Extended Cab SWB Stability

[Archive]

Howdy gents,



I just had a quick question regarding towing with the 2500 4WD extended cab SWB model. Does the shorter wheel base negatively effect towing stability? I'm currently driving a '93 W250 extended cab long-bed and like the stable ride when towing the horse trailer but it is a real pain to park and put in the garage.

I just wondered if my next truck were to be a shorter version, would I be sorry when towing at freeway speeds.

Thanks for the help,



Marley

 

[thouse]

I have a 99 with a short bed. I tow a 10,000 # boat, or a 8,000 # fifth wheel. Both tow great, I can run 75, and you don't know that they are there.

 

[cullyguy]

I have an 01 quad cab / SB, tow a 8,500lb Boat. No problems @ any speeds. Much nicer for backing up, than my previous long bed extended cab.

 

[LSMITH]

I have a shortbed QC also. I have never had any problems with stability and it is very convenient in parking lots and things like that. The downside is there is a real lack of bed room in the SB. It seems that everything you haul needs the gate down and the ratchet straps on it. Put a GN or 5th wheel hitch in a SB, the bed is gone really. This is my first and last SB. I am going to get the bedspace back all the time rather than it being convenient part of the time. My opinion, hope it helps.

 

[chuck3]

No problems Here.

Actually the wheelbase on the QC SB is 4in longer than the long bed reg. cab truck.

 

[WCrovo]

I tow a combined weight of 18,500 to 20,000 and stability has never been a issue at any speed or road. There are times I wish I had a long bed but not often enough to put up with the inconvience of a long bed QC. No matter what you get you will be happy esp if it is a CTD. You may miss the long bed.

 

[JIM S.]

so if the long bed reg. cab is the shortest, then mine should be the worst, but I have pulled a 24' gooseneck loaded with a 97 CC LB CTD and it was quite stable. on the other hand when I pulled my 37' 5-th wheel trailer home it was pretty wobbly! I think the trailer makes more difference than the truck!... ..... a horse trailer would tow just fine. Jim

 

[Big K]

rear axle weight

IMO, most towing problems with the swb will stem from the lack of weight on the rear axle. It's so light back there, that it's easily pushed around. If your trailer is set up properly, then you should have no problem. If not, then trouble is on the way. Been there, done that, fixed that.

 

[DavidD]

Marley, I tow a 10-11lbs. horse trailer with a quad-cab SWB. I hae never had any sway or stability problems in wind or with wieght. The only compalint I have is when and not very often i drive on the cement freeways of calif. The truck seems to be just the right wheel base to bounch between the joints in the cement. I is great though around town to park and turn! I wouldnt trade for a LWB !! Dave

 

[JSoloman]

I haven't towed with anything but a SWB. I don't have 6 acres to manuever into is the main reason... . also the short bed just looks better. No problems at all. I've towed boats, horse trailers, goose neck flat beds and my 5th wheel. Works great.