Long bed vs short bed for 5.0?

[breeves2245]

Wearing my self out trying to get the best configuration to add a truck camper to my RV arsenal. Have the 5.0 and don't want to go from a 1/2 ton to a 3/4 or one ton.

Thought about the topper truck campers but know I won't be satisfied with the lack of amenities, plus I want to take off the truck camper with all the internals in place to prepare for the fifth wheel hitch.

So I thought about trading in my 2022 Ram 1500 ext cab with 6.4 bed for a single cab with a 8' bed. Ram, Ford or Chevy. Upping the payload to about 2,300 lbs or so, giving me plenty of extra payload capacity that I prefer.

Question - I don't have to get an 8' bed, could make do with a 6' for the truck camper. As far as the 5.0 towing goes, does it matter much between an 8' vs 6' bed?

 

[occer]

Not really. The 5.0 works with all lengths of truck beds - 5'6" - 6'4" - 8'.
The 5th wheel hitch is located the same distance starting at the back of the truck.

When they mount a rail system they use the same measurement from the rear of the bed no matter the bed length.

 

[breeves2245]

Okay, thanks for the feedback. I will keep my Andersen Ultimate hitch and get a B&W turnover ball installed into whatever truck I get.

 

[GinoandLinda]

The only issue you will run into with the 8’ bed is maneuverability. A 5.0 with a 6.5’ bed will be easier to get into tight spaces.

 

[jimvanbo]

Okay, thanks for the feedback. I will keep my Andersen Ultimate hitch and get a B&W turnover ball installed into whatever truck I get.

This may not affect you, but the B&W turnover ball is incompatible with the dual-exhaust on a Ford F-150 shortbox. My installer 'made' it work for me, with some extra spacers, and the exhaust had to have one hanger removed, but it's not 'supported' by B&W.