Long or Short Bed?

I think I have decided to downgrade from my F250 to a Tacoma.
It's been a very difficult decision for me to give up my full-sized truck (for 90% ego reasons).

The last bit I'm trying to decide on is a short or long bed.
For those of you who have the short bed (or had one), can you still use your truck like a truck and have no problems with the bed length?

For those of you with the long bed. Why did you pick it?

 

That's what I want to avoid. When I buy this truck, it's going to be for a minimum of 10 years.

 

If you don't need a 4 door, get the best of both worlds, access cab with 6' long bed. If you will put a toolbox in the bed, 6' bed is almost a requirement.

 

Oh no, no, no. Must have crew cab. My SO will kill me and I personally don't like access cabs. I like my cab nice and roomy. But we do haul way too much for an access. Would be a nice option though.

 

If coming from a full size I would go with the longbed..

 

DCLB FTMFW

 

Size matters. Go long and you wont regret it.

 

There IS no long bed Tacoma (other than in name only). Choice is 6' short bed or 5' "mini" like the Honda Ridgeline.

 

out of curiosity, where do you put the ramp when you're done?

 

Hey just something else to consider that rarely anyone ever remembers, the longer wheelbase with the longer bed will have a smoother ride than the shorter wheelbase. Most people driving Tacoma's don't really care about comfort, but in case you are like me and use your truck as your daily driver, comfort can make a big difference in your opinion of the truck.

 

If your in it for the long haul.. get the long bed. There's really no reason not to unless you really like the look of the shortbed.

 

Reverse psychology. Since guys with big trucks are compensating for something, then guys with smaller trucks are being modest.

 

Long bed. I can't stand short beds

More important question is, HOW DEEP IS THE BED GOING TO BE?

 

This is true the longer wheelbase will ride a little nicer. The negative for some is you loose a bit of maneuverability. A sharp turn, out of a driveway, pulling into a tight parking space, etc. may have to be 3-point turns. Making a right hand turn on narrow 2-lane road at a 4-way intersection may be impossible without swinging into the other lane. This is more of a problem in areas of the country which have mostly narrow, hilly roads. Other areas it's hardly an issue at all.

I'm curious how much weight can safely rest on a tailgate when driving? I sometimes carry a 600 pound motorcycle in the 6'-3" bed of my Tundra, the rear wheel rests right at the back of the bed. The tailgate obviously won't shut so sometimes I just leave it off.
On a 6' bed the wheel will be just on the tailgate but almost over the hinge. Is say 300# bouncing up and down there going to be a problem? Maybe more of a concern is the gate will have to stay on which means loading will require setting the ramp on the end of tailgate. Will a Tacoma tailgate safely support 800 pounds (600# bike and 200# rider) for loading?

 

I have a DCLB. I picked it because of the passenger space inside and the ability to haul the things I need in the back. The only problems I've had are maneuvering through tight turns out on trails, but other then that no issues at all.

 

Uh , you can make a right turn at a 4 way intersection no problem

 

Coming from a F-250 I would definately recommend the longer bed.

 

I was gonna say that even in my 250 I've not had to do a wide turn like that. Just takes some time to get to know your vehicle like it's an extension of ones anatomy. I scoff at back up cameras.

 

I thought the back up camera was a gimmick at first , now I really like it .

 

The camera is awesome when backing up to a trailer.