Dually's.....6 ft vs 8 ft bed
#1
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Dually's.....6 ft vs 8 ft bed
I'm shopping Ford duallys. Looking to stay in the 2000-2002 7.3 era. Crew Cab, 4x4, lariat, and the wife wants one a little lifted!!!
I see alot of short wheel base trucks available but very few longbeds. Who has towed with each and how much difference does the 18 inches make??? (towing 38 Formula/ 13,000 boat, fuel, trailer)
I see alot of short wheel base trucks available but very few longbeds. Who has towed with each and how much difference does the 18 inches make??? (towing 38 Formula/ 13,000 boat, fuel, trailer)
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Re: Dually's.....6 ft vs 8 ft bed
I personally went to an 06 Ford F350 4x4 dually with a 6ft bed, with the tow boss package(rated to 19200lbs) I like the manueverability of the shorter truck and the fact that is easier to park doesn't hurt either. It rides a little stiffer than the 8ft bed but that doesnt really bother me. I tow an 04 27PC formula with all the usual crap that collects in a cruiser, with a full load of gas , boat/trailer etc weighs app 11,000lbs. As far as lift, I went with a 2 1/2 inch leveling kit and am able to clear 255/70r22.5 michelins on alcoa wheels(36 inches tall) but I personally don't like the ride/drive with the 22.5s so I'm going to try a set fo 19.5 direct fits with 265/70r19.5 michelins, the alcoas/tires/adapters are entirely to heavy and also hurt the braking ability(unsprung weight/rotating mass).
These are just my personal opinions/observations.
These are just my personal opinions/observations.
#4
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Re: Dually's.....6 ft vs 8 ft bed
I had 38's under an f150 with 10 inch lift in high school and remember tearing up the brakes/ drive train in that thing. Leveler springs is really all I'm after.
Have you ever towed with a 8 ft bed to compare to?
Have you ever towed with a 8 ft bed to compare to?
Originally Posted by Slick02
I personally went to an 06 Ford F350 4x4 dually with a 6ft bed, with the tow boss package(rated to 19200lbs) I like the manueverability of the shorter truck and the fact that is easier to park doesn't hurt either. It rides a little stiffer than the 8ft bed but that doesnt really bother me. I tow an 04 27PC formula with all the usual crap that collects in a cruiser, with a full load of gas , boat/trailer etc weighs app 11,000lbs. As far as lift, I went with a 2 1/2 inch leveling kit and am able to clear 255/70r22.5 michelins on alcoa wheels(36 inches tall) but I personally don't like the ride/drive with the 22.5s so I'm going to try a set fo 19.5 direct fits with 265/70r19.5 michelins, the alcoas/tires/adapters are entirely to heavy and also hurt the braking ability(unsprung weight/rotating mass).
These are just my personal opinions/observations.
These are just my personal opinions/observations.
#5
Re: Dually's.....6 ft vs 8 ft bed
Slick,
I have a set of 19.5 Ricklsons with Goodyear tires on my 2005 Dodge Dually and I have been looking at changing out to 22.5's. If you're interested in trading (If they will fit the Ford and Visa-Versa) let me know.
Kevin
I have a set of 19.5 Ricklsons with Goodyear tires on my 2005 Dodge Dually and I have been looking at changing out to 22.5's. If you're interested in trading (If they will fit the Ford and Visa-Versa) let me know.
Kevin
Originally Posted by Slick02
I personally went to an 06 Ford F350 4x4 dually with a 6ft bed, with the tow boss package(rated to 19200lbs) I like the manueverability of the shorter truck and the fact that is easier to park doesn't hurt either. It rides a little stiffer than the 8ft bed but that doesnt really bother me. I tow an 04 27PC formula with all the usual crap that collects in a cruiser, with a full load of gas , boat/trailer etc weighs app 11,000lbs. As far as lift, I went with a 2 1/2 inch leveling kit and am able to clear 255/70r22.5 michelins on alcoa wheels(36 inches tall) but I personally don't like the ride/drive with the 22.5s so I'm going to try a set fo 19.5 direct fits with 265/70r19.5 michelins, the alcoas/tires/adapters are entirely to heavy and also hurt the braking ability(unsprung weight/rotating mass).
These are just my personal opinions/observations.
These are just my personal opinions/observations.
#6
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Re: Dually's.....6 ft vs 8 ft bed
Russ, get the 8ft bed. Period.
If I can fill up my 8 foot bed (w/ cover) with tools, coolers, overnight gear, props, second spare tire, etc. etc., you are definitely going to fill it up with all that gear and with the gear associated with 3 kids in tow as well.
Resale gets you a wider market with the 8 foot bed. When you go to sell it, your buyer will be a looking for a work truck that they can beat on. The 6 foot bed is less versatile for that buyer.
I can't remember if its 2004 or 2005 that Ford changed to coil front suspension over leaf spring front suspension. This significantly improved the turning radius.
The 8 foot bed is giving you more wheel base which is making your ride better, (less teeter-toter than with shorter wheel base, especially with stiff 1-ton suspension) and your towing stability is going to be better as well with more truck to control the boat.
I run the exact same area you do. I take the dually everywhere, including downtown Washington DC. The only problem I have with parking is height, as I usually have to find a surface parking lot. Mary Sue handles my truck just fine, and she even does all the driving/backing at the launch ramp letting me just take care of the boat. Don't worry about the length/handling. The 8 foot bed is what you want. Hold out for the right one.
I had a long talk with BobbyB last night. I told him not to sell his 7.3 to buy a 6.0. But if he does, his is the right truck to buy.
If I can fill up my 8 foot bed (w/ cover) with tools, coolers, overnight gear, props, second spare tire, etc. etc., you are definitely going to fill it up with all that gear and with the gear associated with 3 kids in tow as well.
Resale gets you a wider market with the 8 foot bed. When you go to sell it, your buyer will be a looking for a work truck that they can beat on. The 6 foot bed is less versatile for that buyer.
I can't remember if its 2004 or 2005 that Ford changed to coil front suspension over leaf spring front suspension. This significantly improved the turning radius.
The 8 foot bed is giving you more wheel base which is making your ride better, (less teeter-toter than with shorter wheel base, especially with stiff 1-ton suspension) and your towing stability is going to be better as well with more truck to control the boat.
I run the exact same area you do. I take the dually everywhere, including downtown Washington DC. The only problem I have with parking is height, as I usually have to find a surface parking lot. Mary Sue handles my truck just fine, and she even does all the driving/backing at the launch ramp letting me just take care of the boat. Don't worry about the length/handling. The 8 foot bed is what you want. Hold out for the right one.
I had a long talk with BobbyB last night. I told him not to sell his 7.3 to buy a 6.0. But if he does, his is the right truck to buy.
Last edited by Sydwayz; 11-02-2006 at 08:59 AM.
#7
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Re: Dually's.....6 ft vs 8 ft bed
Sydways makes some good pts. on the long bed. I had an 03 crew cab dually short bed with the 6.0 and towed a 31 Sonic with no problems. It is a heavy duty truck so the ride can be a little bumpy empty. I did not regret the short bed
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Re: Dually's.....6 ft vs 8 ft bed
Shortbed crewcab = better turning radius, OK ride and Towing
Longbed crewcab = better ride, better towing, worse turning radius
Longbed crewcab = better ride, better towing, worse turning radius
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Re: Dually's.....6 ft vs 8 ft bed
Originally Posted by t500hps
I had 38's under an f150 with 10 inch lift in high school and remember tearing up the brakes/ drive train in that thing. Leveler springs is really all I'm after.
Have you ever towed with a 8 ft bed to compare to?
Have you ever towed with a 8 ft bed to compare to?
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Re: Dually's.....6 ft vs 8 ft bed
Originally Posted by dukenrock
Slick,
I have a set of 19.5 Ricklsons with Goodyear tires on my 2005 Dodge Dually and I have been looking at changing out to 22.5's. If you're interested in trading (If they will fit the Ford and Visa-Versa) let me know.
Kevin
I have a set of 19.5 Ricklsons with Goodyear tires on my 2005 Dodge Dually and I have been looking at changing out to 22.5's. If you're interested in trading (If they will fit the Ford and Visa-Versa) let me know.
Kevin