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Thread: Why did you buy a 6.5 Foot Bed ?
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09-27-2017, 01:31 PM #1
Why did you buy a 6.5 Foot Bed ?
Hi Folks,
For those with a 6.5 foot bed.
I plan on buying a truck with an 8 foot bed. I see on this forum a lot of people have newer trucks with only the 6.5 foot bed. Assuming you knew you’d be towing a 5th with your new truck, what made you decide on a 6.5 foot bed?
I feel there are more advantages to a long bed than there are disadvantages.
Advantages:
-no need for a slider hitch
-more storage available (tool box, etc.)
-in theory, more stable towing experience
-48 gallon Fuel Tank (Ford, not sure about GM, RAM)
Disadvantage:
-Harder to park (parking lots, parallel parking, parking at home, etc.)
What was your deciding factor for purchasing a 6.5 foot bed?
Regards and Thanks,
Ray
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09-27-2017, 01:44 PM #2
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Maybe they hate making their bed and figure a shorter bed would be less work?
Sorry, I'm in the 8' bed group...
John2018 Silverado LTZ 3500HD CC LB 4X4 DRW Duramax/Allison
2019 Momentum 381M w/Full Body Paint
2016 Can Am Spyder F3 Limited Special Series
2017 Can Am Outlander 1000 XT-P
2016 Wrangler Hard Rock Unlimited
1997 Bayliner Capri 1950 affectionately named Skinnydipper
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09-27-2017, 01:50 PM #3
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I have a 6.5 foot bed because my truck is long enough as it is.
If I had an 8 foot bed it would be even more difficult to turn tight corners or park in stalls.
It wouldn't fit in my garage.
And...still no need for a slider hitch
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09-27-2017, 01:55 PM #4
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09-27-2017, 01:56 PM #5
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Maneuverability and parking definitely a big plus for me. I also prefer the aesthetic proportions of the short bed 4x4. Have a slider hitch but have only used it in the maneuver position a couple of times. To me the biggest drawback is the smaller fuel tank with the short bed but I may consider an aftermarket replacement tank if that ever becomes a big deal. Good luck!
The Adams - 2017 Reflection 367BHS, 2019 F-350 6.7L PSD 4x4 CC DRW, B&W hitch on Ford pucks, Air Lift Loadlifter 5000 Ultimate Plus air bags, "Rupert" the Weimaraner.
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09-27-2017, 02:21 PM #6
When I started buying crew cabs I went to a 6.5' bed. It's long enough as it is. Throw a 8' bed on it and it's way harder to use it for a daily driver. It's hard to park and won't fit in a garage.
If you can stick with an extended cab the 8' bed is fine.Donald AKA johndeerefarmer
2020 Ford F350 Powerstroke diesel
2017 F150 ecoboost max tow
2016 Reflection 29RS VIN# 573FR322XG3305717
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09-27-2017, 02:24 PM #7
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A 6.5 bed, double (extended) cab is all that would fit in my garage (barely). I wasn't going to park my new $60k truck outside in the AZ sun. I also like the increased maneuverability of a short bed. I have slider and just make it SOP to use it whenever backing or tight turns. Also have room in front of the hitch for a below bedrail toolbox.
2018 Reflection 303RLS
2016 GMC 2500HD Double cab, 6.5' bed, Duramax /Allison
B&W Companion slider for 5th wheel prep package
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09-27-2017, 05:11 PM #8
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Simple for me - my 6.5' bed truck fits in my garage with about 1" to spare. I don't need a slider, don't keep anything in the bed of my truck (tool box) and my 36 gallon fuel tank works for me. I would have got the 8' bed if it fit in my garage just so I'd have more room when hauling firewood or whatever.
Brian & Kellie
2020 Solitude 310GK-R, FBP, 1,460w solar, 540ah BBGC3, MORryde IS w/disc brakes
2020 F-350 Platinum SRW Powerstroke Tremor, 60g TF fuel tank, Hensley BD3-F air bag hitch
Previous setups:
2019 Solitude 373FB-R, 2019 F-350 Platinum DRW Powerstroke, Hensley BD5 air bag hitch
2016 Reflection 318RST, 2016 GMC 3500 Denali SRW Duramax, Hensley BD3 air bag hitch
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09-27-2017, 06:10 PM #9
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Went from an F150 to a F350 short bed. It's not very parking lot friendly. I have to back into spots as it is or I stick out too far. A long bed would be even more difficult to park.
Even with a short bed I don't find a need for a slider. My Andersen allows me at least 75 deg or turn when backing up. Anything more than the puts too much strain on the axles anyway.
I find the F350 diesel very stable when towing.
The 34 gallon tank gives me at least 300 miles of towing range. At 60 MPH that's 6 hours of driving. The only time it was a concern was a few weeks ago when I considered evacuating Florida due to Hurricane. I was concerned that I would get stuck in N Florida with no diesel availability. Next time I'll fill up 4ea 6 gallon cans and load them in the bed. That would give me at least 550 mile range. There is a Titan 55 gallon replacement available that is inviting. Only issue is it hangs down 2" lower than stock tank and I do occasionally drive into some rough dirt roads.
A long bed is way too hard to park in city or suburb parking lots.
If I were to get a long bed I would probobly go for an F450. Batter turning radius and loads of payload.Jerry & Linda
Emma & Abby our Mini Golden Doodles & JR our Amazon Parrot
2017 Reflection 337RLS, Build Date 01/2017, Titan Disk Brakes, Goodyear G614s 235/85/16 G Rated tires
2022 F-450 King Ranch Ultimate, 4,868 lb Payload, Bedrug Bedliner, Andersen Ultimate II Aluminum 5th wheel hitch
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09-27-2017, 06:33 PM #10
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I went with the short bed because I needed it to fit in the garage. We have hail here and I couldn't see leaving the truck outside if I could avoid it.
The short bed also has a higher payload rating (all things being equal) which saved my bacon. I was thinking travel-trailer when we bought the truck but I ended up carrying the pin-weight of a fiver.2017 F-350 CCSB 6.7L
2021 Micro Minnie 2100BH
previously - Reflection 28BH, Intech Pursue
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