SWB.. Discussion, Terminology.

[DakotaKid]

I have seen people post SWB as they think it means Short Wide Bed. I have always believed this to be wrong. The SWB as i have always known stands for Short Wheel Base and the correct term for this bed type is Fleetside.

So its SWB Fleetside, is the correct description for these trucks.

unless someone can show where Short Wide Bed came from.

where could be SWB Stepside is the description for the short step.

Discussion?

[GRX]

In the automotive world "SWB" = Short Wheel Base or Small Wheel Base.

[TJ's Chevy]

Its always hard to tell how someone uses these terms without pictures of their trucks. lol

[Northwest Outlaw]

As a new car person, and new to chevy trucks, I have to say that my first exposure to the SWB acronym was on a CL ad that used it as "short Wide box/bed" and I assumed thats what it was. It wasn't until finding this forum and it's plethora of information that I realized it probably mean "short Wheel base". I can see the idea behind "wide box" being a fleetside, but you never see "narrow box" or "SNB". Personally if the information is conveyed i see it as "no harm no foul"

[Palf70Step]

Just depends on where you are from I guess. since joining this board I have seen SWB used for both equally, and SNB also used in place of step side or step bed. Like TJ said, sometimes it is difficult to understand which one the person is referring to without pictures. Like so many term/acronyms either is correct.

[dubds10]

If SWB = short wheel base and LWB = long wheel base, it still begs the question where did SWB = short wide bed come from? Obviously it could be taken as that, but is it in GM literature?

I go by SWB/LWB = wheel base, and the beds are fleetside or stepside (stepper) and that's it. I've also never actually heard anybody refer to a fleetside as a short wide bed in my area, the PNW.

[Palf70Step]

Probably didn't start with GM, possibly from another brand.

Here is a place that references it by narrow bed and wide bed.

http://www.truckinamerica.com/toppers/BedSize.htm

I don't let it bother me. Being a geek/nerd, I have heard so many different terminologies used for computers and thier parts, most are wrong, but they are still widely used. Just gotta go with the flow and make it work.

[63 & 64 Bowties]

Originally Posted by dubds10

If SWB = short wheel base and LWB = long wheel base, it still begs the question where did SWB = short wide bed come from?

Very good point. Hard to argue with that.

[Palf70Step]

LWB Long wide bed
LNB Long narrow bed

Since most of us seem stuck on the short beds, but the terms are used for the longies also.

[jturner18]

I've also heard, and read, the term bedside. Which is for a stepside...correct?

[Palf70Step]

Originally Posted by jturner18

I've also heard, and read, the term bedside. Which is for a stepside...correct?

I had only heard the term bedside used as in a part, not a specific style bed.

[KVB]

I thought GMC terms were Wideside and Fenderside.

Wikipedia

In 1960, C/K trucks were available in smooth "Fleetside" or fendered "Stepside" versions. GMC called these "Wideside" and "Fenderside."

http://www.gmphotostore.com/1960-GMC...info/53217864/

[TJ's Chevy]

Originally Posted by KVB

I thought GMC terms were Wideside and Fenderside.

Wikipedia

In 1960, C/K trucks were available in smooth "Fleetside" or fendered "Stepside" versions. GMC called these "Wideside" and "Fenderside."

http://www.gmphotostore.com/1960-GMC...info/53217864/

You are correct:

Chevy: Stepside and fleetside

GMC: Fenderside and wideside

Ford: Styleside and Flareside

Dodge: Utiline and and Sweptline.

[jturner18]

Originally Posted by TJ's Chevy

You are correct:

Chevy: Stepside and fleetside

GMC: Fenderside and wideside

Ford: Styleside and Flareside

Dodge: Utiline and and Sweptline.

Nice!

[DakotaKid]

i think the Misinterpretation of SWB came from someone seeing the acronym SWB and just called it Short Wide Bed. I dont think it was ever used in any official capacity this way. SWB is Short Wheel Base. Its a pet peeve of mine is all, and im not even sure why it bugs me.

[namloc]

SWB.I have also heard it in description in different ways depending on where the person was from. Just something we learn possibly. Kinda like "motor" or "engine"? A motor need's power to make power an engine make's power.

[jtrichard]

WOW finally someone that knows what a "motor" is and what an "engine" is ..... another one that bugs me is "irregardless"

[special-K]

Originally Posted by dubds10

If SWB = short wheel base and LWB = long wheel base, it still begs the question where did SWB = short wide bed come from? Obviously it could be taken as that, but is it in GM literature?

Nope, more like the blind leading the blind. It started with someone being wrong, then others learning wrong. Happens all the time, like wheel covers and hubcaps. There is no need to say dog dish hubcap or full wheel cover. All wheel covers are full, they cover the wheel. Hubcaps are just that, they cap the hub. Dog dish or poverty caps are stand alone nicknames for hubcap. Another one is tonneau cover. It's a French word meaning cask or cover, so saying cover is redundant. Those are snap on fabric covers that originated with use on open top cars to cover the rear passenger area when not in use. The use on custom pickups came much later, then came hard covers which are bed covers. But now, with the explosion of truck popularity and the accessories to go along with them, the terminology got botched by the blind leading the blind to the point that you Google tonneau cover and the results will show more bed covers than tonneau. And the companies that have popped up to make them even call their bed covers tonneaus

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

LWB Long wide bed
LNB Long narrow bed

Since most of us seem stuck on the short beds, but the terms are used for the longies also.

Yep, SWB/LWB deals with wheelbase and the bed can be a Fleetside, wideside, Stepside, Fenderside, flatbed, etc. The same terms apply to all brands: Ford SWB, Dodge LWB, IH,SWB, Studebaker LWB. It has nothing to do with the bed. Each manufacturer has a name for their beds and that is what gets added to the SWB/LWB primary description.

Originally Posted by jturner18

I've also heard, and read, the term bedside. Which is for a stepside...correct?

Incorrect. Bedside is a body panel, just like a quarter panel on a car.

It's not a matter of letting this type of thing "bother" you. It's a matter of keeping terminology straight so people actually know what you are talking about...communication, the purpose of language.

I think it's ok to call an engine a motor since that's what cars are...motor vehicles and then there are motorcycles. The first ones had no starter motor, just an engine with a kick or crank starter. I'm not sure the way motor and engine have been defined above is correct.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...yUkfclFMkF35Kw

We drive trucks made by General Motors, no affiliation to General Electric

[Vernski]

Interesting discussion I've just learned that my GMC is not a fleetside but instead a wideside. I think there is so many more Chevys than GMC's that I just assumed it was a fleetside, and have read allot of posts where it referred to them as fleetside's whether it was a Chevy or GMC. I always wondered if was correct or not....Vernski

[BR3W CITY]

I think the "wide" and "narrow" bed thing is hilarious....why would you describe it that way? You either have a fleet (aka flat, aka "regular") or a step (ya know...the one with the step).

The "Wide" confuses some people even worse, because the stepside trucks can actually LOOK wider at outward appearance, but have a narrower bed space. Wheelbase actually provides a useful descriptor about the vehicle.

Lets do each other a favor; this is post #20 , perfect place to kill this topic forever.........

[special-K]

Heck, Stepside became the universal name for that type bed no matter what brand. Up till the end of the '50s they were all just plain pickup trucks. Then came the new improved wider bed that needed it's own identification, as well as maybe just a touch of marketing thrown in, I'd imagine (). Same thing goes for StepVan. GM was great for coming up with names that stick. I hear Fleetside used on other makes, from time to time.

[nhr3]

Tim you covered about everything but "Freeway and Parkway" LOL.

[special-K]

Oops, caught me going beyond thorough again, ey? But did ya get it!!???

License tag or license plate...BOTH! But what gets me is when someone refers to a drivers license as plural.
Me: Hey Gomer, I see your driving. I thought they took your license.

Gomer: Yup, they sure did, but I got 'em back yesterday.

Me: Huh, so they gave you more than one? They only gave me one. Keep cool or they'll take them back!

[nhr3]

The one that drives me nuts is Cotter keys??? Where did that come from. cotter Pins!!! I unlock the door with keys!!!

[BR3W CITY]

Originally Posted by nhr3

Tim you covered about everything but "Freeway and Parkway" LOL.

I think there actually is a difference with those. At least in WI, a parkway can't be at freeway speeds, but doesn't have stop signs or lights (like a normal freeway). We have a few, but none can be over 50. Parkways are designed for transportation within a set area, whereas a freeway provides transport across areas.