I have been towing with a 1995 7.3L dually with an 8 foot box. I recently sold the truck and am in the process of looking for a new one. I would like to go to a F350 swr crew cab short box for better manuverability when no trailer is attached. What problems might I incur with a short box and what hitch would be the best?
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It has been discussed a lot here before. I believe most agree that if you get the short box that you are going to need a sliding hitch for those times you have to make sharp turns. Otherwise there is a good chance you are going to damage the back of your cab and the front of the trailer.
Do a search in this forum and you will find multiple threads.

 

You can also get an extended pin box for the trailer that will set it back further , but I think the slider hitch is the way to go , they come in manual and automatic slides too . You may also want to check out rv.net , great site for all trailer/tow vehicle and related subjects .

 

I'd stick with the good old long box just to keep from having to replace your rear window.

 

Go with a slider I have had no problems with mine. I have a Reese manual slide. I prfer it over the auto slides because I am in control of it. Makes it easier to hook up, and gives me another reason to get out and double check everything before we actualy hit the road.

Fire Rooster

 

I didn't get a slider for the F250 C/C shortbed I had, but had the extended hitch pin. I also had a small dent on both sides of the back of the cab when I sold the truck. The "auto" slider is the best way to go. I got on "ding" pulling out of a gas station with the 5th wheel "in tow". The other I got backing into a parking spot. The slider would have kept the last one from happening, but not the first one.

 

I personally tow a 28 foot fifth wheel trailer with a 2003 F-350 Long Box 6.0 PSD - Crew Cab. I really notice more stability with the long box (longer wheel base), so for safety reasons, I'd go with the 8 footer. It's not all that hard to maneaver a large truck, just need some time to get used to it. Even when you're not pulling a trailer. Get a Lariat....with the rear sensors, this is great.....can get within 12 inches of something in the rear and the sensors will tell me when I've reached my limit without damaging someone else's vehicle.......but most IMPORTANTLY.....mine!

 

Does that mean the sensors tell you the rear of the trailer is getting close to something ???

 

Thanks for all of your replys. I finally decided to stay with the long box. I did get one with the back up sensor on it and I also got the new Tow command system for braking. After I've hauled with it for a while I'll let you know what I think of the tow command.