What length truck bed??

Trackrig wrote:
How many P/U cabs on short beds have you seen damaged from a 5ver vs how many have you seen damaged on a long bed P/U? I was in Quartzsite for two weeks in January. After seeing 5 - 6 short beds with dinged cabs, I started taking pictures of them for my brother who is thinking of using a short bed.

Bill

Automatic sliding hitches cure that, but have towed with a manual slider for years with a shortbed with no problem. Awareness of a problem is key, not staying away from a shortbed because there is a problem. The key is to take steps to eliminate the problem. Just bought a new truck, and had no desire to go long bed. I see nothing wrong with a shortbed that cannot be corrected.

I feel the same as frankwp. I have never used my slider, and with current rig, probably never will.

The extra 1.5' might make parking in my garage an issue....I'd lose the storage (and walk around area) behind the truck.

Since you seem to like Thor products, look very seriousily at the Heartland 5th wheels!

Many have 88% turning radius front caps..which mean easier and safer turning up to 88 degrees without a slider hitch. Heartland is the 3rd largest manufacturer and 3rd in sales of 5th wheel RV's. They are remarkable in the Thor RV ownes Heartland, but Thor leaves Heartlands Management team completely alone to continue their remarkable growth due to high quality, a commitment to their customers and a very talented management team and work force.

And that's very high praise from me...I'm a rabid Jayco fan!



Truck bed size-In day to day driving there is little perceived difference between 6'5" and 8' bed trucks.

Backing that big girl up in a WalMart Parking lot, easing into a parking space or thru a McDonalds Drive Thru can be almost docking a ship!

The advantages in Long Beds are a bigger fuel tank, better ride due to longer wheel base, cargo room in the bed even when towing, long bed can swallow a standard sheet of plywood/drywall, and much more..full sized truck campers will fit for example.

BUT 6.5 foot trucks resale better, outsell long beds by 10 to 1, are more popular, easier to park and manuever, and less intimiidating to some drivers.

Good luck!

Thanks everyone for the information. I think I know what to do...

How many P/U cabs on short beds have you seen damaged from a 5ver vs how many have you seen damaged on a long bed P/U? I was in Quartzsite for two weeks in January. After seeing 5 - 6 short beds with dinged cabs, I started taking pictures of them for my brother who is thinking of using a short bed.

Bill

A Sidewinder is another option. I think it's a break even with a slider in cost, but is something you don't have to worry about messing around with.
I've got two 8' ramps that fold plus the propane generator and tank, all which fit in perfectly.

I understand the desire for a 6.5' box. That's what I have & really wouldn't want that extra 1.5'. It makes a tremendous difference when negotiating city traffic, parking lots etc.

I have a slider hitch, but have never needed it with my current 5th wheel because of the way the cap is shaped. If I had to replace the hitch now, I wouldn't bother with the slider.

Avoid... I'm going to be hard pressed to get her to drive the truck as it is...

pequeajim wrote:

Winged One wrote:
Also think about what you might want to haul in the bed while your towing. I could not get my generator and 6ft folded ramps inside a short box.

Valid point. I'm just trying to avoid the longer bed because when in "normal truck mode", I know my wife will avoid driving the truck. :)

Avoid why? Will she be aware of 1 1/2ft longer? FWIW, DW drives our Hyundai Santa Fe AND out FL60 TV, no sweat.

Jim

Winged One wrote:
Also think about what you might want to haul in the bed while your towing. I could not get my generator and 6ft folded ramps inside a short box.

Valid point. I'm just trying to avoid the longer bed because when in "normal truck mode", I know my wife will avoid driving the truck. :)