Regular Cab Short Bed Trucks and Best Ways to Accessorize

Indeed, crew cabs offer many benefits, including style, interior space, and creature comforts. However, nothing beats the feel of a regular cab, short box (sometimes abbreviated as 'RCSB'), and the models below will have you longing for that original recipe. Some on this list are newer work trucks, while others are muscled-up hot rods.

For each regular cab short box pickup on this list, we have included an accessory recommendation. Some accessories offer functionality and security, while others boost engine performance. At RealTruck, we take pride in offering the truck community a comprehensive selection of affordable accessories backed by an exceptional warranty and customer support.

The 2026 Silverado W/T is the quintessential regular cab short bed with its default Summit White paint and 17-inch silver steel wheels. A jet black 40/20/40 split-bench stretches across the interior. At the same time, the 2.7-liter TurboMax under the hood delivers a best-in-class torque rating of 430 lb-ft. (3,000 rpm). 

The wheelbase of a Silverado W/T regular cab measures 126.5 inches with a 6'6" box length. Opting for a 2WD model with the TurboMax will increase the max towing and payload capacity when properly equipped to 9,100 lbs. and 2,260 lbs., respectively.  

If you want a new short-bed truck but bleed blue ovals instead of bowties, consider the 2026 F-150 XL. The XL designation gives you an F-150 single cab short bed that measures 6'5" with a 122.8-inch wheelbase. 

Ford offers a 3.73 axle ratio and its evergreen 5.0-liter V8 with twin independent variable cam timing. The combination bumps the max towing capacity into the 9,000-lb range, whether in a 4x2 or 4x4 configuration, when properly equipped.  

Ram does not currently offer a regular cab short box for its 1500 series trucks. Stellantis discontinued the configuration for the 2023 model year; however, you can still get your hands on a gently used Ram Classic short bed with a Hemi from the early 2020s.   

Colin Ryan of Kelley Blue Book noted that the 2021 Ram Classic regular cab rides nicer than one might expect, thanks to its rear coil-spring suspension. Ryan also noted the ease of interior controls, even while wearing work gloves.

The wheelbase of the 2021 Ram Classic regular cab measures 120.5 inches with a 6'4" bed length, which can accommodate a robust A.R.E. DCU® Series Truck Cap. When properly equipped, max payload equaled 1,620 lbs. in a 2WD configuration.

No matter your preference between a Chevy, Ford, or Ram short-bed truck, reaching the box is easy with a retractable AMP Research BedStep. The BedStep mounts on the rear corner, supports up to 300 lbs., and features a non-slip surface for increased safety.   

Features: 

• High-strength aluminum alloy frame

• Glass-reinforced non-slip step pad

• Convenient retractable design

• 300 lbs. weight rating

• Simple bolt-on installation on most applications

• Step orientation may vary — see installation guide

• Some drilling may be required

• 3-year warranty

Regular cab work and/or fleet trucks from the Big Three can also benefit from the addition of a Gator SRX soft-roll up tonneau cover. The Gator SRX is an affordable, low-profile, and weather-resistant vinyl cover that can be installed in your driveway without a drill. 

Features: 

• Patented multi-tiered hook-and-loop holds on strong and stays closed in all conditions

• Better fit prevents edges from curling with an exclusive spring-loaded tension control system that requires no manual adjustments

• Sits flush to the truck bed unlike low-cost competitors with their unsightly above-the-rails bulky fit

• Easy-to-use trigger latch releases with one finger, allowing the cover to open with ease

• Durable, weather- and tear-resistant vinyl holds up against the elements with looks that never fade

The 2001 Tacoma product and specifications brochure promoted the truck as one that could "get you there and leave the terra firma trembling." While that likely still holds true a quarter century later, lucky owners of the '01 Tacoma are enjoying more than just its performance as the truck offers a compelling slice of nostalgia.  

Standard features for the regular cab included halogen headlights, P205/75R15 all-season radials on 15-inch steel wheels, an orange-illuminated instrument panel, and an AM/FM radio. The wheelbase was 103.3 inches with a 6'2" bed length.

Engines differed between the 4x2 and 4x4 models. 4x2 models had a 2.4-liter four-cylinder producing 142 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque. Under the hood of the 4x4 was a 2.7-liter four-cylinder with 150 horsepower and 177 lb-ft. of torque. Both engines featured dual overhead camshafts and electronic fuel injection. They could be paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

Gear ratios also differed between the two models. For example, the regular cab '01 4x2 Tacoma with a manual had a 3.42 axle ratio while the automatics had a 3.58 axle ratio. Although the manual 4x4 '01 Tacoma regular cab retained the 3.42 axle ratio, the automatics offered a 4.10 rear end.

Given the nostalgia factor of the 2001 Toyota Tacoma regular cab, an Airbedz® truck bed mattress is the perfect accessory. After you make the terra firma tremble on the way to the campsite, you can inflate the Airbedz® and enjoy the stars.  

Features: 

• Constructed from a heavy-duty nylon fabric

• 5 sizes to fit 5' to 8' beds

• Tailgate extension for short bed trucks

• Built-in rechargeable and detachable air pump

• AC home charger included

• Secondary inflate/deflate valve for use with other pumps

• 12" thick mattress with air coil system

• Patented design fits over and around wheel wells

• Storage bag with shoulder strap included

• Comes with patch kit and glue

• Airbedz Original Inflatable Wheel Well Inserts sold separately here

• 1 year limited warranty

Same as the '01 Tacoma, but different in the sense that you are making the pavement tremble! The 2001 Ford SVT F-150 Lightning is one of the fastest trucks of all time and one of the coolest short beds to ever roll off the assembly line. Every '01 Lightning had a 119.8-inch wheelbase and a 6'5" bed with a modest 800 lbs. payload capacity.

The powertrain, however, was anything but modest. An Eaton-supercharged 5.4-liter Triton V8 cranked out 380 horsepower and 450 lb-ft. of torque, the horsepower figure being especially impressive for the time, computing to 70.2 horsepower per liter. Mechanical components Ford used for its Power Stroke diesel also found their way into the 4R100 four-speed automatic.

Our top pick for accessorizing a Ford SVT F-150 Lightning is a MagnaFlow Street Series Performance Exhaust System. MagnaFlow systems deliver dynamometer-verified horsepower and torque increases, making this already impressive short-bed truck even more desirable. 

Features: 

• T-409 stainless steel construction

• Polished stainless steel or black-coated tips available

• Mandrel-bent pipes promote superior exhaust flow

• Straight-through muffler decreases restrictions

• Dyno-proven horsepower and torque gains

• Moderate exterior tone with mild interior resonance

• Easy, bolt-on installation

Similar to the Tacoma and the F-150 Lightning, the Dodge Ram Rumble Bee is a rolling time capsule back to the early 2000s. Inspired by the 1970 Dodge Super Bee, the Rumble Bee was available in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations during its limited production run between 2004 and 2005.

In 2005, an Inferno Red exterior paint was made available for the Rumble Bee, joining the Black and Solar Yellow offerings from 2004. Regardless of the exterior color, every truck featured the racing bee insignia near the taillights. Its bed length was 6'3" while its wheelbase measured 120.5 inches.  

As expected, the Rumble Bee made good use of its 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which generated 345 horsepower and 375 lb-ft. of torque. To maximize the performance of our dream Rumble Bee, we would opt for an S&B cold air intake. As an enclosed system, it draws cooler air from outside rather than hotter air from inside the engine bay. 

Features: 

• Increase horsepower and improve fuel economy

• Heavy-duty silicone intake couplers and tube seals

• Simple DIY installations

• Available with 8-layer, washable, oiled-cotton or dry replaceable filters

• Oversized, fully-enclosed air box

• Clear inspection lid to monitor filter's condition

• Filters are tested to ISO 5011 Filtration Standard

• Backed by a million-mile warranty

• Made in the USA

First available in November 1989, the 1990 Chevy 454 SS was a C1500 series regular cab short bed with the biggest production V8 at the time.

As the name suggests, the 7.4-liter V8 was a 454-cubic-inch mill that produced 230 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and 385 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm (GM also used the 7.4 for its 3500 single rear-wheel trucks in 1990).   

The 454 SS had a three-speed automatic and a locking differential with a 3.73 axle ratio (the "C" designation meant the 454 SS was rear-wheel drive). Its wheelbase measured 117.5 inches with a 6'5" box. Max payload capacity ranged from 1,389 lbs. to 1,878 lbs. when properly equipped.   

The exterior was characterized by a deep Onyx Black and tinted windows, while the inside was adorned in a fiery Garnet Red cloth. In true blast-from-the-past fashion, the 1990 Chevy 454 SS was standard with power windows and a cassette tape player with a graphic equalizer.

If you are lucky enough to own such a rare bird, we recommend browsing our full lineup of oils and fluids to keep that 7.4-liter V8 in tip-top shape. 

Do you have a favorite regular-cab, short-bed pickup on this list? The 2026 Silverado W/T and F-150 XL are more readily available, while the Dodge Ram Rumble Bee and 1990 454 SS might be a little harder to come by.

Regardless, it's hard to beat the original formula when it comes to trucks. You're in good company with us here at RealSource™ if you still long for a single cab pickup with a short bed.