robbgt

I find it humorous how defensive some get about bed size. "It's not a pickup unless it has a X' bed!!"

Well, the Super Duty guys are laughing at us. With GVWRs up to 14k and payloads that could carry our trucks....in the bed. The Class 8 guys are laughing at everyone.

Relax, there's something for all.

nickf2005

@fastrz I'm glad you ask the question. I'd be willing to bet that a fair number of trucks these days are family haulers, as well as (possibly even instead of) cargo haulers. I remember growing up in the early 90's and anytime we'd want to take the four wheeler to Grandma/Grandpa's house, my mom and dad would have to drive separate. My dad's 1983 regular cab wasn't exactly the roomiest of vehicles for a family of 5. Luckily, we only lived 15 minutes from both sides, so it wasn't that big of a deal.

Today, while we only have one kid (4), we've managed to load up the cab solely while leaving the bed empty, like around Christmas time with gifts to protect them from the elements. There's been a few times, like this past weekend, where we needed every bit of my 6.5' bed to haul it and us somewhere. And, we've managed to completely fill the cab (5 people) AND bed with everything but the kitchen sink to go on vacation.

I just find it completely closed minded with statements such as "it's a truck and not a car". I completely understand why some folks end up with a 5.5' bed. One, because, honestly, 85% of the SCREWS out there are made that size. Two, folks are balancing the needs/service of their trucks. These things can be $50,000 and should be driven often and used more than just when dad wants to haul a 2x4. If a short bed, SCREW works for somebody's situation, why should any of us speak in a negative tone about it? We're not paying for it.

I really wish the forum would let me resize pictures...

Bosro

I dont need a crew cab....but I do need a 6.5ft box.
Why I buy a Supercab.
Hauling bikes....yeah you can do it with the bed extender but gravel kicks the crap out of the tailgate,I know.
I can put 2 or 3 bikes on the back and have the tailgate half up....makes a huge difference on damage from gravel.
Camping for a week....I take alot of stuff.
Everyone has different needs....

fx4_seafan

Agreed. Only reason I would have bought a crew cab would have been for the "resale" and the possibility of starting a family in the next couple of years. But the deal came up on a new to be Supercab with the motor I wanted, so it all worked out. My dad has a ccsb and always calls me when he needs to haul anything with length.. Only way I would buy a Crew cab is if it was the 6.5 box. Just seems more useful for what I need a truck for. (Atvs, snowmobiles, etc)

Ynot4me2

The super Crew is also huge interior storage. We live where there is harsh winters and when heading up to the cottage in the winter just me and DW, everything is stored in the rear seat so nothing freezes.
This is my first time owning a 5.5, some say it looks better. Im 50/50 on that as I also like the 6.5. Some say its easier to park. I 99.9% of the time park backing up and IMHO havent seen a difference.
But I do miss the extra foot of box for when we bring the ATV or go fishing or... However these are not everyday activity. Now we just bought a TT and I could use extra wheel base for added stability. Not a must have but a nice to have.
Our garage is 40 x 50 so space is not an issue for us but I could see why someone that is tight on space go with 5.5.
Like someone said, we all have different taste and different needs but is sure is nice that we have a choice now.

logical

I've had both and know I found the 5.5 box inconvenient too often so I went 6.5 and am fortunate to have the garage space to live with it. If you have the shorter box and don't find it frustrating then it is the right box for you. Bigger holds more stuff no matter how you spin it...but most people really don't need the room. Like others have mentioned, stacking a dozen 8' 2x4's diagonally and being able to close the gate is a nice feature. I always have some sort of home project going and it does make a difference in convenience.

BoomerD

I just "upgraded" from an 18 XLT with the 5.5' bed to a 19 with the 6.5' bed. (Bed size was only one of the many reasons) I hauled a metric fck-ton of stuff in the short bed...lumber up to 12' long (Gotta be creative in tying it down since more is hanging over the tailgate than inside the bed) :p, dirt, rocks, used it to help when we moved once...but, yeah, open-air SUV is still pretty accurate for most people who buy them.
The new truck feels a bit...heavier...but that could also be from the max tow package and Lariat package...both add a bit of weight...and, yes, the turning radius is definitely a bit longer...but the truck also feels more stable and the ride is smoother.

The "old" truck wouldn't fit in the garage anyway...(something She Who Must Be Obeyed won't let me forget)

Probity

I’ve had both a 6.5’ bed Screw and currently a 6.5’ bed Scab. Didn’t really consider a 5.5’ bed Screw because it’s not what I wanted. As everyone else has noted, what cab/bed configuration you end up with is purely a function of family size, how you wanna use your truck, and what your parking arrangements are (or you’re willing to live with).

When people asked me why I got a 6.5’ bed Screw, my standard answer was “because I can’t get a ˝ ton Screw with an 8’ bed”. At the time I lived in the country, had a large garage (30’ x 60’ so covered parking not an issue), made a lot of 400+ mile runs with the bed full (loved the highway ride quality you get with long WB trucks), typical urban parking issues (poor turning radius, land yacht truck length) not an everyday problem.

Then a changed life situation (wife illness) necessitated a move to a more cityfied area. Smaller house/garage (goodby garaged parking for a 157" WB Screw), mainly stop-and-go city driving, lots more high-rise garage/narrow street parking, no more long road trips. But I still wanted a standard 6.5’ bed as I had a lot of cargo moving involved with relocating. A Scab fit the bill.

Durling91

I want a 6.5 but my 5.5 is paid for sooo I'll deal with the smaller bed lol! Honestly I back in to parking spaces all the time so a 6.5 bed probably wouldn't make much of a difference.
All it takes is that one time hauling something to
Curse having the short bed.

bbrasse1

I love my 8 ft bed, but I use my bed a lot.