Long Bed or Short Bed--Your Thoughts?

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Im close to ordering a new Dodge. I know I want a 2001. 5 2500 4x4 QC with a Cummins/Six Speed, sport Pkg. I'd really appreciate any input on whether a Long Bed or Short Bed would be the better choice?

Any Thoughts on Bed length?

Billy

 

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Just my opinion here, but if you are going to get a 3/4 ton pickup that is built for hauling and towing heavy cargo loads, why not get the long bed?

I have the long bed on my 2500 and it has proven itself useful IF you are going to haul stuff in the bed. I have hauled stuff that would not have fit the way I wanted it too if I had a short bed. For few hundred dollars extra that the long bed costs, it's worth it in my judgment. The only drawback is that the long bed increases the wheelbase and that makes parking lot maneuvers more difficult here in SoCal. I always find myself parking very far away from everyone so that I can have my space.

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CJ in RSM, CA
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT Quad Cab, 6spd,ETH,4x2,4. 10 Limited Slip, Trailer tow hitch, long bed

 

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It depends on what you want to do with the truck. For me, I ride motorcycles, so its a no brainer for carrying the bikes. Something to consider, I have found the Dodge to have a pretty good turning radius for its size. I have a QC, LB, 4x4 and it turns better that my 2wd, ext. cab, long bed chev. did. So as far as that goes, the LB is nice. I'd never get anything else, after all, this is a truck, and its nice to be able to use it as such in the event you need to. If you have to park in small lots or spaces a lot, you may then want to reconsider. Good luck.

Craig

 

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Long bed all the way. Otherwise why get a pickup. Short beds have a smaller turning radius and are easier to park. They don't haul as well nor can you easily cary a full size camper. The longer wheel base makes for a smoother better handling ride and the extra space in the box at least justifies having a pickup, even if you don't haul with it.

 

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I kicked this around a couple of years ago before I ordered my 1999 truck. They both have their advantages and disadvantages but the long bed seems to be the choice among people that use fifth wheels and need the extra cargo area. IMO they also look better on a 4x4 due to the higher stance. The long bed truck will probably resale quicker as well. Unless you really need a short bed, I would go with the LWB. Just my . 02.

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2001. 5 2500 QC, ETH/DEE, 4x4, 3. 54 LSD, BFG 295's, Stan's Headers 4" exhaust
Ram Pics

 

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The standing joke in the farming area where I live is that a guy gets a short bed for an excuse not to load/lift anything into the back. Go for the LB,it's nice to haul things with the tailgate closed.

 

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Had one of them ther short beds once. It was a 98 1/2 ton QC. Traded it in on a real truck. I'll never go back.

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2000 RAM 4x4 2500HD Reg cab. Properly valved 5. 9 Cummins. 5 spd. 4. 10 LSD. Stock except for K&N Air Filter.

 

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Long bed for sure! Can haul more, tow fifth wheels without special hitch and can use a normal pickup camper.

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Ron

'96 Club Cab 2500 4x4, 4:10LS, Camper/Tow package, Auto, BD Pressure Loc, Mystery Switch, TST 230/605, Cat under "Test" Cummins Chrome, Mag-Hytec rear and trans covers, Boost, Pyro and trans gauges, Optima Red Tops, All black. Tow 14k HitchHiker triple glide 5th Wheel. Also use 9. 5' Lance camper. NRA Life Member.

 

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I'm with the majority here. I've had both a short and long bed truck. I'll never again own a short bed. I don't always have something in the bed but when I need to carry an 8' piece of lumber or two, all I have to do is throw it in the back and close the tailgate. It also give plenty of room for my 7' fishing pole without having to lay it across the bed.

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Curtis Harris

"JAWS"(The Great White)
1997 Club Cab Dualie
correctly valved 5 speed. White, Brown Manf. brushguard and rear bumper,Sprayed in liner, Stock plate and AFC properly adjusted. That's all for now. More to come. JAWS

 

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If this will be your only truck, get the long bed - 6' beds fill very quickly, and long lumber is difficult to haul safely.

If you already have at least one truck with a long bed, a short bed is much easier to park and maneuver. Long and bulky loads can be carried in the other truck.

Dave

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1994 2500HD 4X4 modified for off-road camping
2001 2500 ETH/DEE QC SB 4X4
Fritz's Dodge Ram Tech Page

 

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As stated earlier, intended usage...

I have a SWB, I fit in parking garages in the urban area I work in, as for hauling...

I got it to Haul "A"... not hay.

Max

 

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I've owned/driven both Dodge SWB & LWB 4WDs in the LA area - Torrance/Long Beach. The SWB has no real advantage - it's the same height & width as a LWB & these are the two problem areas regarding parking. The length just didn't really play into the equation - if I couln't find a spot to parallel park the LWB truck then I wasn't going to find spot to park the SWB.

I also haul motorcycles so the LWB is a definate advantage.

It amazing how much more stuff can be loaded into a long bed than a short bed..... 1. 5 ft makes a pretty big difference.

Brian

 

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I've had both. If you plan to put a tool box in, go with the LB. A SB with a tool box doesn't leave any room for other stuff. The LB is only about 18" longer than the SB. It's also nice to haul stuff with the gate closed. Hey, it's only about 18" longer, but it makes a huge difference when you haul stuff.

Steve

 

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If you are 6'6" or taller the LB is better to sleep in. Weight shouldn't be a problem. If you're real short the SB will be OK as you can sleep crossways. #ad

 

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I vote long bed, hands down, sure it can be a little harder to park, but, I didn't give a short bed as much as a thought when I ordered the 01. 5 Q. C. to replace the 97 ext. cab long box. I like being able to haul anything from plywood sheets to a full dress Harley with the tailgate closed. Thats my $0. 02. #ad

Hmm... plywood sheets on a long bed... watch out for splinters while napping. #ad


[This message has been edited by Samscov (edited 11-17-2000). ]

 

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I vote for the long bed. I've had both. If you use the bed and especially if you have a tool box, go long. My 2 cents. #ad


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Paul G: 99' 2500 SLT QC LB 4x4 5spd

Visit the Southeastern Turbo Diesel Registry(SETDR)

 

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mine is a short bed, and no disrespect to you long bed guys, but i have hauled, towed, and carried everything from gravel to water and pulled boxes and flatbeds, and never wished i had a long bed. yes i know a proper truck is an 8 foot bed, my dad has a proper truck, and i do everything with my shortbed that he does with his. basically it is your preferance and what you do with the truck, however, i do everything with mine, and i do not kick my self for having a shortbed.


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Jeremy Kern
1999 2500HD 4x4 QC,SB, ISB, 5spd, 3. 54LSD, 33x12. 50 cooper STT's Denver off-road bumper with Ramsey RE12000, PIAA series 520, and a bunch of other little things!

 

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Originally posted by RamBill:

I have had both long and short. My last two have been short beds. It is my understanding that you need a SPECIAL hitch any way to pull a 5th wheel or goose neck, so that is not an issue. I use my truck for 4 wheeling in some of the most remote areas of our dear country and that is the reason for the short bed: same wheel base as reg cab long bed: off road turning radius is critical and also U turns are achieved in 3 lanes or 2 lanes and the shoulder even with the 5th wheel. If you are just getting a 4x4 for dry road freeway crusing, use it for hauling, need a bed tool box etc get the long bed.
My $. 02

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2K, 2500,Laramie,Quad,4x4,3:54LSD,auto,reese 15k 5th slider, EISLEY BULL BAR,WESTIN NERFS, TA's,9000's, DD1's,PE-EZ & elbow, ISSPRO pyro & boost, JARDINE 4", DTT VB,TC and COOLER, PAC BRAKE, MAG HYTECH TP, onboard.
pullee #1 26' Arctic Fox 5th
#2 22' car hauler w/ 76 Pinto 392cid or 68 Cyclone GT Cobra Jet FB
NRA,VFW,SASS

[This message has been edited by JNutter (edited 11-17-2000). ]

 

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The long bed intimidated me when I was shopping for my Cummins, but I knew there were "too many" instances when I needed a pickup that a short bed just wouldn't do. Carrying a couch, 8' lumber, pinball machines, etc - all of it easier with a long bed, but doable with a short-bed.

It all comes down to two things - parking, and hauling. If you live in town, you might want the short bed. Otherwise, go long, baby!

Greg


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Y2K Dodge Cummins QC 2500 SLT Laramie 4x4 Long Bed, 4. 10/Auto, Forest Green/Driftwood, 265x75R16 Michelin LTX, 6 speaker CD, Camper/Tow/Plow Packages, Westin Black Nerfs, Mopar bedliner, Ultra bright diamondplate toolbox, K&N Filtercharger.

http://www.rints.com/hammond for photos!

Not Bombed yet!

 

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The longer the better. Tool box, extra fuel tank,... . Plus you can carry 8' to 10' items
and friends and neighbors will be more likely to ask for your help when moving. Especially neighbors when you bring your Dodge Diesel home the first week.