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Old 05-22-2006, 01:03 AM   #21
old turbo
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The way I figure it if I am going to pull a 5vr that is over 30ft I would want to tow with a long bed pickup. I also prefer my dually. The new 5vrs with 3 and 4 slides are like pulling a condo down the road. Then you have to add all the extras to the condo. the more slides the more stuff.
 
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Old 05-22-2006, 02:34 AM   #22
richfaa
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Our last Tv was a short bed Chevy.We towed a TT and the bed size was not all that important. We had plenty of room. We now tow a 3400 and it is the long bed for many reasons. Do your homework and get what YOU need.
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Old 05-22-2006, 02:40 AM   #23
Emmel
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Steve, as far as the pin weight goes, I was going by the towing guide printed by Trailer Life. They stated as much as 400lbs difference in some short beds and long beds. But, I guess I should have clarified that by saying the long box was on a ton truck compared to a 3/4 ton! That does make a difference, huh! Sometimes my fingers go faster than my brain, I was confused.
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Old 05-22-2006, 07:02 AM   #24
sreigle
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Thanks, Steve. That makes more sense to me. I'm sure there is some difference between shortbed and longbed because of an overall weight difference but would think the shortbed would have the higher payload capacity unless there is a difference in suspension. In any case, within a weight class I personally don't think there is a significant difference in payload between shortbed and longbed. Now if you include dually and single rear wheels, then there definitely is a payload difference. I have been wrong before, though.
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Old 05-23-2006, 04:43 PM   #25
mallardjusted
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longbed/shortbed: I agree it really boils down to a personal choice on all the issues talked over on this link. Only you can rate which criteria is most important.

For me, I love the larger fuel tank, the extra room in my truck bed, and the nice ride. But if you are required to do a lot of parallel parking, or have limited parking space, a short-bed may fit your needs better.
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Old 05-23-2006, 05:36 PM   #26
Virgil
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I have only had long boxes for personal trucks and several short box trucks for work. There really isn't that much difference in driving or parking. You adapt and get used to it either way. While I am only a weekend and vacation camper, I like to have the long box for hauling lumber, doors, and other honey dos. I guess it boils down to what the main purpose of the truck is and what best suits your tastes. Good luck. I am sure you will like either. I bought a personal truck the end of March and already got 5500 miles on it. I put on 1000 to 1500 miles a week at work. We have to go a long ways to get anywhere. lol
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Old 05-24-2006, 05:05 AM   #27
Wagonmaster
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I went from a short bed to a long bed when I traded trucks. I still have the slider hitch from the short bed but I have not had to use it with the long bed. They are a pain as stated when you are running around town shoping. But I like the extra room and ride when we are towing, but everyone is different thats whats make the world go around..
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Old 05-24-2006, 09:44 AM   #28
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HI WE ARE NEW OWNERS WILL NEED ADVISE ON BEST SHORT BED FOR OUR NEW 3400RL PLEASE ADVISE WILL BE PARKED FOR 2 MONTHS BUT THEN READY TO HEAD SOUTH THANK YOU SAMBEA SAM_BEA@YAHOO.COM
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Old 05-24-2006, 04:04 PM   #29
trukdoc
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I will not have less than a crew cab anymore. A crewcab with long box and a 35 ft trailer one would have to have nearly 40 acres to get it turned around. As said many times. It is personal choice. My vote is for crew cab with a short bed. And I too travel with a generator and a very large cooler with the short box. An absolute necessity with the short bed is a slider hitch. A small tradeoff when compared to being able to park. Makers of parking lots are not friendly to large vehicles.
Good luck with your search.
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Old 05-24-2006, 04:09 PM   #30
mallardjusted
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For the newer model Fords, they changed the steering so that they have a tighter turning radius than older models. My 1999 F-250 SC LB had a larger turning radius than my current 2005 F-350 CC LB! I don't know how the GMC and Dodge turning radius's are, but I suspect they aren't too bad either.
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Old 05-24-2006, 04:28 PM   #31
sreigle
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Sam, welcome aboard. As for "best" shortbed, you're in luck. All three manufacturers build good trucks that can handle the Montanas. The 3400RL has the lightest pinweight of all Montanas so you shouldn't have to worry about payload. I'd recommend a diesel in any of the brands. If you prefer gas, the Ford V10 or the GM 8.1L V8 both do a good job. The Dodge V10 does a good job but they're not available in new trucks so look for a used one.

They all can do the job so I'd recommend you buy according to your other priorities. Just make sure you have the engine to do the job and have the tow package on the truck.

Good luck.
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Old 05-26-2006, 04:19 AM   #32
Wordsmith
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For me it comes down to two factors: personal choice and physical restrictions. Granted, personal choice is most likely the number one factor many go with a short bed, but long beds—especially when coupled with a crew cab—just do not fit for some people.

Look at your personal preferences and what your space limitations are—and might be at other locations—and go from there!
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Old 06-08-2006, 09:29 AM   #33
Wrenchtraveller
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I will add my two cents to this. Ford does make a short box dually if you really want one.
I have had two Crew Cab Short box Fords a 2000 and a 2004. When I owned them I thought they were great looking trucks. When I ordered my 05 F350 I ordered the Crew Cab Long box because the new steering gave it the same turning radius as my 04 CC SB. I love the thing and have no issues being 50 feet long and you know the old saying , " Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. " that is so true because I now find a Crew Cab SB looks very stubby to me but I am sure you CC SB guys must find my CC LB very long looking. Variety really is the spice of life.
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Old 06-08-2006, 03:10 PM   #34
Montana_1240
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For me, as a dually owner, I think the long bed adds a much-needed "slimming effect" to the vehicle.



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Old 06-09-2006, 05:44 AM   #35
Wrenchtraveller
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Gyro, love that tailgate sign, and yes a lot of us like a big rear end.
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Old 06-09-2006, 07:20 AM   #36
campbud
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I think it is personal choice too. We had a short bed. Right now we have a long bed and think it is a better ride.Would not go back to a short bed. We only use ours for towing and it is kept in our garage.
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