyers.
When deciding between a flareside and styleside bed, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences.
Are you looking for a truck that’s primarily for show, or one that can handle heavy-duty workloads?
Do you prioritize style over functionality, or vice versa?
By understanding the differences and considerations associated with each bed type, you can make an informed decision that meets your unique needs and preferences.
Defining Flareside and Styleside Truck Beds
When it comes to pickup trucks, one of the most important considerations is the type of bed you choose.
There are two main types of truck beds: flareside and styleside.
Understanding the differences between these two types of beds is essential to make an informed decision.
Flareside Truck Beds
Flareside truck beds, also known as stepside beds, are characterized by their curved sides that flare outwards at the wheel wells.
This design gives the truck a sleek, sporty look and allows for a wider bed floor.
However, the flared sides can make it more difficult to load and unload cargo, especially larger items.
Styleside Truck Beds
Styleside truck beds, also known as fleetside beds, are the more traditional and common type of bed.
They have straight sides that run parallel to the wheels, offering a more utilitarian look.
Styleside beds offer more space for cargo and are easier to load and unload.
In summary, flareside truck beds have curved sides that flare outwards at the wheel wells, while styleside truck beds have straight sides that run parallel to the wheels.
Each type of bed has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider your specific needs when choosing a truck bed.
Historical Development of Truck Bed Styles
Truck beds have come a long way since the first pickup trucks were introduced in the early 1900s.
Over time, two main styles of truck beds have emerged: Flareside and Styleside.
Each design has its own unique features and benefits, making them popular choices among truck owners.
Origin of Flareside Beds
The Flareside bed, also known as a stepside bed, is characterized by its fender flares that extend beyond the width of the cab.
This design was first introduced in the 1940s and was popularized in the 1950s and 1960s.
The fender flares not only added a stylish touch to the truck but also provided a practical function by allowing for easier access to the cargo area.
Evolution of Styleside Beds
The Styleside bed, also known as a fleetside bed, is a more modern design that features a flat, smooth surface that extends from the cab to the tailgate.
This design was first introduced in the 1960s and quickly gained popularity due to its sleek and streamlined appearance.
The Styleside bed is also known for its versatility, as it can accommodate a wide range of cargo sizes and shapes.
Over time, both Flareside and Styleside beds have undergone various design changes and improvements.
Today, truck owners can choose from a variety of bed lengths, widths, and features to suit their specific needs and preferences.
In summary, the historical development of truck bed styles has led to the emergence of two popular designs: Flareside and Styleside.
Each design has its own unique features and benefits, making them popular choices among truck owners.
Functional Differences
When it comes to choosing between a Flareside and Styleside truck bed, there are some functional differences to consider.
These differences can affect the truck’s cargo space, aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, towing, and payload capacities.
Cargo Space Considerations
One of the main differences between Flareside and Styleside truck beds is the cargo space.
Flareside truck beds have a narrower cargo area due to the flared fenders.
This means that the cargo area may not be able to accommodate wider items, such as plywood or drywall.
On the other hand, Styleside truck beds have a wider cargo area, providing more space for larger items.
Aerodynamics and Fuel Efficiency
Flareside truck beds have a distinctive look with their flared fenders, but they can also affect the truck’s aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
The flared fenders create more drag, which can reduce the truck’s fuel efficiency.
Styleside truck beds, on the other hand, have a smoother profile, which can improve the truck’s aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
Towing and Payload Capacities
Another important consideration is the towing and payload capacities of the truck bed.
Flareside truck beds have a smaller cargo area, which can limit the amount of weight that can be carried.
Styleside truck beds, on the other hand, have a wider cargo area, providing more space for larger and heavier items.
This means that Styleside truck beds may have a higher towing and payload capacity than Flareside truck beds.
Overall, when choosing between Flareside and Styleside truck beds, it is important to consider the functional differences to determine which one is best suited for your needs.
Whether you prioritize cargo space, aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, or towing and payload capacities, there is a truck bed that can meet your requirements.
Which Type of Truck Bed Material is Best for Your Needs?
When deciding on the best truck bed material for your needs, consider the durability and functionality of vinyl and leather car seats. Vinyl provides a cost-effective and easy-to-clean option, while leather offers a more luxurious and long-lasting choice. Tailor your decision to fit your specific usage and budget requirements.
Aesthetic and Design Preferences
Exterior Styling
When it comes to exterior styling, the main difference between Flareside and Styleside truck beds is the appearance of the rear fenders.
Flareside beds have curved fenders that extend beyond the width of the bed, giving the truck a more rounded and sporty look.
Styleside beds, on the other hand, have flat fenders that are integrated into the sides of the bed, giving the truck a more traditional and angular appearance.
The choice between Flareside and Styleside largely comes down to personal preference, as both styles have their own unique aesthetic appeal.
If you’re looking for a more eye-catching and sporty look, a Flareside bed may be the way to go.
If you prefer a more classic and traditional look, a Styleside bed may be a better fit for you.
Customization Options
When it comes to customization options, both Flareside and Styleside beds offer a range of possibilities.
However, the design of the bed may impact the types of modifications that can be made.
For example, Flareside beds may be more difficult to modify due to the curved fenders.
If you’re looking to add aftermarket accessories such as bed liners or toolboxes, you may need to find options specifically designed to fit Flareside beds.
On the other hand, Styleside beds have flat sides that make it easier to install a wide variety of modifications.
Additionally, the design of the bed may impact the weight capacity and hauling capabilities of the truck.
It’s important to consider your specific needs and intended use when choosing between Flareside and Styleside beds.
In summary, the choice between Flareside and Styleside truck beds largely comes down to personal preference and intended use.
Both styles offer unique aesthetic appeal and customization options, so it’s important to carefully consider your options before making a decision.
Market Availability and Model Variants
When it comes to choosing between Flareside and Styleside truck beds, it’s important to consider the availability of each option in the market.
While both bed styles are popular among truck enthusiasts, some models may only offer one or the other.
For example, the Ford F-150 offers both Flareside and Styleside bed options, but the Flareside bed was discontinued after 1996.
On the other hand, the Chevrolet Silverado only offers a Styleside bed option.
It’s also important to note that some truck models may offer different bed lengths for each style.
For instance, the Ram 1500 offers a 6’4″ Flareside bed and a 5’7″ Styleside bed.
Additionally, some manufacturers may offer different trim levels or packages that include one bed style over the other.
For example, the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro only comes with a 5′ bed, but it’s only available in a Styleside configuration.
Overall, it’s important to research the specific make and model of the truck you’re interested in to determine the availability and variations of Flareside and Styleside bed options.
Maintenance and Durability Concerns
When it comes to maintenance and durability, there are some differences between Flareside and Styleside truck beds that you should consider before making a purchase.
Firstly, Flareside truck beds have a unique design that may make maintenance more difficult.
The flared sides of the bed can make it harder to access the wheel wells and other areas of the bed, which can make cleaning and maintenance more challenging.
On the other hand, Styleside truck beds have a more straightforward design, with straight sides that make it easier to access all areas of the bed.
This can make maintenance and cleaning simpler and more efficient.
In terms of durability, both Flareside and Styleside truck beds are made from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand heavy use.
However, Flareside truck beds have a more complex design, which may make them more prone to damage in certain situations.
For example, if you frequently load and unload heavy items into your truck bed, the flared sides of a Flareside bed may be more vulnerable to damage than the straight sides of a Styleside bed.
Overall, both Flareside and Styleside truck beds are durable and reliable options, but the design differences between the two may impact maintenance and durability in certain situations.
When making your decision, consider your specific needs and usage habits to determine which option is best for you.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
