Three quick ones:
Short beds meet the 22 foot rule in places like Toroweap/Tuweep. The 22 foot rule is just an extension of the shorter, the easier to turn around.
Short beds save money on ferry crossings without the camper, like Newfoundland.
Short beds give a slight edge with sliders in tight spots, even with a notched 5er. You move the pivot behind the wheels, kinda like a conventional trailer. Slider in an 8 foot bed does the same thing, but the front sticks out 2 more feet.
If I only towed, 8 footer all the way, but I dont't. I do medium 4 wheeling after I drop the tail, plus hunting, fishing, hauling wood, apples and so on. A compromise.
