reason903

I am thinking of buying the new 2015 F150 with the 3.5 v6 Ecoboost. Primary concern other than it being a v6(as always been a v8 guy) is should I get the 6.5 bed or the 5.5 bed. I know for most it is all about looks, but my question is to those of you that tow. I have a 30ft boat and will the extra 11 inches of wheelbase make a big difference for me? Any help with experience would be appreciated.

Thank you!

EventHorizon

Don't really know what it would do for your towing numbers but the 157" will be more sway resistant. The down side would be less maneuverability especially when backing but it would also be heavier. Personally I'd go with the 157" as I find the 5'6" bed useless for my needs and I've never heard someone say "man I wish by bed was a foot shorter".

acadianbob

^^ x2.

ford15012

X3. The 2012 F-150 I recently traded had the 5.5' bed. That truck was the first, and last I had/will own with a bed that short. It's pretty much useless for hauling any sizable cargo. And as previously mentioned, the longer the wheelbase, the more sway-resistant the truck.

PerryB

X5. I see a pattern developing here.

brulaz

For me 145" is better for parking lots and backing the trailer into tight corners.
But the 6.5' bed is essential. That's why we got the SCab.

smokeywren

The main reason to buy (or order) your new 2015 F-150 with the "long" bed is you want the Heavy Duty Payload Package for dragging that heavy boat without being overloaded. And the HD Payload Package is not available with 145" wheelbase in the USA (I don't know about Canada). So on a SuperCrew you must order at least the 157" wheelbase (6.5' bed) and on a SuperCab you must order at least the 163.7" wheelbase (8' bed).


Max tow package is required on F-150 with EcoBoost engine and HD Payload Package, so you'll have a good towing machine when you get it. But the shorty beds are out.

brulaz

Think the shortest WB with HD payload is the Reg Cab and 8' bed.
That used to have 145" wheelbase, but in 2015 they shortened it further to
141". I hear there's now even less space behind the seats, so it becomes even less attract to me.

acadianbob

Me too! Big difference in the parking lot.

An old rule of thumb is divide your wheelbase in inches by 5. The result is guidance on the number of feet long for a trailer. So, 145/5=29 ft trailer.