We are getting ready to purchase a 1 ton Dodge or GMC Denali PU to pull an overall length fifth wheel of 37 feet. Could we get some opinions on whether to go with a long bed PU (8 foot)or a short bed (6 1/2 foot). We are planning on being fulltime RVers for a couple of years.

We have a short bed 1 ton Dodge with a sliding hitch. Only one time we should have unlocked the slide. The front end of the 5er makes a difference, too....

Hi.. We tow our 5th wheel with a 2004 Dodge diesel which has a 8 foot box.. We just have regular 5th wheel hitch that sits in the center of the bed. With the long box we do not have to worry about the trailer bulk head hitting the cab in a sharp turn. If the truck had a short bed we would have to get a slider hitch (more $) to avoid the bulkhead hitting the cab in a sharp turn. Also I like the extra room the long box has compare to the short box (I do not remove the 5th wheel hitch during our off season). Down side of the long box (when not attached to the truck) is that it is harder to park. When the time comes to trade the truck I will get another long box. Jim2007

If you're going full time then absolutely the long bed. You get almost 4' of space between the cab and 5th hitch. A good place for a large aluminum box to store stuff in. Plus still have some extra room between it and the hitch. I have a LB and wouldn't want it any other way. No messing with sliders. Can't compare the ride between an SB and LB while towing but I did test drive an SB and LB before I bought my LB. Didn't notice any difference. You'll want a DRW anyway for that big of a 5th if you're full timing. I'm guessing you'll have it loaded to the gills and you'll need the payload capacity the DRW has.

Same answer as the one from your other post, in a different part of RV net...Long bed ......

I don't have a 5er, but I've read a lot from the 5er forum. Seems one item to watch for with a short bed is the distance from the corner of the truck cab to the corner edge of the 5er so they do not hit. With a short bed, you may not be able to make a 90 degree. However, there are those who successfully use a slider hitch with no problems with a short bed. So, I would think you should consider 2 options:1: Long bed with a fixed 5er hitchor2: Short bed with a slider 5er hitchRegardless of which set-up you get, you always have to watch the corner of your camper and the corner of your truck cab. With a TT, we always have to watch jack-knifing (regardless of long OR short bed), which can do a whole lot of ugly pain too.

Long Bed or Short Bed PU for towing a fifth wheel?

45Ricochet
Explorer
Jan 18, 2016
JIMNLIN wrote:
I've owned and operated several long and short bed trucks since the late '50s. I've never found one to be superior to the other as both have their pros and cons.
Just choose the short or long bed truck that fits your needs.

I prefer the white ones.

Uhhhh Earth to Jim
Not really a great analogy as far as "white ones" this day and age.
I've had Red , Black and White ones that all ran the same :W
I suppose you left out the happy face.
camperfamily
Explorer
Jan 18, 2016
Long for me, but I like being able to load the bed with things other than my hitch. Like full sheets of 4x8. And for firewood, fewer trips saves time and fuel. Plus, I couldn't have the canoe on the roof of the truck and the bike rack on the pin box with a SB.

End of the day it is up to you – personal choice.
Greene728
Explorer
Jan 18, 2016
JIMNLIN wrote:
I've owned and operated several long and short bed trucks since the late '50s. I've never found one to be superior to the other as both have their pros and cons.
Just choose the short or long bed truck that fits your needs.

I prefer the white ones.

Best and most accurate post in this thread!
JIMNLIN
Explorer III
Jan 18, 2016
I've owned and operated several long and short bed trucks since the late '50s. I've never found one to be superior to the other as both have their pros and cons.
Just choose the short or long bed truck that fits your needs.

I prefer the white ones.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Jan 17, 2016
Me Again wrote:
rhagfo wrote:
CampingN.C. wrote:
I was on the fence at the dealer, could've literally flipped a coin. Salesman said, "do you want a truck for looks or work"? (Only honest thing that came out of his mouth). I went with the LB and haven't looked back. It handles my 34ft tag along 1000X's better than my last CCSB.

X2!
It is personal choice, BUT I see the only valid reason is getting into a garage! Seeing how the OP is going full time, that isn't an issue.
I look at what Chris went through to make his SB work, all to save 18" to 22" max. I say after driving a CCLB for about two weeks the 22"' wouldn't be noticed or an issue.
I think most that have a size issue have deticated tow vehicles and a compact car for a DD.

Russ, would you like DW's phone so you can hear her view?

The "work" as you called it was just one part of a process of rigging a new tow vehicle. We are quite happy with the results. Chris

LOL! :S
Heavens NO, I have enough trouble dealing with my DW! :B

Not a problem for me as she just doesn't drive the Ram, but my DD borrows it to pull her two horse slant GN trailer. :h
Boxer_Lovers
Explorer
Jan 17, 2016
Long bed. Better loaded ride and handling.
Me_Again
Explorer III
Jan 17, 2016
rhagfo wrote:
CampingN.C. wrote:
I was on the fence at the dealer, could've literally flipped a coin. Salesman said, "do you want a truck for looks or work"? (Only honest thing that came out of his mouth). I went with the LB and haven't looked back. It handles my 34ft tag along 1000X's better than my last CCSB.

X2!
It is personal choice, BUT I see the only valid reason is getting into a garage! Seeing how the OP is going full time, that isn't an issue.
I look at what Chris went through to make his SB work, all to save 18" to 22" max. I say after driving a CCLB for about two weeks the 22"' wouldn't be noticed or an issue.
I think most that have a size issue have deticated tow vehicles and a compact car for a DD.

Russ, would you like DW's phone so you can hear her view?

The "work" as you called it was just one part of a process of rigging a new tow vehicle. We are quite happy with the results. Chris
rhagfo
Explorer III
Jan 17, 2016
CampingN.C. wrote:
I was on the fence at the dealer, could've literally flipped a coin. Salesman said, "do you want a truck for looks or work"? (Only honest thing that came out of his mouth). I went with the LB and haven't looked back. It handles my 34ft tag along 1000X's better than my last CCSB.

X2!
It is personal choice, BUT I see the only valid reason is getting into a garage! Seeing how the OP is going full time, that isn't an issue.
I look at what Chris went through to make his SB work, all to save 18" to 22" max. I say after driving a CCLB for about two weeks the 22"' wouldn't be noticed or an issue.
I think most that have a size issue have deticated tow vehicles and a compact car for a DD.
CampingN_C_
Explorer
Jan 17, 2016
I was on the fence at the dealer, could've literally flipped a coin. Salesman said, "do you want a truck for looks or work"? (Only honest thing that came out of his mouth). I went with the LB and haven't looked back. It handles my 34ft tag along 1000X's better than my last CCSB.
stetwood
Explorer
Jan 17, 2016
Depends if you use the PU for something else than towing. I do, gave up the CC LB and returned to a regular cab, long box.