Short bed vs. Long bed
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Western Slope, CO
Short bed vs. Long bed
I'm close to pulling the trigger on a F350 PSD SRW crewcab, and I'm having a hard time choosing between the short bed and the long bed.
We are planning on using it for for fifth wheel towing quite a bit, but at least 75% of the time it will hauling my family of 5 around without the rig. From my research, I've figured:
- The SB is MUCH easier to navigate/park around town (I have some experience with this having had a prior-gen Ford F150/CC/8' box)
- The SB can fit in my garage where the LB cannot.
- The SB will probably ride worse. How much?
- The LB is "better at towing". If true, in what way?
- The SB will likely require a sliding hitch to avoid crumpling the trailer or truck on tight maneuvers. That adds to the cost.
- Someone told me that I won't be able to slide a generator in between the hitch and the cab on the SB.
I'm hoping to benefit from some of your real world experience on this topic, particularly in regards to ride and towing differences...
We are planning on using it for for fifth wheel towing quite a bit, but at least 75% of the time it will hauling my family of 5 around without the rig. From my research, I've figured:
- The SB is MUCH easier to navigate/park around town (I have some experience with this having had a prior-gen Ford F150/CC/8' box)
- The SB can fit in my garage where the LB cannot.
- The SB will probably ride worse. How much?
- The LB is "better at towing". If true, in what way?
- The SB will likely require a sliding hitch to avoid crumpling the trailer or truck on tight maneuvers. That adds to the cost.
- Someone told me that I won't be able to slide a generator in between the hitch and the cab on the SB.
I'm hoping to benefit from some of your real world experience on this topic, particularly in regards to ride and towing differences...
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 563
Likes: 3
How much towing do you actually do? If it was alot Id say go for the LB truck. If it is more of a daily driver that tows the trailer once in a while, Id go for the shortbed. It wont ride that much worse than an LB, considering you already have the length of a CC back there. If you are buying a 1ton truck, ride quality probably isnt all that much of a concern anyway.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola, FL
I've had a long bed for the last 9 years towing a 5er. My replacement will be a SD.CC with a short bed 'cause them thangs is just too darn long to generally run around in. I've already solved the bed length problem by installing an extended hitch pin(+9 inches) which will allow all but the most rediculous of turning angles and at those angles you have to consider RV tire sidewall stress and bearing overloads anyway!
Happy RVing
Tim
Happy RVing
Tim
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 16
I had an 04 CC 4x4 SRW short bed and my 05 CC 4X4 SRW long bed has the same turning radius because of the new coil spring front end. I love the long box for the big fuel tank and the ride and yes for a 5th wheel, long box is nice. It is a crime that Ford does not offer the big tank in a SB as I am sure you have room. Also my 05 Long Box CC is a well balanced , super handling vehicle and when you park your CC LB beside a CC SB, the SB looks pretty stubby. I do love the looks of a SC shorty but the CC cries out for a long box IMO.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Polkville, NC
I had a ex-cab short bed and always said that the only thing i would change about the truck was the bed. I upgraded to a psd and long bed and love it I know the longbed ex-cab is the same length as the cc sb but i did not need the cc for me and the wife. I would still get the lb because of the bed room left when hitched you can haul the generator and some fire wood.
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 488
Likes: 142
From: Indianapolis
I have had my 2004 F250 CC SB for one year now. I wish I had gotten the LB. I too thought that I would park in the garage, it will fit, but it is just too close, especially next to the wifes car. I do not tow a 5th wheel, but the extra bed space would have been nice on several occasions. My Dad has a F250 LB that I can borrow when I need it. Philip.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: Lewiston, Idaho
Got a shortbed now and wish i had a long bed. My buddies polaris 700 twin four wheeler just fits inside the bed, and if was to put a slip-tank/toolbox combo in my bed like i want, i'd have to forget about hauling anything without a trailer. I suggest the long bed, better to know you have it, if you ever need it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 19,098
Likes: 8
From: Great State of Texas
Long bed...I have a tool box and still have all the room...plus I have tonneau cover from the tool box to the tail gate...looks good. Add Wheel to wheel steps and yo be da man. I have to post pictures on of these days.
In addition, the long bed is good for your heart. 'cause of the long walks from the "south 40" to the store you're going into. You have to get used to "NO DAD, don't park way out here again!"
In addition, the long bed is good for your heart. 'cause of the long walks from the "south 40" to the store you're going into. You have to get used to "NO DAD, don't park way out here again!"
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 450
Likes: 0
From: TEXAS
I have a SB CC and I bought a new 5'er and have the extended pin box which helps on small turns, but rolling forward, I can turn hard and I can only get to about 35-40 degrees before the corner of the cab and the corner of the trailer come together. I haven't hit it yet, but I did test it just to see and it's way too easy to make a turn out of a parking lot fairly hard and uphill a little and the trailer will come right into the cab really easily. I wish I had the LB, and if I buy another one, it will be a LB, no doubt about it. Sliders are great if you can stop, get out, slide it, turn, stop, get out slide it up and then go on. There are "auto" sliders that push back when you turn on their own, but just buy the LB, it's alot cheaper than fancy auto sliders and easier than manual sliders and much safer than what I am doing now and you get the extra fuel capacity.