Short bed vs. long bed
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From: PA
My #1 criteria was an 8ft bed. I haul motorcycles and atvs all the time and they just fit better in the 8 ft bed and I don't have to deal with a trailer. Sometimes I wich I did by the supercab though.
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From: Gloucester, Virginia
I went with the short bed for the same reason I went with a Ford--it looks better to me. If I was hauling lumber all day long I maybe would change my mind. For me, it's all about aesthetics. I have a diesel--but I don't NEED a diesel. I have a crew cab--but I don't NEED a crew cab. I have a truck because--who wants a dang car? Talk about the short beds on the super duties--look at the F150s. Now that's SHORT! But, it's still a truck, heh?
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From: Lancaster County PA
Had an 89 long bed SC gasser w/ 200k. Was time to get rid of it while it ran well enough to sell. Heart was set on a diesel and found a great deal on a 97 sb sc psd.
Ive noticed a slightly harsher ride, but I think the heavy engine mellows things out a bit. I like the handling. Don't use a toolbox, but do haul riding mowers in it as I have a repair business part time. So far, the 18" shorter bed has not been a nuisance. I use a trailer also and it is tons easier to maneuver with the shorter wheelbase. Only have had it about 4 months now and haven't really had any major inconveniences by having the shorter length. I am sure I'll miss the extra length somedays, but most days I'll be appreciating the maneuverability.
Ive noticed a slightly harsher ride, but I think the heavy engine mellows things out a bit. I like the handling. Don't use a toolbox, but do haul riding mowers in it as I have a repair business part time. So far, the 18" shorter bed has not been a nuisance. I use a trailer also and it is tons easier to maneuver with the shorter wheelbase. Only have had it about 4 months now and haven't really had any major inconveniences by having the shorter length. I am sure I'll miss the extra length somedays, but most days I'll be appreciating the maneuverability.
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With todays emphasis being interior space and comfort, I'd have to tip my hat to whichever manufacturer actually made the investment necessary to produce a 10ft truck bed. Especially so since the majority of todays truck owners are really family sedan and mini van owners in disguise - a 10ft bed is going to offer little return to the manufacturer for the investment necessary - no mini van/would-be truck buyer is going to want a 10ft pickup box. Would be a nice option for us truck guys though.
But it's never going to happen with the direction the market is taking - heck, Ford even has a short bed dually available!
But it's never going to happen with the direction the market is taking - heck, Ford even has a short bed dually available!
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From: EAST STROUDSBURG,PA
i read every response for a change. i will great points on both sides. also at least the option is there for people to purchase what they want or need. i personally dont need a 8' bed. i got a good deal on a 2002 f-250 cc sb. it handles good. and it still does not fit in these new compact parking spots. what ever moron designed compact parking spots should be put out of a job and live under a bridge somewhere.
someone said something about a 10' bed. i bet if enough people wrote in or called ford and suggested thats what they wanted.. the chances of ford building it would be greater. ford already offers a 4'bed 5.5' bed 6'bed 6.5'bed 7'bed and 8'bed in their whole truck line. whats one more bed size. they probably would not lose money on it. the superduty is sold in many countrys around the world with out a body change.
someone said something about a 10' bed. i bet if enough people wrote in or called ford and suggested thats what they wanted.. the chances of ford building it would be greater. ford already offers a 4'bed 5.5' bed 6'bed 6.5'bed 7'bed and 8'bed in their whole truck line. whats one more bed size. they probably would not lose money on it. the superduty is sold in many countrys around the world with out a body change.
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From: Eastern CT.
I've got the LB, on my 04' F-350 SC, DRW, the extra 9 gallon tank is nice ! And I do plow with it, push a 9' Fisher, It does very well plowing, big lots and ok with the couple driveways I do. Would'nt ever buy a reg cab again, while a slightly shorter truck has its appeal, the benefits of the LB, offset that with the extra storage, extra fuel,,depends what you do with the truck. My next truck will prob be a SRW though unless I convert this one over to SRW.
Later,,,,,,,,,Mark
Later,,,,,,,,,Mark
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From: murphy nc
I have 8ft bed on my 94 psd f250 sc reading utility bed. On my 2000 f250 5.4L sc i have shortbed. Long bed just too hard to park/backup. Use trailer if need to haul long stuff. Like everyone says-depends what your personal needs are.
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From: Back in the TX Coast
Originally Posted by 04 LARIAT STROKER
thats an awesome reason to buy 2 trucks....a long bed and a short bed...its as easy as that!!! 
now if i could only convince the misses 
For me it was the longbed all the way... last truck was a short bed and I hated having my ATV sticking out on the tailgate plus this way i insure i get my daily exercise since i have to park in the back forty
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From: CA
marathon posters
Originally Posted by 04 LARIAT STROKER
thats an awesome reason to buy 2 trucks....a long bed and a short bed...its as easy as that!!!
Seems the above is the only solution
But based on your comments I think I figured out why there are so many short beds and not enough long beds for sale... people don't get rid of their long beds easily and the shorts are being traded in for long beds. Guess I'll have hold out for my long bed. If I say it, will it keep from coming true? I want a 2001 4x4 PSD SC LB. There. I said it.
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