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Old 09-30-2018, 06:14 PM   #1
ptpick
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Short box or long box

I am looking to upgrade my truck pulling our 5er. We have a 2013 Ram 2500 CC, SRW, Diesel, 6 speed manual, long box, pulling a 2017 35' Sprinter wide body. I need an automatic. I am staying with a Ram at this point but investigating going to a short box. What is the pros and cons, preferences and disadvantages? Any thoughts would be helpful.
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Old 09-30-2018, 07:53 PM   #2
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I like our short box. #1 It fits in the garage. #2 It's more maneuverable. #3 Have had no clearance issues between the truck and the trailer.
If your Sprinter will clear the truck cab in a tight turn, I'd go short box.
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Old 09-30-2018, 08:04 PM   #3
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To me a short box is deal breaker! I have a 18” flush to the rails tool box, so if I ha a short box then a really SB for home duty’s.
Just got DD to buy a 2004 Ram Quad cab LB for towing a four Horse trailer. Great truck wish I had it.
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Old 09-30-2018, 10:03 PM   #4
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I have never been sorry with the purchase of our Long Box! And it is our "daily driver."
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Old 10-01-2018, 04:38 AM   #5
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I did not want a short box but now glad I bought it. A little harder to park but you get used to it.
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Old 10-01-2018, 05:09 AM   #6
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If you can't manage a long box how do you manage truck and trailer combo? As far as parking just park a bit further out and get some exercise by walking that extra distance
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Old 10-01-2018, 02:49 PM   #7
ptpick
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Must not of explained well, sorry. I have no issue with the long box driving, parking, backing or otherwise. As I mentioned I need to eliminate the 6 speed manual and go to automatic which will be the Aisin. Just trying to decide, short or long box this time. All your comments are helpful. It looks like it really comes down to personal preference since $$ is very marginal between the two.
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Old 10-01-2018, 03:29 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ptpick View Post
Must not of explained well, sorry. I have no issue with the long box driving, parking, backing or otherwise. As I mentioned I need to eliminate the 6 speed manual and go to automatic which will be the Aisin. Just trying to decide, short or long box this time. All your comments are helpful. It looks like it really comes down to personal preference since $$ is very marginal between the two.
And, whether it will fit in the garage
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Old 10-01-2018, 04:33 PM   #9
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Other question is whether you need a crew cab or can get by with a super cab. The super cab long box is about the same length as the crew cab short box. Still get the extra seating when needed.
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Old 10-12-2018, 10:06 PM   #10
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I bought a 2016 GMC 3500 Short bed. I pull a 36’ fifth wheel using an Anderson hitch. Other than Putting my new fifth wheel through the back window of my new truck on my first trip I’m happy with the short bed.
I just don’t turn as tight any more.
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Old 10-17-2018, 08:43 AM   #11
Alamen
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I bought a Pullrite 18k for my F350 shortbox and never have to worry about touching the cab or forgetting to pull a pin to let the hitch slide back in tight turns. Its more expensive but works perfect.
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Old 10-01-2018, 06:47 PM   #12
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I think the new dodge is 76 inches the same length as my standard box GMC. Dodge don't make short bed 69 inch like Chevy. 76 inch is enough clearance for a fiver with scalped corners.
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Old 10-11-2018, 02:20 PM   #13
Howler
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Long vs. Short

IMHO, I prefer the log box for the ride. I had a 2001 F-250, auto, 7.3 diesel pulling a 36 ft 4 draft horse trailer. Good ride, good control.
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Old 10-11-2018, 03:29 PM   #14
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I have a Chevy 3500HD CC DRW, and I tow a 43ft Toy Hauler, when loaded is over 20K, I also in the winter change to a Lance 1181 Truck Camper with a Car Trailer in tow.....Been RVing for over 20 years and have slowly changed RV's (6)Over the years changing Trucks, If I had to do it again, I would have saved money and got a long bed DRW from the start, we said we would never go bigger, but life changes, Jet skis, ATV's, Boat, over the years, so trucks have to adjust with the changes......A lot of people go for the 2500, but when you start getting over 40 ft and weight goes up, your driving and the winds pick up, going from a SRW 2500 to a 3500 DWR is like night and day, big trucks don't move it...ETC. But the main thing is get what is right for you!! Good luck
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Old 10-05-2018, 02:29 PM   #15
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Tough decision

I love my 2017 Super Duty SRW short box. One of the criteria was that it had to fit in our standard residential garage. It's a huge investment and I wanted to protect it. I like the shorter wheelbase for all things non towing. On the other hand it is difficult to haul a street motorcycle and impossible to carry a side by side ATV. I really wrestled with which one to get. Good luck with you research and decision. LOL tight fit!!
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Old 10-11-2018, 07:34 AM   #16
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Short or Long Box

We have a long box crew cab DRW. I love this combo because I can use my 90 gal fuel tank/tool box combo. With 45 gal diesel on board plus 90 gal auxiliary tank, it gives me a practical driving range of over 1,200 miles! Yes, it consumes a lot of space forward of the 5er hitch, but I will sacrifice that space in favor of NEVER having to hunt for a fuel station while in the middle of a trip with our 40' toy hauler in tow!

Parking, driving in town; all are easy as long as you pay attention. The aux tank lets me take advantage of fuel savings, gives me a nice tool box, and gravity feeds into the main tank. The crew cab provides comfortable seating for up to 6. The DRW's allow me to tow anything I want or may buy in the future.

Like trailers, don't under-buy on your truck (and bed space) and regret your decision in the future. We tend to keep our trucks for 10 years or so. I think I'm set for the future.
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Old 10-05-2018, 02:38 PM   #17
cookinwitdiesel
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Long box (and wheelbase) will provide better stability to counter sway, that and the extra turn clearance (if needed) are the "technical" reasons that come to mind.
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Old 10-11-2018, 07:42 AM   #18
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If it will fit your garage, and for the small difference in cost, I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t stick with the long box. As you can see in my signature, I also have a crew cab and duals. I’ve never once regretted the long bed, the crew cab, or the duals. Fantastic towing stability. The only possible disadvantage is that the dually is a lousy plow truck and, even without a plow, those duals are just big snowshoes that will slip and slide all over the place on ice or snow. Did I mention that I also have 4wd???
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Old 10-11-2018, 09:44 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ptpick View Post
I am looking to upgrade my truck pulling our 5er. We have a 2013 Ram 2500 CC, SRW, Diesel, 6 speed manual, long box, pulling a 2017 35' Sprinter wide body. I need an automatic. I am staying with a Ram at this point but investigating going to a short box. What is the pros and cons, preferences and disadvantages? Any thoughts would be helpful.
We have a short box 2500 HD pulling a 39ft Alpine. No problems at all. It helps when going to some parks that have length limits.
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Old 10-11-2018, 10:09 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ptpick View Post
I am looking to upgrade my truck pulling our 5er. We have a 2013 Ram 2500 CC, SRW, Diesel, 6 speed manual, long box, pulling a 2017 35' Sprinter wide body. I need an automatic. I am staying with a Ram at this point but investigating going to a short box. What is the pros and cons, preferences and disadvantages? Any thoughts would be helpful.
We towed our 16K 39'4" Bighorn to Arizona and back twice with out 2015 3500 4x4 CC SB / Aisin. Towing in varying wind conditions without an issue, 93 in Nevada 40 MPH side winds and I-8 from Yuma to San Diego in really strong winds. I would get the 18" rims and not the 20" ones.

Chris
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