Your Definitive Guide To Truck Cab Configurations

Regular Cab

Photo: Chevrolet

The regular cab is the smallest cab size available. This body style only comes with two front doors, and no rear doors at all. The cab typically does not have rear seats, if only a small folding seat for short trips. There is only a foot or so of space behind the front seats that is typically used for storage. This cab is usually reserved for work trucks and it is difficult to find one with the higher end features. Typically companies and customers that are looking for more bed space than cabin space are the ones purchasing these trucks. 

This cab comes available with two bed sizes. A regular cab with a regular bed with be a 6 ½-foot bed. A long bed will be the 8-foot bed. Some manufacturers will have a regular cab compatible with a short bed, but it is a rare occurrence. A regular cab with a long bed is the standard orientation these trucks come in. 

Most of the truck manufacturers have trucks available in this configuration, including Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Ram, and Nissan.

Extended Cab

The extended cab is the standard cab configuration that the majority of trucks are sold in. This has two front doors and two rear-hinged rear doors. It does have a back seat, however, space in the rear seat is extremely limited. The rear-hinged doors are typically half the size of regular doors and require the front door to be opened to be used. The rear seats are very small and would be difficult for an adult to use frequently or on long trips. The majority of customers use them for storage over seating.  

Beds available for this configuration range depending on the manufacturer. However, you can typically purchase a truck with a short bed (5 ½-foot), regular bed (6 ½-foot), or long bed (8-foot) with this body style. 

Ford and Nissan have trucks in this configuration. Chevrolet and GMC previously offered truck in this body style, but no longer do. Ram and Toyota do not. 

Double Cab

Photo: Chevrolet

Double cab is similarly sized to an extended cab, however, instead of rear-hinged rear doors, the double cab has forward-opening rear doors that are smaller than the front doors. The rear seat and doors are slightly larger than that of an extended cab, but compete in the same class. The double cab is the middle ground between a crew cab and a regular cab. The rear seat can fit three adults, however, they will not be comfortable. Children and smaller adults can sit in the rear more comfortably, but legroom is still quite limited. 

Same as the extended cab, the double cab can be combined with a wide range of bed lengths. Short bed, regular bed, and long bed are compatible with extended cabs, dependant on your needs. 

Chevrolet, GMC, Ram, and Toyota all offer pickup trucks in this body style, while Ford and Nissan only offer the rear swing doors. 

Crew Cab

Photo: Chevrolet

When your truck has to haul people just as often as it has to haul cargo, a crew cab truck is what you are going to want. Crew cabs have four full-size doors, not half-size rear doors like a double cab. The rear has large seats and offers more space than most full-size sedans. The rear seats can easily seat full-size adults and are comfortable enough for long drives. The seats typically fold up as well to provide a large interior storage spot with easy access. 

Crew cab trucks can’t be combined with a short bed, but are compatible with a regular bed or long bed. 

All of the manufacturers offer trucks in this configuration as it the most sought after for passenger vehicles. 

Conclusion

Shopping for trucks can be more difficult than most other vehicles. Sorting through multiple brands, bed lengths, and body styles can prove to be a daunting task.