Switching from a Long Bed to a Short Bed - any real downside?

**MachWun** · 08-14-2021, 02:54 PM

Can't raise the gate for a 4x8 piece of plywood.

**Rugburn69** · 08-15-2021, 07:40 AM

I have a short bed GMC towing a Solitude. As you reduce the bed size you will lose turning radius clearance between the cab and nose of the 5er. Being either too lazy to move the slider hitch or not appreciating how fast things can happen I blew out the back window of the truck. Since then I have learned to be very diligent about moving the slider hitch back as soon as anything remotely seems tight to turn.

**Captcolour** · 08-15-2021, 08:01 AM

I have had two Ford's with the super cab. Not only the parking lot issues, but every time you want to put something in the rear seat area you have to open 2 doors. When carrying heavy or bulky, it is a pain. Not sure I will get another one. The rear seats folding does create a lot of flat floor space in the back.

**Cowboychincs** · 08-15-2021, 06:31 PM

I'm new to the RV world, but I just hate having a long bed crew cab... as I cant find a place to park it anywhere... so I opted for an F-350 Platinum, Crew Cab, Short Bed, 6.7 D... with a "slider" hitch. As someone said, you can quickly get into a bind and ruin your truck if you get into a tight turning/backing space... so I use the slider... easy peezy... and works like a champ... YES, you lose a lot of bed space in your truck. If you put in a toolbox or diesel tank, you may find it hard to open your hitch as the handle may not open far enough to stay open... so I took my toolbox out... it worked, but was sort of a pain to work around... you just need to figure out if you can do without the extra bed space... and if you are comfortable with the slider... as I said, I was a novice with it, but it works slick and I dont worry about gouging my cab with the RV... good luck, and let us know what you finally decide... cheers

**GeoffnCheri** · 08-15-2021, 07:11 PM

Short bed in that configuration with Ford would be a 6.75' bed, not 6.5

**wudwork** · 08-16-2021, 04:34 PM

F350 with long bed is the single worst turning radius I have ever driven. I wanted a F450 as they turn like a golf cart. I ended up with F350 with shorter bed as a compromise.

**RoJoSo** · 08-16-2021, 04:42 PM

Originally Posted by JeffD68

More red-brown as opposed to the KR which is more orange-brown. To me, it feels like a color you might find in a luxury car. It usually photographs lighter than it appears in person.

Attachment 35891

Attachment 35892

Love the color in my King Ranch (Nearly the same),
also have the short bed with the B&W Slider.(see signature).
Recently replaced my 24G tank with the Titan 50G tank.

**mbergthold** · 08-16-2021, 05:56 PM

Having towed a 5th with both a SB and a LB, my preference is the LB. Not because of the hitch, because there are some great sliders out there, but due to the vehicle size. IMO the bigger the TV footprint the better. Unfortunately unless you have a friend with a SB who will let you test drive it with your rig connected, there's little if any data to refer to. I've learned that just because it will pull it, doesn't mean it will pull the way you want it to. Yes the CC and LB combo is pretty long, not parking lot friendly, but IMO it will give you a better towing experience. And with the Ford LB, you'll get the larger fuel tank, something to consider.