6.5 or 5.5 box?

[Sluggo]

My current truck has 6.5 box so that is what I am used to but I am considering going to the 5.5 foot in a new truck because that opens up so many more options for hold over trucks. I am told you can put a slider fifth wheel hitch in a 5.5 box and as long as the camper is not huge, it shouldn't matter. I don't have a 4 wheeler to haul and my portable fish house can hang beyond the tail gate a foot. What do you guys prefer for box length and why? Thanks.

 

[MuskyManiac]

I have the 5.5 and am used to it, but it's surprising how fast you can fill it up. I know it's only a foot, but if I had a 6.5 and was used to that I don't think I could ever go smaller.

 

[SDMF]

6.5, for the larger fuel tank underneath it.

 

[Jigaman]

do you do most of your driving in town where you are coming and going out of parking lots? If so and you dont mind having your tailgate down to haul the ice house I would probably go with the 5.5 because they turn better. I have a crew cab 6.5 and love it but it is a bitch in tight parking lots.

 

[Kentucky Windage]

I have only had 5.5' boxes, but not by choice. The next pickup I buy, I will have a choice and fully intend on going with a 6.5' box and the crew cab. I can see your issue with holdover pickups and price. Do you need a crew cab or can you live with the extended cab and 6.5' box. The other issue to think about is total length and garage parking room and general everyday parking (ie parking downtown in the city vs parking in a dirt field).

 

[nxtgeneration]

I've got a 5.5' and it drives me nuts. I don't buy new so my choices were limited. Next time i will take my time and look for a 6.5' crew cab.

 

[Sluggo]

I have only had 5.5' boxes, but not by choice. The next pickup I buy, I will have a choice and fully intend on going with a 6.5' box and the crew cab. I can see your issue with holdover pickups and price. Do you need a crew cab or can you live with the extended cab and 6.5' box. The other issue to think about is total length and garage parking room and general everyday parking (ie parking downtown in the city vs parking in a dirt field).

Definitely want the crew cab. I have room for the big guy in the garage but am fine with saving that foot of space if I can get by with the 5.5. Would love to hear from anyone that has hooked a 5th wheel camper to a 5.5 box. They tell me that works but would like some proof Thanks for the opinions so far. Keep 'em coming.

 

[shorthairsrus]

business -- go with the 6.5 for depreciation purposes.

Personal -- IMO the 5.5 works better from a short wheel base (for muddin) and driving around town. Not sure if I would go back to a 6.5. Fish house yes the 6.5 gives you the ability to buy a bigger house.

 

[MuskyManiac]

6.5, for the larger fuel tank underneath it.

Never even thought about there being a difference. How much bigger are they, my crew cab F150 has a 35 gallon tank.

 

[SDMF]

Never even thought about there being a difference. How much bigger are they, my crew cab F150 has a 35 gallon tank.

I think they're standard w/35 instead of being optional.

 

[sweeney]

got a buddy that put a slider hitch in his 5.5 halfton chevy, he said he has only had to use it one time and he would have probably been ok not using it. Personally I need/want the 6.5 footer or bigger on any truck I own.

 

[FishReaper]

got a buddy that put a slider hitch in his 5.5 halfton chevy, he said he has only had to use it one time and he would have probably been ok not using it. Personally I need/want the 6.5 footer or bigger on any truck I own.

exactly. a 6.5 fills up really fast. i couldnt lose a foot of storage

 

[johnr]

I'm going 8 footer next pickup, I couldn't fit the 8 in my old garage not a problem at the new place. 6.5 I have now only has a 26 gallon tank

 

[SDMF]

I have now only has a 26 gallon tank

Whomever decided that a 26Gal tank in a 3/4 ton truck was acceptable needs multiple swift and hard hammer blows to the nads. Titan can figure out how to get a 50 wedged in there, you'd think Ford could cypher mid-30's anyway.

 

[Whisky]

6.5 without question

 

[Srputz]

I have had both. I pulled a 32 ft fifth wheel with my 05 Chevy. 1/2 ton with a slider. I did put air bags in it to keep it level. It worked fine just be careful turning and in gas stations. For backing I would slide it back. If it was just a short trip I would leave it slid back to. It works but you have to think ahead and don't rush..
i now have a 3/4 ton with the longer box and won't go back. Parking lots are easy, just park at the far end(the exercise does me good).
if you need a sliding hitch I have one for sale.

 

[You]

7 assembled patio chairs. Ford bed extender, more use flipped other direction as grocery/beer corral, also splits in half to store behind wheel wells. Tailgate step da bomb. Nuked old man handle, removed bracket and plastic cover, installed standard access panel, bedlined over mod.

oh, 6.5 all the way

 

[all4eyes]

Ji have the 6.5 and buddy has 5.5. Hands down the 6.5 is the better option if you use it for a truck. Hunting trips the extra room is a plus. 26 gallon tank is standard on Ford the 36 is an option. I couldn't do the 5.5 as I like the extra room in the topper, plus I can sleep in there if I do a solo run to the lake. Have a buddy that owns a body shop, he loves guys that us slider hitches in the 5.5 box lots of repairs because they thought they were ok and forgot to adjust the hitch. Truck isn't bad to fix, bust up a fiberglass camper and watch the bill add up quick. 6.5 is my choice.

 

[shorthairsrus]

Deep snow on lake 5.5 vs 6.5

 

[Enslow]

Deep snow on lake 5.5 vs 6.5

1 foot means nothing in snow and there is bait in fargo and it is easily obtained. K bye.