Tacoma Double Cab Standard Bed or Long Bed?

[Clutch]

Something else to consider: If you need a 6' bed and 4 full doors, why not look at a full sized truck?

What I'm saying is this: The usual reason for going with a compact truck (which the Tacoma is classified as) is that compacts generally get better MPG, cost less, and are easier to maneuver on tight trails.

But by the time you add all that weight and length to the Tacoma, you aren't going to be getting any better MPG or maneuverability anyway. And Toyotas are a lot of things but "inexpensive" isn't one of them (I call it "paying the Toyota tax.")

There are lots of full size trucks with 6' beds and 4 full doors. Might be a better option? Most modern full size trucks have a decent reputation and pretty good capability. I've noticed that when I go hunting, compact trucks are few and far between - it's full size trucks, everywhere. Pulling trailers, hauling ATVs and carrying 4 big, fully equipped hunters all over the mountains.

Another point in favor of the full size trucks is the availability of a diesel engine.

As far as maneuverability goes, being that they are full size and have a wider track, they most likely have a smaller turning radius than the DC LB Taco which will have the same length as a full size but has a narrower track.

Being wider also gives a bigger volume to the bed, and if you and the wife are sleeping back there you'll appreciate that extra space.

Ford's F-150 is available with the ecoboost/crew/6' bed.

400 hp/tq on tap with nearly the same fuel economy as the Tacoma, if not better....plus better payload, and towing capabilities.



There is just about the same if not more aftermarket for the F-150 that there is for the Tacoma.

 

[deadbeat son]

I got a TRD Sport, because I plan on adding lockers later and anyway, the LSD is more useful to me on snowy commutes than a locker is.

Don't forget that the LSD isn't a true LSD on the Tacoma, but rather an "Electronic LSD", meaning it uses the ABS to limit wheelspin. This feature also works on the TRD Off Road model when the locker is unlocked, so there's no advantage to the Sport here.

 

[Joash]

You do make some good points. I Guess I've never thought of myself as a full sized truck kind of guy. I'd even prefer something with better mileage than a Tacoma. I wonder if Toyota has any ideas re. squeezing out more MPGs?

I am definitely a Toyota fan, so I'd go with a Toyota over a Ford.

 

[Finlay]

Don't forget that the LSD isn't a true LSD on the Tacoma, but rather an "Electronic LSD", meaning it uses the ABS to limit wheelspin. This feature also works on the TRD Off Road model when the locker is unlocked, so there's no advantage to the Sport here.

You know, I was all set to prove you wrong, but it turns out that since 09+ you are right.

I can only blame the drinking.

Anyway, the sport has the 8.4" rear end not the 8.0" so it is clearly .4 better. :elkgrin:

Ok, I won't lie - the real reason I wanted the Sport over the OR was the blinker mirrors.... :wings:

 

[Clutch]

You do make some good points. I Guess I've never thought of myself as a full sized truck kind of guy. I'd even prefer something with better mileage than a Tacoma. I wonder if Toyota has any ideas re. squeezing out more MPGs?

I am definitely a Toyota fan, so I'd go with a Toyota over a Ford.

The Ford and the Taco are going to be real close mpg wise. I hear you on the fullsize truck, the Tacoma is about the perfect size in the regular cab, access cab, double cab short bed...but when it is the double cab long bed...might as well get a fullsize.

There will never be a small diesel in the US Tacoma, so I don't see mileage ever going up...maybe with a Hybrid, but those batteries will throw off the payload, not to mention precious space.

Would be nice if they tossed on two small turbos as Ford has done, would help out the Tacoma tremendously. That truck needs near or over 300 hp/tq for its' size, might fetch mid 20's mpg's if you keep your foot out of it. But where is the fun and that!?

There are turbo kits for the 4.0....turbo will yield better miles per gallon than a super charger.

 

[phsycle]

I guess I'm one of the few that's confused here. With a wheelbase difference of 13 inches and turning diameter of 3.3 feet between the LB and SB, should that even matter? I'm assuming we're not talking running the Rubicon here (which in that case, why are we talking about 2nd gen Taco's?). For overlanding trips, pick whichever bedsize would fit your needs better then just go with it. DCLB would be really nice if you're wanting to sleep in the truck or need that extra bed space.

I'd really like to hear personal experiences from those that were able to make a trail in a DCSB, but because of 13" and 3.3' handicap of the DCLB, they couldn't make it. :costumed-smiley-007 I think sometimes we make too much of these paper stats instead of heading out and enjoying the trails.

 

[Clutch]

I guess I'm one of the few that's confused here. With a wheelbase difference of 13 inches and turning diameter of 3.3 feet between the LB and SB, should that even matter? I'm assuming we're not talking running the Rubicon here (which in that case, why are we talking about 2nd gen Taco's?). For overlanding trips, pick whichever bedsize would fit your needs better then just go with it. DCLB would be really nice if you're wanting to sleep in the truck or need that extra bed space.

I'd really like to hear personal experiences from those that were able to make a trail in a DCSB, but because of 13" and 3.3' handicap of the DCLB, they couldn't make it. :costumed-smiley-007 I think sometimes we make too much of these paper stats instead of heading out and enjoying the trails.

Actually..it makes a huge difference...I haven't pulled out the tape measure...but our Isuzu Trooper is a bit shorter than my extra cab Tacoma...it is noticeably quite a bit more nimble while driving, getting in and out of tight spaces as well. You wouldn't think it would be, but driving them back to back, you can really tell. As I did today...went to Home Depot to get a load of 2X4's with the Toyota...since I was kinda of using it as a workbench...hopped in the Trooper to get something else...just getting it in and out of parking spaces was quite different...on the trail when things get tighter, it shines even more.

 

[Flagster]

You do make some good points. I Guess I've never thought of myself as a full sized truck kind of guy. I'd even prefer something with better mileage than a Tacoma. I wonder if Toyota has any ideas re. squeezing out more MPGs?

I am definitely a Toyota fan, so I'd go with a Toyota over a Ford.

New engines are coming in 2014 for the Tacoma...maybe direct injection but I wouldn't expect a huge increase in MPG...I am interested in replacing my 2005 Tacoma with a new f150 and have been looking at the ecoboost but those engines aren't returning huge increases over the 5.0 liter...

 

[phsycle]

Actually..it makes a huge difference...I haven't pulled out the tape measure...but our Isuzu Trooper is a bit shorter than my extra cab Tacoma...it is noticeably quite a bit more nimble while driving, getting in and out of tight spaces as well. You wouldn't think it would be, but driving them back to back, you can really tell. As I did today...went to Home Depot to get a load of 2X4's with the Toyota...since I was kinda of using it as a workbench...hopped in the Trooper to get something else...just getting it in and out of parking spaces was quite different...on the trail when things get tighter, it shines even more.

Having in the garage both a SWB (4Runner) and L-ishWB (Tacoma Ex Cab), plus having owned DC, Tundra DC--between the Tacoma and 4Runner(s), I really can't tell much difference. Yes, the Tacoma is physically longer, but real world driving? Both feel nimble to me. Never once did I think "Oh, I wish I brought the 4Runner! I can't get through these trails!" while driving the Tacoma. I think the same applies between the DCSB and DCLB. But this is all subjective, I guess.

 

[Clutch]

Having in the garage both a SWB (4Runner) and L-ishWB (Tacoma Ex Cab), plus having owned DC, Tundra DC--between the Tacoma and 4Runner(s), I really can't tell much difference. Yes, the Tacoma is physically longer, but real world driving? Both feel nimble to me. Never once did I think "Oh, I wish I brought the 4Runner! I can't get through these trails!" while driving the Tacoma. I think the same applies between the DCSB and DCLB. But this is all subjective, I guess.

Oh, both will make the same trail...just they do it a little differently...one will drag its' rear more than the other...or get high centered.

 

[Clutch]

I am interested in replacing my 2005 Tacoma with a new f150 and have been looking at the ecoboost but those engines aren't returning huge increases over the 5.0 liter...

They get about the same mpg...you buy the eco-boost for the power gain. Of course "eco" is a kind of silly name for it though...

 

[phsycle]

Oh, both will make the same trail...just they do it a little differently...one will drag its' rear more than the other...or get high centered.

Or not make it up a steep ledge, or flip on its back. :sombrero:

 

[Caoboy]

You do make some good points. I Guess I've never thought of myself as a full sized truck kind of guy. I'd even prefer something with better mileage than a Tacoma. I wonder if Toyota has any ideas re. squeezing out more MPGs?

I am definitely a Toyota fan, so I'd go with a Toyota over a Ford.

Buy a Prius?

I don't think you can get better MPG, unless you go with the 3.0 diesel, in a Jeep. Toyota has the best 'do-it-all' for most in an all around vehicle.

You can't have everything. What do you want? MPG? Useability? Space? You gotta compromise somewhere. Else we'd all be driving the same rigs!

 

[Clutch]

Or not make it up a steep ledge, or flip on its back. :sombrero:

LOL....or sit along the side of the trail sobbing. :ylsmoke:


On that note, I wouldn't mind have the DCLB....the auto only tranny keeps me from getting one.

 

[CodyB]

I have an 09 DCLB that I have hunting across across Nevada on a wide variety of two-tracks and find it gets around great. Everyday for work I am in the field in full sized trucks (2002 F250 RCLB or occasionally 2000 diesel dually) so the Tacoma feels a lot smaller to me and much more nimble. Conversely while I really like how well the truck gets around in the hills the size of the truck is my biggest complaint. I regularly run out of run to haul all my gear and wish I would have purchased a full size truck. I get 17 mpg on I80 with 235/85R16 Toyo MT, a bumper with winch, OME suspension, and a light load in the bed driving 75 mph. Once it is loaded I drop to 14-15 mpg which is not any different than a fullsize which would be much more comfortable and I know from experience will get all the same places in northern Nevada.