How we compare products

Sources, in order of preference

1. Manufacturer documents: spec sheets, install guides, application charts and owner's manuals, read directly and stored by URL, archive link and hash.
2. Standards bodies and public agencies: SAE J1100 for vehicle dimensions, NHTSA vehicle data.
3. Retailer-stated figures, used only when the maker publishes nothing, and labelled "retailer-stated".

Marketplace listings, customer reviews and ratings are never a source.

Normalisation

Each product class has a fixed attribute dictionary with units and allowed ranges. A value outside its range, or without a source, cannot be published. Where two sources disagree, both figures are kept and the conflict is printed on the page.

Fit rules

Fit is decided by written rules (bed length code, generation rail geometry, tailgate system, bed-system options such as RamBox or utility track, liner type), each with its source. A fit row is one of three states: fits, fits with a stated condition or adapter, does not fit. Software checks every value against the maker document it cites, the FitsMyTruck team reviews pages before and after publication, and anyone can report an error.

Derived metrics

Where a page computes a figure the maker does not publish (load per panel, bed length left after a canister, rail width margin), the formula and its inputs are printed. No derived metric uses a price.

Rankings

Where a page orders products, the ordering rule is a measurable attribute stated at the top of the page. There are no opinion scores and no star ratings. Commissions do not enter the ranking code.

Dates

"Checked on" is the last day a person verified a value against its source. "Updated on" moves only when a value changes.

What we leave out

Prices and availability are not shown unless they come from the retailer's own data feed with a time stamp. We do not state that a product is safe, legal in your state, or compliant with a certification unless we link the issuing body's listing.

How AI is used

Page text is drafted with AI from the page's own data table, then every number is checked by software against that table and the page is reviewed before publication. See the editorial and AI policy.