std bed.....long bed

[boingram]

Hi all...getting closer to nailing down my tv purchase. Gonna go with 3500 gmc denali or sierra w duramax...crew...srw. Pulling wildcat 333 at 38 feet and 11500 weight. 2200 on the pin.

Last decision is std bed vs long. Like to hear some constructive observations on the everyday livability of the long bed. We like to get to a location and stay awhile and explore in the tv...thx...bo

[transamz9]

phillyg wrote:
I have a 2014 Wildcat 327ck with the corner cutouts and I cannot get to 90 degrees without using the hitch slider.

You don't need to go 90*.

[phillyg]

I have a 2014 Wildcat 327ck with the corner cutouts and I cannot get to 90 degrees without using the hitch slider.

[transamz9]

RAS43 wrote:

transamz9 wrote:

RAS43 wrote:
In the 19 years we have been pulling 5th wheels we have had 3 different trucks, all extended cabs with long beds. So, they aren't the longest truck out there but still long. I have used them as daily drivers and when traveling we have to use them to get around without the trailer. I have never had an issue with parking lots, city streets, parking the trailer, or getting around in state or federal parks. The turning radius on these newer trucks is very good. And the long bed works best for the "stuff" we carry in the back including a tool box. JMO

Your extended cab long bed id no longer than a new crew cab short bed. Put another 18" or so wheel base on it and you'll sing a different tune.

I won't be singing any tune as I won't buy a crew cab anything as I don't need it but do want a long bed. I have been looking at trucks lately and if they don't have an extended cab they are off the list.

I believe the people on here are referring to crew cab long bed verses crew cab standard (6.X) bed.

My point to you is that you don't have issues with parking lots, city streets, parking the trailer, or getting around in state or federal parks because your trail is the same as the short bed trucks we are talking about in this thread. Everything I haul in the bed fits just fine in the bed of a standard bed truck but I can not fit the stuff I haul in the cab in a extended cab.

[transamz9]

rhagfo wrote:

jus2shy wrote:
Many 5'ers have a scalloped front end and can accomodate between 85 and 90 degrees of turning on a standard bed (6.5'). Then you also have the option of a slider or sidewinder style hitch to gain all the turning capability of a long bed. I went short bed because my truck is just a commuter and hauler for now, with plans down the road for a 5er. Need something that's easier to turn on logging roads and driving in the city on occasion.

Yep and the trade off is less closet space in the front of the 5er. We have a full width frot closet!

:h My front cap is cut back and I have a full width front walk in closet.

[rhagfo]

jus2shy wrote:
Many 5'ers have a scalloped front end and can accomodate between 85 and 90 degrees of turning on a standard bed (6.5'). Then you also have the option of a slider or sidewinder style hitch to gain all the turning capability of a long bed. I went short bed because my truck is just a commuter and hauler for now, with plans down the road for a 5er. Need something that's easier to turn on logging roads and driving in the city on occasion.

Yep and the trade off is less closet space in the front of the 5er. We have a full width front closet!

[RAS43]

transamz9 wrote:

RAS43 wrote:
In the 19 years we have been pulling 5th wheels we have had 3 different trucks, all extended cabs with long beds. So, they aren't the longest truck out there but still long. I have used them as daily drivers and when traveling we have to use them to get around without the trailer. I have never had an issue with parking lots, city streets, parking the trailer, or getting around in state or federal parks. The turning radius on these newer trucks is very good. And the long bed works best for the "stuff" we carry in the back including a tool box. JMO

Your extended cab long bed id no longer than a new crew cab short bed. Put another 18" or so wheel base on it and you'll sing a different tune.

I won't be singing any tune as I won't buy a crew cab anything as I don't need it but do want a long bed. I have been looking at trucks lately and if they don't have an extended cab they are off the list.

[KD4UPL]

A long bed isn't big enough for all the stuff I carry. I can't imagine getting a smaller one.
But, it's basically just personal choice based on how much room you need.

[BenK]

Back in is my preferred and an example is leaving the ballet in San Francisco...the
line of cars is bumper to bumper...if I had to back out...they won't let me into
the lineup...but if backed in...just get my nose inbetween'm and I'm out in a flash

Pivot point...learn to know/see where your rear wheel's contact to pavement is

Then use that point as reference when backing anywhere.

Backing into a parking slot and gotta miss a car...watch where it's corner is
in reference to your rear wheel's pivot point is...once it clears that car's

Ditto moving forward...know where your rear pivot point is and watch
the corner of the other vehicle till it clears the pivot point and then
you can crank your steering wheel
corner...crank steering wheel...knowing you'll miss it and then focus on the
other side

[ckwizard777]

It's really very simple.
The longer the wheel base the better the towing experience is but you will have to jocky once or twice in tight parking lots.
Shorter wheel base trucks are easier to park but if you tow anything over 26 ft in length you may feel it more.
I have had both long and standard beds and still prefer the long bed because I like the way they tow.

[rhagfo]

Houston Remodeler wrote:
If you're going for anything longer than a regular cab, a short bed is in order. Otherwise parking lots will be quite the challenge.

#1. Bed length is a personal choice. many have an issues with fitting in a garage, some think SB looks better, you can get a 5er or a hitch to get them to work fine with a 5th wheel.

#2 Parking, this is a non-issue. I park in tight parking lot all the time. the secret is REVERSE! Back in to the space, use you mirrors. Two fold advantage. You learn how to use your mirrors, and when you go to pull out, you have far better vision.

[transamz9]

RAS43 wrote:
In the 19 years we have been pulling 5th wheels we have had 3 different trucks, all extended cabs with long beds. So, they aren't the longest truck out there but still long. I have used them as daily drivers and when traveling we have to use them to get around without the trailer. I have never had an issue with parking lots, city streets, parking the trailer, or getting around in state or federal parks. The turning radius on these newer trucks is very good. And the long bed works best for the "stuff" we carry in the back including a tool box. JMO

Your extended cab long bed id no longer than a new crew cab short bed. Put another 18" or so wheel base on it and you'll sing a different tune.

[RAS43]

In the 19 years we have been pulling 5th wheels we have had 3 different trucks, all extended cabs with long beds. So, they aren't the longest truck out there but still long. I have used them as daily drivers and when traveling we have to use them to get around without the trailer. I have never had an issue with parking lots, city streets, parking the trailer, or getting around in state or federal parks. The turning radius on these newer trucks is very good. And the long bed works best for the "stuff" we carry in the back including a tool box. JMO

[jerem0621]

You do adapt to the long bed...my last truck was a Dually long bed. I never had an issue with the Dually part...but the long bed part did get me in trouble from time to time. Mostly when it came to parking while using the truck for commuter/grocery getter/ family rig situations.

The most memorable incident for me was when we took the Dually to the movies. We parked in the boonies all by ourselves and went in to watch the flick. after the movies the parking lot was totally full and there were cars parked all around my truck. Took me....literally...13 pull up and turn, back up and turn cycles before I could get out.

In my works parking garage the Dually had 3/4 front clip in the parking lane past any other vehicles. I seriously expected a call from security that someone hit my truck.

We are looking at Tow Vehicles again. The crew cab is staying...but the next truck will have a 6 ft short bed. JMHO

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[jus2shy]

Many 5'ers have a scalloped front end and can accomodate between 85 and 90 degrees of turning on a standard bed (6.5'). Then you also have the option of a slider or sidewinder style hitch to gain all the turning capability of a long bed. I went short bed because my truck is just a commuter and hauler for now, with plans down the road for a 5er. Need something that's easier to turn on logging roads and driving in the city on occasion.

[Halmfamily]

We love pur longbed drw. Have a 100 gallon aux tank, B&W hitch, a tool box and we still have room to put firewood in the bed when we travel. As with everything you get use to maneuvering and parking the bigger truck. We just park farther out or find an out of the way area to park. No big deal. Will always have a long bed.