Long bed vs short

Jim Manley · 02-08-2012, 10:38 AM

My DW and I are on a quest to find a new TV and 5th wheel. Our Toyota Tundra can't pull much so a new TV in in order. With all the folks out there pulling 5th wheels some must have pulled with a long bed and then a short bed (or visa versa). What insights can you give me.
Thanks,
Jim

taylorj · 02-08-2012, 10:52 AM

I have pulled my 5th wheel with both. I justed traded a Dodge 3500 single axle long bed for a Chevy 2500HD short bed (6.5ft). Both of the trucks pull very well and I have a 2010 365 BHS. The camper is 40ft long and 15,000 pounds and alot of camper to pull. You have no trouble with the short bed length, as long as the bed is 6.5 ft. If you go below the 6.5ft, you will hit the back glass. I traded my 5th wheel hitch for a gooseneck ball. I really like the gooseneck; no back and forth movement, more room in the bed, you do not have to take out the hitch! The gooseneck pulls smoother than the hitch, I will never buy another 5th wheel hitch.
Camper 10
2010 365 BHS
2004 Chevy 2500HD duramax

krsmitty · 02-08-2012, 11:35 AM

There is the "theory" that you need a slider hitch if you have a short bed. This is due to the possibility of hitting the rear of the cab with the front of your 5er. I have a s/b and a slider, but have not had to use it (yet). There are 5er's out that have the front corners "caved in" so that supposedly you do not need a slider with a s/b.

krsmitty · 02-08-2012, 11:56 AM

TaylorJ, I assume you had to get a goose-neck adapter to put on the 5er? I was planning on getting a goose neck with my 5er, but did not do it. Can't remember why. I still think of doing it though. Any down sides to it you have found?

poohbear · 02-08-2012, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krsmitty

TaylorJ, I assume you had to get a goose-neck adapter to put on the 5er? I was planning on getting a goose neck with my 5er, but did not do it. Can't remember why. I still think of doing it though. Any down sides to it you have found?

I have a GMC 3/4 HD long-bed crew cab.I had the 6.5 ft bed crew cab before this one.It was the 1st short bed truck I have owned.It is also both of them,1st & last.The bed was just always too short for "stuff".
The truck is long but I use it every day so get used to parking and when i need to load it,long stuff no problem.I honestly think the ride is smoother and the tow capacity is higher by about 500 lbs.
I also use the "gooseneck " adapter & a "hide-a-ball hitch".Only PITA is hooking up since you have to be pretty much right over the "ball".

taylorj · 02-08-2012, 01:11 PM

I bought a adjustable-cushioned gooseneck adapter for my camper. It cost about 420 dollars from e-trailer. It took me 10 minutes to install and I should have done it, when I bought the camper 2 years ago.

Camper 10

Jim Manley · 02-08-2012, 01:18 PM

I'm looking for ride differences, backing up using long vs short, maneuverability issues?

krsmitty · 02-08-2012, 01:28 PM

Are you asking about when you are towing? Only have experience with a s/b, but could not see how there could be any significant difference for "backing up" or "maneuverability". The only difference I could see would be what I mentioned earlier about s/b and slider hitches etc. With a s/b you can not turn as sharp as you in can with a l/b. Unless you have a slider hitch. There may be some "ride differences", but others would have to answer that one.

taylorj · 02-08-2012, 01:32 PM

My Chevy shortbed rides alot better than my Dodge longbed. I really have not noticed any difference in the two trucks when I am backing. The shortbed is better in turning with the camper, because it is not so long.
Camper 10

krsmitty · 02-08-2012, 01:42 PM

Think you will find "ride differences" more between brands of truck than s/b, l/b. My Father's F-250 s/b and F-350 l/b both ride a lot better than my Ram s/b.

Jim Manley · 02-08-2012, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krsmitty

Are you asking about when you are towing? Only have experience with a s/b, but could not see how there could be any significant difference for "backing up" or "maneuverability". The only difference I could see would be what I mentioned earlier about s/b and slider hitches etc. With a s/b you can not turn as sharp as you in can with a l/b. Unless you have a slider hitch. There may be some "ride differences", but others would have to answer that one.

Just interested in towing differences. We've heard that the extra length on a long bed makes backing a little more difficult then the short bed. Just wanted more opinions.

clutch · 02-08-2012, 10:16 PM

Short box is easier in parking lots. When ever I have had a short box I found times when I was wishing it was longer. I have never wished a long box was shorter.

Seann45 · 02-09-2012, 10:41 AM

Short box on a TT long box on a 5er... unless you know how to load the TT... long box makes for a slightly smoother ride but is harder to park solo... same with dullies... harder to park and wont fit in car washes..

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