Bed length and wheelbase

[Johnstra]

I'm a new TDR member and I'll be bringing home a new CTD today or tomorrow... my first. I've test driven a few and I've done all my homework. I'm getting an 03 QC HO 6Spd 4x4. The last decision I have to make is whether to get the short or the long box. The dealer has one of each; all I have to do is choose. I've driven both and there are things I like about each. My current thinking is that the longer bed is more versatile and since I buy trucks for utility, that's the way I should go. I'm looking for reasons (if any) to go with the short box. Can anyone comment on the mileage characteristics of the long vs short? Are there any TSBs that affect the long and not the short? Anyone feel strongly that the ride characteristics of the short box are superior? Any wisdom you care to share is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

-john

 

[BarryG]

My last truck was a shortbox. This one is a long box. I defintely prefer the longbox. That extra space sure comes in handy when you need it. Not aware of any TSB's that ony affect one or the other. My previous one was a gasser so I can't comment on the mileage aspect. The long is surely a bit heavier but I can't complain about my consistent 17-18mpg in city driving. My gasser would only get 13-14 for the same driving. My only complaints are it wont fit in my garage but that will cerainly vary with your particular garage. In the tight parking lots it is difficult to get in or out of the space but I just park out at the end and have no problems. The last one is parallel parking downtown can be a pain. If I had it to do over again I would still take the long box no question.

 

[RustyJC]

If you're ever going to tow a 5th wheel RV, you'll be glad you got the long bed. A short bed generally requires a special (read, heavy and expensive) slider hitch to keep the 5th wheel RV from hitting the cab when backing and turning.



Rusty

 

[mikel]

I've had three short bed extra cab trucks that I bought new. The current one is a longbed that I bought used. When I first saw this truck I didn't really like the long bed. I figured it would be hard to get around in and I'd always be hitting curbs and such with it.



Now that I've spend a little time with it I won't be buying another short bed truck.



The extra two feet inside the bed are so much more useful than I ever thought they'd be. I have a toolbox in the bed so once that uses up two feet I still have 6 feet to use for junk, unlike the shortbox truck that would only have 4 feet left.



The only downside of it is that it won't reasonably fit in my garage. It does actually fit, but you have to open the garage door to walk around it, there might be 3 inches on either end with the door closed.



Unless you have some specific reason to *need* a shorter truck, I'd recommend the longbed.



Good luck with your decision and enjoy your new truck!



Mike

 

[RBlair]

I've only owned one short bed truck and after that I swore I would never own another. The extra lenght is not hard to get used to and I was constantly finding things to pt back there that would not fit. Like has been stated by others, they don't fit in most garages. I have had some trouble finding a place to align the extended/quad cab long beds but it's not that big of deal. It just forces you to go to a shop that works on heavy trucks and that is a good thing.



Roy

 

[Johnstra]

Thanks for your input, all. Since everyone agreed with the way I was already headed, I went with the long bed (see my signature for details). Guess I'm lucky; it actually does fit in my garage... just had to make some room. Only problem is, my face is sore cause I can't stop grinnin when I drive it the 20 miles up the mountain to my house. Thanks again.

 

[RMcCulloch]

Originally posted by Johnstra

Only problem is, my face is sore cause I can't stop grinnin when I drive it the 20 miles up the mountain to my house. Thanks again.

Get used to it: that ear-to-ear grin is not going to go away very soon.



I oughta know!