Rich, what features had you getting the RD bed vs the RS bed?
Vic, when I went to look at the CMs at the local distributor, they had a few different types in the yard, both in aluminum, as well as steel. But only one of beds on the lot, the 84-inch RD, was the proper length for my specific 78-inch short-bed. The 84 inch RD simply looked correct, too, as if it were an OEM design. I did see the RS and other models as well, and could have ordered one that fit, but in the end, as it turned out, I took the RD that they already had on the lot, as it was the most appealing for my purposes, for a few differnt reasons. For instance, the RD has an HD 18,500 lb.-rated B&W bumper pull hitch with receiver tube, which is integrated into the entire frame. Ideal for towing or winch work or self recovery, if necessary, or simply to use as a hitch-step mount. On mine, for instance I use two flip-down aluminum steps, one in the hitch-receiver, and one mounted directly to the solid skirt just to the right and about 12 inches above the hitch to get into the rear door on the Hawk shell. The RS model doesn't include this integrated bumper-hitch. The RD model is also a bit more HD and resistant to stress with it's subframe crossmembers constucted of 3-inch, 3/16-inch steel channel. That is not available on the RS model. The RD has a tapered-corner skirt on the aft end and just suited my design plans better for building out my flip-down side rails and installation of additional exterior propane tanks at the tapered aft ends. This was probably more of a personal preference than a structural advantage. The RS is only available in a straight, non-tapered angle back, which is fine. The price tag on the RS is a little less than the RD but not significantly so. Both are well made. Choosing one over the other primarily depends on your intended use.
Rich
Edited by ri-f, 18 January 2021 - 02:04 AM.