bankcardrep1
Asheville, nc
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Joined: 05/01/2004
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Having trouble finding a Long Bed, Crew Cab, Diesel, 4x4 (as you might imagine).
I have been thinking about getting a short and putting in a Bed Extender like this. http://www.truckcandy.com/TC/BedExtender/bed-extender.htm
My main reasons for wanting long is that it is common for me to haul fire wood and mulch several times a year and I dont want to make more trips.
The extender would make the tailgate useful.
As far as camping/towing. I THINK I could tow my TT using Extender w tail gate down. I woul have max use of bed this way for camping too.
What are your thoughts?
I know if I "settled" for short I could be in a decent truck next week. Waiting for long may be months.
Trying not to buy new. New is $42000 +/- for what I want and I CAN but dont want to go new. Lots of used Shorts available.
Steve the credit card guy
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Agrnbrt
NJ, U.S.A.
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Joined: 05/24/2003
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1st off one question for you. Why a 4x4?
The reason I ask is that you tend to loose towing capacity and fuel mileage with a 4WD over a 2WD.
08 Jayco Eagle Super Lite.
07 Chevrolet 2500HD Classic. Reese 16k hitch & S/C tailgate.
Camping with: 1 Wife(Teri)
4 cats, Trouble(the Stynx),Seamus O'Fuzz(Buddha Kitty),Minx(tailless Buddha Kitty)& Bubba(the Love Sponge)
Oh yeah, one Sig P220 .45 acp.
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skipnchar
Topeka Kansas USA
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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No problem as long as you can tow using the deepest setting where the stinger goes into the receiver. If you pull it out to the second hole or use an extended stinger you loose tow capacity and will have a BIG effect on your ride.
2004 F-150 HD 3,050 lb. payload
Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
We have enough YOUTH...how about a fountain of SMART
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gillguy
Valdosta, GA
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Joined: 02/08/2006
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Bed extender would be ok to use hauling firewood, mulch, whatever, but to tow a TT with the tailgate down with an extended stinger, I don't think you'd like it very well. That would put the TT tongue weight way back there, yes, the 2500 will handle it but, you can tell difference with the ball mount closer to the TV than say 16 inches farther back.
I think the short bed is fine. I haul lumber, firewood, mulch and a lot of other stuff and haven't had any problems.
As for 4X4, no way I'd be with out it. I've only had my new TV about 5 months and so far I've average using 4X4 once a month. As for those who say it lowers tow capacity and fuel MPG, yes it does, but the first time you need 4X4 and you don't have it you'll be kicking yourself. Get it and move on. My MPG towing is 14.6 unloaded hwy is 20.8 around town is 16.4
Enjoy the new 4X4 truck
Bobby (USAF Retired)
2007 Chevy 2500 LBZ Duramax C/C, S/B 4X4
2006 Rockwood 8317SS
1973 Airstream Ambassador
Old Town Penobscot 16
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bldrbuck
Boulder, Colorado
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Joined: 02/11/2001
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Have you considered a trailer for firewood and mulch? How about sideboards? Short-bed is sure easier to get around town in. Good luck
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bankcardrep1
Asheville, nc
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Joined: 05/01/2004
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4X4 for mountainous terrain for firewood ( I heat home with it )
I need to figure out if I can tow with gate down. I could try that with current machine.
Sideboards might give give me the same capacity as the extender. At least for wood and mulch. Would not be much help when we load up for camping with Bikes, Grill, wood and other important freight.
Any mathemeticians out there?
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Everest364Q
Memphis TN
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Joined: 11/03/2006
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Unless your trailer has a loooong tongue, towing with the tailgate down could lead to one of 3 things; 1) new tailgate to replace the one you just bent when it hit the nose of your trailer, 2) New propane tanks to replace the one your tailgate took out or 3) Body work on your trailer to fix the hole the corner of your tailgate made in it.
Larry
2006 F350 DRW CC Lariat King Ranch
6L Diesel / Torque Shift Auto / 4.30LS Rear End
13,000Lbs GVWR / 26,000Lbs GCWR
2006 Everest 345S Fifth Wheel
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Ray,IN
IN, USA
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Joined: 03/22/2001
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Larry is absolutely correct. I will add another to his list of probable issues. The trailer jack is usually just a few inches away from a lowered tailgate when both truck and trailer are in a straight line. If you plan to use a hitch extender, keep in mind you greatly increase the issue of having a swaying trailer.
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KC0BID
Denver, CO
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Joined: 07/03/2007
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I know just by dropping the tailgate on my truck to load/unload that I could not tow with tailgate down. It would hit the tounge jack on the first turn. I don't think using an extender on your hitch would be wise with the weight of a TT.
Crossroads Sunset Trail 30BH
Dodge Ram 1500 TV with dual exhaust and K&N cool air intake
2003 Polaris 600 Twin ATV
2006 SunL 110 ATV
1979 Honda Goldwing (riding restore)
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coolbreeze01
Redding, Ca
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Joined: 08/24/2006
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I understand 4X4, SB, Extender. Why do you need the gate down while you tow a TT?
2008 Dodge 3500 CTD LB SRW 4X4 6-Speed Auto
P3 Blue Ox Sway Pro
2007 Komfort 212
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