Tacoma VS Frontier to Carry a FWC or ATC

[dags]

I'm picking up an ATC bobcat this Friday using a Ford Ranger temporilarily.


I plan on mounting the camper on a truck and then in 2 years travelling for an extended period of time with the setup.

What are the thoughts for the vehicle 2005 + Tacoma VS 2005+ Frontier. I need a four door V6 4x4.

 

[Project510]

I owned a Frontier and loved it, however I did not love the higher priced aftermarket parts, lack of available replacement parts and poor fuel economy. My next truck, if a pickup will deff be a Tacoma with a Flippack.

However I owned a 2003 which was still using the VG33.. The other problems remain the same (high cost of aftermarket support - lack of available oem parts)

 

[dags]

I thought the fuel economy of both the tacoma and frontier where similiar?

How about the weight carrying abilities?

Seems a late model tacoma with around 40,000 miles carries a 3-5K dollar premium

 

[dags]

The two vehicles are very similar.
Have you decide on a long bed or short bed? I'm not sure long bed was an option for the Frontier in '05 with the Crew Cab.
Where are you traveling to?

I chose the Frontier because it is an internationaly marketed vehicle (known as the Navarra in other countries) whereas the Tacoma is North America only truck. They are somewhat common in Central America from people importing them used from the NA Market but I'm not sure what the parts network is.

Yes, the aftermarket market is far more limited for Frontiers than Tacoma but you can find what you need.
Yes, Tacoma will be more expensive.

Here is a pic from Phoenix Campers of a Frontier.

Edmunds did a good comparison of the two '05 models
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKw2hX6xShc

I would prefer a long bed, but the GVW is impacted by carrying the additional weigh of the bed around.

I'm looking at 2005 to 2011 models - price is a bit of an issue.

I'm looking to drive up to Alaska and then down to South America.

I tought the tacoma was sold overseas as another model?

 

[98roamer]

Nissan VS Toyota battle:
I've had a lot less issues with the 2000 Xterra compared to the 98 4Runner, even though we like the 4Runner better. We will be looking at Nissan when we replace the 4Runner, the Toyota Tax seems crazy high right now.

 

[Mrknowitall]

The Tacoma is not technically sold outside North America, but you'll find most service parts interchange (with GRJ120 Land Cruisers). The 1GR motor is used in South America. I think the same is true for the VQ40 in the Nissan. In an emergency, you can get parts UPS'd, but common stuff, like oil/air filters should be available right off the shelf. The Tacoma has stupid good resale value, but you'll get it back when you're done, unless you use it all up. The weight difference isn't all that big between the 5 and 6ft bed, and if you don't think the longer wheelbase (and automatic trans) will bother you off road, the longer truck will carry the load better, because less of the camper will be hanging out past the rear axle. Chances are you'll be over GVW with either truck and bed combination, if you use a camper. Spend money for good springs and upgrade to stronger tires- the 255/85s are getting popular, for various reasons. Obviously weight limits in Mexico are mere suggestions, but I don't know if anyone checks real closely as you go farther south.

 

[slooowr6]

Both truck will be about the same when loaded with FWC/ATC. Depends on your driving style, to me a stock V6 auto Tacoma carrying ATC is undrive-able, again that is just the way I like to drive. On the slightest incline the stock gear will down shift repeatedly until the engine revs so high and it starts to up shift then the cycle repeat. If I stick to stock tire size it might not be that bad but I move up one size to 32" tires. The truck is much more drive-able after install TRD super charger but that push the truck price more into 2500 truck territory. A full equipped FWC/ATC is close to 900lbs after adding water, food, people and stuff. It's really close or past GVWR on the compact truck. My truck in ready travel mode is close to 5900lbs. If you are starting new with a new truck, 3/4 ton truck is a better choice. my 2%

 

[dags]

thanks all for the input so far, very helpful.

GVW - so going over/close to GVW is sounds like is the suspension from what i've read that will struggle. Can the diffs and body handle it. I've read that the Tacoma is helped by boxing the rear of the frame, how about the frontier?

3/4 ton - i thought about the tundra but sounds like it has the same GVW problems

Taco resale - yes its resale is great but the initial price differences is painful

5 or 6 foot bed - sounds like the 6 foot is the way to go, surprised there are not more on the market. Why would you buy a 5 foot to haul stuff around!

I'm picking up the camper tomorrow morning using a ford ranger 4 cylinder - should be interesting. I've got to sell my FJ cruiser before i can grab a pickup.

 

[slooowr6]

thanks all for the input so far, very helpful.

GVW - so going over/close to GVW is sounds like is the suspension from what i've read that will struggle. Can the diffs and body handle it. I've read that the Tacoma is helped by boxing the rear of the frame, how about the frontier?

3/4 ton - i thought about the tundra but sounds like it has the same GVW problems

Taco resale - yes its resale is great but the initial price differences is painful

5 or 6 foot bed - sounds like the 6 foot is the way to go, surprised there are not more on the market. Why would you buy a 5 foot to haul stuff around!

I'm picking up the camper tomorrow morning using a ford ranger 4 cylinder - should be interesting. I've got to sell my FJ cruiser before i can grab a pickup.

3/4 ton truck is 2500 level. ^__^

 

[dags]

Picked up the bobcat today.

Thanks Alan for the help getting the camper on the Ranger!

Taking it for a little trip this weekend - will post some pics.

 

[dags]

What are the thoughts on carrying a bobcat with a 5 foot bed? Its very hard to find a Frontier or Tacoma in my area with a 6 foot bed - I've found a couple and they carry a large price premium.

 

[dags]

I ended up getting a Frontier, four door, 4x4 with a long bed

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice!!!

 

[homemade]

I ended up getting a Frontier, four door, 4x4 with a long bed

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice!!!

If the Frontier is anything like the Xterra I don't think you can go wrong. I like our '10 Xterra a lot and if I was in the market for a new small trunk the Frontier would be at the top of my list. The only thing I don't like about the xterra is the auto transmission seems to shift up into higher gears too soon, especially going up hills/mountains. A manual would be excellent.

 

[CoastalDefender]

If the Frontier is anything like the Xterra I don't think you can go wrong. I like our '10 Xterra a lot and if I was in the market for a new small trunk the Frontier would be at the top of my list. The only thing I don't like about the xterra is the auto transmission seems to shift up into higher gears too soon, especially going up hills/mountains. A manual would be excellent.

The shift points are adjusted on the fly based on the user's pedal inputs and driving style from the last 1000 or 1500mi of driving. Drive like a granny, the shift points will remain low. Drive like you stole it, they'll hold themselves out to higher RPMs.

 

[homemade]

The shift points are adjusted on the fly based on the user's pedal inputs and driving style from the last 1000 or 1500mi of driving. Drive like a granny, the shift points will remain low. Drive like you stole it, they'll hold themselves out to higher RPMs.

Or just a manual and not have to convince a computor to do what you want it to do. We got the auto because that is what my wife wanted, she is the one usually driving it. Most of her driving is rural and hiway so that might be a factor. It isn't a big deal but it is annoying sometimes because it seems to be hunting around, shifts too early up a grade then bogs down and needs to downshift. I end up putting it in 3rd usually. The engine is pretty strong so it isn't a lack of power issue. I think the Edmond's comparison between the Tacoma and Frontier (the Frontier was their preferred truck) that was linked on this or another thread mentioned it also. I think the Frontier and Xterra are nearly the same except for the box on the back of the Frontier but I might be wrong about that. The Xterra is a smooth comfortable driver with good ergonomics, good handling, good power, I would expect the Frontier to be the same but I have never driven one. Let us know what you think dags.