'13 Tacoma vs. '13 Rubicon

[TownDiver]

I apologize if this posts twice, my computer went haywire

Hey all,

So I am in need of some advice here. Unfortunately I am no longer getting the 110 I desired, maybe it was a twist of fate (cruel or blessing I may never know) but I am now seeking another vehicle to conduct my research this winter and next spring. The research involves ice diving then later desert enviornments and living out of my vehicle for weeks at a time on a lot of backcountry roads and trails(hooray!). After the research is finished I plan on going to Central and hopefully South America with the same vehicle. I started looking around this week and found the two below. a '13 Tacoma and '13 Rubicon. The chosen vehicle will also become my DD for a while.

I have managed to take a 4.0L manual Double Cab short bed for a test drive the other day. I really like the ride, but after the needed topper it will cost as much as a local '13 manual 5dr Rubicon. Hoping I can get some advice from those who might have one or the other. I'll be driving the Rubicon next weekend to compare and see which ride and set up I'll like better. I like that the Rubicon is already equipped with what I'd need to make most trails aside from an upgraded suspension which either will need I believe. I'm used to a good old fashion HEMMT or HMMWV but their a bit out of my price range! (Most)Any input would be helpful.

Jeep: (Still have yet to drive so going off advertisement and past I've seen)
Love the Rubicon and modularity.
Better ratio
Locking front and rear diffs
Smaller amount of space and enclosed body keeps gear warm!
Still have yet to drive it!
More people to work on it here (Wyoming)

Tacoma:
Love the ride, but even though I'm not the biggest guy I feel a little wide at the shoulders)
Less Modular
More Space in bed
Have to find a way to keep gear warm in bed (Thought about an electric blanket hooked up to the outlet in bed)
More dependable history


Plans for the rig include carrying the following over 6000 miles (for starters):

2males 1female all average build
Carrying 3persons worth of dive equipment 60pounds per person
6-9scuba tanks 40pounds each
RTT with changing room coming off of the back and connecting to the tailgate for the ice dives and donning dry suits. Thinking frontrunner with the T-Top roof annex.
Propane grill w/tank
Fridge
Some sort of rack system to hold all tanks in place while going over rough trails


So has anyone had one or the other and/or know of any issues with either or any flaw in my thinking? Known/forseen issues with the models? Any thoughts that might make this easier? I'll also be setting a lot of this up over time as funding allows me to. I realize that getting a used vehicle is an option and just put the money into it that I save from not buying new, but I feel like a new car might just be the better investment as I'll know what happens to it.

Thanks all!

(This is also being posted in the Toyota section as to avoid biasis :snorkel: )

 

[gregaf3]

In my mind both are great choices. The Tacoma is very reliable, we had an 03 and still miss it to this day.

I have a 13 Rubicon and so far it has been very reliable. The factory lockers, MT tires, and sway bar disco are very convenient and have yet to let me down.

I have a 50qt ARB fridge and it takes up a good 30% of the usable cargo space in the back, but with a good quality rack you can add much more space outside. I have a gobi rack for that purpose.


One other thing to consider is that the aftermarket is HUGE for the Jeep JK. This will cut cost on much of the custom fabrication needed.

 

[Metcalf]

Honestly. I think both those vehicles would be overloaded with that packout list.

I would think about a full size quad cab shortbed truck that was 3/4 ton.

 

[thebrassnuckles]

I have a '13 rubi...

I don't know that you would be able to fit all of that inside.

 

[bdp1978]

I cant even pack 2 adults, a kid, and a dog in our Jeep with enough space for stuff just for a weekend!!

 

[Finlay]

Honestly. I think both those vehicles would be overloaded with that packout list.

I would think about a full size quad cab shortbed truck that was 3/4 ton.

I agree with this guy. The Taco is a 1/2 ton pickup, and with three peeps, your dive gear and fuel, you're already at 900 lbs. My wife and I just did ~3weeks in our taco with 1300 lbs of gear and crap and us, and although the Taco delivered, it's pushing limits to be at that weight. And remember - the Access Cab has a higher GVWR than the double cab.

I'm not sure the Jeep would be any better off in similar circumstances, so I'd have to recommend the taco over the jeep.

All of that said, honestly, you might be better served by considering a second vehicle or a trailer or a larger vehicle.

 

[pilosopo]

Honestly. I think both those vehicles would be overloaded with that packout list.

I would think about a full size quad cab shortbed truck that was 3/4 ton.

This!

Can't say with absolute certainty for the Tacoma, but there's no way a JK would accommodate your needs without being seriously overweight.

 

[TownDiver]

Ok thanks for the input everyone! I completely spaced looking at max payload. Got a little caught up on the smaller size. I think I will get a weigh in of all my gear. I added the second man as a precaution, not certain if he'll be coming the entire time. I grew up with 2500 cummins and never really think about the weight issue. I'll keep figuring this out this summer. I just had knee surgery so Im out for the next couple months but it's great time to start planning! Half the fun in my mind

 

[thebrassnuckles]

If you want the smaller size (width) a trailer would solve the weight problem with both vehicles. But then you are stuck with a trailer, and parking becomes an issue in a lot of places.

 

[jaxs1984]

As everyone had mentioned the weight / space factor would be a problem with both. My friend has an 12' rubicon and I was in the backseat and the driver and passenger in the front. The cargo area had an ARB fridge and camping gear for about 3 days worth just for himself and I cramped in the back on a short 40 mile run to the liquor store :drool: I think with the HUGE aftermarket / support for the Jeep platform and I have one, I would go with the Jeep if it was you and a passenger and cut back on the gear and get a roof-rack or trailer.

 

[4D55 Performance]

I have space issues as well with my G-wagon. With 7 passengers in the G-wagon my only option for carrying all that payload was an offroad trailer.

 

[TownDiver]

That is something I have thought about a little. Im pretty used to the old military trailers and that is certainly a great idea. That and i think it might create a safe platform in case of accident Im not left with a barrage of air filled missile!

 

[GetOutThere]

I've got a '12 JK and again have to agree that space and weight will be a problem with what you're looking at.

But I've also driven a Taco... and I'd much rather the Jeep.

 

[Red90]

Full sized pickup, quad cab, short box. Lift, larger tires and lockers.

or two Rubicons. Always safer with two vehicles anyway. Travelling with one vehicle is a bad plan.

 

[NEPolarbear]

Jeep / Trailer/
RTT on the trailer and or on the Jeep.