Good day everyone, unfortunately I had to sell my 2011 Screw last year as I was going to work in Ottawa for a year and was told by the hotel that there wasn't enough parking room for a pickup truck.

Now I've returned home and want to get back in a F-150 Screw. My last truck I had the 5.5 foot box and now I'm looking at the 6.5 foot box but am not sure if its worth it.

The look of the 5.5 is nicer and I was told easier to maneuver (can't say for myself as I've never had the 6.5). On a few occasions I got stuck having to leave the tailgate down because of 6 foot furniture boxes (seem everything is made for 6 foot) and the content was open to the weather (I had a tonneau cover). We are also campers and I know if we go up to a fifth wheel I will need either a special mobile hitch or a pin extender if I get the 5.5 box.


I found, online, the turning radius of the 5.5 vs the 6.5 (on the Screw) and there is only 4 feet difference. I know 4 feet is not much but it can feel like a mile when driving around town and getting in to parking spots.


Has anyone driven both sizes and can you give me some insight?


Thank a lot for your info and experiences.

 

I have a 5.5 bed and usually anything that you have to put the tailgate down for in a 5.5 bed, you will probably have to do the same in a 6.5 bed.... most of the time. I think the 6.5 bed with a super crew cab look way too long... but a 5th wheel, I would probably opt for the 6.5

 

5th wheel, I would opt for a 250

 

I have had both (2010 SCREW with 5.5, 2013 SCREW with 6.5), I only noticed the turning was different for about a month. Both trucks are big and parking can be a pain with either truck so to me it didn't make any difference.

I prefer the 6.5 for hauling stuff, too many times in the 5.5 I had issues with camping gear not fitting or having to jimmy it in places to make it work, less issues with the 6.5 for me.

I prefer the looks of the 6.5 box but that is just a preference (our town also has tons of lifted trucks etc so a 5.5 just looks tiny).

 

I prefer 6.5. I think they look better on super crew and super cabs. I would definitely get a 6.5 if you plan on putting a tool box on too.

 

Ive only owned 6.5' boxes but have driven a 5.5 as well. My brother has the identical truck to mine with the shorter box. I find my truck rides much smoother, the 5.5' jumps around way to much. I personally prefer the looks of a 6.5' box as well. . Not to mention the functionality for anyone that uses the trucks for construction work purposes.

 

I park my truck in my garage every night so I wanted the 5.5 to save a little space. The 6.5 would fit, but it would be tighter.

I also own a 99 XLT Crew Cab with a 6 foot bed that I use often when hauling stuff so that helps.

Neither of those things were probably helpful to you though.

 

Thank you all for the info, I remember pulling my travel trailer (28ft and way under the weight limit at 5200lbs) slightly rocking back and forth so maybe the smoother ride point could become a factor in my decision.

 

Welcome to the forum baren. IMHO, depending on the size of the camper you may be better off with the longer wheelbase of the Super Crew Cab w/6'.5". Of course that's if you are looking at a SCREW (Super Crew).

Like Ryan said, they are both huge trucks when you're in a parking area, so you have to get used to that. So, if you start out with a 6'.5" you won't know the difference.

 

I have a supercrew with 6 1/2ft bed. Drove a 16 supercrew with 5 1/2ft bed for a few weeks while my truck was having warranty work done to it. The 5 1/2ft bed truck was easier to park, but I have gotten used to my bigger truck now and can park it just as easy. I usually back into spaces, or pull through. That or I just park farther out and double park length wise.