I have a 52 1 ton with the 9 ft pickup bed. It is just as handy as a short bed, and the some, and then some more.
I don't want a truck with any sorter bed now that I have been spoiled.
You can have a box in the front of the bed, and still have a full 7' left over if you like to sleep in your truck bed, it works great for long trips; room for your stuff and you too.

•1951 GMC 250 in the Project Journals
•1948 Chevrolet 6400 - Detroit Diesel 4-53T - Roadranger 10 speed overdrive - 4 wheel disc brakes
•1952 Chevrolet 3800 pickup
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"First, get a clear notion of what you desire to accomplish, and then in all probability you will succeed in doing it..." -Henry Maudslay-