Ram 2500 6.4 4x4 : Long or Standard Bed?

Check the overall length of the short bed truck compared to the long bed. With my Chevy the difference is a full two feet and the truck has a longer wheel base and that translates into a greater turning radius.

If you are not planning to go on logging or similar roads with tight turns then a long bed truck will provide more space for gear and more options for either a larger capacity fuel tank or an auxiliary fuel tank.

I have spent a lot of time on USFS roads and so have always bought short bed trucks. If I was traveling in other parts of the USA most of the time I would have gone with a long bed and not worried about the longer wheel base.

I have never tried to put a truck in a garage but even in public parking lots with my extended cab short bed truck I have to be careful where I park so I don't stick out to far and be concerned as to where I can back out of a space with my trucks turning radius. I would not dream of having a crew cab long bed truck. I have watched too many people struggling to maneuver them in parking lots and campgrounds. Might as well have a motorhome.

I remember when 8' was a standard bed. It still is as far as I'm concerned cuz there's nothing at all standard with the shorter beds. They vary in length. I only buy 8' beds and I don't buy houses with short garages!

I don't own a garage and I prefer a long bed but the work I do requires a lot of parking garages and tight spaces to maneuver in so the short bed works better for me. On our way back from north Florida this past weekend at a rest area on I-75, we saw another F250 CC SB with it's 5th wheel hitch mounted behind the axle by what appeared to be about 12"~. Their 5th wheel was a little larger than ours but still not a heavy weight. I've seen several like this and read of several more with the owners saying they can't tell the difference on the road. So, I bought myself a second set of bed rails and I'm just about done with the install putting the pin 52" behind the glass or 12" behind the axle. We'll be taking a short trip within the next couple of weeks and I'll let you know the verdict. Doing the math, our 1700 lbs of pin will take about 130 lbs off the front axle and add it to the rear. For comparison, a 500 lb tongue on the ball 60" behind the axle takes about 190 lbs off the front axle.

Thanks Everyone. Just posted a pic on a new post. Bought my Ram this afternoon.

I admit the long bed is the more functional choice in terms of capacity and 5th wheel hitch dynamics.

However, for my needs, I prefer the short bed for three reasons:

1) Looks a helluva lot better IMO--much more balanced proportions lengthwise. Sure, it's a truck, but it's my way of keeping a little "sport" in the truck.

2) The long bed has a longer wheelbase, which, for me, is the real deal breaker. I dislike not having the necessary turning radius to navigate an average fastfood drive-thru or the hassles of navigating an unexpectedly small parking lot or space.

3) Most always keep my TV (inside and out) empty and comfortable while towing, so bed capacity is not an issue for me. I stow everything (except for drinks & munchies) in our toy hauler and let it actualize and serve its intended purpose. On that rare occasion I have to haul something heavy that extends onto my tailgate I use a large piece of plywood for support and protection.

Real nice truck with the right rear end ratio, but the sticker doesn't say tow mirrors. You would want those.

Used to be 8' was standard, and they brought out the short bed pickups.

Now, like everything, they have downsized. Short bed equals standard, and 8' equals Long!

Kind of like putting 6 oz of cereal in a box that holds 20 oz, and calling it Jumbo size! LOL

THe 8' box's in my now and past owned trucks are never big enough. The 14' box on my Navistar is usually ok, but even then, it is too small at times........

Could not imagine having a bed shorter than 8' on anything full size. Now if you want one of the 4 banger midget twucks.....then maybe a 6 or 7' bed would work........otherwise....8' or longer.....

Marty

dreeder wrote:
I guess i'm the only one that would never own a long bed....:B

Most chicks say that :W I agree though in that my DW hates driving the truck, like I would ever let her :B

45Ricochet wrote:

mdamerell wrote:

blt2ski wrote:
I also did not know twucks were/are supposed to fit in garages......or park on anything but gravel?!?!?! wow!

Marty

You mean like this?

Yah, but your garage looks bigger than my yard :B