Truck Size

Odie8415 · 03-23-2015, 04:12 AM

I have a Dodge Ram Megacab with the short bed. Is there anyone else that owns one that has had any problems with getting into spots in campgrounds? We will be picking up our new Rushmore, Lincoln model next month and want to be assured that I didn't make a mistake in buying the truck.
Thanks,
Odie8415

**Dave&Ginny** · 03-23-2015, 04:24 AM

COLJDM has one. Try sending john a PM about this. I don't see a problem though because that truck wouldn't be any longer than mine.

johnboytoo · 03-23-2015, 04:47 AM

Edmunds says yours is 19'3" long ???? if that's correct,
our crew cab shortbed is longer at 20'

so depends on your rv and the park....
and/or from what I understand the region you are camping in...

newer areas are usually larger sites/parks....
in California and the northeast, my understanding is the sites are smaller - but as with ANY assumption - there are cases that don't meet the assumption

Rick and Mindy · 03-23-2015, 03:32 PM

The problem you may experience is related to the "short Bed". With a short bed you have to be careful backing in to spots because the front cap of the fifth wheel may hit the back of your cab when turning sharply. Many RV manufacturers have solved this problem with newly designed front caps but it can still be an issue. You just need to be aware of it at all times when making sharp turns. I had a 2004 Dodge 2500 with the short bed and at that time pulled a Hitchiker and purchased a slider hitch to resolve this issue but found that I never needed the slider. It got very close when backing in sometimes but never needed to use the slide option. Always be aware of that possibility. I have seen broken rear windows and severely damaged cabs because the driver forgot about that issue.

johnboytoo · 03-23-2015, 04:16 PM

Good catch Rick, thought Odie was asking overall length and getting into spots

You are absolutely correct about the shortbed and the advertisements...
they SAY it will work, but only your conditions really make it work or not.

I decided I didn't want to have to worry about it and opted for an auto slider when I first got a 5er and have just carried it forward to each truck/rv!
(glad I got an 18k first try

)

Rick and Mindy · 03-23-2015, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnboytoo

Good catch Rick, thought Odie was asking overall length and getting into spots

You are absolutely correct about the shortbed and the advertisements...
they SAY it will work, but only your conditions really make it work or not.

I decided I didn't want to have to worry about it and opted for an auto slider when I first got a 5er and have just carried it forward to each truck/rv!
(glad I got an 18k first try

)

The length can be an issue also. My 2011 F350 Crew cab Long bed takes 3 acres to turn around. I do know from experience with the Dodges that they have the shortest turning radius of all the Big 3. That makes backing an RV in a lot easier given some of the narrow streets in campgrounds. It also makes it a lot easier to jackknife and hit the cab.

johnboytoo · 03-23-2015, 11:23 PM

Ah yes, the leaf spring front end...
the newer coil spring fords turn a LOT faster than the 'older' ones with leaf springs

I know mine does !!!

atom ant · 03-24-2015, 05:46 AM

Nahh, his 2011 must have coils?? My 2008 did.

**piper guy** · 03-24-2015, 01:41 PM

Yep, Ricks long bed has coils and it also has the same turning radius as our Dually's.
About half a football field ! Lol

**Dave&Ginny** · 03-24-2015, 02:16 PM

yep...parking decks in hospitals are a true test of skill

4happyfeet · 03-24-2015, 02:44 PM

Until last weekend (just bought a 2015 Dodge 3500 short bed) I had the same truck in a 2500. I have a Pullrite Superglide, auto-slide. Works like a charm. It works so well that the few times the slide has actually kicked in, it saved my butt because I was so focused on backing into the space that I totally spaced on watching the cab! Well worth the extra money. Paid for itself in saved trailer repairs.

mhs4771 · 03-24-2015, 05:13 PM

Anyone remember the old song: "Give Me 40 Acres and I'll Turn This Rig Around"
That fits many of us with our RWs.

travelin' texans · 03-24-2015, 05:48 PM

My dad has a Nissan Frontier little half pint toy truck & it takes about 4 tries to put in a parking stall, takes a half acre to turn it around.

PsychoBob65 · 03-25-2015, 12:31 AM

Ive got a 2002 ram 2500 short bed pulling a 39MB. You talk about close to the cab and rails. I got the rig to the park and there it stays till I find a bigger truck for the job. One crunch is all it takes to make an unforgettable memory.

Char & Steve · 03-25-2015, 12:50 AM

That's why we got a long bed, alot of people giving (advice) and stories about close calls with the short bed.

atom ant · 03-25-2015, 03:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Char & Steve

That's why we got a long bed, alot of people giving (advice) and stories about close calls with the short bed.

There's a lot more benefit to what you have over the shortbed than just turning

GTXRAS · 03-25-2015, 06:06 PM

I have 2015 mega Cab dually pulling a 39MB. We are currently in a park that has narrow roads. I can back the RW in too tight sometimes. The park manager is required to help park renters and he is amazed at how easily it goes in the spot.

Rick

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