Measurements For A Door Short Box Ram Truck Cap: A Comprehensive Guide to Perfect Fit and Function

Measurements For A Door Short Box Ram Truck Cap: A Comprehensive Guide to Perfect Fit and Function cars.truckstrend.com

Introduction: The Foundation of a Perfect Fit

For any Ram truck owner, a truck cap (also known as a camper shell or topper) is more than just an accessory; it’s an investment in functionality, security, and aesthetics. Whether you’re a contractor needing secure tool storage, an outdoor enthusiast hauling gear, or simply looking to protect your cargo from the elements, a truck cap transforms your open bed into a versatile, enclosed space. However, the success of this transformation hinges entirely on one critical factor: accurate measurements.

Measurements For A Door Short Box Ram Truck Cap: A Comprehensive Guide to Perfect Fit and Function

Specifically, for a "Short Box Ram Truck Cap with Doors," understanding precise dimensions is paramount. A miscalculation, even by an inch, can lead to ill-fitting gaps, compromised weather sealing, an inability to open doors properly, or even structural issues. This comprehensive guide will demystify the measurement process for your Ram’s short box, ensuring you select a cap that fits like a glove, functions flawlessly, and complements your truck’s design. We’ll delve into the specific dimensions required, the nuances of different "door" configurations, and provide practical advice to guarantee your satisfaction.

Why Accurate Measurements Are Non-Negotiable

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s understand why getting your measurements right is so crucial:

• Flawless Aesthetics: A cap that perfectly matches the contours and lines of your Ram truck elevates its appearance, making it look like an integrated part of the vehicle, not an afterthought.
• Superior Weather Protection: Precise measurements ensure a tight seal around the bed rails, preventing water, dust, and debris from entering, thus protecting your valuable cargo.
• Enhanced Security: A properly fitted cap, especially one with secure locking doors, deters theft by eliminating gaps and providing a robust enclosure for your equipment.
• Optimal Functionality: Whether it’s the main rear door or side access doors, correct measurements ensure they open and close smoothly, provide full clearance, and offer convenient access to your bed.



• Safety and Durability: An ill-fitting cap can shift during transit, potentially causing damage to the truck or the cap itself. Proper fit distributes weight evenly and ensures stability.
• Retained Resale Value: Both for the cap and your truck. A perfectly matched cap is a selling point, not a liability.

Understanding Your Ram Truck’s "Short Box"

The term "short box" can be somewhat generic. Ram trucks come in various configurations, and what constitutes a "short box" can vary slightly by model year and cab type. For most modern Ram 1500 trucks (e.g., 2009-present), the common "short box" dimensions are typically around 5 feet 7 inches (approx. 67.4 inches). Older models or specific heavy-duty configurations might have different "short box" lengths.

Crucial Advice: Never rely solely on the manufacturer’s generic "short box" description. Always measure your specific truck’s bed.

Key Measurements for Your Ram Truck Cap

To ensure a perfect fit for your short box Ram truck cap, you’ll need several precise measurements from your truck’s bed:

1. Bed Length (Inside Top Rail):

   • Measure from the bulkhead (front of the bed, near the cab) to the inside edge of the top of the tailgate.
   • Measure along the very top of the bed rails.
   • Tip: If you have a plastic bed liner, ensure you measure with it in place if you intend to keep it, as it can slightly alter dimensions. If you’re removing it, measure the bare bed.

2. Bed Width – Front (Inside Top Rail):

   • Measure the width of the bed from the inside edge of one top rail to the other, near the bulkhead (closest to the cab).

3. Bed Width – Rear (Inside Top Rail):

   • Measure the width of the bed from the inside edge of one top rail to the other, near the tailgate.
   • Note: Ram truck beds, like many modern truck beds, often have a slight taper, meaning the front width might be slightly different from the rear width. Cap manufacturers account for this taper in their designs.

4. Bed Rail Height (from Bed Floor):

   • Measure from the bed floor (or top of your bed liner, if applicable) straight up to the very top edge of the bed rail. This helps determine the overall internal height of the cap.

5. Tailgate Clearance (Optional but Recommended):

   • If you plan to have a cap with a rear door that extends over the tailgate (which most do), ensure you have enough clearance for the tailgate to open and close freely after the cap is installed. This is usually accounted for by the cap design, but it’s good to be aware.

6. Cab Clearance (for Cab-Over/Extended Caps):

   • If you’re considering a cap that slightly overhangs the cab for aerodynamics or extra space, measure the distance from the front of your bed rail to the rear of your truck’s cab. Also, measure the height of your cab from the bed rail to the highest point of the cab.

The "Door" Aspect: Beyond the Basic Rear Liftgate

When we talk about a "Door Short Box Ram Truck Cap," it’s important to differentiate between the standard rear liftgate and optional side access doors, both of which enhance functionality:

• Standard Rear Liftgate Door: Every truck cap comes with a rear door that lifts up, allowing access to the bed from the back. The measurements listed above ensure this door aligns properly with your tailgate and seals effectively.
• Side Access Doors (Toolbox Doors/Windoor): Many Ram truck cap owners opt for side access doors, which can be incredibly useful for quickly reaching items in the front or middle of the bed without crawling in or unloading everything from the back.
  • Impact on Measurements: While these don’t directly change the bed measurements, they influence the cap’s design and internal structure. If you desire side doors, ensure the cap model you choose is designed to incorporate them. Their placement and size are determined by the cap manufacturer based on the overall cap dimensions that fit your short box.
  • Benefits: Easier tool retrieval, better organization, and improved accessibility, especially for longer items.
  • Considerations: Side doors typically add to the cost and may slightly reduce the overall strength compared to a solid side, though modern caps are built robustly.

How to Measure Your Ram Truck Bed Accurately: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps for precise measurements:

1. Gather Your Tools: A long, reliable tape measure (at least 25 feet), a straight edge (like a long level or a piece of wood), and a pencil and paper for notes.
2. Park on Level Ground: Ensure your truck is on a flat surface to prevent skewed measurements.
3. Clean the Bed Rails: Remove any debris or obstructions from the top of your bed rails to get a clean measurement.
4. Measure Bed Length:
   • Place the end of your tape measure at the inside top edge of the bulkhead (front of the bed).
   • Extend the tape measure straight back to the inside top edge of your tailgate.
   • Record this measurement carefully. Do it twice to confirm.
5. Measure Bed Width (Front):
   • Place your tape measure across the bed, from the inside top edge of one bed rail to the other, right behind the bulkhead.
   • Record this measurement.
6. Measure Bed Width (Rear):
   • Repeat the width measurement at the very back of the bed, near the tailgate.
   • Record this measurement.
7. Measure Bed Rail Height:
   • From the bed floor (or top of your bed liner), measure straight up to the top of the bed rail. Do this in a few spots to ensure consistency.
   • Record this measurement.
8. Note Your Truck Details: Make sure you have your Ram’s exact year, make, model, and cab style (e.g., 2020 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Short Box). This information is crucial for manufacturers to cross-reference with their cap designs.

Common Measurement Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Relying on "Standard" Sizes: While there are common sizes, slight variations between model years or even production runs can make a difference. Always measure your truck.
• Measuring the Outside of the Bed: Caps sit on the inside edge of the top bed rails. Measuring the outside will lead to an oversized cap.
• Not Accounting for Bed Liners or Rail Caps: These add thickness and can alter critical dimensions. Measure with them installed if you plan to keep them.
• Measuring Only One Side: Truck beds can sometimes be slightly asymmetrical. Measure both sides for length and both front/rear for width to catch any discrepancies.
• Forgetting About Tailgate/Cab Clearance: While often built-in, a quick visual check for these clearances after taking your core measurements can prevent headaches.

Practical Advice and Actionable Insights

• Double-Check Everything: Measure each dimension at least twice, or even better, have a friend help you and confirm the readings.
• Consult Manufacturer Specs: Once you have your measurements, compare them with the specifications provided by truck cap manufacturers. They often list specific cap models designed for particular Ram short box configurations.
• Consider Your Needs: Think about what you’ll primarily use the cap for. This will influence decisions on height (cab-high, mid-rise, high-rise), window types, and whether side access doors are a necessity.
• Professional Installation: While DIY installation is possible, professional installers have the tools and experience to ensure a perfect seal, proper clamping, and correct wiring for lights and locks. This is especially true for caps with complex "door" systems or wiring.
• Aftermarket Accessories: If you plan to add roof racks, ladder racks, or interior lighting, ensure the cap model you choose is compatible with these additions.

Price Table: Estimated Costs for Short Box Ram Truck Caps

The "measurements" themselves don’t have a price, but the truck caps designed to fit those precise measurements do. Here’s an estimated price range for various types of truck caps suitable for a Ram short box, keeping in mind that prices can vary significantly based on brand, materials, features (including side access doors), and location.

Cap Type/Features	Description	Estimated Price Range (USD)
Basic Fiberglass/Aluminum Cap (Cab-High)	Standard rear liftgate, fixed side windows, basic interior finish. Focus on weather protection and security.	$1,500 – $2,500
Mid-Range Fiberglass Cap (Cab-High/Mid-Rise)	Standard rear liftgate, sliding or pop-out side windows, often includes interior light, carpeted headliner, and option for a single side access door (e.g., toolbox door). Better aesthetics and finish.	$2,500 – $3,800
Premium Fiberglass Cap (Mid-Rise/High-Rise)	High-quality finish, interior carpeting, LED lighting, power locks, optional side access doors (multiple types, e.g., Windoor, full-length), heavy-duty rear door, often color-matched to truck. Advanced features and durability.	$3,800 – $5,500+
Commercial/Work Cap (Aluminum/Fiberglass)	Designed for heavy-duty use, often with reinforced construction, integrated shelving/bins, ladder racks, and multiple, robust side access doors. Focus on utility and durability.	$3,000 – $7,000+
Pop-Up Camper/Overland Cap	More than just a cap; designed for camping, with expandable roofs, sleeping platforms, and often more complex "door" and access systems.	$8,000 – $20,000+

Note: These prices are estimates and do not include installation fees, sales tax, or specific custom options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use a truck cap from a different make/model of truck on my Ram short box?
A1: It is highly unlikely to fit properly. Truck beds vary significantly in length, width, taper, and bed rail height between manufacturers and even different models/years from the same manufacturer. An improper fit will lead to leaks, poor aesthetics, and potential damage.

Q2: Do bed liners or spray-in liners affect the measurements?
A2: Yes, plastic drop-in bed liners and aftermarket bed rail caps can slightly alter the inside dimensions of your truck bed and the height of the bed rails. Always measure with these accessories in place if you intend to keep them, or remove them before measuring if you plan to go bare. Spray-in liners typically have a negligible impact on dimensions.

Q3: What if my measurements don’t perfectly match a standard cap size?
A3: Most reputable truck cap manufacturers have designs that accommodate slight variations. However, if your measurements are significantly off, you might have a very rare bed size, or there might be an error in your measuring. Double-check your measurements and consult directly with a cap dealer or manufacturer, providing your exact truck details and dimensions. Custom caps are an option but are significantly more expensive.

Q4: How long does it take to install a truck cap?
A4: A professional installation typically takes 1-3 hours, depending on the complexity of the cap (e.g., wiring for interior lights, power locks, or integrated brake lights) and the vehicle. DIY installation can take longer, especially for first-timers.

Q5: Are side access doors worth the extra cost?
A5: For many users, absolutely. Side access doors provide unparalleled convenience for retrieving items, especially those stored towards the front of the bed. They are particularly valuable for contractors, tradespeople, or anyone who frequently accesses their gear without having to climb into the bed or unload from the rear.

Conclusion: Investing in the Right Fit

The journey to outfitting your Ram short box with the perfect truck cap begins and ends with accurate measurements. Taking the time to precisely measure your truck’s bed dimensions is the single most important step in ensuring your cap provides optimal functionality, security, and aesthetic appeal. Whether you opt for a basic shell or a feature-rich cap with multiple access "doors," a perfect fit guarantees your investment is well-placed. By following this comprehensive guide, you’re not just buying a truck cap; you’re securing a tailored extension of your Ram, ready for any adventure or task you throw its way.