DCLB wheelbase question

I’m still in the planning stages of buying my truck. The truck is going to be my daily driver to replace my aging ’94 Chevy. I do use my trucks for hauling things; the 6.5’ bed on the Chevy is what I’m used to so because of this I am mainly looking at the DCLB.

After work, the truck will be my expo rig for off road adventures when I’m retired. Nothing crazy like trying to do the Rubicon Trail but I do plan on tackling the classic continental overland routes. For these adventures I plan on putting a cap on it for the trips and will build a bed and storage inside. Once again the longer bed will be nice for sleeping without curling up or laying sideways.

Taking this into consideration, have any of the "trail limo" people wished they went with the short bed? Have there been any trail issues where the long bed prevented you from going down a typical overland trail or getting to a certain location? This may be a non-issue but I realize the extra 20" of wheel base can cause some problems. Thanks in advance.

 

I don't go down too many skiny switchback trails, but this limo truck is just perfect when loading up for a trip. I can't imagine using a short bed. Just not enough room for my taste...but this beast is long. Just kinda have to weigh your differences and pick what you can live with more. Turning tight or loading supplies up.

 

I’ve had a DCLB since 2008, first a Gen 2 now a Gen 3. Both had a canopy and a platform/drawer system that served as a place to keep tool and gear organized and accessible as well as to sleep on. When I’m “off-pavement” I mainly drive FS and BLM roads, some of which have pretty marginal maintenance. But as far as 4x4 “trails”, that’s not really my thing. I use the truck to get me to the trailhead, be it in the mountains or desert, or the gun range. Beyond that I hike.

The only times I’ve been concerned with the long bed is getting high centered. But lifting and taller tires help with that. Weaving in and out of tight trees/bushes hasn’t been a problem if you don’t mind backing up now and then. But I’m accustomed to driving fullsize pickups and I also have a Sprinter Van conversion that I’ve taken a lot of places you wouldn’t expect to see a van.

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=C2eN2pn7wxM

Here is some inspiration fueled by lots of money.

 

You mention hauling things, but not people. I'm assuming since you're retiring, passenger capacity is not a priority (i.e. no kids). Would an Access Cab work? Cheaper, you get the 6' bed, etc.

For daily driving, I do like the shorter DCSB. The 20" might not seem like much, but for me, I would have a harder time parking it in my garage and turning in tight parking spots would be like going back to my fullsize truck. The size issue is the main reason why I got rid of the 1/2 ton.

 

13.2" longer wheelbase. Not 20". It makes a difference, breakover angle is a lot less and tighter turns are more challenging. It takes a different line and more careful planning than most other trail rigs. So just plan ahead.

But the trails your talking, you shouldn't have any problems that you can't solve. The long bed pluses will far outweigh the minuses in your case.

Get sliders. Get skids.

 

I have been thankful I chose the DCLB option many more times than I had wished I would have chosen a DCSB. There have only been a few times a short bed would have been nice, but I like to haul stuff around, so I'm all about the long bed.

 

"Trails" was a bad term for me to use. FS, BLM, and established 2 track roads are what I'm actually talking about. I'm tracking on lifted and taller tires. And backup cameras are your friend. Thanks

 

I'm not a wheeler by any means but I do enjoy exploring logging roads and off shoots in the mountains; nothing that's required armor. The only snag has been turning around on a tight trail, just took a while. I'm looking to move from a sport to an OR for the atrac/rear locker and would likely go LB again. I occasionally wonder if I could live with a SB but that's primarily because I like the way it looks.

With your plan to sleep in the bed I think your only answer is the LB.

I just happened to watch this video of a stock DCLB OR and I think it might ease some of your concerns of how capable the truck still is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejWHH9B_5To&t=85s

 

You are correct on no kids. Wife and 50# dog, and they won't always be with me. My current truck is an extended cab Chevy, the lack of rear doors is a pain for people or gear I don't want to get wet. I'll stick with the double cab for this.

 

Thanks. Sliders and skids are some of the first upgrades.

 

Sounds like you’re planning to use your truck like I do. I think you’ll be fine and a DCLB sounds like it’ll also do everything else you want it to do.

 

Nice looking truck. Very similar to what I have planned.

 

Have owned both, with the short bed there were many times I wish I had more space. With the long bed I've never thought I had too much.

 

I swear I get a hard on every time I watch that.

 

If your going to be camping in the bed consider a mid rise. My wife wanted height. Plus windoors are a must for me. Pricey but well worth it. I have a platform that sits about 8” off the bed to store gear. I’m 5’7” I tilt my head just a bit to sit up. Something to think about.

 

Only when short-bed owners line up to tell me their sins & regrets, and the entire day goes to waste.

 

A mid or high rise topper is what I'm looking at. I see the pics of cab height toppers and sleeping platforms and think no way, not enough room. Pop tops like a @vagabond_outdoors Drifter are an option too, depending on the $$$

 

Vagabond and GFC are tempting me. I'm just not sure if $6-8k is worth it right now. That's arb locker, front and rear bumpers, winch, new tires and a shell.

 

Ouch! I didn't realize they were running that high. I have to agree with you, that would cover a lot of other upgrades AND a nicely outfitted shell.