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Buying 1st truck - advice on bed length

strinos

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Apologies if this topic has been beaten to death. I’m new to the forum and the truck community at large.

I’ve never owned a truck and am set on buying a CPO 1500 laramie crew cab. I found one that seems perfect, but I am torn because it has the 6’4” bed, which I understand is rare with the crew cab.

I am weighing the trade offs between the utility of a larger bed and the potential unwieldy size when it comes to everyday driving. I live in the suburbs and don’t need a truck for work or hauling, but rather for recreational activities like hunting, road trips with three kids and all our crap, and the occassional trip to Lowe’s/HD.

I know the differences on paper, but would love to hear thoughts on the real differences in driving experience between a 5’7 and 6’4. Is it significant? Just a matter of getting used to?

And again, apologies if this topic has been drained. Thanks in advance.
 

PetePA

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FWIW, you're going to be spending a lot of money on this so get what you'll be happy with. From what it sounds like, you'll be happier with the shorter bed. A lot of us on here are waiting upwards of 9 months to ensure we get what we're looking for. The wait sucks, but it will pay off in the long run. IMHO ofc.
 

bigdodge

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Apologies if this topic has been beaten to death. I’m new to the forum and the truck community at large.

I’ve never owned a truck and am set on buying a CPO 1500 laramie crew cab. I found one that seems perfect, but I am torn because it has the 6’4” bed, which I understand is rare with the crew cab.

I am weighing the trade offs between the utility of a larger bed and the potential unwieldy size when it comes to everyday driving. I live in the suburbs and don’t need a truck for work or hauling, but rather for recreational activities like hunting, road trips with three kids and all our crap, and the occassional trip to Lowe’s/HD.

I know the differences on paper, but would love to hear thoughts on the real differences in driving experience between a 5’7 and 6’4. Is it significant? Just a matter of getting used to?

And again, apologies if this topic has been drained. Thanks in advance.
parking and garage length are big concerns with the 6.5
but i like the extra room the 6.5 offers
 

mikeru82

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If you don't have a need for a longer bed you'll be better off with the short bed. It's so much easier to deal with parking and maneuvering around parking lots. Do you plan to park this in a garage? If so bed length can be an issue if your garage is smaller.
 

Ciege

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I have the 6'4" and I love it.
I'm camping and hunting frequently so it's nice to have that extra space. It's also great to be able to sleep in the bed fully stretched out.
It's definitely unwieldy parking (especially with a lift) and doesn't fit in my garage. But for me that's a fine tradeoff.

But as others have said. Get what makes you happy. Your money and your happiness in the long run.

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk
 

HSKR R/T

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Apologies if this topic has been beaten to death. I’m new to the forum and the truck community at large.

I’ve never owned a truck and am set on buying a CPO 1500 laramie crew cab. I found one that seems perfect, but I am torn because it has the 6’4” bed, which I understand is rare with the crew cab.

I am weighing the trade offs between the utility of a larger bed and the potential unwieldy size when it comes to everyday driving. I live in the suburbs and don’t need a truck for work or hauling, but rather for recreational activities like hunting, road trips with three kids and all our crap, and the occassional trip to Lowe’s/HD.

I know the differences on paper, but would love to hear thoughts on the real differences in driving experience between a 5’7 and 6’4. Is it significant? Just a matter of getting used to?

And again, apologies if this topic has been drained. Thanks in advance.
About the only time it will make a significant difference is if trying to park in a garage
 

Rock Crawler

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I’ve had both and I never noticed any difference when it comes to driving, maneuvering, or parking in a lot. As stated above, if you are parking in a short garage, and the longer bed won’t fit, then that might be a reason choose the shorter bed. I‘ve never regretted the longer bed, but I have regretted the shorter bed which is why I will never own another one.
 

Ramroo

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I’ve owned both.
I like 6’4””.
I do use it a lot for lots hunting crap and farm stuff. No prob parking at all with cameras.
 

Dewey

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I’ve had both and honestly notice little if any difference when driving. Smaller box isn’t a drastic difference in my garage either. My last two Laramie’s had the 6’4” box and I absolutely regret buying my current 5’7” box. I haul a lot of stuff in the bed and that loss of 9” is a pretty big deal to me especially when loading up building/remodeling supplies.
 

devildodge

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I like the longer bed. Sorry, I know useless information...:cool: bigger is always better...:ROFLMAO:

Get the 6'4" bed!
 

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DEG

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My last Ram had the 6.4 inch bed and my current one has the 5.7 inch bed. I've noticed no difference whatsoever in parking or maneuvering. Both fit what I need to haul just fine.
 

1BADRAMLIMITED

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I have the short bed and camp and at time wish I had the bigger bed but that’s only the rare occasion I am making a run for lumber and need something over 12’
 

Idahoktm

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I've had both short and long beds. You won't notice much difference driving them and 9" will hardly make a difference in what you can or can't haul. The major difference is how the truck looks. The long bed is ugly and the short bed isn't. 🤣
 

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