Truck Trash Can Size Comparison | Real Fit First

Choosing the right trash can for a truck gets confusing fast because gallon ratings and physical dimensions tell different parts of the story. The practical truth is that most truck trash cans fit specific mounting hardware rather than specific trucks. Before comparing sizes, you need to know which mount your truck already has and how much waste you actually generate on the road.

What Determines the Right Trash Can Size

Two numbers matter when sizing a truck trash can: the volume it holds, measured in gallons, and the physical footprint that has to fit your cab or bed. A 4-gallon can might be perfect for a center console, while a 6-gallon can suits a floorboard or a bed mount.

Mounting style matters more than most buyers expect. Many truck-specific trash cans attach to a mounting bracket, and the can has to match that bracket’s size. A can designed for a 4-gallon mount won’t seat properly on a 6-gallon bracket, and vice versa. Check the mount’s spec before you shop.

Galvanized Steel Tow Truck Trash Can: The Common Option

A widely available option is the Galvanized Steel Trash Can with Lid for Tow Trucks and Wreckers. This unit comes in 4-gallon and 6-gallon sizes, costs $24.99, and weighs just 2.95 lb.

The lid opens with a manual lift and includes a carrying handle. Because it’s built for tow trucks and wreckers, it uses a standard mounting pattern that fits 4- and 6-gallon trash can mounts. This is the practical benchmark for comparing other options.

Gallons vs Dimensions: Know the Difference

Volume and physical size don’t map 1:1. A 20-gallon toter measures about 24 x 19.75 x 37.5 inches, while a 96-gallon commercial container runs 35 x 27.25 x 44.5 inches. Those dimensions matter for mounting, not just capacity.

For frame of reference, a 96-gallon commercial dumpster holds about seven 13-gallon trash bags. That’s a waste-service container, not something you’d bolt to a truck. When comparing truck cans, stick to the small range: 4 to 6 gallons covers virtually every in-cab and bed-mount use case.

If you’re ready to see tested options beyond the tow-truck standard, our roundup of top-rated truck trash cans breaks down the best picks for different cab layouts and budgets.

Choosing Between 4-Gallon and 6-Gallon

The decision usually comes down to where the can mounts. A 4-gallon can fits tight spaces like behind a seat or in a extended cab footwell. A 6-gallon can holds roughly 50% more waste, which means fewer stops to empty it on long hauls.

Weight is another factor. Larger commercial toters, like the 13.5 cu. ft. option at 55 x 26 1/4 x 47 5/8 inches, are for curbside service, not truck cabs.

Keep in mind that no single truck trash can fits every vehicle. The mount determines compatibility, so measure your bracket’s width and bolt pattern before ordering. When the mount is non-standard, a universal strap-on can or a simple bag holder becomes the reliable fallback.