I am trying to decide on which bed size to get when I order my 2011 and am looking for pros and cons for either. I am leaning toward the 6.5 and would like to know about parking etc.

Kevin

 

I'm sure parking won't be fun with that combo. My 08 Scab 6.5' hangs out of most parking spaces. It's hard to back out of spaces sometimes too. I feel like this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLKR9tCiwvA

And to think that before I bought my F150, I wanted a crew cab Super Duty with the 8' bed.

 

I am torn between the two due to the fact that I want to keep my options available for a goose neck trailer, just in case I need to tow my three show horses. I should not need to tow them but I am thinking that if I don't get the 6.5 bed then I will need it. My trainer currently tows the horses around with a F-350. But I don't need that big of a truck. She has a trailer that I think tows up to 7 or so horses.

Kevin

 

One potential issue: 6.5 has 2 piece drive shaft, 5.5 has 1. There have been cases where it was really overloaded (Fords words) the 2 piece unit caused some vibration. Given rear GVWR is easy to exceed, Ford has an out and won't help you if it happens. Could be a rare problem... just saying'.

 

Do you really need a 6.5' bed for a goose neck? Don't know, that's why I'm asking. FYI, shorter wheelbases almost always have better tow ratings. Maybe it doesn't vary much for the newer models but it used to.

 

Did not know that about the drive shafts.

Must have 6.5 for goose neck, other wise it will hit the side of the truck. Most places will not even install the ball needed for the goose neck in a 5.5.

Kevin

 

Thats just cause the longer truck weights @ 100lbs more or therabouts...

 

The two piece drive shaft is not an issue. F250 and up have had 2 piece DS for many years. Parking is not that much difference with the extra 1', especially if you have the rear camera and beeper.

 

Just back in, it's much easier than pulling in. Get the reverse sensing system too.

 

A crew cab with a 6.5 foot bed is going to be like driving a bus. You might as well get a Super Duty for the better towing platform.

 

i just upgraded from supercab with 6.5' box to supercrew with 6.5' box.
the truck is definitely longer. you CAN notice it but its not a big deal at all.
or hasnt been yet.
like others said, i try to back into parking spaces.

 

The fact the SD has a 2 piece and works fine has zero to do with the F150.

 

I bought a truck and not a smart car, being well aware of the size difference. The back up sensors help a lot, just have to get use to trusting it. the biggest problem I have had is in some parking lots parking spaces seem shorter then others causing the vehicle to stick out into the lane more, but I guess technically its only a foot more, but seems significant.



Just imagine in this picture if you had to park with a car behind me, I wouldn't be able to be as far back and the front already is past the lines. The wheelbase alone is about as long as the parking spot lines.

 

5pointslow, when you have had to pull into parking slots, do you have to backup etc in order to get it right?

Kevin

 

Let me first put a disclaimer that I do not own a SCrew w/ 6.5 foot bed, nor have I driven one. I never even considered it because it won't fit in my garage. My 5.5 foot bed SCrew barely fits as it is.

If the length is not a concern for parking in a garage, I'd still consider the overall maneuverability. If you need a 6.5 foot bed, then get it, but if you don't, consider the smaller bed. I think some are downplaying the extra length's effect on how the truck turns, fits in parking spaces, etc. In addition to the extra foot of truck out back, you are also tacking on more than 3 additional feet of turning diameter. The 145" wheelbase truck is already not terribly u-turn friendly, however, once you are in the big leagues, perhaps the differences between these two trucks is too minor for many to consider. I'd certainly drive both and compare.