std bed.....long bed

Go to the Search box, this has been discussed at length. We have a standard 6 1/2' box. It is easier to park and handle in traffic when not towing. Problems arise when the distance from the pin to the outermost corner on a fiver is greater than that from the center of the hitch plate to the corner of the cab. Been there, done that.:R Our current trailer comes very close but so far no incidents.

An ATV will fit in a long box.

If you're going for anything longer than a regular cab, a short bed is in order. Otherwise parking lots will be quite the challenge.

We love pur longbed drw. Have a 100 gallon aux tank, B&W hitch, a tool box and we still have room to put firewood in the bed when we travel. As with everything you get use to maneuvering and parking the bigger truck. We just park farther out or find an out of the way area to park. No big deal. Will always have a long bed.

Many 5'ers have a scalloped front end and can accomodate between 85 and 90 degrees of turning on a standard bed (6.5'). Then you also have the option of a slider or sidewinder style hitch to gain all the turning capability of a long bed. I went short bed because my truck is just a commuter and hauler for now, with plans down the road for a 5er. Need something that's easier to turn on logging roads and driving in the city on occasion.

You do adapt to the long bed...my last truck was a Dually long bed. I never had an issue with the Dually part...but the long bed part did get me in trouble from time to time. Mostly when it came to parking while using the truck for commuter/grocery getter/ family rig situations.

The most memorable incident for me was when we took the Dually to the movies. We parked in the boonies all by ourselves and went in to watch the flick. after the movies the parking lot was totally full and there were cars parked all around my truck. Took me....literally...13 pull up and turn, back up and turn cycles before I could get out.

In my works parking garage the Dually had 3/4 front clip in the parking lane past any other vehicles. I seriously expected a call from security that someone hit my truck.

We are looking at Tow Vehicles again. The crew cab is staying...but the next truck will have a 6 ft short bed. JMHO

Thanks!

Jeremiah

In the 19 years we have been pulling 5th wheels we have had 3 different trucks, all extended cabs with long beds. So, they aren't the longest truck out there but still long. I have used them as daily drivers and when traveling we have to use them to get around without the trailer. I have never had an issue with parking lots, city streets, parking the trailer, or getting around in state or federal parks. The turning radius on these newer trucks is very good. And the long bed works best for the "stuff" we carry in the back including a tool box. JMO

RAS43 wrote:
In the 19 years we have been pulling 5th wheels we have had 3 different trucks, all extended cabs with long beds. So, they aren't the longest truck out there but still long. I have used them as daily drivers and when traveling we have to use them to get around without the trailer. I have never had an issue with parking lots, city streets, parking the trailer, or getting around in state or federal parks. The turning radius on these newer trucks is very good. And the long bed works best for the "stuff" we carry in the back including a tool box. JMO

Your extended cab long bed id no longer than a new crew cab short bed. Put another 18" or so wheel base on it and you'll sing a different tune.

Houston Remodeler wrote:
If you're going for anything longer than a regular cab, a short bed is in order. Otherwise parking lots will be quite the challenge.

#1. Bed length is a personal choice. many have an issues with fitting in a garage, some think SB looks better, you can get a 5er or a hitch to get them to work fine with a 5th wheel.

#2 Parking, this is a non-issue. I park in tight parking lot all the time. the secret is REVERSE! Back in to the space, use you mirrors. Two fold advantage. You learn how to use your mirrors, and when you go to pull out, you have far better vision.

It's really very simple.
The longer the wheel base the better the towing experience is but you will have to jocky once or twice in tight parking lots.
Shorter wheel base trucks are easier to park but if you tow anything over 26 ft in length you may feel it more.
I have had both long and standard beds and still prefer the long bed because I like the way they tow.