What the Rationale Behind Your Configuration

Always wondered why someone would option an access cab over a dbl and a short bed over a long...and Auto vs M...4wd pretty obvious. Trim levels generally are chosen due to finances.

Mine LB 4wd dbl cab automatic==max room needed for wife kids carrying stuff and lots of stop go traffic and we get BIG snow

Most curious about why dbl cab SB exists and why manual is an option on the dbl cab lb's.

 

I have an Access cab because I wanted a small truck and tend to haul more stuff than people so 5 ft bed was never an option to me. Also I wheel it and the DCLB trail limo is alittle too long for me.

If I needed people space and didn't haul stuff I'd get a 4 runner. If I wanted more passenger room and a long bed I'd get a full size.

 

Different needs for different people. Same reason some would need a full size as opposed to a mid size, or a car rather than a truck.

 

I had no other option, in Mexico there are only DCSB...

But for my needs it's perfect... I like to travel with family (DC) and I dont use the bed that much...

Also, in this city, you don't find many big parking spaces!

 

Wanted something the same general size as my 1st Gen Tundra which meant a 4drSB or ACLB. Was really tired of the AC on my Tundra (mainly the suicide doors vs normal opening doors). Was getting rid of my car so that meant 4 doors to haul people, and I've got the Tundra for the real dirty work so got the 4drSB. As for trannies, as I've gotten older the allure of clutches and stick shifts has faded...getting lazy I guess. Pretty much everything I've owned for the last 15 years or so has been an Auto with the exception of my FJ 40, but I've had that for almost 30 years so it's a throwback. If I was building it today I'd use an Auto in it also.

 

Depth of my garage meant access cab or DCSB. Chose bed length over a useable back seat; my grandkids were/are small. Since then I've picked up my enclosed trailer. When it's time to replace my current truck, it'll be a DCSB. I rarely need the full bed length, on the occasions I might, I now have both an enclosed and a flatbed trailer. I went manual trans out of nostalgia I think. After driving my wife's 2014 Highlander some, I'm relatively sure next truck will also be an automatic trans.

 

OK

 

base (5 lug) 2wd, auto, 4 cyl., Access cab, long bed, convenience package

1) Inexpensive TCO

2) I wanted the in cab storage for fishing gear, tools for projects etc.

3) From an overall size and looks standpoint I'd have rather had a 1st gen, but from a practical standpoint my '13 was a better choice

I have a Highlander if I want to take a trip or haul people. The truck is for kayaks, bicycles and HD/Lowes runs, as well as a second piece of transport.

In other words, it's 'purpose selected' not a dream car.

 

My wife insisted on the Tacoma vs. a full-size (my previous truck was a full-size extended cab). I said I at least had to get a long bed, because I have no room to store a trailer and need the ability to haul 10 ft lumber, 24 foot ladder on occasion, etc. IMO, with a 5' bed it is barely a pickup. DC because the family takes it to camp, skiing, etc on occasion. Auto because the manual cannot be found with the DCLB, plus I occasionally tow a boat and prefer an automatic for towing.

Regarding trim lines, it is not always about what one can afford. I could have afforded more, but I have no need for an offroad or sport package, and the SR5 is more than enough luxury for me. All I needed was 4wd (for winter driving) and a tow package; if the more basic SR had been available with a DCLB 4wd, I would have bought that.

Sometimes, it is all about compromises.

 

My truck is pretty much for camping only, so that drives most of the configuration options.

DC - Need to fit my family in it for the next 20 years. An AC would just be too small, particularly for 1000 mile road trips hitting various national parks. So DC to keep the family happy. Since I won't carry anything big and long, just lots of camping gear, the DCSB vs ACLB is sort of zero sum trading bed storage space for cab storage space. In fact having run an old RC for a long time now I know there are certain things (like camera gear and clothes) that I'd prefer storing in the larger cab anyway.

SB - Three reasons. I wanted TDR OR which only comes SB (though of course you could mod a LB TRD Sport to get close). I wanted the shorter wheelbase as I drive on some tight and narrow tracks. I didn't need the longer bed as I'm installing a Flip Pac and once open the living footprint is the same regardless of bed size.

V6 - I've been driving a '92 4 cyl 22RE for a long time and while I loved it the only reason I didn't have a V6 was that the 3VZ-E engine was an absolute disaster. So I've been crawling up passes at 35 mph for the past 15 years and would like to go faster now. The 1GR-FE appears rock solid and so this time I went V6.

AT - While my wife drives stick at least a good as me, off road she'd be more comfortable with an AT. In addition I now see little advantage at all to the MT compared to the AT, in fact the AT brings some features not available on the MT with the TRD OR package. I understand why people love to have an MT (my DD is a MT) but I'm a pragmatist and in this case the AT just makes more sense for my use.

TRD OR - Hard choice between base, SR5 and TRD OR. I would replace the suspension and tires on all three. But looking at the prices differences and features in the end the TRD OR won out for me, mainly because the e-locker will be just fine for my needs when combined with A-TRAC. There was no way I was going to do air lockers on a lower trim package. The TRD OR tires and suspension sold used will make up some of the difference as well.

Tow Package - I'll actually remove the receiver hitch to save weight, but I did want the larger alternator and if I ever tow anything in the future having the trailer wiring in there already is good. Also good for resale, though I expect to own for 20 years. Very reasonably priced option and nearly impossible to get a V6 without it anyway.

As to why the DCSB is so popular in general for people that use it as a DD rather than like my camping vehicle? I strongly suspect it is just an image thing. People need the space for the family but SUVs have become a soccer mom mobile. So a DCSB provides the space for a family while dad can still pretend to be a manly man. If you watch the advertising that is exactly how all the truck companies sell the DCSB configurations and I assume their multimillion dollar marketing departments know who their market is and how to con them into buying. But that's just the average Joe, probably not most of the folks here on TW.

 

DC - I had the "family" vehicle (until I modded it so much that no one likes to go long distance in it...this may have been on purpose )

LB - because trail limo!!! When I got the truck, I was working for a courier company. Long bed was [unfortunately] a necessity back then.

V6 - Because MOAR POWAH

Auto - because DCLBs didn't seem to exist with manuals

SR5 - wanted TRD OR but again...DCLB. (Now locked/locked on 35s though so I guess I don't mind anymore...)

Towing package - I tow. I used to tow a LOT. Took a 9000 lb camper from Orlando, FL to around Macon, GA. Definitely needed the extra trans cooler and I would have been using my trailer brake controller if the brakes on that trailer worked...

(and props to /u/DVexile for a good format )

 

Double cab because I like having the extra space so not everything has to go in the bed. Also nice if I go somewhere with friends since it's big enough for adults in the back seat. Some joke that I bought the family truck which is ironic because I don't want kids.

Long bed partially because it's what I found, but I'm glad I have it. There have been many times where the 6 ft bed has been "just enough."

TRD Sport, again partially because it's what I found, but some of the TRD stuff is much better than SR5 (seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, compass/outside temp gauge, bed outlet, appearance, etc.)

4x4 because I will never have a vehicle that isn't 4WD.

I believe double cab long beds are V6 AT only, but I don't think I'd change either one anyway. Certainly not the V6.

 

Double Cab Long Bed because thats the truck my parents bought me when i was 16

so thankful for them, love the long bed for loading dirtbikes, fourwheeler, or just hauling in general.

Double cab is obviously nice for carrying more than one person, even though it is cramped back there.

I'd probably get a short bed if I were to get another Tacoma, just like the look a little better

 

trutthhhhhhhhhhhh

 

I've managed to make it 40 years without knocking anyone up. As a reward, I get to have an access cab!

 

ac trd or


need space behind seats for crap

don't need 4 doors

do need a real bed not a grocery-getter mini-bed

I do need that locking rear diff I use it 4 times a week to get to my cabin
it is not 100% required if I drive faster but the chin of the tacoma will
smack into rocks if I am going faster than walking speed...
if I creep no rock smash but then the wet stumps and logs stop me...
with locker it finds the traction and I get past them stumps


and keeping it stock except for tires, shorter mud flaps, and seat covers because
no one really gives a crap about mods, and resale is always higher when people
see the vehicle has not been kajiggered with (depends on what mods really).
I don't ever plan on selling it but just in case the asteroid hits and I am down on my luck I'll dump it

 

The little, inexpensive, economical, hobbit single cab. Less to wash, easier to park....but with a 6' bed. Everything you need, nothing you don't

 

4 Doors because I have two kids. Short bed because I wanted something a little shorter for the trails (still a long beast IMO).

 

Same here. I wanted the smallest, cheapest 4WD that had at least the cargo capacity of my 2006 Ford Focus wagon. I do not need to haul more than one passenger.

 

I had decided I wanted a 4-door, 4x4, stick-shift small pickup due to semi-frequent family camping trips with a trailer in the mountains.

I ended up with a TRD Sport because it was the only 4-door 6-speed in the area.