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Old 01-13-2018, 08:14 AM   #1
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F250 length choices for 5th wheel

I know this has been discussed but am currently limited to my phone and didn't find it.

I'm planning on downsizing to a 2018 F250 since I downsized to a little cruiser aire. My concern is length. I can't wait to be rid of the dually hips but wouldn't mind being a little shorter. I may be stuck with a crew cab for option selection and dog hauling but can I get away with the smaller bed? I. Urrently have a long bed with an aux fuel tank taking up about 8". My hitch is not a slider but I really like it and don't want to replace it. Is it practical to live with minimal turn radius or not? I know you have to be conscious of the limited turning but is it a deal breaker with the shorter bed.

My '06 steers like a cow so I'm wondering if its less of a problem with a 2018. I'm guessing not but would appreciate any thoughts on the subject. Thanks.,
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Old 01-13-2018, 09:00 AM   #2
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I have a slider hitch with my 2011 F350 and short bed crew cab. I’ve only needed the slider once. The 6’ 9” bed allows a bit more room than most short bed trucks. The profile of new fifth wheels at the front make using the slider irrelevant in 99% of situations. I did upgrade to the Titan 50 gallon undermount fuel tank five years ago to compensate for the smaller tank in the short box trucks.
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Old 01-13-2018, 01:28 PM   #3
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Well first of all I’ve never pulled a 5er with a Ford. Not that theirs anything wrong with Fords. I’ve owned Chevrolet’s and Fords. Just never pulled a camper with one. That being said I’ve always towed with Chevrolet 2500 short beds. I’ve also always owned Reese Kwik-sliders. However, in 20+ years towing 5ers I’ve only actually used the sliders twice. The longest I’ve pulled with my Chevrolet short beds is a 36’ Crossroads 5er. I now own a 2016 25’ Cruiser Aire (well they call it a 25’ but it measures a little over 29’) with my 2500 and even though I still own a Reese Kwik-slider I don’t foresee needing the slider due to how the front 5er corners are sloped instead of older models that were more square. I can jack knife mine with the short bed and not touch the cab. Hope this helps.
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Old 01-14-2018, 07:14 AM   #4
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Thanks for the encouraging advice. I avoid extreme situations anyway so the short bed will probably work fine. Due to the tank in the front of the bed, I will try to do some angle measurements to see just how much room I have. It would be nice to have a decent sized second vehicle instead of an imperial star destroyer that rarely gets driven when at home. Anyone else have an opinion?
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Old 01-14-2018, 09:36 AM   #5
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Unless you are set on a f250, and a diesel, my f150 Eco Boost would handle your setup. I have the super crew with a 6 1/2 ft. box. The new models are rated for more yet.
You also would be able to eliminate the fuel tank in the back. The tank on my truck holds 36 gal. I'm usually ready to get out and stretch my legs before it's empty.

Edit
Plus, it turns sharper and rides way better then my old 2003 2500 Duramax.
I Have a slider, but rarely use it. When I have a spot that requires an unusually sharp jack knife when backing, I will slide the hitch. Mainly for piece of mind.
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Old 01-15-2018, 07:37 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lloyd View Post
Unless you are set on a f250, and a diesel, my f150 Eco Boost would handle your setup. I have the super crew with a 6 1/2 ft. box. The new models are rated for more yet.
You also would be able to eliminate the fuel tank in the back. The tank on my truck holds 36 gal. I'm usually ready to get out and stretch my legs before it's empty.

Edit
Plus, it turns sharper and rides way better then my old 2003 2500 Duramax.
I Have a slider, but rarely use it. When I have a spot that requires an unusually sharp jack knife when backing, I will slide the hitch. Mainly for piece of mind.
I'm not really comfortable with a 150 although a lot of people seem to do fine with them. I like a little overkill and want the diesel for power and so I can gas up at truck stops. I'm pretty confident now that your config in a 250 diesel is what I want. Now I need to figure if I can use my old aux fuel tank or not. Thats my favorite part of the old truck- Picking my fuel price and refueling in rest stops for a 1000 miles at a stretch. Maybe a sidewinder pin box with the tank. I'm looking forward to a truck with a less than 80 foot turning radius though.
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Old 01-15-2018, 09:30 AM   #7
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I have a F-250 super cab short bed and can do a 90 if I have to. I don't think you will have room for the fuel tank in the short bed. I have about a foot from the front of the hitch to the headboard,that's the area shortened. I have a large hitch (trailer saver ts3) a smaller may give you a little more room.
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Old 01-15-2018, 10:30 AM   #8
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we had both a 250 and 350 shortbed using a tonno-pro tri-fold bed cover that we left on and just folded in thirds and the 5'er hitch cleared it...
now we did have a pullrite auto slider which we loved since we never had to worry about it ever having an 'Oh-No!'
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Old 01-15-2018, 12:27 PM   #9
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I have an 18,000 lb Trailer saver hitch, not a small hitch but absolutely industrial and I love it. Therefore I will work with it. The aux fuel tank will have to go now that I have looked at the truck but the dealer has someone who will add tanks under the bed. I'm not looking forward to learning the price but its the best option.

Does anyone know the length difference between a crew cab long bed and a supercab short bed?

Also what is the sweet spot on wheelbase for both towing and daily driving? Basically I'm looking for the shortest truck I can get away with and be safe and relatively comfortable while towing.
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Old 01-15-2018, 01:19 PM   #10
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About 5 ft short on the short bed super cab vs the long bed crew cab. As far as ride the longer the wheel base the smoother the ride the short the rougher. I just add the Morryde independent suspension to my fifthwheel plus the air ride hitch,now that's a smooth ride pulling.
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Old 01-16-2018, 01:05 PM   #11
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Something not mentioned here but sometimes necessary...moving the slider(if a manual unit) allows for much better maneuvering when backing up into tight spaces.
I know where I used to park mine, I really had to use with what the mfg calls it, "maneuvering mode" to get in much easier.
My longbed doesn't obviously require a slider but it was part of the original deal and I'm glad I have it.
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