Just curious how those who use their trucks for work are happy with a short bed. I'd rather have a long bed, but the can be hard to find around here. How about as far as pulling gooseneck trailers?

I have a longbed, and would NEVER get a shortbed. very often I've put 8ft boards, plywood, etc, or sometimes 12ft 2x6's. With a shortbed, half of that 12' 2x6 would be hanging out the back. IMO, that extra 2' makes a lot of difference, especially if you have a toolbox in the back.

I have a shortbed and love it. I use the truck to pull trailers mostly, and have found that it is easier to manuver with the shorter wheelbase.

I run short beds. Several reasons the extra 2 feet can make it a real hassle in some of the tight areas I get in with trailers, and I just like the looks of a short bed better. I have backed my 5th wheel up very sharp and never had to slide the slide out. If all I was doing was halling lumber I would go long bed 12' flat bed.

My last 3 have been short beds. The new one on order is a short bed. Mainly because of the extended cab. Like the looks of the shorter wheel base and they maneuver a little better than the long bed. It really depends on what you need your truck for as far as the bed length. Mine is used for minor hauling and towing my 30 ft. travel trailer or 6 X 12 utility trailer so a short bed serves my purpose well.:grd:

i will never own a long bed. I can tow my fifth wheel, haul my quad, etc. I have haul 8 x 12s, with the tailgate down there is over 8 feet of support under the wood

parking a long bed is like docking a boat. also, it is a liability off road as it is more prone to high centering, and the turning radius is worse. that said, long beds are easier to tow with, put in a slide in camper, etc.

ultimately, you have to do what will fit your needs. for every positive response you get for a long bed, you will also get a negative one

I went from long beds to my last truck 01 and new truck being short beds. I had to adjust, but nothing really causes much trouble. Just got to have straps to tie things down. I can still haul 2 pallets of produce, plywood, and all of that. Can still put the same amount of sweet corn bulk in the bed, just made side boards and piled it higher. Just have to be prepared. The advantages of the short bed for me are huge. Plowing snow, getting parked in increasingly smaller spots, easier to handle car hauler in tight places, all outway the long bed. Gotta decide if you can forgo the 2 feet based on your needs. Short beds also seem to be easier to find!

later

I will never go back to a short bed.

Next truck will be a CCLB not a EXTLB though

I've got a toolbox up front and treat my shortbox truck like a tractor. If it don't fit in the bed, I have five different trailers to choose from. Easier to manuver and park.

i can never own a nother short bed. I could not stand it. if you ever plan on putting any thing in the bed of your truck go with the long bed but if you wnat to just pull trailers take the short bed it is better. \

we had to use my uncles short bed one time when we were building a fence. simply put HELL!!! bairly could use it had to use the trailer all of the time!!
pain in the @$$

ps as some one on this sight once said "ive had a few"

Fuel capacity is higher on the LB. CC/LB configs have TRAGIC turning radiuses. Choice of campers is better for the LB. Factory weight rating is better for the SB.

It's a matter of taste. I've owned both, and I prefer the longbed for it's ability to hold more with the tailgate up.

i will never own a shortbox. my brother does and he can barely fit his quad (granted, a large one, ds650) in the back. i can fit 2 400cc atvs in my truck. imo, learning to manuever with that extra 2 feet in the back is well worth it, and doesnt take that long. also hauling lumber is better with the long box.

Long bed. Why else own a truck? Its kinda like 4x4 - when you need it, you got it! If you don't - SOL.

:iamwithst

TT

Real trucks have 8 foot beds ):h ):h

I will never go back to a short bed.

Next truck will be a CCLB not a EXTLB though
Like you will ever get a different truck now that you have the twins.:exactly:

Real trucks have 8 foot beds ):h ):h


Right !

I only need to carry shhets of 6' cement board........why buy an extra 2 feet to see it wasted.........besides I got a buddy with a 8' bed and training wheels on it so we don't tip over..........

T:cool: NY

The length difference is only 1.5 feet, not 2. The short box is 6.5 feet with the tailgate closed and a little over 8 feet with the tailgate down. I have one of those hitch mounted bed extenders that I use when I want to haul long stuff with my short box. That moves the supported distance out to 12 feet. Works for me. Bottom line: get what YOU like.

Short box is a lot better than no box. I prefer the long box simply because the room is there if needed and sometimes wish it was 10 feet. Get the box that completely meets you use requirements. The long box can be a PIA in close situations but you soon get used to it. Sort of like money--You can't ever have too much but you can too little.

The only reason I'd ever consider a LB is the added fuel capacity. Even with the D-max,a 26 gallon tank is stupid. I have an 8.1 so the 26 gallon tank really gets on my nerves.

My $.02 LB rides better, larger tank capacity, and more room to haul bikes and camping stuff. Gotta love a "Large Car".

The length difference is only 1.5 feet, not 2. The short box is 6.5 feet with the tailgate closed and a little over 8 feet with the tailgate down. I have one of those hitch mounted bed extenders that I use when I want to haul long stuff with my short box. That moves the supported distance out to 12 feet. Works for me. Bottom line: get what YOU like.

That's a huge difference as the Tailgate and it's straps are weak.Not designed for the heavy haul.Take in consideration that you will want to haul something dry at some point.A Retrax cover has to fold somewhere and a toolbox just eats up space.The flip up covers are just a waste as your handicapped with height too then!

8' :ro)

Haven't read the entire post so if someone has already stated that putting $35-$50k in a truck and then having any limitations such as not enough bed space is ridiculous, well then! :rolleyes: If the truck will be used moreso for daily commuting versus hauling or trailering heavy/bulky items and worked "like a truck" the SB could be fine.

Mama JJ insisted on long bed and 4x4, NO LIMITATIONS on her, err our truck. ):h Later. JJ :)

That's a huge difference as the Tailgate and it's straps are weak.Not designed for the heavy haul.Take in consideration that you will want to haul something dry at some point.A Retrax cover has to fold somewhere and a toolbox just eats up space.The flip up covers are just a waste as your handicapped with height too then!

8' :ro)
I agree that the tailgate straps are questionable, but if I am hauling something long enough to need the bed extender, like lumber or a long ladder, then the weight is not really concentrated on the tailgate. The load kind of spans the distace from the bed to the extender support. If I need to haul something bigger than that, or need to keep it dry, that is when I get out the enclosed gooseneck trailer.:ro)

"If I need to haul something bigger than that, or need to keep it dry, that is when I get out the enclosed gooseneck trailer."

I don't recall seeing those in the options? ):h :lol: :muahaha:

The only reason I'd ever consider a LB is the added fuel capacity. Even with the D-max,a 26 gallon tank is stupid. I have an 8.1 so the 26 gallon tank really gets on my nerves.
transfer flow, 45 gal replacement tank ;)

"If I need to haul something bigger than that, or need to keep it dry, that is when I get out the enclosed gooseneck trailer."

I don't recall seeing those in the options? ):h :lol: :muahaha:
Its there. Might have to go to a different dealer to get it. Not a cheap option though.):h

The short bed is a love/hate relationship. The only time I miss the long box is when I buy lumber or steel.

Another option for short bed guys is to install a headache rack. When you carry anything longer than 6 ft. lay it across the headache rack and strap it down.

Also, one could buy a "load extender" that attaches thru the reciever hitch.

Buy what you will be happy with. Personally, I cuss less at the short bed on a daily basis than the long bed (city traffic).

It takes a big garage to fit a CC LB in!

As with most things in life, there are trade-offs. You can do most everything with a short bed that you can a long bed but you can't take the extra length off when you don't need it. If you plan to strictly pull a camping trailer or gooseneck on the highway, why not a long bed? If you plan to sometimes pull a fifth wheel or gooseneck and sometimes use it for a daily driver or around town, a short bed manuevers and parks much easier. If you are a contractor and plan to haul lumber or other 8-10' stuff alot, a long bed might suit you better. For my use, mostly hauling my a$$ and family around, a short bed crew cab is my choice. I pull a gooseneck from time to time and I have a 16' utility trailer as well for the occasional need. I don't miss the extra length, plus I can park ole "Brutus D-Maximus" in the garage and still close the door.:cool:

"I don't miss the extra length, plus I can park ole "Brutus D-Maximus" in the garage and still close the door.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/images/smilies/cool.gif"

Well said DMAXMO, though I too can park my big ol' bubble butt long bed dually in my garage as well, just have to push the freezer back a couple of feet! ):h

Later. JJ :)

Geez, there's alot of replies to this thig already!

I'm set on a long bed. I was just seeing how those with a shortbed like it. I'll be throwing a toolbox in it, so space would be limited without that extra foot or so. I'm not planning on just pulling trailers. It'll be my daily driver, pull my horses, get loaded full of firewood, and anything else that needs done around the farm.

I've driven quite a few CCLB trucks, so I'm fairly good at manuevering them around. I ain't worried about trying to fit it in the garage un less of course something requires alot of work where it'll sit in there for a while. It'll sit outside unless I throw it in the barn.

Thanks for all the input

Great towing, light hauling, and nice tight turning radius for the real world.

Long bed works best for real farm or construction hauling. That plus my 16 ft equipment trailer saves trips! I'd get another long bed and put up with the extra bits of time it takes to park it in the city.

I have posted this statement many times. I have a extented cab shortbed. I really wish I bought a crew cab long bed. The extended cab is a pain getting the kids in the back. The short bed is a pain when I have loads dumped in back. The bobcat loader seems to just fit in the bed put still spills my gravel/dirt out the back. Yes a CC longbed is a pain to park but just park in the far end of the lot and walk the extra minute or 2. I really, really widh I went with a longbed CC. test drive both and see what you like.

I have posted this statement many times. I have a extented cab shortbed. I really wish I bought a crew cab long bed. The extended cab is a pain getting the kids in the back. The short bed is a pain when I have loads dumped in back. The bobcat loader seems to just fit in the bed put still spills my gravel/dirt out the back. Yes a CC longbed is a pain to park but just park in the far end of the lot and walk the extra minute or 2. I really, really widh I went with a longbed CC. test drive both and see what you like.
Hence the reason we all say buy what YOU will be happy with.:exactly:

I have a Crew Cab SRW 3500-1 ton comes with 265's and has 2 peace drive line.I think CC Short 6 1/2 box has a aluminium shaft.Might be alittle harder to get ariund but not that much more,I think its only 18-20 inchs longer.You just have to know its limits like getting into tight spots.I had a 04 Power stroke Ford CC Short bed (rear main oil leaker)and I like the long truck better even though it WON'T Fit all the way in garage.Most garages are 19 FT. (Suburban-Crew cab SHORT Beds fit in) My CC LB needs 21.5 Min Drive'em- Better ride down the road then shorty,and if you want SRW 1 ton you have to get Long

The ONLY thing I like about my shortbed is the tighter turning radius in the mountains. Other than that I wish it was a long bed so I could put more stuff in the bed. I'd also love to have a custom built flat bed, but I don't think they look very good on short beds. Short beds do look nice though.

j-heff

I'm glad I jumped into a CC Long bed. MUCH better than my old X-cab shorty. Now I can take everything with me. It is not as bad (turning radius) as some say. Actually, I think the +'s by far out weigh the -'s. MY $.02

Atv fits with the tailgate closed
Bigger fuel tank
better ride quality.............................

Don't forget the golden rule:

[B]YOU CAN"T HAVE TOO MUCH TRUCK

The ONLY thing I like about my shortbed is the tighter turning radius in the mountains. Other than that I wish it was a long bed so I could put more stuff in the bed. I'd also love to have a custom built flat bed, but I don't think they look very good on short beds. Short beds do look nice though.

j-heff

Here is a pic of mine.
http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL524/634098/1742611/83115906.jpg
http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL524/634098/1742611/83115900.jpg

I will have more pics coming later. So far I have added 4 side boxes (flush lids) and I am currently building 12" tall x 40" long top boxes with square rails finishing off the sides. I will have the bed sides and rear painted dark carmine to match the cab and use bed liner to cover the bed, bumper, and running boards.

Longer wheelbases also have a better 'less choppy' ride... especially when trailering.
Add in the toolbox, sliptank or???? and i still have the cargo area of a shortbed.

I have owned 1 shortbox truck in my life, and with my line of work i tend not to make the same mistake twice!

The Golden Rule Applies.
Buy the truck for what you might need it for in the future...

I have a longbed, and would NEVER get a shortbed. very often I've put 8ft boards, plywood, etc, or sometimes 12ft 2x6's. With a shortbed, half of that 12' 2x6 would be hanging out the back. IMO, that extra 2' makes a lot of difference, especially if you have a toolbox in the back.
Extra 2'? My short bed is 6'7" inside the bed, the 1/2 Chevy's are smaller though.
I've hauled all the items you stated here with no problem. Managing a lumber yard for 10 years helps though, I know how to load a truck. Also, we haul two dirt bikes in the back, and tow a camp trailer at the same time with no problem.
You can get more in an 8' bed for sure, but going from a long bed to a short bed, I haven't missed it yet. And driving a crew cab long bed in town is a pain when it comes time to park. How many times do you haul long stuff, as compared to how many times a day do you need to park in a parking lot, or drive in tight city traffic....

Here is a pic of mine.
http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL524/634098/1742611/83115906.jpg
http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL524/634098/1742611/83115900.jpg

I will have more pics coming later. So far I have added 4 side boxes (flush lids) and I am currently building 12" tall x 40" long top boxes with square rails finishing off the sides. I will have the bed sides and rear painted dark carmine to match the cab and use bed liner to cover the bed, bumper, and running boards.
cdhd2001,

Just wanted to commend you on fabbing up stuff for your truck. Most people don't realize the amount of time it takes to make something you make yourself look right.

I enjoy doing the same thing myself and am making some steel angle bed caps (with extras) for my truck.:ro) :D

cdhd2001,

Just wanted to commend you on fabbing up stuff for your truck. Most people don't realize the amount of time it takes to make something you make yourself look right.

I enjoy doing the same thing myself and am making some steel angle bed caps (with extras) for my truck.:ro) :D


Thank you! (I think I'm blushing! ):h )

It does take a lot more time than most people think to build from scratch (design, fit, redesign, refit...) AND make it look good. Not everyone will agree on the design you ultimately choose, but it is YOUR design, and that makes it unique. :grd:

P.S. On your angle caps, what size steel? Don't forget to add the tie down hooks. Large chain links make great tie downs!

The "standard box" works fine for what I want, but then I usually haul bikes, rock, barkdust etc. The Longbox would be handy at times, but (1) it has a huge turning radius in a Crewcab, and (2) it won't fit in my garage.

Now the one I would NEVER buy is the 1500 series Crewcab with the short box. That box is like 5.5' long, to dam short for anything, can't put a bike in it with the tailgate up, try having someone dump a yard of gravel or barkdust in it and see how much ends up on the ground or on the cab.

I got the long bed because I had to get two full skid of bricks on, but I sure miss parking in the garage. I notice I've been waxing more. ):h

I got in on this a little late:damnit1: But I agree with :iamwithst page 1. Most of the time my bed is MT. If I have more than will fit thats why they have a ball for hooking to a trailer. And besides the shortbeds IMO react better on the snow and track much better off road in mud with less chance of high centering on the way to my favorite huntin spots.:snipersmi

I've been cautioned that short beds and goosenecks with wide overhead compartments may be trouble. No first hand experience but have seen dents that make me suspect it's true. Anyone know?

I've been cautioned that short beds and goosenecks with wide overhead compartments may be trouble. No first hand experience but have seen dents that make me suspect it's true. Anyone know?
LOL...yup.. ask my brother about that his truck is an EXT SB...whoops.

A slider hitch will help with that though.

If you want a short bed go buy a avalanche (the ugly things that they are)-:t

Real trucks have long beds.:agreed:

Short beds are as useless as tits on a bull.:exactly:



Go big or go home.:muahaha:



All hail the Dually Long Bed Truck's :hail:



My.02 (No bias, honest :lying: )

Thank you! (I think I'm blushing! ):h )

It does take a lot more time than most people think to build from scratch (design, fit, redesign, refit...) AND make it look good. Not everyone will agree on the design you ultimately choose, but it is YOUR design, and that makes it unique. :grd:

P.S. On your angle caps, what size steel? Don't forget to add the tie down hooks. Large chain links make great tie downs!
Using some 3.5"x3.5" 1/4" thick angle iron for the sides and middle bar behind the toolbox and 3.5"x2.5" for the front (by the cab). I am going to mount a RKI crossbed on the rails. I figured out a way to mount them w/o drilling by using the stakebed holes. I am going to use some stainless steel tiedown anchors that I found on the sides and a D ring on the front. I am also thinking of mounting lights on the crossbar behind the toolbox for working at night.

Mapledge, I pull a 4-Star gooseneck horse trailer with my SB CC and it has enough clearance that it will not hit the cab even at 90 degree angle truck to trailer. I'm not sure if it would clear in really uneven ground but in the conditions I've been in its not a problem. When the gooseneck hitch was mounted on my 04.5 it had to be mounted about 3 inches in front of the rear axle due to a design change in the truck frame. That cut down the clearance even more but didn't cause any problems.

Short Box all the way, lots of room for my 144" track King Kat, and I prefer beating up the old work trailer than my truck:eek: , Also like hell I'd give up manuverablity for 1.5" of extra bed! Also I can haul Two sleds in the back of my Truck!

love my SB EC, but mostly use the truck to pull my horses around have hauled some 8 & 10 ' lumber, just left the gate up, no problems. would never buy a LB. Just my .02

well..I love my LB so uhhhh....:ro) :lol:

I've had several LB trucks, all but this one have been regular cabs, had one ext. cab short bed. I truly believe the turning radius of my '02 CC/LB is better than the turning radius of my '86 regular cab LB. It's not hard to park...just have to plan a little. I've never had an issue, I just park away from the crowd. But I've always done that...I like to keep the paint on my truck, not on the door of some a$$hole that doesn't give a
crap about their vehicle.:cussing: (http://misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=8#)

To each his own, what ever fits the individuals needs the best. But I will say this...real trucks have 8' beds, no spark plugs and a :driver: (http://misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=8#)manual transmission!!!! :thumb: (http://misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=8#)

Let the flaming begin!!!! -:t (http://misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=8#)

MaxRock

Mapledge, I pull a 4-Star gooseneck horse trailer with my SB CC and it has enough clearance that it will not hit the cab even at 90 degree angle truck to trailer. I'm not sure if it would clear in really uneven ground but in the conditions I've been in its not a problem. When the gooseneck hitch was mounted on my 04.5 it had to be mounted about 3 inches in front of the rear axle due to a design change in the truck frame. That cut down the clearance even more but didn't cause any problems.
No problems with cab clearance with my gooseneck, but on the CC SB it is harder to see the ball when I am hooking up.

To each his own, what ever fits the individuals needs the best. But I will say this...real trucks have 8' beds, no spark plugs and a :driver: (http://misc.php/?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=8#)manual transmission!!!! :thumb: (http://misc.php/?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=8#)

Let the flaming begin!!!! -:t (http://misc.php/?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=8#)

MaxRock
real trucks have 4wd....;)

Might as well buy a station wagon,as a short bed truck.

No problems with cab clearance with my gooseneck, but on the CC SB it is harder to see the ball when I am hooking up.
This can be overcome quite easily.

I've seem home-made guides made out of a piece of 1/2 PVC pipe (about 2 1/2 feet), and a small round magnet. Glue (epoxy) the magnet to one end of the pipe (be sure pipe is cut square). Set on top of ball. Start backing under hitch, watching your alignment through your inside rear view mirror. When the PVC pipe falls forward, STOP! You should be there!!!



Gary

I'll disagree on the short beds being about as useful as pockets on underwear. I think both have their place, and I really hope they never quit making both.

For a pure work truck, I'd nearly always opt for the long box. For a truck that sees more personal use, short beds work out nicely cause they're a good combination of usefulness and still offer fairly tight turning/easier parking, etc.

Ever try turing a four door long box around in the mountains on a really narrow Cat trail? You wouldn't cuss a short box quite so much.

:ro) Short Bed :ro)