Crew Cab Long Bed and everyday driving?

Discussion in 'The Choo-Choo shop' started by 71GSX455-4SPD, May 7, 2012.

  1. 71GSX455-4SPD

    71GSX455-4SPD Nick Serwo Magic Car

    Looking for opinions from those that have crew cab long bed trucks. I'm planning on getting a GMC crew cab (a must) with Duramax power and I had originally considered the short bed. The more I think of it, the more it makes sense, functionally, to get the long bed. My concern is that it's like driving a limo length vehicle! For those of you that drive a long bed crew cab on a regular basis, would you'd do it over? Or would you get the short bed? If the short bed was a bit longer, I could deal with it, but it seems so short to the point of being compromised in many situations.

    I don't work in construction or another field requiring daily bed use (weekend warrior hauling sheetrock, an occasional couch, etc), but this will be my primary means of transportation. I've had several fullsize trucks, including the Avalanche I have now (if it came with a diesel it would be a no-brainer), so it isn't like I'm going from a Smart car to a truck.

    Swinging corners in city traffic? Parking? Does the longer wheel base add or detract from towing an enclosed trailer? Other observations?

    It would be a single rear wheel drive truck- no dually.

    Opinions welcome!

    Thanks!
     
  2. austingta

    austingta Well-Known Member

    The extra 2 feet won't make much difference in city driving, but it will exacerbate the problem you (and I) already have parking at the store. An even bigger deal will be the much rougher ride you will have compared to your Avalanche. You have a Suburban / Tahoe ride now, and the truck will be rough. And the cost of diesel...ouch.
     
  3. mrad

    mrad Mark R

    I have a 2011 GMC 1ton crew with the shorter bed. LOVE IT! It is my daily driver also. Took it to Phoenix for a long weekend. Took it to Florida for the winter. Great trips!!
    Just as good a ride as my 2008 1/2 ton. They really upgraded the suspension for 2011. Plus, up here in Minnesota by going to a 1 ton my tags only cost 130 a year versus
    760 or so for a 1/2 or 3/4 ton. Yes my truck is the HD with the 6.6 Duramax and Allison Trans. Totall fuel average at this time 16 mpg with over 20 on the highway.
    If I had the long bed, it would be a real sucker parking in lots. it already is more difficult due the larger turning radius.
    Mark
     
  4. staged70

    staged70 RIP

    My experience was that the extra length was a big PIA when manouvering the trailer, parking because lots are now designed for Honda Accords. That said traffic was not a problem and the longer wheel base made for better towing. My Dually was a smoother ride than my newer GMC 2500. My garage in on an alley with a 90 degree turn at one end and well the radius was a real problem.
     
  5. 71GSX455-4SPD

    71GSX455-4SPD Nick Serwo Magic Car

    OK, I'm convinced to stay with the short box. 99% of the time it'll be fine. I could add one the bed extender flip out deals if I need extra length and use the tailgate to gain that.

    Thanks for the input!
     
  6. nick rabi

    nick rabi Well-Known Member

    Ken,
    I just got a Chevy 2012 2500 HD Crewcab with the short bed which is actually a 6'.5"bed length.This is the 3rd Chevy/GMC truck I've owned. Had a 2001 & a 2006 & the '12 is by far the nicest driving/handling/towing truck out of the 3.As I do not use it as a daily driver ,I opted for the 6.0 gas motor which is a pig on fuel but, I could not justify the extra 10k for the Duramax as I only put on about 6K miles per year..Happy shopping!!!!Lots of incentives/rebates being offered now.
     
  7. nekkidhillbilly

    nekkidhillbilly jeffreyrigged youtube channel owner

    mine a shortbed..............last one i will ever buy. ive drove the extra 1.5 foot doesnt make it any harder to drive but that extra space fuel capacity ride all come in handy. i dont want to have to pull my trailer everytime i buy something over 7 feet long anymore. also i run a cover with the 8 foot bed i can load it with lumber and not get it wet.
     
  8. racenu

    racenu Well-Known Member

    In the diesel, no regrets buy the long bed..i had a short box diesel and got rid of it.

    The diesels a work truck, 75psi in the tires (thanks tire moniter system) and short box makes it a rougher ride. Resale may also be better on long box as the goosneck trailer folks and contractors look for the long box plus you will always find a way to fill the 8' box. Short box for 1/2 tons:TU:
     
  9. online170

    online170 Well-Known Member

    I have a crew cab and short bed (the ford 5.5ft) and use it as a daily driver. Wonderful to drive BUT The bed is totally useless. My 1996 Van was handier to haul stuff around. There are far too many times ive run out of space in the back, and I dont tow or do heavy truck things that regularly.

    My freind has a REGULAR cab 8ft bed diesel ford, and he always finds a way to use the space. He lives out in the country, so 90% of his driving is on the highway or large parking lots.

    That being said, I think the answer to this question depends LARGELY on how you use the truck. If youre in metropolis often, maybe not as easy to manoevre. If you live in the outskirts of the city then why not. Heavy hauler Semi trucks go through tight city centers all the time, so how hard could it be.

    I agree that if its a diesel its a heavy hauler, and you will miss the long bed.
     
  10. nekkidhillbilly

    nekkidhillbilly jeffreyrigged youtube channel owner

    the length of the truck never gives me problems but with a chevy like mine it has horrible wheel lock to lock space and thats where i run into problems. i can park or take tight turns in my brother in laws ex cab dodge dually easier than i can my duramax even though mine is the same length and not as wide. other than some of the parking lots/parking garages i have no problem in a large city. that said ive got it in everywheres i wanted sometimes its tight but doable. with a trailer it dont matter your not parking in but certain places anyhow.
     
  11. MN GS455

    MN GS455 Well-Known Member

    I have a GMC crew cab, long box, 1 ton duallie. It has been in storage for two years now because I only use it to pull the race trailer and I'm racing my boat now instead of the car for a while. It is just so impractical to drive in any kind of traffic or in the city that I don't even consider taking it out for anything. My Tahoe hauls all if the other trailers just fine.

    That said, man, I love driving it and hauling the big box. Nothing says "get outta my way" like 55 feet of truck and trailer!
     
  12. austingta

    austingta Well-Known Member

    So is that boat a Riviera or an Electra?
     
  13. 68TriShield

    68TriShield Have a Cigar!

    It's eight feet long with the tailgate down fyi.
    I have yet to not be able to haul something because of the 6-1/2 foot bed.
     
  14. MN GS455

    MN GS455 Well-Known Member


    Ha! It's about the same length!
     
  15. nekkidhillbilly

    nekkidhillbilly jeffreyrigged youtube channel owner

    12 foot sheetrock or roof metal
    anything 16 foot

    not to mention you cant close the tailgate with anything 8 foot so with a load of 2x4s i cant close the cover.
     

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