[sk8r]

I currently have a Ram Quad Cab with the 6'4" bed and find this configuration is perfect for my needs. I want to get a Rebel but am concerned that moving to the 5'7" bed will leave me a little short. I am not a contractor but I find that I generally fill up my bed pretty well going camping with coolers, generator and other gear. I thought of installing a bed extender but I can't tow my RV with the tail gate down and the extender deployed. Have any of you gone down in bed length and what is your opinion living with the 5'7" bed?

 

[CHOWDA]

Not a contractor either but have put a 1/2 yard of crushed stone or mulch in w/o a problem. Some skis will have to go in diagonally, but other than that I haven't missed the lost length. Where you do notice it is how spacious the back seat is. Much more useful, especially if you have a family w/ pets and all. Get the Crew!

 

[Shewpan]

you could get a cap for camping purposes, allowing you to stack.

 

[VaderRebel]

I will never give up interior space for box space again. My Dakota was a club cab and I loved that truck, but with 2 kids and a bunch of safety books and gear the crew is like heaven now. I'm sure I'll run into a situation where the longer box would be handy, but not often enough to make me regret it.

 

[lmeavtitn]

When I bought my Rebel I went down in bed size. I had the 6' 4". The only time I remembered that I now have a shorter bed is when I loaded my motorcycle in the bed. Before, I could pull it straight in and the back wheel would land a few inches short of the end of the tail gate. Now, I need to angle it in the bed. Total PAIN IN THE... ....but it's manageable.

I've decided that the shorter bed is more of a "balanced" look. My buddy has a crew cab with the 6'4" bed and looking at it from the side, to me it doesn't look right.

 

[sk8r]

Thanks for the replies. I agree with the balanced look as the truck look more proportional in the crew short bed. A bed cap is also a good suggestion, as I never considered the stacking aspect.

 

[Shewpan]

Thanks for the replies. I agree with the balanced look as the truck look more proportional in the crew short bed. A bed cap is also a good suggestion, as I never considered the stacking aspect.

Used to do that with my old Nissan D21 back in the 90's. kept a Cap in the yard JUST for excursions. They're so light its fairly manageable to get off with you and a buddy or the missus.

 

[lmeavtitn]

Used to do that with my old Nissan D21 back in the 90's. kept a Cap in the yard JUST for excursions. They're so light its fairly manageable to get off with you and a buddy or the missus.

I have always wanted a cap but they are just so **** expansive. I was quoted 2900 painted/installed here at a local shop. I have been thinking about getting the "soft" caps in black. I think that would look good on the Rebel.

 

[TooByFoor]

Every time I start to pack the 5'7" bed for travels, I always think about the longer bed. But then somehow, I manage to get everything in.

 

[johnj]

I'm resigned to borrowing or renting a trailer for bigger things. For example, a load of bulk mulch - can't fit much in this little bed. It would take about 8 truck loads for what I use in the spring. Or I can use a trailer and make 2 trips.... And when I'm buying rough lumber for my woodworking, I'm sometimes getting 12'+ boards. On an 8' bed, not too much of a deal. On a <6' bed, that's more than 50% overhang, a recipe for problems.

On the plus side, having a crew cab means I have more interior space for keeping stuff like tools dry when I help family with their projects.

Getting ready for a multi-state drive after Christmas, helping daughter move. Going to pull a Uhaul trailer about 500 miles with 4 adults in the cab, and the return 500 miles will be with just the wife and no trailer. I wouldn't have been able to do that with previous trucks I owned, although my last jeep would have done it fine.