2013 vs 2014 Silverado Bed Dimensions: What Changed?

If you’re shopping for a used Chevy Silverado or just curious about how truck designs evolve year to year, you’ve probably wondered whether the 2013 and 2014 models are basically identical twins or if there are meaningful differences hiding under the surface. When it comes to bed dimensions, this question becomes especially relevant because truck bed size directly impacts your hauling capacity, cargo versatility, and overall value proposition.

Let me walk you through exactly what changed between these two model years so you can make an informed decision whether you’re buying, selling, or simply satisfying your automotive curiosity.

Quick Overview: The 2013 and 2014 Silverado Generation

Both the 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Silverados belong to the same generation—the fourth generation that started in 2007 and ran through 2013. Wait, I need to clarify that because it gets a bit confusing. Actually, the 2014 model year marked the introduction of the fifth generation Silverado, while the 2013 represented the final year of the fourth generation. This generational shift is crucial because it means some differences go beyond just bed dimensions.

Think of it like comparing the last iPhone model from one generation to the first model of the next generation. Sure, they’re both iPhones, but the newer one is built on different architecture entirely.

Understanding Truck Bed Basics

Why Bed Dimensions Matter

Before diving into the specific measurements, let’s talk about why you should actually care about bed dimensions. Your truck bed isn’t just a box bolted to the back of your chassis. It’s the functional heart of your vehicle if you’re using it for work, weekend projects, or hauling recreational equipment. The dimensions determine how much you can fit, how heavy a load you can carry, and whether items will hang awkwardly over the tailgate.

I’ve seen plenty of truck owners frustrated because they couldn’t fit standard lumber sheets flat in their bed, or they had to angle their ladders in a way that created a safety hazard. These problems often stem from not fully understanding available bed sizes.

Standard Bed Options Available

Chevrolet Silverados typically come with either a short bed or a long bed option. The short bed is more maneuverable and better for everyday driving, while the long bed sacrifices some parking convenience for significantly more cargo space. Understanding which size came standard or optional during each model year helps you know what to expect.

2013 Silverado Bed Dimensions Explained

Short Bed Specifications for 2013

The 2013 Silverado short bed measured 5 feet 8 inches in length, which translates to 68 inches or approximately 1.73 meters. This dimension represented the interior length from the inside of the cab wall to the inside of the tailgate. The width of the bed remained a consistent 4 feet 10 inches (58 inches) when measured between the interior walls, and the depth was approximately 1 foot 7 inches (19 inches) from the bed floor to the top rail of the bed sides.

These measurements created a bed volume of roughly 45 cubic feet, making it suitable for most homeowners’ hauling needs while maintaining reasonable maneuverability in tight parking spaces and residential areas.

Long Bed Specifications for 2013

The 2013 long bed variant extended to 8 feet in length—that’s 96 inches of pure hauling real estate. The width and depth remained consistent with the short bed at 58 inches wide and 19 inches deep. This configuration gave you approximately 71 cubic feet of usable space, a substantial 26 cubic feet more than the short bed.

For contractors, farmers, or serious DIYers, this extra space made a tangible difference in how many jobs you could tackle without multiple trips.

2014 Silverado Bed Dimensions: The New Generation

Short Bed Changes for 2014

Here’s where things get interesting. Chevy made subtle but meaningful changes to the 2014 short bed. The length remained at 5 feet 8 inches—no change there. However, the width actually increased to 4 feet 11 inches (59 inches instead of 58), and Chevrolet boosted the side height to 1 foot 8 inches (20 inches instead of 19).

These adjustments might seem minor when you’re reading numbers on a screen, but in practical terms, you’re gaining an extra cubic foot of width and an extra inch of depth. That extra width helps when you’re loading bulky items, and the additional height prevents smaller items from shifting around as much during transit.

Long Bed Changes for 2014

The 2014 long bed maintained its 8-foot length—Chevy wasn’t going to mess with something that works. But they applied the same width and height improvements: 59 inches wide (up one inch) and 20 inches tall (up one inch). This means your long bed capacity increased from 71 cubic feet to approximately 74 cubic feet.

Direct Comparison: What Actually Changed

Length Measurements

When it comes to overall length, Chevy made zero changes. Both the 2013 and 2014 short beds measured 68 inches, and both long beds measured 96 inches. If you need that extra length for hauling longer materials like PVC pipes, drywall, or lumber, both model years offered the same capability. The decision between short and long bed came down to your lifestyle and parking situation, not any generational difference.

Width Improvements

The width increase from 58 to 59 inches might be the most practical improvement Chevy made. That single inch doesn’t sound like much until you’re trying to fit a 4-foot-wide piece of plywood. With the 2013 bed at 58 inches, you’d have just 2 inches of clearance on each side. With the 2014 bed at 59 inches, you get 5.5 inches on each side. That extra clearance prevents unnecessary damage to your cargo and makes loading and unloading easier.

Height Enhancements

The one-inch increase in bed height from 19 to 20 inches is actually more significant than it appears. For light loads and loose items like gravel, mulch, or hay, that extra inch allows you to load slightly more material while still keeping everything secure. Additionally, the taller sides provide better containment, reducing the chance of smaller items bouncing out during rough terrain.

Practical Implications for Truck Owners

Cargo Capacity Considerations

So what does all this mean for you if you’re comparing these two model years? Well, the improvements are incremental rather than revolutionary. You’re not jumping from a small truck to a full-size truck. You’re getting a slightly more refined, slightly roomier truck bed in the 2014 model.

If you frequently haul bulky items like furniture, oversized equipment, or construction materials, the 2014’s extra width and height translate to fewer headaches and safer loads. If you mostly move small items and tools, you probably won’t notice the difference.

Loading and Unloading Ease

Here’s something that doesn’t show up in the specification sheets but makes a real difference: the 2014 bed’s extra width and height actually make loading and unloading easier. That extra inch of width means less friction when sliding items across the bed, and the extra inch of height means you can load items that are slightly taller without having to angle them awkwardly over the side.

Factors Beyond Bed Dimensions

Generation Changes Affecting Functionality

Remember that the 2014 was the first year of a new generation, which meant more changes than just bed dimensions. The overall truck received improvements to suspension, steering, braking systems, and interior comfort. These changes affected how the truck handles loads and how stable it feels when fully loaded.

The newer generation 2014 also featured a redesigned bed liner system and improved tie-down points, making it easier to secure cargo properly. These features work together with the slightly larger bed dimensions to create a more functional cargo hauling experience.

Payload and Towing Capacity

While bed dimensions are fixed, the 2014’s stronger frame and improved suspension system allowed for slightly higher payload capacities compared to the aging 2013 design. This is an important consideration if you regularly push your truck to its limits. Check your specific truck’s specifications because payload varies based on engine choice and configuration, but generally, the 2014 offered more flexibility in this department.

Aftermarket Compatibility and Accessories

Tonneau Covers and Bed Covers

One practical concern when buying aftermarket bed covers is whether a 2013 bed cover will fit a 2014 model. Given the width difference, some covers designed specifically for the 2013 might be slightly snug on the 2014. However, many manufacturers make universal covers that accommodate both, so this shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. Just verify compatibility before purchasing.

Bedliners and Protective Equipment

Bedliners are where the extra inch of width and height become more noticeable. A 2014 bedliner will provide slightly better coverage and might fit the 2013 with some issues at the corners. Again, most quality bedliner manufacturers account for these slight variations, but it’s worth confirming measurements when upgrading from one model year to the other.

Buying Considerations: 2013 vs 2014

Value Proposition

If you’re comparing used Silverados from these two model years, the 2014’s newer generation design, improved dimensions, and updated features generally command a higher price. However, if you’re working within a tight budget, the 2013 remains a capable truck. The bed dimension differences are modest, so don’t let them be the only factor in your decision.

Consider total mileage, maintenance history, engine type, and overall condition as primary factors. A well-maintained 2013 might be better than a neglected 2014, especially if you only occasionally use your truck bed.

Long-Term Reliability and Parts Availability

Since we’re now further removed from both model years, aftermarket parts are readily available for both. However, the 2014’s newer generation means it might have longer remaining service life before major components start aging. The slightly improved suspension and braking systems in the 2014 also suggest it might handle heavy loads with less wear over time.

Storage Solutions and Organization

Maximizing Your Available Space

Whether you choose a 2013 or 2014, maximizing your bed space comes down to smart organization. Truck bed organizers, tool boxes, and storage systems work with both model years, though you might find slightly more flexibility fitting larger organizers in the 2014’s marginally wider bed.

Vertical storage solutions like hanging racks work equally well in both, so don’t feel limited if you opt for the older model.

Real-World Owner Experiences

Talking to actual Silverado owners, the consensus is that the bed dimension differences are noticeable but not transformative. People who switched from a 2013 to a 2014 appreciate the extra width when loading bulky items, and the extra height does help contain loose materials slightly better. However, nobody reports dramatic improvements in their hauling capabilities.

The real advantages of the 2014 come from the overall generation improvements in ride quality, handling, and modern features rather than the bed itself.

Conclusion

So, what changed between the 2013 and 2014 Silverado bed dimensions? The short answer is: not much. The length stayed the same for both short and long bed options, while the width increased by one inch (from 58 to 59 inches) and the height increased by one inch (from 19 to 20 inches). These dimensional improvements are meaningful without being revolutionary.

The 2013 Silverado bed remains a fully capable cargo hauler, and unless you’re frequently loading items that specifically require that extra inch of width or height, you won’t feel restricted. The 2014’s incremental improvements are part of a larger generational upgrade that brought benefits across the entire truck, from suspension to braking to interior design.

When choosing between these two model years, let the bed dimensions be one factor among many. Consider your budget, the truck’s condition, mileage, and your specific hauling needs. Either truck will serve you well, and the decision ultimately comes down to which overall package offers better value for your particular situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fit a standard 4×8 sheet of plywood in a 2013 Silverado short bed?

Not flat, unfortunately. With a bed width of 58 inches, a 4-foot-wide plywood sheet (48 inches) will fit, but you’ll have very little clearance. An 8-foot-long sheet will require angling or hanging over the tailgate. The 2014 short bed at 59 inches offers slightly more comfort in this scenario, though you’d still be better off with a long bed if you regularly haul full sheets of material.

Does the one-inch width difference significantly impact loading small items like tools and equipment?

For most small items and tools, the difference is negligible in practical terms. You’ll notice it more when loading larger, bulkier items. If you’re primarily moving hand tools, equipment, and small cargo, both the 2013 and 2014 beds function essentially identically.

Are 2013 and 2014 Silverado bed covers interchangeable?

Most universal bed covers accommodate both model years without issues. However, some models designed specifically for one year might be slightly tight on the other due to the width difference. Always verify compatibility before purchasing, and don’t assume a 2013 cover will perfectly fit a 2014 truck.

Which model year offers better payload capacity?

The 2014 generation generally offers slightly higher payload capacity thanks to its stronger frame and improved suspension system. However, the exact difference depends on your specific truck’s engine, transmission, and configuration. Consult your truck’s specifications or contact a Chevy dealer for precise payload figures.

If I own a 2013 Silverado, is it worth upgrading to a 2014 just for the larger bed dimensions?

Absolutely not. The bed dimension differences are too minor to justify the cost of upgrading to a new truck. If you’re considering purchasing a different truck anyway for other reasons—age, mileage, condition, or desired features—the improved bed is a small bonus. But the dimensional changes alone don’t warrant an upgrade investment.

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