short vs long bed
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 62
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From: WA
I have a 156" and I really do prefer the short bed to the long one, like my father has. I can install a larger fuel tank if I need, and I lifted it, so the suspension isn't an issue anyway. It really is more maneuverable, and I think it looks better, especially lifted.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 38
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From: CA Desert
The CC LB is the best ride in a truck I've had. Having the 38 gallons of diesel is a convenience I like. Fill up and don't worry for 550-600 miles. Having extra room in the back for my TRX350ES quad helps too, with room for other stuff when I go riding. It looks better too IMO. 
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 101
Likes: 1
From: South Jordan Utah
I was in Germany/Ramstein Air Base 1965 - 68 -- used to drive crew cab International trucks around some -- was quite a task --
Anyway I have a 03 CC LB V10 - It rides good, much better than I expected from a 350, except empty on cement freeways - gets a rocking motion that is annoying. I have a 5th wheel and have room for a tool box in front and can still carry plenty with the hitch removed. Dont think I want to try my 350 with 34 ft 5th wheel in Deutschland.
Anyway I have a 03 CC LB V10 - It rides good, much better than I expected from a 350, except empty on cement freeways - gets a rocking motion that is annoying. I have a 5th wheel and have room for a tool box in front and can still carry plenty with the hitch removed. Dont think I want to try my 350 with 34 ft 5th wheel in Deutschland.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: MASS
Im not sure on this but i think the longer trucks have the split drive shaft--which in my case 01 f250 sc lb vibrates all the time especially when accelarating--its damn annoying --I can feel it in the wheel and floor
maybe just something to consider
g/l
maybe just something to consider
g/l
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
About the manuever ability of the long bed, it isn't hard to drive or park. I'm 16 and drive a F-250 extended cab long bed everyday. Back into parking spots or pull all the way through. Anyone can do it with a little time. Its also nice having the long bed if you put in a tool box you still have 6' of bed. Longbed in my opinion does look better too.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Bann, Germany
Originally posted by brianas
Im not sure on this but i think the longer trucks have the split drive shaft--which in my case 01 f250 sc lb vibrates all the time especially when accelarating--its damn annoying --I can feel it in the wheel and floor
maybe just something to consider
g/l
Im not sure on this but i think the longer trucks have the split drive shaft--which in my case 01 f250 sc lb vibrates all the time especially when accelarating--its damn annoying --I can feel it in the wheel and floor
maybe just something to consider
g/l
New User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Roanoke, VA
Well, you can take my advice with a grain of salt because well, I'm not a truck owner......YET
I say go long-bed. Having driven both(extended cabs btw), I'd say the benefits of a long bad far out-weigh any possible problems associated with a truck that is longer. For the most part, I drive a 250 crew-cab with 8' bed and it's practically a limo with no back seats. The first time I tried parking it, I almost wrecked..but quickly I got a sense of self-awareness and learned exactly where certain parts of the truck are when I am parking so now I can pretty much park without efforting myself, save for the occasional stretch-neck peek to be sure I'm not clipping some little car that is below my line of sight.
All in all, go long bed. You will enjoy the extra options more than you will suffer the stress of parking it.
Bigger is better!
I say go long-bed. Having driven both(extended cabs btw), I'd say the benefits of a long bad far out-weigh any possible problems associated with a truck that is longer. For the most part, I drive a 250 crew-cab with 8' bed and it's practically a limo with no back seats. The first time I tried parking it, I almost wrecked..but quickly I got a sense of self-awareness and learned exactly where certain parts of the truck are when I am parking so now I can pretty much park without efforting myself, save for the occasional stretch-neck peek to be sure I'm not clipping some little car that is below my line of sight.
All in all, go long bed. You will enjoy the extra options more than you will suffer the stress of parking it.
Bigger is better!
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
I considerd the backup sensor but the probability is I'll have a slidein camper on there that hangs down behind the truck. That will block any use of the sensor I think. Also, how do you turn it off when your backing a trailor. The object is always going to be 4' behind the truck. How's that going to work?
Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 452
Likes: 0
From: Mesa Arizona
Originally posted by renaissanceman
I considerd the backup sensor but the probability is I'll have a slidein camper on there that hangs down behind the truck. That will block any use of the sensor I think. Also, how do you turn it off when your backing a trailor. The object is always going to be 4' behind the truck. How's that going to work?
I considerd the backup sensor but the probability is I'll have a slidein camper on there that hangs down behind the truck. That will block any use of the sensor I think. Also, how do you turn it off when your backing a trailor. The object is always going to be 4' behind the truck. How's that going to work?
Definitaly get the back up sensors. Read this thread: Scary Backup Sensor Story.
It would convince me to order the option.
JK
Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 452
Likes: 0
From: Mesa Arizona
Originally posted by BigDawg54
you will definitely become a pro at backing into spots! its much easier to point the truck in backwards, then it is to swing it in forward.
you will definitely become a pro at backing into spots! its much easier to point the truck in backwards, then it is to swing it in forward.
I've gotten to the point where I can pull past a spot and swing the rear end in a spot in one shot...usually.
JK
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
I'll start out by saying I know nothing aboutslide in campers but after reading the posts I don't think anyone has mentioned FORD doesn't endorse campers with the short box. At least not in the configuration I bought my truck. I have a additional card or phamphlet in my manual stating so.
I sometimes regret not having the long bed but haven't run into a situation where I really needed it. But a lot of situations that would have been nice to have it. I have the bed extender which is a GREAT item but still not the same.
It seems like your choice is easy, get the long bed. If not just for the camper alone. It's only a foot or two but I can imagine that makes a world of difference in a camper.
I sometimes regret not having the long bed but haven't run into a situation where I really needed it. But a lot of situations that would have been nice to have it. I have the bed extender which is a GREAT item but still not the same.
It seems like your choice is easy, get the long bed. If not just for the camper alone. It's only a foot or two but I can imagine that makes a world of difference in a camper.