Is there anyone with real-world driving experience between 5'7" and 6'4" beds?

[FastandFurious]

Firstly, I just want to say, this forum has been very helpful in the few days since I joined.

So I am considering purchasing a certified pre-owned Ram 1500 Laramie crew cab. I found one that seems perfect, but I’m torn because it has the 6'4" bed, which I understand is less common with crew cabs.

I live in the suburbs and don’t need a truck for work or heavy hauling, but I’m looking for something suitable for recreational activities like hunting, road trips with my three kids and all our gear.

I know the specs differ on paper, but I’d love to hear about the real-world driving experience between the 5'7" and the 6'4" beds. Is the difference really noticeable, or is it just a matter of getting used to it? Thanks in advance for any insights!

 

[Mazus_9999]

More room, but consider your parking situation. I was in the same boat when I was choosing between the two bed sizes. I ended up with the 5'7" bed because I live in the city, and parking can be tough. However, for your situation, road trips, kids, and gear. the 6'4" bed will give you more room, and you’ll appreciate it on longer hauls. Handling isn’t much different, though in tighter suburban streets, you might notice it during parking or maneuvering. It’s all about balancing the convenience of the extra space with how much it’ll impact your day-to-day driving. Either way, both are great options!

 

[FreedY_msssspp89]

What’s your priority, gear space or ease of parking? It really comes down to how much you prioritize extra storage space versus ease of maneuvering. Do you find yourself needing a lot of room for gear often? If so, the 6'4" will be a lifesaver. On the flip side, if you park in tight suburban spots or your garage isn’t huge, the 5'7" might be easier to manage. What’s your usual driving scenario like? What stuff do you carry around with everyday? You gotta nitpick on the gear you stuff.

 

[YoshinoPK_0623]

Hey, I’ve got the 6'4"" bed on my Ram 1500 and honestly, it doesn’t feel that different from the 5'7"" in daily driving. Minimal difference in daily driving. Parking can be a little trickier in tight spots, but you’ll get used to it. If you’re hauling gear for trips, I’d say the extra bed length is worth it!

 

[MillieSing_0814]

Go for the 6'4" bed for trips with the kids and gear. I’ve had experience driving both, and here’s my take: the 6'4" bed is fantastic for exactly what you’re describing, road trips, hunting gear, and taking the kids along with all their stuff. The extra bed space really adds up when you’re packing for a family. In terms of driving, the difference isn’t huge, but you’ll notice the length more when parking in tighter suburban areas or making sharp turns. It takes some getting used to, but nothing major. If you’ve got the room to park it and you’re prioritizing space, I’d recommend the 6'4". The 5'7" is great too, but if the vehicle checks all your other boxes, don’t let the bed size be a dealbreaker.