Long Bed vs. Short Bed for Towing 5th Wheel???

[bowler1]

I know this is a matter of opinion, personal preferences and personal needs, but I would like to hear what people feel about this topic to inform my decision. Which do you prefer based on your experience?

I am planning to get a 5th wheel in the next year or so. I will probably get a one ton diesel truck to tow it (probably a Dodge due to the warranty mainly), and am debating over long or short bed.

I know there are a lot of advantages to a long bed, but not sure how big of a PIA it will be in parking lots, etc. and if the advantages for towing and hauling outweigh any daily driver drawbacks.

Ultimately another factor for me will be what's available on the used market--I can't really afford a brand new diesel truck.

Advantages for long bed that I see: better ride quality, better towing, no need for slider hitch, capacity, space for auxiliary fuel tank.

Advantages for short bed that I see: turning radius, parking, availability on the used market.

thanks for your help

Matt

[Dave_H_M]

bowler1 wrote:


Advantages for long bed that I see: better ride quality, better towing, no need for slider hitch, capacity, space for auxiliary fuel tank.

Matt

I think you will have to get a long bed since you see the above as advantages. I will never own one so I don't know how they ride. My 42 gal aux takes 10 inches of space. I don't have a slider and don't need one. my short bed tows fine for me. you have to do with what you are comfortable with and like. We will both be happy that way. :W just my opinion but you re already a long bed guy. have fun out there.

[cummins2014]

C and D Tabby wrote:

cummins2014 wrote:

jorn wrote:
Do not fall for the running myth that you *need* a slider hitch in a short bet; that’s anachronistic these days. Many news 5th wheels are designed to be pulled by short bed trucks. I can go to 90º fine with my combo. We went straight to the Ram MegaCab because that cab! 🙂

I too have the Megacab, great towing truck, and the ride is just great.

And yes, I went from a manual slider to the Andersen fixed hitch, never needed to use the slider. Andersen is the only way to go if a slider hitch is not needed.

I would much rather have the Mega cab than the long bed but was also told that I would need a slider if I went that route. Sounds like that is not correct... Glad to hear!!!!!!!

Is that the Andersen ultimate?

I have the rail mount Andersen, not the gooseneck ball . Having had the picture frame adapter that fits the Ram fifth wheel prep, I went that route.

From hearing everything from installation to damage to the bed on the gooseneck style connection,whether is was B&W or the the Andersen Ultimate, I stayed away from it. I like a fifth hitch connected on four points to the frame, and the gooseneck does not do that.

Only time I ever used my slider was to back into my RV pad beside my house, and that was because it seemed to respond a little quicker with the hitch extended. The rail version of the Andersen can be mounted either direction, and also the pin box adapter can be mounted in either direction, gives a few options on how much clearance you have with the cab. There is no clearance problems when towing or backing in the configuration I used.

[Gulfcoast]

My 2004 Dodge Cummins has 4-doors with an 8' bed. I like it and don't need anything else.

[DirtyOil]

Did a stint as a RV transporter, with a 3500 shorty, had aux tank 230l/50imp gal/60us gal, a slider hitch which I never had to use the "slide" and a V notch tool box. Never had any issues. When I do need to haul sheets of plywood or drywall, I drop the tailgate use a couple of ratchet straps to secure the load. On several occasions, have hauled full pallets of paver stones, mind you I have removed the tool box. Never had a issue. When at work I install my home made rat pack with about 300lbs of tools, and have hauled 2-3 barrels of compressor oil. Never had a issue. Would I use a long box on oilfield roads? Nope, too rough!

[C_and_D_Tabby]

cummins2014 wrote:

jorn wrote:
Do not fall for the running myth that you *need* a slider hitch in a short bet; that’s anachronistic these days. Many news 5th wheels are designed to be pulled by short bed trucks. I can go to 90º fine with my combo. We went straight to the Ram MegaCab because that cab! 🙂

I too have the Megacab, great towing truck, and the ride is just great.

And yes, I went from a manual slider to the Andersen fixed hitch, never needed to use the slider. Andersen is the only way to go if a slider hitch is not needed.

I would much rather have the Mega cab than the long bed but was also told that I would need a slider if I went that route. Sounds like that is not correct... Glad to hear!!!!!!!

Is that the Andersen ultimate?

[cummins2014]

JIMNLIN wrote:

Advantages for long bed that I see: better ride quality, better towing, no need for slider hitch, capacity, space for auxiliary fuel tank.

Having owned and worked several of both I've not found a long bed rides better than a short bed. One of the roughest riding trucks I've owned and worked had a long bed.
Sliding hitch ?? One size don't fit all here as many GM short bed owners don't need or use a sliding hitch. GM had the longer CA (cab to axle) dims than the Dodge or Ford.
Capacity ??
If your refering to load capacity the short bed wins much of the time such as my short bed Dodge. MFG says it has 178 lbs more load capacity then the same truck with the long bed.

AUX fuel tanks ?
I see short bed haulers trucks with in bed fuel tanks around truck stops. Now how many gallons I have no idea.

As you see every one has different needs for a pickup truck. Many claims of the X bed is better and the Y bed is worse doesn't fit all.

My reasons for using either shouldn't affect what other folks buy.
Just choose the one you like ....in white of course 🙂

All white for sure, don't ruin it with those awful two tones 🙂

[JIMNLIN]

Advantages for long bed that I see: better ride quality, better towing, no need for slider hitch, capacity, space for auxiliary fuel tank.

Having owned and worked several of both I've not found a long bed rides better than a short bed. One of the roughest riding trucks I've owned and worked had a long bed.
Sliding hitch ?? One size don't fit all here as many GM short bed owners don't need or use a sliding hitch. GM had the longer CA (cab to axle) dims than the Dodge or Ford.
Capacity ??
If your refering to load capacity the short bed wins much of the time such as my short bed Dodge. MFG says it has 178 lbs more load capacity then the same truck with the long bed.

AUX fuel tanks ?
I see short bed haulers trucks with in bed fuel tanks around truck stops. Now how many gallons I have no idea.

As you see every one has different needs for a pickup truck. Many claims of the X bed is better and the Y bed is worse doesn't fit all.

My reasons for using either shouldn't affect what other folks buy.
Just choose the one you like ....in white of course 🙂

[rhagfo]

transamz9 wrote:

Me Again wrote:

rhagfo wrote:


What I don't like is that because so many want short bed so the manufacturers make real rounded fronts on the 5ers that have greatly reduced the front closet space.
Ours is square and full with flat floor.

Think of implants or falsies! The rounded noses are empty cavities and closet in ours is still large and square like earlier models.

Chris

My nose is round but it's not 100% empty cavity. There are shelves built into my nose above a built in dresser. But you are correct that they are still large. Mine is a flat floor walk in closet. By the look of rhagfo's picture in his siggy , the distance between his bedroom slide and front is much smaller than mine even with mine having a king bed.

Well my 5er is also about 10' shorter than yours.

[transamz9]

Me Again wrote:

rhagfo wrote:


What I don't like is that because so many want short bed so the manufacturers make real rounded fronts on the 5ers that have greatly reduced the front closet space.
Ours is square and full with flat floor.

Think of implants or falsies! The rounded noses are empty cavities and closet in ours is still large and square like earlier models.

Chris

My nose is round but it's not 100% empty cavity. There are shelves built into my nose above a built in dresser. But you are correct that they are still large. Mine is a flat floor walk in closet. By the look of rhagfo's picture in his siggy , the distance between his bedroom slide and front is much smaller than mine even with mine having a king bed.

[cummins2014]

rhagfo wrote:

Edd505 wrote:

corvettekent wrote:
Parking a long bed truck is easy if you back into the parking space.

A lesson you learn quick, way easier. Another plus for long bed, with the hitch out you can lay a full sheet of plywood, dry wall, etc. in the bed. I have a tool box behind the cab but it does not go down to the bed. In my opinion at least an extended cab, crew is better. Can't think of how many times we have met people and head for town site seeing, eating, or just groceries.

X3

What I don't like is that because so many want short bed so the manufacturers make real rounded fronts on the 5ers that have greatly reduced the front closet space.
Ours is square and full with flat floor.

Yes I want a short bed, if the fifth wheel manufacturers round the corners ,great. No need for a slider it just gets better and better owning the short bed.

I don't know any difference with my closet, but greatly reduced is a bit of an exaggeration .

I would venture to guess there are more short bed crew cabs towing fifth wheels then any other configuration. That might tell you long bed fans, a long bed is not always needed, but it seems like I said ,you guys don't seem to get it.

I am not knocking you having a long bed , its your choice. I repeat some of you guys don't seem to get it , I DON'T want or NEED a LONG BED.

[Me_Again]

rhagfo wrote:


What I don't like is that because so many want short bed so the manufacturers make real rounded fronts on the 5ers that have greatly reduced the front closet space.
Ours is square and full with flat floor.

Think of implants or falsies! The rounded noses are empty cavities and closet in ours is still large and square like earlier models.

Chris

[rhagfo]

Edd505 wrote:

corvettekent wrote:
Parking a long bed truck is easy if you back into the parking space.

A lesson you learn quick, way easier. Another plus for long bed, with the hitch out you can lay a full sheet of plywood, dry wall, etc. in the bed. I have a tool box behind the cab but it does not go down to the bed. In my opinion at least an extended cab, crew is better. Can't think of how many times we have met people and head for town site seeing, eating, or just groceries.

X3

What I don't like is that because so many want short bed so the manufacturers make real rounded fronts on the 5ers that have greatly reduced the front closet space.
Ours is square and full with flat floor.

[Cummins12V98]

Marty is "NEEDY" :B

[blt2ski]

transamz9 wrote:

cummins2014 wrote:

blt2ski wrote:

cummins2014 wrote:

blt2ski wrote:
Since when can I get a 10' long bed in a pickup? The std 8' bed us only way to go if you can truly get a long bed.......take it! Luv my INC with a 14' bed!

Marty

And you have a need .:S

Can you put 2-3 pallets of sod, pavers, wall block, trees 12-29' tall long in a truck? How about 3- 15 yrs of landscape material, be it lightweights like bark sawdust. Or lessor volume but heavy like rock product? 29' pieces of sprinkler pipe or equal?

YES I have a NEED!

Marty

I know you have a need, thats the reason for my post 🙂 My point is all this talk about having to have a long bed. I have no need, DON"T want one. I guess some don't seem to understand that.

No I can't do what you do, but then I think its apparent by now I don't need to ,nor want to .

Long story short, I can do all that and more with my short bed. It's called a 30' gooseneck trailer.

Some area's those trailers do not fit! Or can not get in and out of as easy as a single truck. At the end of the day, it is having the correct tool for the job/task at hand. As reality is, our trucks are tools for a given job. They must work for many of us, doing different tasks. What I do vs somebody else, will be the same to 180 degrees different. Moving 30+' trailers in the middle of some cities near me, while doable, a single truck with the same capacity is easier to manage. I can also carry upwards of 4 pallets on my pintle hitch trailer. someplaces it is better to use the IHC.

Marty