Will an 8-Foot Board Fit in a GMC Truck Bed? We Tested It
One 8-foot board. Six GMC truck models. Short beds, standard beds, and long beds. We wanted to see what really fits.
When you’re shopping for a pickup truck, it’s easy to compare horsepower, towing capacity, and technology. But sometimes the most useful question is much simpler: Will the things I actually haul fit in the bed?
At Valley GMC in Auburn, WA, we grabbed an 8-foot piece of lumber and compared the beds of a GMC Canyon, Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500HD, Sierra 3500HD, Sierra EV, and HUMMER EV Pickup.
We wanted to see the differences between short, standard, and long beds without using a midgate or MultiPro tailgate features to extend the loading area. Here’s what we learned.
Watch Our GMC Truck Bed Size Test
Short Bed vs. Standard Bed vs. Long Bed
GMC offers different bed lengths depending on the model, cab configuration, and model year. Here’s a helpful example using approximate 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 cargo bed floor lengths.
Short Bed
About 5 ft 10 in
A practical choice for drivers who want a pickup bed while prioritizing everyday maneuverability and passenger space.
Ideal for many everyday errands, outdoor activities, and smaller projects.
Standard Bed
About 6 ft 7 in
A middle ground for drivers who regularly carry tools, equipment, and home improvement supplies.
Offers additional cargo length without necessarily choosing a long-bed configuration.
Long Bed
About 8 ft 2 in
The best fit of these three options for carrying an 8-foot board fully within the bed with the tailgate closed.
Worth considering for frequent lumber, construction material, and equipment hauling.
Measurements are approximate Sierra 1500 cargo box floor lengths. Actual dimensions and bed availability vary by model, cab, trim, and year.
Comparing the GMC Trucks in Our Video
GMC Sierra 1500: So Many Ways to Configure It
One of the biggest advantages of the Sierra 1500 is the variety of available cab and bed combinations.
Depending on the configuration, shoppers can choose a short, standard, or long bed. That means you can balance passenger space, everyday driving, and cargo needs rather than choosing a truck based on bed length alone.
GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD: Built for Bigger Jobs
Our heavy-duty Sierra trucks were part of the same 8-foot board comparison.
If your projects involve frequent hauling, substantial equipment, or heavy towing, bed length is just one consideration. Payload ratings, towing requirements, and the specific truck configuration also matter.
GMC Canyon: A Versatile Midsize Pickup
Not everyone needs a full-size truck. The Canyon offers the convenience of an open pickup bed in a midsize package.
It’s an option worth exploring if you want a truck for daily driving, weekend gear, and projects without moving up to a full-size Sierra.
GMC Sierra EV: Electric Driving Meets Pickup Utility
The Sierra EV shows that choosing an electric pickup doesn’t mean giving up the everyday convenience of a truck bed.
Some Sierra EV configurations also offer a MultiPro MidGate for additional cargo flexibility. Our video, however, focuses on the bed without opening the midgate or using tailgate extensions.
GMC HUMMER EV Pickup: A Different Kind of Truck
The HUMMER EV Pickup brings electric performance and an open cargo bed together in a distinctive vehicle.
It’s another example of why truck shopping isn’t only about choosing the longest bed. Think about your everyday driving, gear, passengers, and the activities you enjoy.
Can You Haul 8-Foot Lumber in a Short Bed?
An 8-foot board is longer than the cargo floor of most short and standard pickup beds. That doesn’t automatically mean the material cannot be transported, but it does mean loading and securing it requires additional consideration.
Depending on the vehicle, cargo, and approved loading method, longer materials may extend beyond the bed. Always check your owner’s manual, applicable load limits, and Washington requirements for securing and marking projecting loads.
Our demonstration is a comparison of cargo space, not an example of a secured load ready for road travel. Never assume that simply placing lumber in a truck bed makes it safe to transport.
How to Choose the Right GMC Truck Bed
Before you choose a truck, think about what you actually carry most often.
- Home improvement: Do you frequently haul lumber, plywood, landscaping supplies, or tools?
- Everyday driving: Do you need more passenger space, or is parking convenience a priority?
- Outdoor adventures: Will you regularly load bikes, camping gear, or recreation equipment?
- Work and towing: What are your actual payload and trailer requirements?
- Electric or gas: Would a Sierra EV or HUMMER EV Pickup fit your driving habits and charging needs?
The answers can help narrow down the right GMC model, cab, and bed configuration.
Find the GMC Truck That Fits Your Life
Want to compare a short bed, standard bed, or long bed in person?
Visit Valley GMC in Auburn, Washington. We’ll help you compare available trucks and find a configuration that works for your daily driving, work, and adventures. No pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions About GMC Truck Beds
Will an 8-foot board fit in a GMC Sierra 1500?
An available Sierra 1500 long bed measures approximately 8 feet 2 inches at the cargo floor, making it long enough for a straight 8-foot board. Short and standard beds are shorter than 8 feet. Actual loading suitability depends on the cargo and vehicle configuration.
What is the difference between a short, standard, and long GMC truck bed?
Using the 2026 Sierra 1500 as an example, a short bed is approximately 5 feet 10 inches, a standard bed is approximately 6 feet 7 inches, and a long bed is approximately 8 feet 2 inches. These measurements vary across GMC models.
Does every GMC Sierra 1500 have a long-bed option?
No. Available bed lengths depend on cab style and configuration. For example, the 2026 Sierra 1500 Regular Cab offers an available long bed, while other cab configurations have different bed choices.
Did you use the MultiPro Tailgate or Sierra EV midgate in the video?
No. Our demonstration compared the truck beds without using a MultiPro tailgate feature or opening a midgate to extend cargo space. Those features can offer additional flexibility on appropriately equipped vehicles.
Is a long bed always better than a short bed?
Not necessarily. A long bed provides more cargo length, but a short bed may better suit drivers who prioritize maneuverability, parking, or a particular passenger cab. The best choice depends on how you use your truck.
Where can I compare GMC truck bed sizes near Auburn, Washington?
Valley GMC in Auburn can help you compare available Canyon, Sierra, and electric GMC pickup configurations. Inventory and bed availability change, so check current listings before visiting.
Sometimes a simple piece of lumber tells you more than a page of specifications. Come see the difference for yourself.
See you in the Valley!
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