Short vs Long bed
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 44
Likes: 2
From: Warwick, RI
Short vs Long bed
I've seen people state that short beds are more desirable, but I fail to understand why. I have a 1976 F250 with a long bed that I use as a truck, and think that a short bed would be a lot more trouble hauling plywood, fence posts, and stuff in general. I'm sure there are opinions (never lacking on this forum) and I'd like to hear a discussion.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 8
From: Indian Falls, New York
I think it depends on the desired usage. These trucks aren't too commonly used as a truck anymore and more so as a toy to tinker around with. Short bed trucks are more desirable when it comes to souping up and being performancy.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 32
From: Delhi, Iowa
regular cab shortbox trucks have always been viewed as a "hot rod" version of the truck. they weigh less, they have a shorter wheelbase, and really are not as useful as a long box truck.
I currently have 4 regular cab shortbox trucks, all have a hot roddy purpose to them, and none of them really ever haul much of anything. The trucks i typically use when i need a truck is my daily driver 89 F150, my 79 F150, my 95 F250, my 97 F250, or my 4 door longbox 93 F350.
It really comes down to desire. if you want to use your truck as a truck, get a longbox. if you want a toy, shortboxes seem more desirable.
I currently have 4 regular cab shortbox trucks, all have a hot roddy purpose to them, and none of them really ever haul much of anything. The trucks i typically use when i need a truck is my daily driver 89 F150, my 79 F150, my 95 F250, my 97 F250, or my 4 door longbox 93 F350.
It really comes down to desire. if you want to use your truck as a truck, get a longbox. if you want a toy, shortboxes seem more desirable.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,217
Likes: 154
I almost like the look of a long bed better, and agree with all of the above that short beds are at their coolest when they're done up as hot rods, with big wheels and tires in the back, and lowered in the front... Short beds also look good up high with 4WD.
Long beds look good with those treatments too, and you can close their tailgates on an 8'x4' sheet of plywood or drywall.
A short bed is always going to be a little better if you drive in the city or other cramped and confined areas.
Long beds look good with those treatments too, and you can close their tailgates on an 8'x4' sheet of plywood or drywall.
A short bed is always going to be a little better if you drive in the city or other cramped and confined areas.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 351
Likes: 57
I use my bed a lot, but I guess I don’t do much requiring a long bed. If I need the length I open the gate and strap down or lean it on the gate. But all my supplies, toys and material fits in my short bed fine, for me. I probably have something bed worthy in the back for whatever reason 1.5 times a week.
My dad had long bed truck for most of my life. We used it a lot, but not in my opinion enough to warrant the long bed.
Id rather have a long regular cab I think, just because at that short of a truck I think the extra length would make it haul and handle better, but it would still be pretty short being a regular cab. Supercabs and 4 doors I’d rather take a short bed, since I don’t need a long bed really.
My dad had long bed truck for most of my life. We used it a lot, but not in my opinion enough to warrant the long bed.
Id rather have a long regular cab I think, just because at that short of a truck I think the extra length would make it haul and handle better, but it would still be pretty short being a regular cab. Supercabs and 4 doors I’d rather take a short bed, since I don’t need a long bed really.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 962
Likes: 89
From: upstate ny
I like the look of a short bed but the price if one was alot more and I got a deal on my long bed. I always planed to cut it down into a short bed but grew to like the lowered 2wd look and kinda makes is a sleeper
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 868
Likes: 157
Old pickups are mostly long bed because they were used for work. Hay chicken's dirt building material
Now days not many need or use pickups for work the spend 80grand on them as a status symbol once a year pull a boat or trailer.
Now days not many need or use pickups for work the spend 80grand on them as a status symbol once a year pull a boat or trailer.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 32
From: Delhi, Iowa
If you are going for ride quality, the longer, the better.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,212
Likes: 322
From: Central Florida
Good discussion. There are a number of threads here on FTE that document the process of cutting a long bed down to short bed proportions. Apparently, it is a bit easier on a dent side truck than a bump side truck.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,028
Likes: 890
From: East Central Ia
I have a long bed but prefer the looks of short, short beds are hard to find in my area. The longer wheel base is good for ride and removes a little of the twitchy handling in the wet and icy times. I have to laugh when I see the new monstrous 4 door behemoths with a little tiny box and pulling a little tiny trailer with a couple of lawn mowers in it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 37
From: Northern Virginia.
i use my shortbed for everything. i agree i like the look of the shortbed with a 4 inch lift and some 33 or 35 inch tires.
BUT
i think the SC with a small lift and proper tire size to match is about the best looking of them all.
BUT
i think the SC with a small lift and proper tire size to match is about the best looking of them all.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,107
Likes: 32
From: Spokane, WA
