Thinking about a Tacoma
- Thread starter FJR Colorado
- Start date
Wise Old Jason
Founder, Wise Old Media
I actually talked to a salesman, his words, and I quote...
"Special order? We can do anything."
How accurate he is, well, that's anybody's guess. Lol
"Special order? We can do anything."
How accurate he is, well, that's anybody's guess. Lol
bossman429
Adventurer
And the salesman i was speaking with was convinced the TRD Sport has ATRAC (which it doesn't)
Do your own research and make them do as little as possible for your own good.
But yes - you can get a DBL Cab Long bed, just not in an off road package and not with a manual
I was dead set on the manual but the long bed is more important to me so i got that instead. Also i heard the manual has a really close gear ratio and that gets annoying fats, also it revs pretty high on the highway.... which is why it actually gets WORSE mileage than the auto (not that 1 or 2 MPG makes a diff really)
Do your own research and make them do as little as possible for your own good.
But yes - you can get a DBL Cab Long bed, just not in an off road package and not with a manual
I was dead set on the manual but the long bed is more important to me so i got that instead. Also i heard the manual has a really close gear ratio and that gets annoying fats, also it revs pretty high on the highway.... which is why it actually gets WORSE mileage than the auto (not that 1 or 2 MPG makes a diff really)
Box Rocket
Well-known member
Just going to clarify a little here. You can get a 1st Gen Tacoma (2001-2004) in a double cab but it only comes with a shortbed (5' bed) and auto trans. That's what I have. Love the truck btw.
Starting in 2005 you can get a 2nd Gen Tacoma double cab in either a short bed or long bed. TRD Offroad model only comes as a shortbed, with locking rear diff. TRD Sport model comes with either the long bed or the short bed and has the limited slip rear diff. Both trucks come with auto trans. The Sport model can also be spotted with the hood scoop. The other models don't have a hood scoop unless its an owner swap.
DCLB TRD Sport
DCSB TRD Sport
DCSB Non TRD (black flares) no limited slip, no locker no TRD suspension etc
DCSB TRD OffRoad
Starting in 2005 you can get a 2nd Gen Tacoma double cab in either a short bed or long bed. TRD Offroad model only comes as a shortbed, with locking rear diff. TRD Sport model comes with either the long bed or the short bed and has the limited slip rear diff. Both trucks come with auto trans. The Sport model can also be spotted with the hood scoop. The other models don't have a hood scoop unless its an owner swap.
DCLB TRD Sport
DCSB TRD Sport
DCSB Non TRD (black flares) no limited slip, no locker no TRD suspension etc
DCSB TRD OffRoad
Wise Old Jason
Founder, Wise Old Media
Good to know! Thanks for the pics!
deadbeat son
Explorer
TRD Sport lost the mechanical limited slip back in '09. Now it has an "electronic limited slip" which is just brake actuated traction control. The electronic LSD is also standard on the Off Road model.
dcoy
Adventurer
I've been thinking about a Tacoma as well. My goals are similar to the OP except I specifically want to have the capability of putting a Four Wheel Camper on board at some point. So that means (ideally), a DCLB. But looking at them, I realized that they are somewhat underpowered and their payload is marginal (and of course automatic trans mandatory and I'd have to put a rear locker (ARB Air) in later). So perhaps I could get a S/C when/if they become available. Then I noticed the Tundra. Sort of big for my tastes but its got the longer bed, more power, and a nicer interior. For all those extras it doesn't cost much more than the Taco. So perhaps a Tundra instead.
FJR Colorado
Explorer
Thanks for all of the great thoughts & opinions here. Lots of great points.
I am starting to lean more towards a Tundra. It's just too bad they had to go and make this new version that drives like a Mack truck...
I tried a 2005 Tundra and loved it! Almost exactly like my beloved 1st Gen Sequoia... easy to drive, very efficient 4.7 V8, etc. But I'm not convinced I want to build out a 9-year old vehicle with 100K miles...
I just wish I could somehow buy a new first gen Tundra...
Leaves me scratchin' my head why Toyota did what they did to a great platform. I guess they thought they had to go compete against Ford F-350s???
I am starting to lean more towards a Tundra. It's just too bad they had to go and make this new version that drives like a Mack truck...
I tried a 2005 Tundra and loved it! Almost exactly like my beloved 1st Gen Sequoia... easy to drive, very efficient 4.7 V8, etc. But I'm not convinced I want to build out a 9-year old vehicle with 100K miles...
I just wish I could somehow buy a new first gen Tundra...
Leaves me scratchin' my head why Toyota did what they did to a great platform. I guess they thought they had to go compete against Ford F-350s???
brianjwilson
Some sort of lost...
I'm also considering a dclb Tacoma as my next vehicle (also for a four wheel camper eventually). The first gen tundra is just the right size I think too (or close to it), but everyone wants a ridiculous amount of money for an older rig with 100k miles. None of the new bloated half tons are doing it for me either.
Likely I'll buy a new Tacoma and just spend the money changing up suspension and gearing to help carry the extra weight. Most of the half tons don't gain much hauling capacity in similar configurations (double cab 6' bed), they just start out significantly heavier and larger and still end up over weight with a camper.
deadbeat son
Explorer
I absolutely love my DCSB Tacoma, it's the best vehicle I've ever owned. When I bought it, a 4WC wasn't really a consideration. But my needs have changed, and we hope to buy a camper soon. I'm conflicted on whether to keep the Tacoma and get a small camper, or get a bigger truck to hold a bigger camper. It's really difficult to consider parting with my truck. While an access cab TRD OR Tacoma would be the perfect solution, I need more in-cab room for the toddler. I'll likely keep what I have and compromise on the camper.
p nut
butter
Just my opinion (with family of 4). If you can do with the offroad capability of a Tundra (1st or 2nd gen), it would be a good move. Extra cabin space is priceless, especially if you're going to have people sit in the back with the car seat in place. My wife sometimes sits back there if the kids are fussy. Makes it much more tolerable for her.
Arclight
SAR guy
Have you considered a first-gen Tundra? They have the same bed as a T100, openable rear doors, and are only slightly bigger. They made these from 1999-2007.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Tundra#First_generation_.281999.E2.80.932007.29
Decent T100s are getting pretty hard to find in good shape, this might be a good option to consider used.
Arclight
Arclight
SAR guy
In my opinion, light weight is the main selling point of the Tacoma. It's not going to be the same vehicle if you put a full camper on it, mods or not. You might want to check out the Flippac line. I've seen some Tacomas with the Flippac (weighs only a little more than a fiberglass Snugtop shell) and a built-out bed area. with permanent shelves, PET toilet, etc downstairs. This might be a better compromise for you.
If you're using the Tacoma for its full off-road capability, helper springs, airbags, or new springs probably aren't going to offset the extra weight as much as you would hope.
Arclight
Box Rocket
Well-known member
just going to point out that the new Tundra in the full 4door crew cab model has a 5' bed just like the shortbed Tacoma. The extra cab gets a 6' bed. Not as roomy in the back seat as the crew cab.