long bed or not?

I have a <span class=”fontstyle0″>2003 Carri-Lite M-36Ki3</span> and am looking for a new tow vehicle for it.  I’ve often seen you need either a long bed (8 ft) or a sliding hitch, or sidewinder pin box.  I’ve also read that if the front of the RV is shaped ‘right’ it can be towed with a short bed without issues.

I’m curious if anyone had thoughts on whether or not I should opt for the long bed, or if I can get a short bed (6′ 11″) which seems a better option for driving not towing.

 

If a sliding hitch or sidewinder is a better option with a short bed, what would you recommend?

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[Expired MemberTopics - 40Replies - 107Total - 147]

This often opens up a can of worms for discussion. However, here’s my take on it.  Most of the reduced radius turn units I’ve seen have the front corners of the trailer inverted. That allows the truck to make a sharper turn without the corner of the unit contacting the tow vehicle.  That’s obviously not the case with your trailer. I have some friends who have a one ton SRW short bed truck towing a large trailer, some with a sliding hitch and some without.  They seem to get along with them quite well as long as they are mindful of not getting into a really tight turn situation.  Most of them have said they would opt for the long bed truck but garage space or other physical conditions mandated the shorter version. I’ve had nothing but long bed trucks. Initially it was because that was all that was available in my price range.  Seventeen years and three trucks later I’m quite comfortable with the longer trucks and it’s allowed me to get into, or out of, some pretty tight places that I might otherwise not have attempted.  There is no absolutely correct combination. As long as you’ve met the weight and safety requirements it’s mostly what you’re comfortable with. Hope this helps.

[moo2613ParticipantTopics - 14Replies - 43Total - 57]

We have always towed our Cameo with short bed Dodge trucks.  A 2005 2500, a 2011 Mega Cab 3500, and now a 2018 Mega Cab 3500.  I have always used B&W hitches and have always had them setup for the furthest back setting.  I have been in very tight spots over the years and have never hit the cab.  I used to have a 2006 Wildcat and the dealer hit my cab with it when they were moving into the service bay.  One of the many selling points for the Cameo was the fact that it is designed for a short bed truck.  I can not speak for the Carri Lite as I know they are a few inches wider than the Cameo.

[Expired MemberTopics - 40Replies - 107Total - 147]

Thank you both for your input; it’s very helpful.  Being new to towing, I suspect the long bed is the ‘safer’ choice, and not being limited by garage space, it’s probably the direction I’ll go.

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