This question is for folks that actually switched from a Long Bed to a Short bed. Also please no suggestions on choosing another brand truck.
Well Ford sure messed up my 2022 truck selection. Light Baja Tan or Onyx Black in the Lariat trim level. Platinum is Back or Dark Marsala whatever that is. Limited is gray. I don't want Black - to hot - and the Baja is way too light and will show every speck of dirt. So it looks like I need to get the King Ranch again. I don't mind, except it means getting a crew cab.
I currently have an 04 King Ranch, CC, Long bed, dually. ( 176" wheelbase) I don't need this big of a truck for my 220RK and I doubt we will go much larger in the future. So I was thinking of a Super Cab Long Bed SRW. 164" wheelbase in the optional 11,400 GVW which is close to what my 04 is. Save 12" on length and save on tire costs, etc.
But with the leather color choices to get a real brown, I need the KR which only comes in a crew crew cab. I can get it in the SRW but I am stuck with the long truck unless I go SB. The SB configuration is 16" shorter than my current truck.
The space I loose is forward of the hitch. I was planing on an in bed aux tank as stock tank in this config is 34 gal (CC LB is 48). I have 36gal now. The transfer flow that works with a rolling bed cover (there are others too) will still fit, but only leaves 6" forward of the hitch from what I can calculate. To carry plywood or lumber means tailgate down and probably would need an extension to stabilize with the aux tank- not a deal killer. The times I have needed to carry long items has been few. I do have a GN trailer for big projects.
5th wheel towing
I can switch to use the turning point hitch, but I am not sure of towing performance. Not sure I like the wedge forces on the hitch. Others with the 6.5 foot bed say they are OK with a standard 5th wheel hitch if set to the rearward position. I think mine will do 2". Otherwise get a slider to fit the puck system. To use my current hitch I will need a puck to rail adapter. It will fit, but barely with the aux tank.
On the upside my KR came with rear bucket seats which don't fold down and the new CC seats will fold flat making more room for stuff and dog. Also on the CC the door issue the SC has in parking lots goes away.
So for those that switched from a Long Bed to a Short bed - any regrets or issues?
Well Ford sure messed up my 2022 truck selection. Light Baja Tan or Onyx Black in the Lariat trim level. Platinum is Back or Dark Marsala whatever that is. Limited is gray. I don't want Black - to hot - and the Baja is way too light and will show every speck of dirt. So it looks like I need to get the King Ranch again. I don't mind, except it means getting a crew cab.
I currently have an 04 King Ranch, CC, Long bed, dually. ( 176" wheelbase) I don't need this big of a truck for my 220RK and I doubt we will go much larger in the future. So I was thinking of a Super Cab Long Bed SRW. 164" wheelbase in the optional 11,400 GVW which is close to what my 04 is. Save 12" on length and save on tire costs, etc.
But with the leather color choices to get a real brown, I need the KR which only comes in a crew crew cab. I can get it in the SRW but I am stuck with the long truck unless I go SB. The SB configuration is 16" shorter than my current truck.
The space I loose is forward of the hitch. I was planing on an in bed aux tank as stock tank in this config is 34 gal (CC LB is 48). I have 36gal now. The transfer flow that works with a rolling bed cover (there are others too) will still fit, but only leaves 6" forward of the hitch from what I can calculate. To carry plywood or lumber means tailgate down and probably would need an extension to stabilize with the aux tank- not a deal killer. The times I have needed to carry long items has been few. I do have a GN trailer for big projects.
5th wheel towing
I can switch to use the turning point hitch, but I am not sure of towing performance. Not sure I like the wedge forces on the hitch. Others with the 6.5 foot bed say they are OK with a standard 5th wheel hitch if set to the rearward position. I think mine will do 2". Otherwise get a slider to fit the puck system. To use my current hitch I will need a puck to rail adapter. It will fit, but barely with the aux tank.
On the upside my KR came with rear bucket seats which don't fold down and the new CC seats will fold flat making more room for stuff and dog. Also on the CC the door issue the SC has in parking lots goes away.
So for those that switched from a Long Bed to a Short bed - any regrets or issues?