The real pressing question about new pickups

If this is an honest question, then what is "new" and what is "old"? OEMs in the last 10 years are all using 32-33" stock tires, so they aren't growing to fill larger wheel wells. But 20 years ago 29-30" tires were a lot more common on pickups.

Today's pickups are actually lower than trucks 10-15 years ago. Check out the front air dam on a 2014 GM Z71 - hahahaha! Wheel wells are larger though. I believe it is just due to perception of the scale of wheel diameter to wheel well. The black tire disappears compared to silver or chrome wheels and shiny body paint. Trucks have 17-22" wheels vs. 16-17" 10 years ago.

It's a place to catch all the crud that would otherwise go on your shiny new truck.

GM has finally started putting wheel well liners/coatings on the rear of their trucks, except for the duallies. Mine is white and that big open space was glaring and was getting dirty quick. There is no aftermarket liner available so I went to Lowe's and bought 2 cans of Rustoleum spray for wheel well liners for $15. Taped it off and presto, I have a black not so noticeable wheel well that matches the front. Really looks good and so far it is holding up well. The inside of well is all metal and I did do a little sanding first to rough it up. I'm hopeful it will last but should be easy to touch up if needed.

gbopp wrote:
It's a place to set your beer, out of the sun, while working on or around your truck.

I thought it - but was not brave enough to say it.

It's there so you don't damage the box when you "accidentally" run over a Prius and the dang thing gets wrapped up around the tires.

Op is asking about the rear wheel spacing on pickups. The reason there is a big gap is they need to have some movement that is not harsh for normal driving around. That will take up about 1/2 of the extra height. The rest of the space is used to carry the load the truck was designed to haul and with a full load the truck will sit level.

For the same reason its there on 1/2 and 3/4 tons. I don't know. Anyone's guess.

I would figure that 80% of the trucks bought in this area never even see a gravel road.

In the cold climes, it's nice to have room around the tire to install/remove chains. It' much easier to clean out all the built up ice and mud before parking in the garage. And as mentioned it provides room for plenty of suspension travel. Oh and it does look cool with big meats added! ;)

To give them the "macho" look.

Truth is that many modern pickup trucks have springs that are close to an old Crown Victoria in strength, and it's very easy to overload the pickup box when hauling dirt and construction materials.

You can fill those huge wheel wells up with huge tires, but it's not going to change the fact that the truck has a 1,200-1,500 lb. weight capacity in the bed.

dewey02 wrote:
Because some people think it looks cool.

Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner.