Short Bed, Standard Bed or Long Bed - Why?

[dieselscout80]

Had regular cab trucks with 8’ bed first. Then I got an extended cab short bed (6’), then a k3500 crew cab SRW with a 8’ bed. The pain of parking it was the deciding factor in my next couple trucks.

I first got another 2500 reg cab 8’ bed and it was like a sports car compared to my k3500, but next to nothing fit in the cab, but the bed space is great for hauling hay and such.

My current truck is a Ram 2500 Crew cab short bed. The parking is better than the k3500 due to the length and it hauls longer materials okay, but less hay.

That said it would be hard for me to go back to a CC 8’ bed truck.

 

[dputnam01]

I need the extended bed to transport my extended family

 

[Marshall]

on the farm, I usally wanted 8 ft, made 12 ft one time just because?
Was great, thought abut a tag axel, but that are useless in mud and snow.
Last 3 rams have been 6.4 boxes and quad cab as we don't need a big back seat any more.

 

[Guitar Guy]

I always bought the quad cab with 6'4" short bed. Couldn't get one this time around and had to settle for the crew cab with 5'7" "wannabe a truck" bed. It is an ongoing annoyance! I am happy to sacrifice the rear seat space for additional bed space. The quad cab is roomy enough, especially when most of the time kids are in the back.

 

[1stindoor]

I grew up with a long bed. I have the 6'4" in my MegaCab. Anything less would be too small.

 

[JoeGravel]

Another reason to go with a 6'4" on the 1500 is the 33-gallon tank, which you're much more likely to find on a 6'4" than a 5'7". The 5'7" seems easier to maneuver, being slightly shorter with a tighter turning radius. If you're off-roading, the extra 9" of wheelbase in the 6'4" slightly increases the chance of a high-center hangup. I think the front and rear overhangs are the same, so approach and departure angles shouldn't be affected (unless you're in the whoops, and then the wheelbase affects both).

 

[Fritter]

I have the CC with 5’7” bed. I was looking for a 6’4” bed but the dealership said they couldn’t find one quickly without looking at each vehicle sticker for that level of detail. This turned out to be incorrect info since the VIN has a code for it.
The shorter bed has been adequate for my actual usage so far. I’ve been able to get things where they are needed. I wanted the 6’4” bed as a possible sleeping platform when out and about - a tent as sufficed for now. Biggest issue is payload in a 1500 so next vehicle will be a 2500 with a 6’4” bed. And hopefully tow a travel trailer one day.

 

[dennisok]

Nothing beats a 8' bed for towing a fifth wheel. Its just more stable on windy days and rides better when you are cruising the interstate.

It is a PIA to park though. I mostly back into the parking space.

 

[kkgkeane]

I'm on my 2nd quad cab with the 6'4" bed. This size bed allows be to carry up to 3 adult bikes using a homemade bike stand (actually have fit 4 in) and still close the bed rear gate

 

[VernB]

I have a 2022 RAM 1500 with the 6.5 bed and I hate it, I've always had an 8' bed and want it back! I hate that you have to buy an HD or special order any truck to get the 8' bed. I like the looks and functionality of the bigger bed, wait until you buy a mattress or box spring and try and fit it in anything less. It doesn't work! Most trucks have become SUVs and I don't see any change in the future, unfortunately.

 

[suicideking]

I have a 2022 RAM 1500 with the 6.5 bed and I hate it, I've always had an 8' bed and want it back! I hate that you have to buy an HD or special order any truck to get the 8' bed. I like the looks and functionality of the bigger bed, wait until you buy a mattress or box spring and try and fit it in anything less. It doesn't work! Most trucks have become SUVs and I don't see any change in the future, unfortunately.

I'm surprised you can even get the long bed with the 3.6. Is yours the quad cab?

 

[Marshall]

I need the extended bed to transport my extended family
View attachment 563501

Great picture, you really need the mega cab, thou I have always thought they look terrible.

 

[1stindoor]

Blasphemy! My border collies love my Mega Cab because the back seats fold down flat creating a nice area for them.