Could not belive it, but it's true. I am building a headache rack w/ rails on the side & found out that the box is tapered . Some real rocket scientists must have designed it. Towards the cab end it is approx 65" between rails & by the tailgate it is down to 62" between rails.

I know that I'm going to win alot of beer bets on this one!

 

I got to find out about that too. It messed up the fit and finish of my topper.

 

thats the way alot of trucks are made......its not just the dodge knuckle-heads

 

If you have ever installed bed rail caps you would have noticed this-----I expect it helps with the airflow. Be careful when you make bets because there are more people who are aware of the taper than you realize.

 

I expect that it was marketing/styling that dictated this requirement. Think about it a 3/4 or 1 ton truck that weighs 8000 lbs., is over six feet tall, is running tires a almost foot wide - taper the box and it slips thru the air like a prius? Don't think so.

I'd would not lose any bets, just would not have as many takers, but, I'm willing to bet that there are a ton of people that are unaware.

 

It's easy to see on the '05 with it's multiple JoBoxes... they can fit the rail or stay in line with each other - but not both!

I don't think the bed lines would look good straight - those subtle curves sure contribute to the good looks.

 

I suppose, then again why stop there - Kinda wish Dodge was smart enough to design a curvy floor too. C'mon guy's this is a truck, not a cute neon or something.

 

What would the purpose of a curvy floor be?

 

About as useful as non parallel side rails.

 

There all that way ashas been mentioned Chevy ford dodge they are a real joy to build bed rails and headache racks for.

 

DUH!!!! Where have you been?
Chevy started it in '88, Followed by Dodge in '94, then Ford in '99.
I found out the hard way when the camper I had on my '93 wouldn't fit my brand fricken new '07.

 

I kmow something else thats tapperd on the end

 

I discovered this when I purchased my 96 Ram. Also the other big 3 did the same. The front is wider than the rear.

 

It is done for aerodynamics and therefore mileage...

Shooters out there, think "boattail" bullets.