Regular vs Extended cabs

[Snacky]

How much different is parking, driving or handling an extended cab truck vs a regular cab?

 

Based on specs I take it that the ext is 2 feet longer, does it really make that much difference?

[Shaners]

In a short bed model, both trucks are OK.  But if you go to a long bed excab or a crewcab short/long bed, you might as well just figure on parking way out in the lot and walking.  Todays narrow rows and parking spaces are not designed to swing these behemoths in with ease.

[Stepside Z]

If you think you are going to need an ext cab then get it. I have a reg cab and plan on getting something bigger just as soon as I can afford it.

[CMNTMXR81]

I love my Ext cab and if space weren't an issue in our alley, I'd have a crew cab.  But what Shaners said is 100% true.  I don't even waste time trying to park it up front in parking lots as it's simply just too much of a bitch.  Not to mention when you finally do shoehorn it in, the rear sticks 6 ft past the end of the two cars parked next to you.  

 

So I just save time and park out back.

[99silveradoz71]

Blue finds herself at the end of the aisle and preferably next to an island.  Not only does she like to stick out and take up space, but she avoids dings by hiding out in the back country of the urban jungle.

[BDBWTE]

Buy whatever you need brother...I have a reg cab long box and a ext. cab short box. and they both have their ups and downs...but unless you always need the bed space for hauling I would definately go with the ext. cab...Just my $0.02.

[LarryE]

after years of driving our long tool truck for years, the ext cab was like parking a golf cart, heck even when driving my uncles crew cab, I could get in and out of places alot of ppl wouldn't dare park.

 

I would never own a reg cab, not enough room for me,  my grandfather has one and we borrowed it to pick up my big screen and that was one 600 mile round trip I'll never take again.

[SilveradoWV]

There are some differences in parking and such, but both are the same width so those narrow spots arent going to feel any wider if youre in a reg cab. Get whatever you need, I have had an ext cab and now I have a reg cab and find that it is a little easier to go through some parking lots. Plus I didnt think the ext cab had much room for more than 2, maybe 3 people over 6 feet tall so I went with the reg cab, since I had no use for a small back seat.

[CapnDean]

I have the extended cab....I have a family.  No brainer for me.

 

My 1989 Reg Cab, had the long bed - - I say that they are comparable when it comes to parking.  Now suppose I had gotten the long box on my extended cab?   NOPE...toooo long!

 

What I miss though, is the 34 gallon tank on the 1989 Long box reg cab. My 1995 ext cab had a smaller gas tank too.

 

I like being able to roll 650-700 miles between fill ups!

If my current truck had a 34 gallon tank, I could make 700 miles on a tank no problem!

 

CapnDean

[99silveradoz71]

well when I was looking around and ended up with my 92 Jimmy I bought used in 97, I kicked around the idea of a regular cab shortbox, but couldn't afford it.  This time around I went with an ext cab shortbox...being 6'5 and 235 makes that an easy decision.  I'll put it this way if you're a good sized person, get the ext cab...if you have items you intend to buy or haul that you want kept secure or slightly out of sight, get the ext cab...

[Kania2k1]

Between riding in my brother's reg cab, shortbed, and my ext cab sportside, the extra 2 feet of wheelbase makes for a smoother ride.  Both of us have Z-71's, but mine is a lot smoother on the highway and stuff.  Plus I can throw some more stuff in the back seat if I need to.

[TROYROBO]

my choice is ext cab--i love the extra room-for kids-junk-and anyone else that want's to come along     --never will  go back to a reg cab truck again--the ride and comfort is all i need from here on out----parking can be a pain-but you can live with it after awhile       just my 2 cents    troy :thumb:

[SilveradoWV]

well when I was looking around and ended up with my 92 Jimmy I bought used in 97, I kicked around the idea of a regular cab shortbox, but couldn't afford it.  This time around I went with an ext cab shortbox...being 6'5 and 235 makes that an easy decision.  I'll put it this way if you're a good sized person, get the ext cab...if you have items you intend to buy or haul that you want kept secure or slightly out of sight, get the ext cab...

I am 6'4" and weigh quite more than 235 and have no probs with the reg cab it has tons of room compared to the ZR2 Blazer I had, I admit you can let the rear of the seat back more in an ext cab but large people can be comfortable in a reg cab. As for keeping something completely out of site I wouldnt leave it in the cab, I have a fiberglass bed cover that keeps everything tucked away from peoples view. With all of the reg cab bashing this post should be moved to the bash forum.

[Kansas Kid]

With all of the reg cab bashing this post should be moved to the bash forum.

No kidding.  Seems to be that people are forgetting that back when trucks were made to be used as trucks, the only cab you could get was the regular cab.  To me the regular cab/long bed will always be the epitome of a true truck.

 

It wasn't until trucks started being made for the skirt-wearing crowd that the extended cab made an appearance.  LOL

[Beaux Duke]

Yep, parking and maneuvering in traffic will be difficult but...

I got rear ended once in a regular cab.  My head hit the back glass and knocked it loose (the glass) from the frame.  Had to go to the doctor because of blurred vision.

 

Test drive one.

 

Go to a dealer and drive a couple new one's.  Regular and Extra  cabs even if you're planning on buying used.  Take it out in traffic, try some parking maneuvers, load it up with your family.  

 

It's a long term commitment.  It pays to know what you're getting into. :thumb: