You can not get a super cab with a 5.5 foot bed unless you want a raptor. As a matter of fact, the 5.5 bed is only offered in the SCrew and the Raptor.

 

Yes, in my practice, there is a huge difference. I just came off of two SuperCabs with 6.5' beds in a row. I now have a SuperCrew with 5.5'.
I thought I would try a SuperCrew this go 'round. I have to say I really do miss the extra bed length. I hate towing, and most of what I do involves 4x8 sheets of something. It is a bummer not having the 6.5'
The shorted bed also drastically affects the angle at which longer items rise out of the back unless you lower the tailgate.

 

I had a 5.5 and never had enough space. Now with 6.5 I can fit everything under the tonneau cover. 157 wheelbase is significanly harder to park and maneuver though. 6.5 screw is more limited in available selection and can be harder to get a deal. I also wanted a 2.7 but they only sell 3.5 in 157.

 

I'll echo what's been said. Had a 2013 crew w/ 5.5' box. New truck is a 2018 crew w/ 6.5' box.

Subjective: Initially thought it looked too long. Now it looks right to me and sometimes the short bed looks too short (although I love the look of a leveled/lifted short bed). This is all personal preference and likely based on what you own.

Objective: Longer bed is marginally harder to park, but not exceedingly so. The turning radius is really where I've noticed the difference. But, again, these trucks are so huge anyway it doesn't really make that big of a difference. I haven't really noticed any extra maneuvers for turning, parking, u-turning, etc. with the longer vs. shorter box.

For me, the longer bed definitely rides smoother, tows smoother, and is more functional for loading it up. I used to subscribe to the "if you need a longer box, pull a trailer" argument because I have a trailer I can pull when needed. However, the 5.5' box fell "short" when you just have a lot of gear/stuff but not the sort of stuff that goes on a trailer. For example, going on a long weekend trip with luggage, golf clubs, baby stroller, dog kennel, and all the other crap you need. At times it was too much for the 5.5' box, but nothing you would ever put on a trailer. The 6.5' box handles those situations perfectly. When I really do have the big loads, i put it on the trailer regardless of the 5.5 vs. 6.5 box.

In summary, at this point, I'd get the longer box again on my next truck.

 

You are a practicing ... ?

I like the 8' beds with SuperCab or Regular Cab for the 4'x8' sheets of whatever.

 

You can get a 2.7 in any config and a 3.5 in any config other than RC.

 

I have a 5.5 SCREW and I'm switching to a 6.5 SCAB. I do a lot of rental properties and metal work. The 5.5 is too short to haul 8' lumber without risk of falling out and cannot haul 10' at all. I am constantly needing a trailer to haul one piece of wood or metal. 6.5 will still be short, but will be just enough to save about 50% of my trailer use. Hauling a motorcycle puts the rear tire on the tailgate and as a result my tailgate has a bow even though I park the bike on a 3/4" plywood 7'X4' plank.

Next factor is SCAB vs SCREW. I find that the limited rear door swing on the SCREW I can actually fit bulkier items in the back of a SCAB with its 170 degree door. Don't care about back seat passengers, so for me a SCAB is actually better in back than a SCREW.

 

Edit: Sorry, that was wrong. Cannot get 2.7 in Screw longbed, Scab 8' bed, or RC 8' bed. Apparently they are too heavy.

 

You need a Scab with 8' bed.

 

You'll notice all the extra space from the crew and not miss the foot behind it.