Unlocking Your 2013 Chevy Silverado: The Definitive Guide to Truck Bed Compatibility and Accessories

Unlocking Your 2013 Chevy Silverado: The Definitive Guide to Truck Bed Compatibility and Accessories Lmctruck.Guidemechanic.com

The 2013 Chevy Silverado stands as a testament to American truck engineering – a robust, reliable workhorse that continues to serve countless owners across the globe. Whether you’re hauling gear for a job, embarking on a weekend adventure, or simply using your truck for daily tasks, the functionality of its bed is paramount. Yet, one of the most common questions that arise for owners of this venerable model is: "What box fits on my 2013 Chevy Silverado?"

This seemingly simple question opens up a world of considerations, from the inherent dimensions of your truck’s bed to the vast array of aftermarket accessories designed to enhance its utility. As an expert blogger and professional SEO content writer with years of experience in the automotive aftermarket, I’m here to provide a super comprehensive, in-depth guide that will clarify every aspect of truck bed compatibility for your 2013 Silverado. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions, ensuring your truck serves your needs perfectly.

Unlocking Your 2013 Chevy Silverado: The Definitive Guide to Truck Bed Compatibility and Accessories

Understanding Your 2013 Chevy Silverado: The Foundation of Fit

Before diving into the specifics of "what box fits," it’s crucial to understand the foundational characteristics of your 2013 Chevy Silverado. This model year was part of the GMT900 platform, known for its strong chassis and various configurations. The Silverado’s versatility is one of its greatest strengths, but it also means that "one size fits all" is rarely the case when it comes to truck beds and accessories.

The compatibility of any box, whether it’s a toolbox, a tonneau cover, or even a replacement bed, hinges directly on the exact specifications of your truck’s original bed. Ignoring these details can lead to costly mistakes, frustration, and a less-than-optimal setup. We’ll break down the core components that dictate what will, and won’t, fit your beloved Silverado.

The Core Question: What Are the Standard Bed Sizes for a 2013 Silverado?

When people ask "what box fits," they often implicitly refer to the fundamental dimensions of the truck bed itself. The 2013 Chevy Silverado, like many full-size pickups, was offered with several factory bed lengths. Identifying which one you have is the very first step in determining compatibility for any accessory. These dimensions are measured from the inside of the bulkhead (the wall closest to the cab) to the inside of the tailgate when closed.

The Short Bed: Approximately 5’8" (69.3 inches)

The short bed is typically the most common choice for Crew Cab configurations, prioritizing passenger space over maximum cargo length. This bed offers a good balance for urban driving and everyday use, making the truck easier to maneuver and park. It’s perfectly suitable for most weekend warrior tasks, like hauling groceries, camping gear, or smaller tools.

While it might not accommodate full sheets of plywood with the tailgate closed, its compact nature is a significant advantage for many owners. If you primarily use your Silverado for personal transport and occasional light hauling, the short bed is likely what you have and what you need. It’s also a popular choice for those looking to add camper shells without significantly extending the vehicle’s overall length.

The Standard/Regular Bed: Approximately 6’6" (78.9 inches)

Often referred to simply as the "standard bed," this length strikes an excellent balance between cargo capacity and overall vehicle length. It was commonly paired with Extended Cab models and sometimes with Regular Cab trucks. This bed size is a true workhorse, capable of handling most construction materials, longer tools, and a wider variety of recreational equipment.

The 6’6" bed is a favorite among contractors, tradespeople, and outdoor enthusiasts who need more space than a short bed but don’t require the extreme length of an 8-foot bed. It offers ample room for ATVs, motorcycles, or lumber without making the truck overly cumbersome. Its versatility makes it a highly desirable configuration for a broad spectrum of users.

The Long Bed: Approximately 8’0" (97.6 inches)

The long bed is the ultimate choice for maximum cargo capacity, typically found on Regular Cab Silverados, especially those configured for heavy-duty work. This bed length is designed for serious hauling, easily accommodating full sheets of building materials, extended ladders, or larger equipment with the tailgate closed. It transforms your Silverado into an undisputed work machine.

Trucks equipped with the 8-foot bed are often seen on job sites, farms, or pulling large trailers, where every inch of cargo space is critical. While it makes the truck significantly longer and less agile in tight spaces, the benefits for those who need maximum hauling capability are undeniable. If your Silverado is primarily a work truck, there’s a strong chance it features this robust bed size.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure which bed size your 2013 Silverado has, the easiest way to confirm is to measure it yourself. Take a tape measure and run it along the floor of the bed from the inside of the bulkhead (the wall closest to the cab) to the inside of the tailgate. This quick measurement will give you the exact length you need for any accessory purchase.

Beyond Length: Crucial Dimensions for a Perfect Fit

While bed length is the primary determinant, it’s not the only factor. For many accessories, particularly toolboxes and tonneau covers, you’ll need to consider width and depth as well. These dimensions ensure a snug fit and proper functionality.

Bed Width: Inner and Outer Rail Measurements

The width of your Silverado’s bed is crucial, especially for items that mount across the bed rails, like crossover toolboxes or most tonneau covers. You’ll typically encounter two key width measurements:

• Inside Bed Rail Width: This is the distance between the inner edges of the bed rails, where accessories often sit or clamp.
• Outside Bed Rail Width: This measurement is critical for covers that drape over the rails or for calculating the overall footprint of certain accessories.

For a 2013 Chevy Silverado, the approximate inside width between the wheel wells is around 50 inches (perfect for carrying 4×8 sheets flat above the wells, if the bed length allows), while the overall inside width at the top rails can be closer to 60-65 inches, depending on the exact point of measurement. Always double-check these measurements for precise fitment.

Bed Depth: From Floor to Rail Height

The depth of your truck bed, measured from the bed floor to the top of the bed rails, is important for flush-mount accessories or toolboxes that sit within the bed. It determines how much internal clearance you have and how high an accessory will sit above the bed. For toolboxes, understanding the depth ensures the box doesn’t interfere with your tailgate operation or sit too low, restricting access.

Tailgate Considerations

Even the tailgate plays a role. Some accessories, particularly certain types of bed extenders or custom storage solutions, are designed to integrate with or around the tailgate. Ensuring proper clearance and functionality when the tailgate is open or closed is a small but vital detail that can impact usability.

Why Measurements Matter: Taking the time to accurately measure your truck’s bed can save you from the headache of ordering an incompatible part, dealing with returns, and wasting valuable time. Don’t rely solely on model year; always confirm with your own tape measure.

Cab Configurations and Wheelbase: The Hidden Factors

The 2013 Chevy Silverado was offered in various cab configurations, and these directly influence which bed lengths were available from the factory. The relationship between cab type, bed length, and wheelbase (the distance between the center of the front and rear wheels) is fundamental to understanding your truck’s overall structure.

Regular Cab

The Regular Cab, featuring a single row of seating, was most commonly paired with the 8-foot long bed. This combination provides the longest possible cargo area for a given wheelbase, maximizing the truck’s utility for work. While less common, a Regular Cab with a standard 6’6" bed was also an option, creating a more compact yet still capable work truck.

Extended Cab (Double Cab)

The Extended Cab (also known as a Double Cab in later models) offered a second row of smaller, rear-hinged doors and jump seats, providing additional passenger or interior storage space. This cab configuration was almost exclusively paired with the standard 6’6" bed. It provided a great balance for families or crews who needed both passenger capacity and a respectable cargo area.

Crew Cab

The Crew Cab, with four full-size doors and ample rear seating, is the most passenger-friendly option. To keep the overall vehicle length manageable, the Crew Cab was primarily paired with the shorter 5’8" bed. This configuration is popular for daily drivers, families, and those who prioritize interior comfort and space. While rarer, some heavy-duty Crew Cab models might have been configured with the 6’6" bed, resulting in a very long vehicle.

Based on my experience, many owners overlook the direct correlation between their cab type and the original bed length. Knowing your cab configuration can quickly narrow down the likely bed size, making it easier to confirm with a measurement. It’s a quick mental check that can prevent confusion.

"Box" Defined: More Than Just the Bed Itself

Now, let’s address the ambiguity of the term "box." When asking "what box fits on a 2013 Chevy Silverado," the inquirer might be referring to a multitude of accessories designed to fit within or on the truck bed, not just the bed itself. This section will explore the most common types of "boxes" and how to ensure their compatibility.

I. Truck Bed Accessories: Enhancing Utility

These are the most common "boxes" people add to their truck beds, designed to organize, protect, or secure cargo.

A. Toolboxes: Organizing Your Gear

Toolboxes are essential for tradespeople, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone who needs to keep tools secure and organized. They come in various styles, each with specific fitment considerations.

• Crossover Toolboxes: These are the most popular type, sitting across the bed rails behind the cab. They are typically universal in width, but you must ensure the length fits between your bed rails without interfering with the tailgate or other accessories. They often come in widths designed for full-size trucks, making them a good fit for a 2013 Silverado.
• Side-Mount Toolboxes: These sit on top of the bed rails along the side of the bed. Compatibility here depends on the length of your bed and ensuring they don’t impede wheel well access or other accessories.
• Chest Toolboxes: These sit on the bed floor, often against the cab or near the tailgate. Their fitment is less about the bed rails and more about the available floor space and height clearance.

When choosing a toolbox, consider the material (aluminum, steel, plastic), security features, and how it will integrate with other accessories you might have, like a tonneau cover. Some toolboxes are designed to be low-profile to work with certain covers.

B. Tonneau Covers (Bed Covers): Protection and Security

A tonneau cover is essentially a "box" that covers your entire bed, offering protection from the elements, improved fuel economy, and enhanced security for your cargo. The fitment of a tonneau cover is highly dependent on your exact bed length, as well as the width of your bed rails.

• Roll-Up Covers: These are flexible and roll up towards the cab. They require precise bed length matching.
• Tri-Fold Covers (Soft or Hard): These fold into three sections. Again, bed length is critical, as is the width to ensure the panels seal properly over the rails.
• Retractable Covers: These slide into a canister mounted at the front of the bed. They are often highly specific to make and model, so ensuring a 2013 Silverado fit is paramount.
• Hinged/One-Piece Covers: These open like a trunk lid. They are very model-specific and require exact bed dimensions.

Common mistakes to avoid are purchasing a tonneau cover based solely on "full-size truck" claims without confirming it’s specifically for a 2013 Silverado and your exact bed length. Slight variations between model years or manufacturers can lead to poor seals, improper latching, or even incorrect dimensions.

C. Bed Liners & Mats: Protection for Your Bed

While not "boxes" in the traditional sense, bed liners and mats are essential accessories that fit within the bed to protect it from dents, scratches, and spills.

• Drop-in Liners: These molded plastic liners drop directly into your bed. They are highly specific to make, model, and bed length to ensure a snug, rattle-free fit.
• Spray-on Liners: These are professionally applied coatings that permanently adhere to your bed. While not a "fitment" issue in the traditional sense, choosing a reputable installer for your 2013 Silverado is key.
• Bed Mats: These are rubber or padded mats that lay on the bed floor. They are often available in more generic sizes, but custom-fit options provide better coverage and anti-slip properties.

Pro tips from us: For drop-in liners, always verify the exact year and bed length. A liner for a 2014 Silverado, despite being a similar body style, might have slight differences that prevent a perfect fit on your 2013 model.

D. Bed Extenders & Organizers

These accessories help manage cargo within the bed. Bed extenders typically flip out over the tailgate to extend the effective bed length for longer items. They are usually designed to fit specific bed widths and depths, often mounting into existing stake pockets or bed rail systems. Various cargo organizers, dividers, and nets are also available, with fitment primarily based on the internal dimensions of your Silverado’s bed.

II. Utility & Specialty Boxes/Bodies: Transforming Your Truck

Beyond simple accessories, some "boxes" fundamentally change the function or appearance of your Silverado’s bed. These are typically for highly specialized uses.

A. Service Bodies

A service body replaces your entire truck bed with a series of compartments, turning your Silverado into a mobile workshop or utility vehicle. These are heavy-duty and highly specialized. Fitment depends on the truck’s chassis, wheelbase, and cab configuration, not just the bed length. For a 2013 Silverado, a service body would require careful selection based on the specific chassis cab model (if applicable) or a direct replacement for your existing bed, ensuring proper mounting points and weight distribution.

B. Flatbeds & Custom Beds

Replacing your standard bed with a flatbed or a custom fabricated bed is another option, often chosen for specific hauling needs or aesthetic preferences. This is a significant modification and requires expert installation, ensuring the new bed is securely mounted to the 2013 Silverado’s frame, and all wiring for lights and sensors is properly integrated. Legal considerations regarding vehicle dimensions and weight distribution are paramount here.

C. Camper Shells/Truck Campers

A camper shell (or truck cap) encloses your entire bed, turning it into a weather-protected storage area or even a basic sleeping space. Truck campers are more elaborate units that slide into the bed, providing a self-contained living space. For both, exact bed length, width, and bed rail design of your 2013 Silverado are absolutely critical for a secure and watertight fit. The weight of truck campers also requires careful consideration of your Silverado’s payload capacity.

DIY Measurement Guide: Get It Right Every Time

To ensure you choose the correct "box" for your 2013 Chevy Silverado, precise measurements are non-negotiable. Here’s how to do it:

Tools Needed:

• A reliable tape measure (preferably a long one, 25 feet or more)
• A pen and paper for recording measurements
• A friend to help hold the tape (optional, but helpful)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Park on Level Ground: Ensure your truck is on a flat surface for accurate readings.
2. Clear the Bed: Remove any existing cargo, liners, or accessories that might obstruct your measurements.
3. Measure Bed Length:
   • Place the end of your tape measure firmly against the inside of the bulkhead (the front wall of the bed, closest to the cab).
   • Extend the tape measure straight along the bed floor to the inside of the closed tailgate.
   • Record this measurement in inches. This is your effective bed length.
4. Measure Inside Bed Width (at Rails):
   • Measure the distance between the top inside edges of the left and right bed rails.
   • Take this measurement at three points: near the cab, in the middle, and near the tailgate. This helps account for any subtle variations.
   • Record these measurements.
5. Measure Inside Bed Width (Between Wheel Wells):
   • Measure the distance between the innermost points of your wheel wells. This is critical for items that need to sit flat on the bed floor.
   • Record this measurement.
6. Measure Bed Depth:
   • Place the end of the tape measure on the bed floor.
   • Measure straight up to the top edge of your bed rail.
   • Record this measurement.

Common mistakes to avoid are measuring from the outside of the bed, not measuring precisely from the inside, or forgetting to account for any existing bed liners that might slightly alter internal dimensions. Always measure twice to be sure.

OEM vs. Aftermarket: Making the Right Choice

When looking for accessories for your 2013 Chevy Silverado, you’ll encounter both Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) options and a vast aftermarket selection.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

• Pros: Guaranteed fitment, often higher quality materials, designed specifically by Chevrolet for your truck, usually comes with a warranty.
• Cons: Can be significantly more expensive, limited selection of styles and features.

Aftermarket

• Pros: Wide variety of styles, features, and price points; often innovative designs; competitive pricing.
• Cons: Quality can vary greatly between brands, fitment might not always be as precise as OEM (though reputable brands are excellent), warranty support depends on the manufacturer.

Pro tips from us: For critical items like tonneau covers or toolboxes, research reputable aftermarket brands known for quality and good customer service. Read reviews specific to your 2013 Silverado. While OEM provides peace of mind, the aftermarket often offers superior value and customization options.

Installation Considerations and Tips

Once you’ve chosen the perfect "box" for your 2013 Silverado, proper installation is key to its functionality and longevity.

• Safety First: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Use appropriate safety gear, and if lifting heavy items, enlist help or use proper lifting equipment.
• Tools Required: Most accessories come with the necessary hardware, but you’ll typically need basic hand tools like wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, and possibly a drill.
• Professional Help vs. DIY: Many bed accessories are designed for DIY installation. However, for complex items like service bodies, custom beds, or even some retractable tonneau covers, professional installation is highly recommended. This ensures proper fit, sealing, and electrical connections.
• Based on my experience, even for simple installations, take your time. Rushing can lead to stripped bolts, misaligned parts, or damage to your truck. A little patience goes a long way.

Maintenance and Longevity

To ensure your truck bed and its accessories last as long as your 2013 Silverado itself, regular maintenance is crucial.

• Regular Cleaning: Keep your bed and accessories clean from dirt, debris, and road salt. This prevents corrosion and wear.
• Check Fasteners: Periodically inspect all mounting hardware for toolboxes, tonneau covers, and other accessories. Tighten any loose bolts or clamps to prevent rattling and ensure security.
• Lubricate Moving Parts: For retractable tonneau covers or hinges on toolboxes, apply appropriate lubricants to keep them operating smoothly.
• Inspect Seals: Check the weather seals on tonneau covers or bed liners for cracks or damage. Replacing worn seals will maintain watertight protection.

Legal & Weight Considerations

Adding accessories, especially heavy ones like toolboxes filled with tools or a full camper shell, impacts your truck’s payload capacity.

• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): Always be mindful of your 2013 Silverado’s GVWR, which is the maximum permissible total weight of your fully loaded truck, including the vehicle itself, passengers, cargo, and any accessories. You can usually find this on a sticker inside your driver’s side door jamb.
• Payload Capacity: This is the maximum weight your truck can carry in its bed and cab. Subtract the weight of your accessories, cargo, and passengers from your payload capacity to ensure you’re not overloading your truck. Overloading can be dangerous and is illegal.
• State Regulations: Be aware of any local or state regulations regarding vehicle dimensions, tie-down requirements for cargo, or modifications.

Where to Buy: A Buyer’s Guide

Finding the right "box" for your 2013 Chevy Silverado involves knowing where to look.

• Dealerships: Good for OEM parts, but selection is limited and prices are often higher.
• Specialized Truck Accessory Stores: These stores often have knowledgeable staff and can offer installation services. They carry a wide range of aftermarket brands.
• Online Retailers: Websites like RealTruck, AutoAnything, and Amazon offer a massive selection, competitive pricing, and often user reviews. Be diligent about checking fitment guides.
• Used Market: Websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or local classifieds can be great for finding used toolboxes or camper shells at a discount. Always inspect items thoroughly for damage and verify fitment before purchasing.

Check out our guide on to delve deeper into selecting the perfect cover for your needs and ensuring it complements your Silverado’s style and utility. For more detailed specifications on your 2013 Silverado’s original build, you can often refer to the official Chevrolet website or a reputable automotive information database that provides historical vehicle specs.

Conclusion

Your 2013 Chevy Silverado is a versatile machine, and equipping it with the right "box" – whether it’s a specific bed length, a robust toolbox, a protective tonneau cover, or a specialized utility body – significantly enhances its functionality and value. By understanding your truck’s fundamental dimensions, carefully measuring, and considering all the available options, you can make informed decisions that perfectly match your needs and lifestyle.

Remember, precision in measurement and a clear understanding of your truck’s configuration are your best allies in this process. Don’t rush, do your research, and choose wisely. With this comprehensive guide, you’re now empowered to confidently select and install the ideal "box" for your 2013 Chevy Silverado, ensuring it continues to be the reliable, capable partner you depend on.

Don’t miss our article on for more ideas on how to maximize your Silverado’s potential!