Long or short bed truck

[Montana_5621]

How do you know what you need in a pickup regarding a long or short bed, or doesn't it matter?
We are contemplating buying a 3400Rl.
Thanks
Al

[Kathi]

We have the 2005 3400RL and aren't sure of the changes they might have made to the 2006, but we have the long bed because Paul said he didn't like replacing the rear window...Now you can get the slider hitch and go with a short bed. Paul makes those decisions and that is what he made. I think they have changed the front cap on the 2006's so that you can have a short bed but don't quote me on that one. Someone will come along and give you more advice from their experience. Hang in there they will be along soon...

[Bill Frisbee]

If you go to the SEARCH functionat the top of the page and enter the words "Tow Vehicles" you will get a bunch of references. I pulled up the one below because it specifically discusses the 3400. Snoop around. There are all sorts of things on this forum. Enjoy.

Bill



http://montanaadministrator.forumco....w,vehicles.asp

[Bill Frisbee]

As for the long vs short bed, both will work just fine. Other factors will likely determine which one you choose. As a general rule, short bed trucks require a slider hitch so the RV does not hit the cab of the truck in a tight turn. There are exceptions to that rule, however. First of all, the new Montys have a new front cap design that adds clearance between the RV and the truck cab. Second, all short bed pick-ups are not the same. According to the makers of one of the most popular slider hitches, Dodges have the least clearance and therefore are most likely to require a slider hitch. GM products have the greatest clearance and are least likely to need a slider. Ford is in the middle somewhere. Slider hitches are more expensive than standard hitches ... unless you go with an automatic slider hitch, in which case the hitch is a LOT MORE expensive than standard hitches. No clearance problems with a long bed.

BTW, you are likely to get more responses to your question if you post it in the Tow Vehicle and Towing Forum rather than here. I recommend you do that.

Bill

[Montana_5621]

Thank you all for your helpful responses
Al

[rames14]

Al -

Although this is a fulltimer's section, those of us who only dream about fulltiming or will do partial fulltiming consider gagarge space. A full length bed on a 2500 HD Silverado with Extended Cab would require modifying the garage door so that it didn't hit the windshield when it went down (just kidding). Actually, it wouldn't fit in my garage at all legthwise. Plus, for me anyway, turning an extended cab with a short bed is already difficult in skinny mall parking lots. I can only imagine what it would be like in the long bed. We also have the 3400 and went with the Reese slider hitch. Many people love the Pullrite Superglides because of the automatic cam action on the slider.

[kdeiss]

I have a long bed it comes in handy like the other day when I picked up our Golf Cart.A short bed you would have to leave the tail gate down.Also addition storage in the bed when towing the Monty and with the long wheel base gives you a great ride.The only negitive is parking and if you have a small garage.Like my buddy told me when I was debating Long Vs Short if you what a truck get a truck I have never regretted getting the 8 ft bed but I use it for more than just pulling the Monty

[Montana_2005]

One of my old Park managers got a crew cab with a long b ed, and the rest of the managers hacked on him about having to license it in two states (since he was on the southern border of Ks) needing the rear steering wheel (like the big hook and ladder trucks) and so on and on... It was all very much fun, but those full legnth, crew cabs are indeed REALLY long. Turning radius when you get a 4x4 is not too tight, so adding the legnth means you will be parking way out in the back of beyond so you don't have to worry about trying to fit into a parking spot...

[Glenn and Lorraine]

Hands down, Shortbed.
Without the trailer it's easier to park at the Wal*Mart. Won't stick out a extra foot plus.
More maneuverable especially with the trailer in those tight RV parks. Not every site is a pull thru.
As far as the ride, I have never noticed a difference when driving my shortbed compared to my buddies longbed

[steves]

This is one of those topics that you'll find everyone thinks they have the best setup. It's the same as asking what truck to get and you'll again get biased opinions. I would suggest you evaluate your overall needs and intended use of the truck, factor in what you personally like and evaluate the comments provided in this post. Bottom line is both long bed and short bed setups work!

[FulltimeFollies]

Some one can help maybe, but I heard with the new front cap on the Montanas, you can use a short bed without the slider hitch and be safe. Thats what I was told. Will not swear to it, just brouht it up for validity.

[gojodo]

We just made this decision and I decided to go with the long bed just because I didn't want tight clearance tolerances and I wanted to outfit it with a toolbox and some added carrying room. I had never owned a truck before and it was a bear to get into tight spots. However, over time it just becomes something you get use to and the long turning radius doesn't seem to bother me much. Yes, I do park out a bit further at Wall Mart but I need the exercise. I suggest you follow the advice of others that have said look at what you want out of the truck and go with it. I think they are all pretty much the same. We have a Dodge Quad Cab 8 Ft Bed, dually with the Cummins 5.9L Diesel.

[snfexpress]

rames14,

Regarding the long bed and turning radius, etc., let me tell you that we were in the hills the other day four wheeling looking for a great hot spring, and while I got a little Nevada pin-striping (sage brush marks on the sides of the p-up), I didn't have any problems negotiating the jeep trail. When I got home, I took it through a car wash and all is good.

As far as the turning radius, I can pull a U-ey in 2 lanes - not bad.

[Trailer Trash 2]

I like the long bed with the fixed stationary hitch, I can put my 2 bikes, generator, cook stove, fencing for the dog, my rug, wood to burn, burn barrel, and still hook up easily and go down the hwy. you will not get that in a 6 foot with a slider hitch.

[sreigle]

quote:Originally posted by RangerMelB

One of my old Park managers got a crew cab with a long b ed, and the rest of the managers hacked on him about having to license it in two states (since he was on the southern border of Ks) needing the rear steering wheel (like the big hook and ladder trucks) and so on and on... It was all very much fun, but those full legnth, crew cabs are indeed REALLY long. Turning radius when you get a 4x4 is not too tight, so adding the legnth means you will be parking way out in the back of beyond so you don't have to worry about trying to fit into a parking spot...

Mel, with the new Fords (2005 and later) the 4x4 actually turns in a six foot shorter circle than does the 4x2 with same cab and bed configuration. The 4x4 has the new front end. The 4x2 does not. But you are correct for all other situations.

[gkbutler]

Have to say I really like the short bed. We have the Pullrite and have had no problem. Like Glenn, I like being able to park my truck at Walmart without having to go all the way down to the end of the parking lot like I did with my old 1500 long bed. I did give up storage space with the short bed, but all I keep in there is the extra blocking material.

[sreigle]

I have a cross-bed toolbox in our shortbed and it is crammed full. I really have not missed the longbed (last one I had was a 1992 model). I still park way out, though. I am trying to avoid those door dings. And we need the exercise anyhow.

[Fordzilla]

quote:Originally posted by sreigle

with the new Fords (2005 and later) the 4x4 actually turns in a six foot shorter circle than does the 4x2 with same cab and bed configuration. The 4x4 has the new front end. The 4x2 does not. But you are correct for all other situations.

Steve i have to agree with you. I went from a '04 Crew long box F350 to a '06 Dually F350 long box and even with this one being a dually I can turn a tighter circle than the old one would. Makes it nice when I have to admit I missed my turn off and have to do a u-turn in the highway.

[Montana Sky]

This truck has been a very solid towing machine for me. I cannot find a reason to trade in for anything different.