Thoughts: 6.5' bed v. 8' bed
Looking to get a new pickup. Won't be hauling any fifth wheels, but will haul a variety of bumper hitch trailers, some possibly pretty heavy. Main question is what everyone's thoughts are on the 6...
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I had a 3/4t extended cab short bed which I used to tow my bumper toy pull toy hauler and later carry a truck camper while towing an enclosed trailer. Mine had heavier rated suspension and wheels basically making it spec out like a 1t SWR and it did well towing a toy hauler with 1200 lbs of tongue weight and 11,500 lbs GTW. This kept my truck under 20' overall length allowing me to fit on a short driveway or in the garage. Some people will argue that that a longer wheelbase will tow better, but I never had stability or sway issues.
I upgraded the suspension and wheels to a higher capacity to carry a 4000 lb truck camper and tow an 8000 lb enclosed trailer on a 28" double truss extension. With modifications, this did well but was too much for a stock truck.
In my year of truck the fuel tank was smaller in the short bed than the long bed - This was my biggest downside of choosing the shorter truck and didn't have sufficient space for additional fuel unless I gave up my spare tire location or use of a bed canopy or truck camper.
I upgraded the suspension and wheels to a higher capacity to carry a 4000 lb truck camper and tow an 8000 lb enclosed trailer on a 28" double truss extension. With modifications, this did well but was too much for a stock truck.
In my year of truck the fuel tank was smaller in the short bed than the long bed - This was my biggest downside of choosing the shorter truck and didn't have sufficient space for additional fuel unless I gave up my spare tire location or use of a bed canopy or truck camper.
