Irish Kid

I am trying to decide on trading a 2016F-150 short bed for the same truck with long bed. I have been told that the long bed tows a lot better than the short ones. Anyone have any advice of this?

redneck wrencher

While this is generally true, I have no issues towing with a properly set up 4 point WDH on my 5.5 ft bed SCrew.

acdii

^^what he said^^

Key words, Properly Set Up. A properly setup SB will handle much better than a poorly setup LB. The tradeoffs are difficult parking, wider turning radius, and wont fit in most garages.

OTOH having that extra foot in the bed makes it easier to transport larger items, something I wish I had thought of when buying.

Norotso

In my case I also lost a couple 100# of payload because of the extra weight in vehicle. That being said when I needed the extra space for whatever it was nice to have. Choose your truck based on payload, more is better.

Dirttracker18

All things being equal, a long bed will be more stable.

It is certainly a personal opinion for the rest.

FWIW
I would never want the short bed again, I am so sick of the lack of space. I would gladly giving up turning radius for more space.

thrifty biil

FWIW, long bed standard cab, 5.5 ft bed Supercrew, and 6.5 ft bed Supercab all are same wheelbase and overall length, or at least they were on my 2010.

Ideal truck for me would be the Supercrew with the 6.5 foot bed. Since I only buy used, I compromised on a Supercab instead.

Now a standard cab short bed is shorter.

Siskiyou

I would rather have the 6.5' bed but in parking lots and garages it creates a problem, on the plus side I won't be asked to move peoples couches and large items as much. I purchased one of those bed extenders that goes in the hitch to haul my 10 and 12' wood for my woodworking. I towed my loaded 24' 6500lb travel trailer this past weekend and it towed well but I am going to add air bags because on some bad roads I think it could still handle a little better.

untraceable

I certainly think it helps. Brother upgraded to a 157 screw and after both of us had/have 145 scabs, I can say it certainly doesn't hurt


Plus that 6.5' box is where its at

Barristersteve

When I got my 2010, the Screw with 6.5' bed got you the 136 litre (36 gallon) fuel tank vs the 96 litre (26 gallon) on the 5.5' bed. 40% more fuel while you are towing heavy long distances makes it worth any parking difficulties. Check if there are different fuel tanks available for the new trucks based on box length.

berty

nothing to do with bed size, I have short bed and 36 gallon tank.


OP bed size will mostly have no effect on your towing. If anything, a larger bed gives you a wider turning radius (which makes it more difficult to maneuver). Think about things that WILL change (space in garage, parking spots, extra space in bed, etc)