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

[Bill_I]

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.

[45Ricochet]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Long bed. Better loaded ride and handling.

[Me_Again]

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]

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_]

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]

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.

[brulaz]

Me Again wrote:

45Ricochet wrote:
Not to mention the short wheel base trucks don't come with 6 wheels :W

???? You sure? Chris

Saw a RegCab 8' bed RAM dually recently.
Looked stock?

[Hannibal]

I've had both. The short bed is a little bit easier to maneuver around parking lots but the long bed is worry free and a standard hitch is much lighter, less costly and less moving parts to wear out. Since our kids are grown and out, our next truck will be an extended cab long bed.

[michigancougar]

6.5' bed here with 3/4 ton but added the auto slide hitch this time so it slides back automatically in turns - no need to manually get out and pull the lever so no chance of hitting cab unless you truly jackknife the rig. pullrite auto slide is the best invention I have found!

[Cummins12V98]

RAM Dually Aisin 4.10's factory rear air ride, B&W hitch and Highway Products tool box. GOLDEN