Cate&Rob I like the idea of increased open tailgate clearance.
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6' vs 8' Bed
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TedS Where I park the RV at home, the truck ends up at about a 45 degree angle, so the extra space with the slider back works well for me.
Rob
Cate & Rob
(with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
2015 Reflection 303RLS
2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
Bayham, Ontario, Canada
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A while back, I worked out a comparison of the open tailgate to front of RV clearance on a Ford vs GM. This comes down to a comparison of center of axle to edge of open tailgate. The Ford distance is considerably longer. Variation in hitch setup of pin location to center of rear axle would adjust this slightly. Note that this will be the same regardless of bed length because that difference is forward off the rear axle.
RobAttached FilesCate & Rob
(with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
2015 Reflection 303RLS
2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
Bayham, Ontario, Canada
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In my opinion---way too many pros for a longbed truck over a short or medium bed if you truly use your truck for working and towing. Towing with a long bed is super easy and no concerns with clearance to the cab and etc.40-year Camping Enthusiast
2022 Grand Design Reflection 303RLS with tons of upgrades
2022 GMC Sierra 3500 AT4 CC LB SRW D-Max 3865 Cargo Capacity
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I also vote for the long bed. Gives a bit more space to secure things that you don’t need to put in the fifth wheel. It does make a bit more conscious effort when shopping or touring in a 22 foot vehicle.Kevin and Deb Reeder, 2021 Reflection 320 MKS, IS, 1050W Solar, Battleborne 400 Amps, Victron Multiplus and Solar, Renogy DC-DC Charger
2018 F-350 SRW Diesel long bed Platinum edition
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Originally posted by TedS View PostAlso seems like 5th wheel overhangs have gotten shorter, hitch pin to basement wall.
Rob
Cate & Rob
(with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
2015 Reflection 303RLS
2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
Bayham, Ontario, Canada
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I just got back from a trip pulling my 337RLS over 3000 miles with my 2024 3500HD with the 6'9" box, puck system and a Curt 16k non slider hitch. I have about 10k miles on the setup. Never had any clearance issues. There is zero reason to use a slider hitch with the GM HD trucks utilizing the puck system. The choice of box length comes down to day to day driving preference. These trucks are big with a high hood and less forward vision than previous models. If your considering one you should drive one before making the decision. Both my 2021 and my 2024 were 6"9" beds, its a personal choice but I will add that the turning on a longbed is going to be even worse and resale on an 8ft bed is not as good as a 6'9"
I might also add an observation from this trip. I saw many rigs that were overweight during my trip. I have quite a bit of experience in truck specs and I have always been good at math and there's no way some of these folks could ever make the math work. Some of them were downright scary.
I scaled my setup loaded with no water in any tanks. My 4500w inverter gen, 2 crates of red oak firewood, a spare 20# propane cylinder, 5 gals of gasoline and a few pieces of cribbing and my rig comes in 13,000 over the empty truck.2021 Reflection 337RLS, 2024 Silverado 3500HD 6.6 gas with faux Allison 10 speed. Nellie the Diva, wonder boxer
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Originally posted by familytruckster4 View PostI just got back from a trip pulling my 337RLS over 3000 miles with my 2024 3500HD with the 6'9" box, puck system and a Curt 16k non slider hitch. I have about 10k miles on the setup. Never had any clearance issues. There is zero reason to use a slider hitch with the GM HD trucks utilizing the puck system. The choice of box length comes down to day to day driving preference. These trucks are big with a high hood and less forward vision than previous models. If your considering one you should drive one before making the decision. Both my 2021 and my 2024 were 6"9" beds, its a personal choice but I will add that the turning on a longbed is going to be even worse and resale on an 8ft bed is not as good as a 6'9"
I might also add an observation from this trip. I saw many rigs that were overweight during my trip. I have quite a bit of experience in truck specs and I have always been good at math and there's no way some of these folks could ever make the math work. Some of them were downright scary.
I scaled my setup loaded with no water in any tanks. My 4500w inverter gen, 2 crates of red oak firewood, a spare 20# propane cylinder, 5 gals of gasoline and a few pieces of cribbing and my rig comes in 13,000 over the empty truck.
And yep I have seen my far share of OMG moments on folks row rigs, The worst was an F150 with a 5th wheel and it was sitting hard on the rear suspension bump stops (this is well past the overload springs. The guy saw me looking - we were fueling on the opposite side of the RV pumps, and was a little grumpy when I shook my head and went back to my fueling. He made a sarcastic remark in my direction to mind my own business and I had not said a word except "hello" when he pulled in.
Maybe in the other forum topics posting area we should start a towing fail thread, but then again You-Tube has that covered.
BTW do you have enough space in your short bed around your hitch to carry stuff (firewood, portable generator, gas can,etc)? Just curious.
Safe travels
Keith2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.
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I’m in the overweight club(450lbs), but I’d still chat at the pump.
Back on topic …. I’m on my second FW in a GM truck with 6’9” bed, puck system and B&W fixed hitch. 1000’s of miles like this. Also, had a 2019 with rails and old standard bed. No issues. The way current FW caps are angled and current pin box lengths it’s less of an issue. Less is the key word. You still need to be cognizant when backing. Where you really need to pay attention is u-turns. That’s where it’ll really sneak up on you because all the focus is in front of you. I have to make a u-turn in the culdesac of my neighborhood and gets close. I’m hyper focused on the trailer cab clearance as well as swing out since I’d lose the fight against a brick mailbox. Only a little brain power left over for the front end stuff.
If a person doesn’t want to put in that extra effort or focus then a long bed or auto slider is a must.2024 Solitude 310GK
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Yoda I took my 4500w inverter Gen, 2 of those big black totes with the yellow lids full of red oak firewood, a full 20# spare propane cylinder, a 6 ft. step ladder, a 2ft step ladder, a 6 gallon gas jug and the 50a cord for the trailer plus 6 wooden pads for the jacks and a set of chocks.2021 Reflection 337RLS, 2024 Silverado 3500HD 6.6 gas with faux Allison 10 speed. Nellie the Diva, wonder boxer
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not certain on the new setup just yet, will have more knowledge after the May trip (Prob have a drink with Yoda as we pass through).
With the long bed I have a full profile toolbox in the front of the bed, thus the need for the slider (it did catch the front cap backing in once creating a chip). With the 8' bed I have a lot of clearance between the cap and the toolbox without the slider. Will have to look and see if I have the B&W for or aft when I hook up next time and the location of the pin in the hitch.Joseph
Tow Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
South of Houston Texas
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Originally posted by Yoda View Post
Which GD 5th wheel do you have and does it have the turning point hitch? If so have you tried to use it on your tundra?
Now hands down I will say 8' bed as it gives you more room for stuff and normally gets you the bigger fuel tank.
Another question - will you ever be considering a bigger trailer? Even if your not skip the 3/4 ton and get a 1 ton, Why - better suspension, higher payload capacity. Too much truck is not a problem. In most cases they ride the same as a 3/4 ton truck. Also if you can be sure to get the rear sway bar. On the Ford that is in the camper package - very low cost add on.
Safe travels
Keith
PS and yes the 5th wheel backs different. I suggest finding a big parking lot a few soccer cones and practice backing into various imagined camping spots.. I am still learning with mine.
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Originally posted by Calbar View Post
I use a Curt Crosswing hitch that gives me an extra 9" of clearance in my 6'4" bed RAM 3500. It is also only about 100lbs so helps with payload. I have not had an issue with clearance and my Solitude is a wide body so it is 5" wider than your 5th wheel. That might be a solution for you as well, even in the Tundra. I also agree with Yoda that if you are getting a new truck skip the 3/4 ton and go straight to the 1 ton.
Rob
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