I plan to order a 2000 F150 XLT 4x4 with the 5.4 engine and not sure which bed to go with. I'm looking for some input related to the long bed vs the short bed. I'll be driving most of the time around town but a few times a year I'll be needing to tow my Jeep CJ5 on a trailer about 800 miles. I've heard the long bed works alittle better when towing a trailer. TIA

 

I just hauled my Harley in the back of mine followed by a 4x6 trailer with a four-wheeler on it about 540 miles. I had not trouble or complaints whatsoever, except gas of course. The ride was good and the trailer stayed put (no swaying back and forth). All this was between 65 and 85 mph. Your trailer is bigger with a bigger load than what I had, but that's my input anyway.

For what it's worth...

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1998 F-150 XLT 4x4, Regular Cab, Short-Bed, 4.6L V-8, 5-Speed, 3.55 Rear Gears, Dark Toreador Red

 

The Long Bed should be the ONLY choice if you want to pull a 5th wheel trailer (there are special hitch made for short-beds, though). You have to consider the MAJORITY of your driving.
Around-town: Get a Short Bed - you can park easier.
Towing: Get a Long Bed - greater stability gained from longer wheelbase.

I bought my Long Bed for towing and I hardly ever drive "around town" because I can never find a parking space long enough

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1999 F-250 XLT Super Duty Crew Cab Long Bed
V-10, Automatic 4R100, 4.30 Limited Slip.
GVW = 6700# Towing Capacity = 13,300#
4 Wheel ABS disks + Reese 15K hitch
Dark Hunter Green. Ford Running Boards.
Grey Rhino-Liner. Captain's Chairs. CD+Tape
Polished Stainless Steel Wheel-well Molding http://members.home.net/jchartier/jnctrk.html

 

I have the 4x4 extended cab and could not get the long bed with the ORP....you might want to ask your dealer if it is available...

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98 F-150,4x4, 5.4L,Lariat,Ext. Cab, Gibson Cat-Back, Airaid (FIPK), Bulldog Stainless Nerf Bars, Soft Top bed Cover, Duraliner,Captains Chairs,Off Road Package, Superchip,3.55 rear,every option you could get except for the towing package....... http://www.geocities.com/SouthBeach/Breakers/6817
[img]//www.geocities.com/SouthBeach/Breakers/6817/chevy1.gif[/img]




[This message has been edited by JohnB (edited 10-01-1999).]

 

I got the short bed because the parking and I like the look of the short bed better

 

I have 5 trailers, 4 of them are tandem axle and I have had both long and short bed trucks that I towed with and on the road I can't really tell a difference. The big difference is in backing the trailer. It is much easier to do with a short wheelbase vehicle, especially in tight spaces.

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98 Nascar Edition, Superchip, Airaid, Flowmaster 70 series, bedliner, in bed tool box, Profile bug deflector and window vents, Class III receiver hitch.

 

Every once in a while I haul building materials and the long bed is just the right length for the job.
Plus if the wife ever throws my a$$ out I can always keep my beer cooler at the head of my mattress and still have room for a color TV

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1995 F150 4x2 4.9L 5spd Twin I-Beam Front Suspension Gabriel Sport Ride 3 stage Nitrogen Shocks 3.08 rear axle, Autolite Platinum Plugs, Exact Wires. Goodyear Workhorse Extragrip Tires,

 

I would recommend getting the short bed..unless you really need that extra space. You will have a wider turning radius higher vehicle cost, extra weight, and extra considerations in parking lots.
I just ordered a 2000 XLT, supercab 5.4L, short bed and will be trading in my 1998.
I have had no problem what so ever towing with my 98...in fact..it has been OUTSTANDING!

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1998 5.4L V8 XLT Supercab, 3.55 axle (short bed)

 

If you want a truck for utility get the long bed. If you want for style get the short bed. I had a long bed Dakota and could not make a u-turn in a normal 2 lane street. That convinced me to get a short bed. I can still haul 2 X 4's & plywood without problems.


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97 F-150, 2WD, Reg Cab,Flareside,Dk Toreador Red, 4.6, 3.55 LS, EGR Bug Deflector, ******* Bed Cover, Bed Liner, XL Full Length Running Boards, Air Aid Kit, Gibson Single Out Cat Back, Superchips, TransGo Shift Kit, Hellwig Rear Sway Bar, Hellwig 2500# Overload Springs