Replacing the bed of a Ford F-350 is a simple project that can enhance the look and function of your commercial-grade pickup. You might replace a worn or damaged bed to restore your pickup. You could also swap out a standard bed for a more practical commercial bed or one with a utility box.
Choosing a Ford F-350 Bed Replacement
A pickup’s bed, sometimes called its box, sets it apart. Many people choose trucks based on their beds. As one of Ford’s most powerful pickups, the F-350 lets owners load up the bed and haul heavy loads of up to 7,850 pounds, depending on its generation and configuration.
What’s Included In a Ford F-350 Truck Bed Replacement
A Ford F-350 bed replacement usually includes the standard tailgate, factory bed rail caps, and tail lamps as well as the bed itself. Note that the design of the Ford F-350 beds has changed slightly over time. For example, significant changes occurred in 2020. If you fit an 8-foot bed made in 2020 or later to an earlier model F-350, the tail lamps and tailgates will be slightly different from the original design. Many people don’t worry about this, but it’s worth thinking about if you’re trying to preserve your pickup’s original look.
Ford F-350 Bed Sizes
The F-350 comes with a 6.75-foot bed as standard or a larger 8-foot bed for more space. Bigger isn’t always better. While the 8-foot beds give you the most space for loads, it can be more difficult to park and weave through traffic with a longer bed. People who drive their trucks regularly and transport smaller loads often prefer the standard F-350 bed, or a short bed and extended cab for more interior space.
Ford F-350 Materials
Ford F-350 beds were originally made of steel. Ford switched to aluminum alloy beds in 2017 to reduce their weight. This change increased the maximum payload and towing capacity and improved the F-350’s overall performance, including its fuel economy. The aluminum alloy also resists dents, dings, and corrosion. At the time of writing, Ford’s Super Duty pickups are still the only ones in their class with high-strength steel frames and aluminum alloy bodies and beds.
What to Look for in a Ford F-350 Bed Replacement
Look for a Ford F-350 bed replacement in your preferred material. Aluminum alloy is a popular modern choice as it increases maximum payloads and helps the truck operate more efficiently. However, some people with older trucks prefer steel to retain their pickup’s original feel. Whatever material you choose, it should be free of dents, dings, and rust. Selecting a bed with little to no damage enhances your pickup’s look and structural integrity. You may also choose accessories to enhance your replacement bed.
Ford F-350 Bed Replacement FAQs
How do you remove an old F-350 bed?
Open the gas door on the driver’s side and use a torx-head screwdriver to unbolt the gas filler neck. Get under the bed and pull the filler neck towards the ground. Repeat this process if you have a second gas door on the passenger side. You can then remove the tailgate and use a Phillips screwdriver to unbolt the taillights. Remove the lens and wiring from the light by hand. Go back under the bed and pull the taillight wiring towards the ground to move it out of the way. You may need to unclip or untie secured wires.
You can then use a ½-inch ratchet, extension, and socket to unbolt the bed from its frame. Evenly space some assistants around the bed’s perimeter. Lift the bed up, then walk it away from the frame. Put it down in a safe place so it won’t get damaged. You can then attach your replacement bed.
What Ford F-350 truck beds are interchangeable?
Beds from 1999 to 2016 F-350 trucks are interchangeable with small modifications to wiring and mount holes. Ford made substantial changes to its bed design in 2017, so newer beds don’t suit older F-350s. However, you can use F-350 truck beds from 2017 to the latest model interchangeably.
Ford F-350 Truck Bed Replacement Accessories
While replacing your Ford F-350 truck bed is a good time to consider installing some of these accessories. It can be easier to install them in your replacement bed before installing the new bed on the truck since you’ll have much better access in and around the bed itself.
Best Ford F-350 Bed Replacement Part #1: Gator EFX Hard Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
- Fits 2017-2022 Ford F-250 and F-350 standard beds
- Easy to install in less than 30 minutes without drilling or tools
- Three-year warranty and supported by a local customer service team
This truck bed tonneau cover has a clever seal design that keeps dust, dirt, rain, and snow out of your vehicle. Its aluminum panels have a UV-protective black powder finish coating that resists scuffs and scrapes. It sits flush with the truck bed for a seamless look. The cover measures 34.5 x 80.5 x 6.5 inches and weighs 60.9 pounds.
Best Ford F-350 Bed Replacement Part #2: YHTAUTO Passenger Side Truck Bed Storage Tool Box
- Suits 1999-2016 Ford F-250 and F-350
- Holds up to 33 pounds of tools or other items
- Features a built-in lock for secure storage
This passenger-side truck bed storage tool box helps you organize your pickup’s bed and secure valuable items. The kit contains everything you need to screw-mount the tool box to the passenger side of the truck bed. It’s made from tough ABS plastic, measures 30.71 x 9.06 x 15.35 inches, and weighs 17.66 pounds.
Best Ford F-350 Bed Replacement Part #3: AMP Research BedStep2 Retractable Truck Bed Side Step
- Suits 2017-2021 Ford F-250 and F-350
- Crafted from superior aluminum alloy with stainless steel pivot pins for longevity and anodized PTFE powder coating to prevent rust
- Holds a weight of up to 300 pounds
This retractable truck bed side step sits just behind the cab for easy access to your truck bed, tool box, or fifth-wheel hitch. You can mount this step on either side of the bed for your convenience. The step’s ridged design provides a non-slip surface in all weather conditions. The step measures 21 x 10 x 7 inches.
Our Methodology
We carefully chose products made from high-quality materials that real consumers love. We only considered products earning more than a four-star rating from multiple customers. We also chose a variety of different bed products to make sure there was something for all Ford pickup drivers on our list.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
