I haven't seen much discussion of this in the automotive press, but among the 1/2 ton pickups, only Ford still offers an extended cab and an 8 ft. box.

GM did, up to the 2013 model year. But beginning in 2014 the Silverado and Sierra were available with an 8 ft. box in the regular cab models. Extended cabs or crew cabs are only available with the 6.5 (or 5.5) foot box.

Dodge doesn't offer a 1/2 ton pickup either with extended cab and 8 ft. box. I don't know when Dodge stopped offering this combination. Only the HD models offer this combination. Same with GMC.

If you don't believe me, go to the GM and Dodge web sites and try building a Silverado, Sierra or Ram 1500 with extended cab and 8 ft. box. Can't be done. They don't make 'em. Which is one reason why I bought my current truck, an 2014 F-150 XLT, 4x4, extended cab, 8 ft. box, from Ford.

I think Ford got it right in continuing to offer an extended cab and 8 ft. box. Well done, Ford!

 

I feel like a truck without an eight foot box is useless for what I do. Do they make a eight foot box in three quarter ton?

 

You can get an F-250 SuperDuty or F-350 SuperDuty with a "super cab" (extended cab) and 8-ft. box. Ford also makes the F-450 with a crew cab and 8-ft. box.

GM also offers the Sierra/Silverado 2500 HD and 3500HD with a "double cab" (extended cab) and 8-ft. box. (Funny how Ford and GM have to call it something different than "extended cab".)

Dodge Ram has the RAM 2500 and 3500 with crew cab and 8-ft. box, but no extended cab and 8 ft. box.

But only Ford offers the 1/2 ton pickup with the combination of extended cab and 8-ft. box. I think the competitors will wake up someday and realize they're giving business away to Ford.

 

Ford sales records show their F-150 choices are a winning combination.

That level of sales also shows the Recession is over and there is enough disposable income to support traditional middle class truck purchases at record levels.

Ford restructured laying groundwork for the win. It's paying off.

 

gm does

To be fair, ram doesn't even have an extended cab, or quad cab whatever they call it, in HD at all, in any box.

I'm hoping my upcoming truck is an 8' bed, though reg cab welcome. They're very useful over shortness, I miss having one. Smart move by ford.