Long wheel base limitations

[darien]

Have any of you with longbed trucks (particularly with crew cabs) been particularly hindered by the wheelbase of your rigs? I want to do trails like the White Rim, get into the Arizona Strip, and go back and forth across the Mojave, and the areas north of Moab (Arches to Zion). I know there are lots of popular recreational trails in Moab I can't do, but I dont care about pure that kind of trip - only long distance back country camping trips.

I am planning on a 2" levelling kit and probably no bigger than 34" tires. In a long bed crew cab, would going up to a 4" lift and 36" tires get me into any significant driveline bind/U joint issues? I have always avoided a lot of lift on my trucks and haven't felt like I needed it.

[NothingClever]

I don't have a full-size truck but am currently researching the purchase of one (F250/F350, SuperCab, long bed).

I currently drive a Toyota Tacoma which is exceptionally deft on Rocky Mountain trails. I've been pretty sensitive about the prospect of going from a Toyota Tacoma to a domestic full-size, extended cab, long bed pick-up. My big concern has been turning radius more than width, overall height or clearance/breakover.

Given that you have coil springs, you'll be in better shape than me. I'm in the hunt for a 2002 or earlier SD PS which had leaf springs and a larger turning radius requirement than later models. It will be disheartening to head home (Colorado) on vacation and not be able to make all the switchbacks. However, the good news is if we land a clean 7.3 PS, we'll be able to tow a vehicle with us (perhaps the Tacoma) to use away from the camp ground.

Not sure if a UTV is within your interests but that might be a great option which would alleviate the long wheelbase limitations on switchbacks, etc.

[goodtimes]

Turning radius and overall width are bigger problems than break-over/approach/departure angles - at least in the places where I go.

[Rot Box]

I agree with goodtimes. The only time my wheel base drives me nuts is in parking lots and snowed in trails that require me to back out in reverse. I've taken my 91 (CC LB) on White Rim for instance and the wheelbase was the least of my worry's. I do however spend the time determining what trails I should and should not take it on and if it gets too difficult or technical (it is far from a rock crawler) I don't press my luck and will turn around before I get in over my head. As far as the wide open areas I really like the wheelbase. Washboards and such are very manageable and it is straight as an arrow on the long sections of dirt roads. For my needs having the increased off road capability of a shorter rig is not worth giving up the crew cab/long bed for but everyones needs are different. Hope this helps,

Andrew

[mustangwarrior]

i have a 1996 F150, its just a reg cab long bed, but has terrible turning radius and i drag the rear bumper all the time, i'm in my case a lift would help and eventually i'd like to trim the rear and build a wrap around bumper like the yota guys, my old boss had a crew cab short bed F250 with the 6.0, probably an '06 or so, it had incredible turning radius, i was amazed at how sharp it turned for such a big truck

[Junior's 12 Valve]

I'll go anywhere the smaller rigs will. I'll just have a few more scratches.

[biohzrd]

Never really had a huge problem with a longer vehicle. The newer trucks seem to have a lot better turn radius then the older models. Just have to pick your lines of approach, and trails a little better. Adjusted my driving style a little to compensate. Not a huge difference. I have seen my dad take his cc lwb Ram 2500 places that jeeps were going. All about driving ability. As stated above, parking lots can be a real pain in the A$%. Has more to do with the fact they are making the spots narrower and with less distance between rows.

[jronwood]

I travel long distances and need the space for a family of 5, my 02' 350 7.3 CC/CC flatbed. If I want to explore I will bring a moto, I have a 4x4 Gator diesel, but it is more utility, the Razor's are more high proformance. I would say trailer in your fun/ "break it" vehical and keep your road wheels for the trip home. I am more of an outdoor enthusiast, hike, backpack, paddle, mountain bike etc,...... I dont want to four wheel, abuse a truck in that way.

Jronwood

[darien]

Thanks - that's sort of how I figured it. It was a conscious decision to choose payload/capacity over other concerns. I'm used to the length now and it turns tight (with coils up front) and I think with a minimal lift and 34" tires it'll go anywhere I want to go.

[BurbanAZ]

the main issues ive had have always been around turning radius. Other than that for steep climbs or descents id much rather have a long wheel base rig with larger brakes. I sometimes consider getting something smaller but for the size i really have been able to get everywhere i wanted to, it may have just taken a little more thinking (and some scratches) to get there. I wouldnt give up the payload either i have a 92 3/4 ton suburban with a 454 and it drives pretty much exactly the same completely loaded up with gear and i can haul a bunch more gear without it even feeling it. The smaller rigs are nice but when you load them up with a bunch of gear you can usually feel the difference