smcrea
California
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Joined: 07/08/2010
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I'm looking at getting a new tow vehicle.
I currently have a 28' Travel trailer but sometime in the future we will probably move to a 5th wheel size TBD.
I'm trying to determine if this new tow vehicle should have a short bed or long bed.
I've heard that:
- a Short bed gives problems with extreme turning angles.. ie you can hit the cab!
- However with a long bed reversing a travel trailer into a slot in a campground can be very tricky because of the extra lenghth.
I'd really like to hear some opinions on which is better.. Long bed or short bed..
Thanks,
Steve
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keatonb16
New Brunswick Canada
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Joined: 07/28/2012
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Short bed for looks and resale. hands down.
you shouldn't hit the cab with new FWs
2007 flagstaff 208
2010 Rav4 V6
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korbe
Northern California
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Joined: 11/20/2009
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I use a slider hitch on my short bed that will keep me from hitting the cab. I like the short box because we prefer to travel and camp in out of the way places, where maneuvering is needed. The long bed with either an extended cab, or crew cab were just too long for my liking - larger turning radius.
2004 F250 SD PSD
2004 Crossroads Cruiser CF25RS
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mr. ed
Madison, SD (but usually elsewhere)
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I have no problem with my short bed. My fiver has an extended kingpin so I can make sharp turns without hitting the cab. I use a Hijacker hitch with manual slider but have never had to use the slider. I'm glad I have a short bed truck and single rear wheels  .
Mr. Ed (fulltiming since 1987)
2007 Hitchhiker II LS Model 29.5 LKTG
2007 Dodge Ram 3500/6.7 CTD/QC/4X4/SB/SRW/6-speed man/Big Horn edition
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MitchF150
Washington, the State
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Quote:Short bed for looks and resale. hands down.
Also fits in standard size garage easier!
Mitch
*Anything I post is for entertainment purposes only and what usually works for me.. Your Mileage May Vary.. 
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downtheroad
Pacific Northwest
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Joined: 02/18/2003
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No way was I going to park our big $$$$ brand new truck out side for all the years I plan to own it...short bed fits in our garage. (just)
Never could understand why folks fill their garages with junk and clutter and are then forced to park a $50,000 truck out side in the weather.
"If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane."
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fordsooperdooty
Southern California
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Pretty sure that across the brand lines, a long bed truck will have at least a 10 gallon larger fuel tank..a real plus. And you won't need a slider hitch either. And as an added bonus a longer wheel base = smoother ride.
My posts shouldn't be taken for factual data. They are purely fictional, for entertainment purposes and should not be constituted as actually related to scientific, technical, engineering, legal, spiritual or practical advice. Amen. 
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therink
Rochester
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keatonb16 wrote:Short bed for looks and resale. hands down.
you shouldn't hit the cab with new FWs
X2- I have short bed and a slider hitch. I have never needed to use the slider for tight maneuvering. My fiver has recessed and radius front cap corners. Long versus short bed is basically a preference.
If unsure of what size truck to get, I recommend the following :
If the fiver you foresee has the potential of pin weight loaded exceeding 2000 lbs, get a 1 ton and skip the 3/4 ton. If the loaded GVWR of the fiver exceeds 14k, get a DRW. My fiver weighs 12k with pin weight of 2,400lbs and my 1 ton SRW is perfect. I had a 3/4 ton truck previously and was overloading it.
Steve Rinker
Rochester, NY
2013 Keystone Sydney 340FBH 5'er
2012 Silverado 3500HD, SRW,LTZ,4x4, Z71, Crew, 6.0 Gasser, 4:10 Gears, Standard bed
"These days, I have problems in areas that I used to not have areas", so life is good.
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Kalabin
Alaska
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Having a 2500HD 6.5' bed the next truck I have if I go back to pulling trailers will be a long bed. I just don't think the 1.5' of difference is going to impact me all that much. I will take the additional storage and stability of a longer tracking rig.
2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 6.0, 3.73, Firestone Air Bags, CCSB LTZ
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boogie_4wheel
SLC, Utah
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fordsooperdooty wrote:Pretty sure that across the brand lines, a long bed truck will have at least a 10 gallon larger fuel tank..a real plus. And you won't need a slider hitch either. And as an added bonus a longer wheel base = smoother ride.
+1 to all above. And the wife can pack more junk in the truck bed in case we need it 
2005 2500 Cummins/48RE/3.73, QCLB, 4wd, BigHorn, Edge Juice w/ CTS + Turbo Timer, ISSPro Oil and LP pressure gauges in cubby hole, GDP 20/2 filters on frame rail, Custom Diesel Steering Box Brace
'10 Forest River Shockwave Toy Hauler 21'
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