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Old 05-08-2007, 04:33 PM   #1
rames14
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Chevy 3500 Bed Length

I am curious. Going through Chevy's online literature, it appears the 3500 does not come in a short bed. Is that correct? We are still a year or two away from trading off our 2004, but would like to upgrade to a 3500 HD next time, but like the short bed. Just curious if my conclusion is correct - that there is no short bed available.
 
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Old 05-08-2007, 04:48 PM   #2
OntMont
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Yes, that is right, no short bed 3500. Only box is the 8 ft one. Maybe things will change.

We used to have a SB and were somewhat concerned about the extra length but it has not been a problem. You just park out of everyone's way, and gain a little exercise by walking a bit further.
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Old 05-08-2007, 04:54 PM   #3
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I'm a little concerned about not fitting in the garage. The exercise certainly won't hurt me. Thanks.
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Old 05-08-2007, 06:03 PM   #4
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I'm afraid in my research towards a new truck this has been a negative with the GM products for me, although I did not rule them out because of this. I saw one place that indicated the 6.5 ft bed is available in the 3500 SRW but found out later that's not the case.
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Old 05-09-2007, 01:23 AM   #5
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I have really enjoyed the our '04 2500HD, but with the trailer weight, would think a 3500 HD might do a little better. Have not had any issues other than overheating engine/transmission on a dirt road heading up out of Steamboat Springs two years ago - but we had a full load of occupants in addition to the Monty. So, a year from now I will need to see what the options are for me.
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Old 05-09-2007, 09:39 AM   #6
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Hello rames14, We have the same truck and we have done a lot of research on this subject. GM does not make a shortbed 3500 yet. If you like the truck your in then just add the extra spring or springs to the rear and put in a 4:10 rear end and upgrade your tires and "voila" you have a one ton shortbed. Everything else is exactly the same as the SRW 3500. This is what we have done to ours. Unless you get pulled over a lot or drive through weigh stations overloaded, then I suggest getting a bigger one with the correct GVWR door stickers. We prefer the shortbed more for practicality and looks. The only thing we wish we had was the SRW 3500s fuel tank. LOL.
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Old 05-09-2007, 02:58 PM   #7
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quote:Originally posted by traveltunes

Hello rames14, We have the same truck and we have done a lot of research on this subject. GM does not make a shortbed 3500 yet. If you like the truck your in then just add the extra spring or springs to the rear and put in a 4:10 rear end and upgrade your tires and "voila" you have a one ton shortbed. Everything else is exactly the same as the SRW 3500. This is what we have done to ours. Unless you get pulled over a lot or drive through weigh stations overloaded, then I suggest getting a bigger one with the correct GVWR door stickers. We prefer the shortbed more for practicality and looks. The only thing we wish we had was the SRW 3500s fuel tank. LOL.
The new model Silverado 3500 also does not come in a sb.

FWIW, all the mods noted above do not make this truck a SRW 3500, it is modified 2500, and still restricted to the 2500 numbers on the stickers.
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Old 05-09-2007, 03:25 PM   #8
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Well, I still have some time for Chevy to come to the rescue. Thanks for the input.
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Old 05-09-2007, 04:07 PM   #9
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That long wheel base comes in handy at times and gives a better ride.I know their are negatives with garage parking and Etc but I have never regreted buying the Lb.Last week hauled our Golf Cart to the camp ground you can close the tail gate.As my friend told me when I was debating SB/LB he said "If you what a truck get a TRUCK" just my 2 cents
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Old 05-09-2007, 06:11 PM   #10
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I agree with Ken, I have a CC/LB and can load 3 motorcycle with no problem and the larger fuel tank is a added bonus. It gives a better ride but it is a problem with the parking thing.
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Old 05-10-2007, 04:07 PM   #11
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I agree that their are advantages both ways. I might even look at the club cab vs. the crew cab. I need to go back and look at the overall length.
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Old 05-11-2007, 11:57 AM   #12
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I think you have to weigh the pros and cons of shortbed vs longbed as they apply to you. Either can be the right choice for your needs. We rarely haul anything in the bed and don't have nor want the extra weight in a fuel tank (we can't go that long without stopping anyhow), so for us the shortbed is the better choice. So long as it's no less than 6 1/2 feet, anyhow. Our current truck's bed is 6 3/4 feet and it works very well for us. We like being able to park it more easily, though it's not as easy as parking a car, obviously. Our 156" wheelbase rides very nicely so we have no complaints. That doesn't mean I wouldn't buy a longbed. It just means the shortbed is my preference. To each his own on this one.
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Old 05-12-2007, 06:52 AM   #13
Grumpy-1
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Sometime back, I ran across a picture of a Fifth wheel sitting on the tailgate of a station wagon or SUV, and the guy had wedged a large piece of wood between the underside of the tailgate and the hitch receptacle below. I have told several of my friends who do trail rides here in Houston and they all want to see the pics for a good laugh.

Now for the problem: I can't find the pictures anywhere. Can anyone help? I thought someone might know which pictures I am talking about and direct me to the location.

Thanks

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Old 05-12-2007, 08:49 AM   #14
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quote:Originally posted by rames14

I agree that their are advantages both ways. I might even look at the club cab vs. the crew cab. I need to go back and look at the overall length.
My last several trucks were extended cabs (club cabs)...according to GM's literature, the cc is only seven inches longer. I figured at 21', what difference does another 7" make and got the cc.
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Old 05-14-2007, 03:21 PM   #15
sreigle
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To us the crewcab has many advantages over our supercab trucks. Groceries sit inside and don't fly out or get wet. Our teen-aged grandaughters fit without being scrunched up and uncomfortable. We can take friends with us to dinner or sightseeing. But, once again, this is a personal preference item.
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