Wheelbase and bed type for 4500/5500
Looking into 4500/5000 trucks and wanted to ask here what would be the better crew cab wheelbase and what type of body do most go with when going to this size truck ,I think the ram has either a 60 i...
Forum Discussion
I'm happy with the 60" CA crew cab setup and would have chosen an extended cab if I had gone with the F550 instead of the 5500. For me, the tighter turning radius and shorter overall length is what drives this preference. Coming from a short bed extended cab to a 9' bed with crew cab was enough length gain for me. Wheelbase has never been an issue for me with loading or towing, so I may not be as sensitive as some are to a short wheelbase or have just hit a stable combination that rode well. Having a heavy diesel up front allows the front end to unload some and still give you good steering response and geometry where a lighter gasser may prove to give you more problems. Overall length is an issue in some campgrounds and on the water ferries we use when I have my enclosed trailer in tow, so keeping the length down gives me more site options and less ferry fees.
If I had a custom frame/bed setup, I would have chosen the 84" CA, but would have dropped the frame rails behind the axle to allow the rear camper overhang to fit directly behind the rear wheels. This would allow towing without an extension and keeping overall length the same. Turning radius would not be as good but heavy hitch weight handling would be better with the axle pushed 2' farther back.
If I had a custom frame/bed setup, I would have chosen the 84" CA, but would have dropped the frame rails behind the axle to allow the rear camper overhang to fit directly behind the rear wheels. This would allow towing without an extension and keeping overall length the same. Turning radius would not be as good but heavy hitch weight handling would be better with the axle pushed 2' farther back.
