Posted 2006-12-05 10:41 AM (#52211) Subject: short bed vs. long
New User
Posts: 1
I need advice I'm looking for a new gooseneck trailer. I have an 03 chevy HD short bed ext cab, I'm concerned about pulling a gn with a short bed. what should I look for when trailer shopping
Posted 2006-12-05 2:33 PM (#52219 - in reply to #52211) Subject: RE: short bed vs. long
Member
Posts: 14
Location: Overpeck, Ohio 45055
I have a '97 Ford 250 that I pull a 4-star gooseneck 3 horse slant with LQ. It pulls nicely but I have a hard time turning 90 degree turns. It should have a rounded front end instead of a square front end, which would give me more turning space without knocking out the back window. I am looking at an extender for the gn hitch that will give me more turning space. Otherwise I have no problems with it and I love the trailer. Just my 2 cents worth. Thanks, Linda
Posted 2006-12-05 6:26 PM (#52226 - in reply to #52211) Subject: RE: short bed vs. long
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 322 Location: Fort Madison, Iowa
My truck is a short bed and I haven't had any problems. I wasn't sure I wanted a short bed after having a long bed truck and wasn't looking for one when I found this one. It was such a great deal I decided to buy it because I was sure I could turn it around for a profit if I didn't like it or it caused problems with the trailer.
I agree with having a tapered nose on the trailer. I don't think I'd have a square front on a trailer with a short bed because I think I'd probably end up breaking my back window sooner or later. My trailer has a tapered front and I've been able to cut a short as I've needed too.
The other difference I'd say is that a long bed does have a better ride than a short bed when pulling. I also like parking a short bed truck better.
Posted 2006-12-05 7:20 PM (#52229 - in reply to #52211) Subject: RE: short bed vs. long
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
After 6 years and several hundred thousand miles in a F350 CC Short bed. I bought a Long bed in 2006. Several factors influenced me. 1st being that Ford changed the front suspension so the 2005/6 long bed trucks turn as sharp as the older shortbed. So it's no more difficult to park my new long bed truck than it was my older short beds. I'm glad to have the extra bed space to haul hay and gear.
But back to your question. My gooseneck has a rounded front end and I've had problems turning with a short bed. In fact the shorter bed actually had better bed rail clearance than my current long bed. Less over hang behind the axles equals less tilt when the truck /trailer articulate at different angles.
Posted 2006-12-06 5:09 AM (#52241 - in reply to #52211) Subject: RE: short bed vs. long
Elite Veteran
Posts: 662 Location: Vanzant, Missouri
I have a 06 F250 SD SB Ext cab and I had to get a hitch extender. I probablly could of gotten away with out it but I didn't feel comfy having the trailer so close to the back of the cab when turning. Now I can do anything with it. But overall I wish I had gotten an 8ft bed. That way I could carry a water tank, generator, hay etc. I pull a 2h w lq Exiss 28ft
Posted 2006-12-06 1:51 PM (#52253 - in reply to #52211) Subject: RE: short bed vs. long
Member
Posts: 14
Location: Overpeck, Ohio 45055
I have been looking for a hitch extender for my short bed truck but can't decide what to buy. Anybody know anything about the one that is advertised for $109.00 and the one for $399.00? I wonder if the cheap one would be as good as the more expensive one? It seems to be a must to have one when pulling a short bed truck and trailer.16 16 16
Posted 2006-12-07 8:36 AM (#52263 - in reply to #52253) Subject: RE: short bed vs. long
Regular
Posts: 95 Location: Nashville, TN
I've pulled a taperend nose trailer for 10 years with a short bed truck and never had an issue or gotten into a scenario where a long bed truck would have made a difference. Before buying an extender, drive it a while.
Posted 2006-12-07 7:56 PM (#52297 - in reply to #52253) Subject: RE: short bed vs. long
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 309 Location: MO
Check out the Pop-Up brand extender. I don't remember the $$$ but it was reasonable. I'm sure that it wasn't $399. Easy to install. But it does weigh a lot. takes a strong man to lift in place. extends the hitch 9 inches. Works fine for me.
Posted 2006-12-07 10:53 PM (#52304 - in reply to #52263) Subject: RE: short bed vs. long
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 456 Location: south of Cowtown, TEXAS
Originally written by rattler on 2006-12-07 8:36 AM
I've pulled a taperend nose trailer for 10 years with a short bed truck and never had an issue or gotten into a scenario where a long bed truck would have made a difference. Before buying an extender, drive it a while.
short bed vs. long
