Short bed or long bed?

transamz9 wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

mileshuff wrote:
After reading 8 pages on this subject here is what I've learned.

Some people like short beds.
Some people like long beds.
Buy what you like!

No, buy what fits in your garage! Then apply bandaids to make it do the job.

Bandaids? what Bandaids would one have to apply if they got a short bed truck?

For one a tailgate extender or rack to haul something a LONG bed could haul like 12' drywall.

Cummins12V98 wrote:

mileshuff wrote:
After reading 8 pages on this subject here is what I've learned.

Some people like short beds.
Some people like long beds.
Buy what you like!

No, buy what fits in your garage! Then apply bandaids to make it do the job.

What bandaids would you suggest for my new 2014 Mega Cab Ram 3500 short bed , I can't figure out any after a couple trips towing the fifth wheel right at 13K. Did add air bags to the previous truck 350 ford short bed . That Cummins is far from needing any bandaids, and got 21.59 MPG on the last tank running empty up here in Montana, with just over 4K on the mileage.

We bought our 2004 Ram 3500 CC short box SRW new with the intention of purchasing a 5r. We preferred the short box so it would fit in our garage. Unfortunately, most of the smaller 5rs manufacatured at that time were not tall enough to ride level, even with the axles flipped. So we ended up with a 23'TT. Another example of buying the TV before realizing what we could actually pull. At least it is a 1 ton.

Fast forward to 2012, found a 5r we really liked. Unloaded the TT, and purchased the 5r with a hitch and slider. The 5r has the rounded/angled front cap that allows for tight turning radius. Nearly 3 seasons into it, we have not had a need to use the slider, and we do get into some very tight spots, especially boondocking. But I do rest easier knowing I have the slider should we find ourselves needing to use it.

Good luck to the OP, lots of varying ideas and opinions, but isn't that why we come here:)

Cummins12V98 wrote:

mileshuff wrote:
After reading 8 pages on this subject here is what I've learned.

Some people like short beds.
Some people like long beds.
Buy what you like!

No, buy what fits in your garage! Then apply bandaids to make it do the job.

Bandaids? what Bandaids would one have to apply if they got a short bed truck?

Have a small 5er towed with a 6.5' bed. This was my first 5er, so I got the slider; I would again.

BUT: after having the trailer for a year or so, realized that there were very few instances when I actually needed the slider. I doubt that I use the slider once a year. There are very few instances when you will need the slider.

Get the bed that makes the most sense for everyday use. If you get the 6.5' bed get the slider "just in case".

Regards,
Doug

mileshuff wrote:
After reading 8 pages on this subject here is what I've learned.

Some people like short beds.
Some people like long beds.
Buy what you like!

No, buy what fits in your garage! Then apply bandaids to make it do the job.

We have a short bed Dodge Ram. We got a Sidewinder for our Cougar 327RLS, no slider needed. It extends the king pin app. 14 inches. We can turn tight corners just fine. We are happy with this solution.
Happy Trails with your new rig!
Okie

mileshuff wrote:
After reading 8 pages on this subject here is what I've learned.

Some people like short beds.
Some people like long beds.
Buy what you like!

How profound :R

That would apply to truck brands, RV brands, floorplans, tires, awnings, slide toppers, hitches, stabilizers, campgrounds, color of the couch .......

There is still value in discussion, especially for those about to make that decision for the first time. You just have to read past the passion of most testimonials and make an educated decision.

mileshuff wrote:
After reading 8 pages on this subject here is what I've learned.

Some people like short beds.
Some people like long beds.
Buy what you like!

Ding ding ding, we have a winner.
Why else would they make a variety of hitch options, there is no 1 right solution.
:C

After reading 8 pages on this subject here is what I've learned.

Some people like short beds.
Some people like long beds.
Buy what you like!