Thinking about a Tacoma

[bkg]

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.

Nope. 5'6" and 6'6".

 

[deadbeat son]

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.

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

Thanks for the advice, but I'm not going to purchase a 1st gen Tundra. I simply won't buy an older truck. As for the new Tundra, if I wanted something that big I'd just get a Ram 2500 so I could at least take advantage of the payload. I'm sticking with the Tacoma. It's definitely a compromise, but for what I want, it's the best compromise.

 

[Box Rocket]

Nope. 5'6" and 6'6".

give or take The point is the crew cab bed isn't long enough for a normal adult to sleep in, without the tailgate down.

 

[mike2100]

give or take The point is the crew cab bed isn't long enough for a normal adult to sleep in, without the tailgate down.

Unless you sleep on your side with your knees bent perhaps.

 

[Clutch]

I just wish I could somehow buy a new first gen Tundra...

If you you really like the 1st gen, buy one and fix what is wrong with it. That or, buy a brand new DCLB Tacoma and toss a super charger on it.

 

[Runt]

I have owned a four door 6' box Tacoma and this time decided to try a Tundra Double Cab 6' box TRD. Both were heavily modified trucks for off road use. I prefer the Tacoma.....a lot. Mostly due to size and the way it handles off road. I find that the Tacoma does every thing the Tundra does but fits down trails better and burns less fuel. Power/towing (i.e. brakes) and if you will take it off road are big seperators here. Off road = Tacoma due to its narrower and works on trails better.....keeping it on roads = Tundra is the choice in my opinion.

 

[FJR Colorado]

I tried out a 3rd Gen 2014 Tundra today. I have to say, it was great.

They don't seem quite as gargantuan as the 2nd gens. Handled much better. Interior is vastly improved.

The Crew Max cab is really nice and roomy. The short bed is definitely a trade-off. Can you get Crew Max and a long bed?

Learned that they automatically have A-Trac when you go into 4-Lo... that was news...

It really has me thinking that maybe I'll just wait for the TRD Pro Tundra???

Oh I know, I'll just be over-paying for some mild mods I could do cheaper on my own. But it would also be really nice to have those things done on day 1 and under warranty...

 

[bkg]

I tried out a 3rd Gen 2014 Tundra today. I have to say, it was great.

They don't seem quite as gargantuan as the 2nd gens. Handled much better. Interior is vastly improved.

It's the exact same truck with minor cosmetic tweaks and great interior changes - should feel exactly the same.

 

[daveyboy]

It's the exact same truck with minor cosmetic tweaks and great interior changes - should feel exactly the same.

Pretty much. Although, there were some interior changes that I personally don't like. Loss of 2nd glove box, loss of grab handle, etc.... .