5.5 vs 6.5 ft bed

I went from 8' to 5.5' and was the worst mistake I ever made. 5.5 is a great grocery getter, but for a person that hauls anything other than groceries, it is useless. I now have a 6.5 with the extended cab and it is the best of both worlds. Will haul anything I want & is easy to park anywhere I go.

I've had all 3 beds, 5.5, 6.5 and 8'. The 6.5 is the best compromise. I currently have an 8' bed and if I ever get another truck 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton it won't have anything less than 6.5.
When I had my F150 super crew with the 5.5 box it was always a PITA to get lumber. If I wanted anything over 12' I had to take my utility trailer. Loading up camping gear with a TT I always had the rear of the truck completely full since TTs generally have little exterior storage space.

I have a CC LB now and park where ever I want. It may take an extra maneuver but so what. Only downside is it take a few minutes longer to wash. :)

1oldtruck wrote:
I have had both and prefer the 6.5 bed. With the longer bed you can haul a lawnmower or ATV in the bed with gate closed allowing a trailer to be towed. DW prefers 5.5' bed for ease of parking. Depends on your needs.

I agree as to what fits your needs best. For years always had a 8' box. In '96, ordered a '97 w/ 6.5' box and have them ever since. Never used the 8' to it's fullest capacity where the 6.5 I seldom do, but is just so much nicer for my needs. Went to FL in '04 and had FIL scooter in front of hitch w/o a problem. P/U anything 8' from box store and it fits dia in box. So really it just boils down to what above quote says that fits your needs.

I have had both and prefer the 6.5 bed. With the longer bed you can haul a lawnmower or ATV in the bed with gate closed allowing a trailer to be towed. DW prefers 5.5' bed for ease of parking. Depends on your needs.

The 6.5 foot bed is perfect for my needs, but can be a PIA to park in some down town areas.

Longer beds don't always fit in garages.

Longer beds can be a PITA to park in standard parking spots in tight areas (i.e. mall, grocery story).

Longer beds can't lane change or weave traffic quickly as might be needed.

I love my truck, but if I could've gotten it in a smaller bed, I would have.

So it really depends on YOUR driving and hauling needs.

My 8' bed isn't big enough for what I haul.

In the 1/2 ton world I find the crew with the 6.5 bed to be the best option for towing and utility, it's just a tad harder to park. There's a reason why Ram and GM started offering that combo in the last few years,most of the Fords I see around over the last 12 years or so are crew/6.5 so they do sell well.

ROBERTSUNRUS wrote:
:) Hi, I bought my truck with a 5.5 foot bed and I'm very happy with it.
Reasons:
Shorter wheel base.
Smaller turning circle.
Just fits in my garage.
Just fits in my driveway.
Can carry 8' boards with tail gate down and only have about a 3" over hang.
One piece drive shaft; No shudder on take off.

These may or may not be concerns for you.

Well said. Its all up to your needs. I drove a 6.5 foot bed for years and years. Now I drive a 8 foot bed and think its the cream of the crop, because I couldn't put a 11'3" TC in a short box. just depends on your needs.

:) Hi, I bought my truck with a 5.5 foot bed and I'm very happy with it.
Reasons:
Shorter wheel base.
Smaller turning circle.
Just fits in my garage.
Just fits in my driveway.
Can carry 8' boards with tail gate down and only have about a 3" over hang.
One piece drive shaft; No shudder on take off.

These may or may not be concerns for you.