What pickup would you get if you were in my shoes???

Hey guys,
I am a regular poster on this forum. Really interested in the new Tacoma. However, I have some reservations about the new engine. I currently drive a 2002 Tacoma that has treated me very well, but it is getting up there in age and mileage. I have to start thinking about my next ride.
A little about how I plan to use my next pickup:
The only time I tow is towing my fiberglass Casita trailer (see pic). Loaded up it weighs a max of 3500 lbs. Weighs closer to 2500 dry. Probably weighs 3,000 on average jaunt. My current Tacoma tows it okay but really bogs down on the high mountain passes near me (I live in Wyoming near the Colorado border, so lots of mountain climbs and high elevations). I do not like driving a full size pickup around but I would consider one if it suited my needs. If I got a Tacoma it would be a DCLB with topper, which is almost as big as a full size. The DCLB means no manual transmission ( ) and some payload capacity sacrificed for the sake of the topper. That payload on the Tacoma is already pretty low.
I did not like the throttle reponse of the 2016 Tacoma auto that I tested, however some people are saying the throttle response gets better as it is broken in and I think what I need more of is HP for pulling my Casita on the highway. The 2016 did feel pretty smooth and powerful once up to speed. Highway driving while pulling my camper is definitely where my current Tacoma lacks.
I literally would only tow my Casita a maximum of 10x per year. Probably less. On some camping trips I would just sleep in the bed of my truck (which is why I need a 6ft bed, can't do a 5ft). I would enjoy the MPG of the Tacoma and I realize the gen 3 is fairly larger than my gen 1.
Curious as to what you guys would get in my shoes.

 

Raptor

 

Tundra sr5 access cab (1 1/2) with a 4.6l v-8. Or quickly grab a 2015 2nd gen

 

Buy an on sale 2015 DCLB TRD SPORT 4x4 with v6 towing package and call it a day.

In my opinion, this is the only choice.

 

I would test drive a couple of full size trucks to see if it is something that really is an option for you. If you are looking right now there are some screaming deals on 2015 F150s.

 

I feel loyal to Toyota since they made a truck that was dependable for many years of ownership. I have owned 10 or so cars. The Tacoma has been the only reliable one.

 

Why are you skipping over the 2nd gen (BEST GEN)?

 

F350 Dually hands down.

 

I am not necessarily. Gen 2 is still in the mix.

 

I basically need to decide if if having way more truck than I absolutely need 98% of the time (daily driving) vs having enough truck 98% of the time and just a little less truck than I need 2% of the time (when I am towing). A DCLB is pretty damn big too. Especially with a bike rack on my trailer hitch.

 

Same here

 

DCSB FTMFW am I right @DCSBFTMFW ???

but seriously get a 15' and call it a day.

 

RIGHTIO, SIR!

 

Can't get a short bed because I am 5'10 and will be sleeping in the bed on occasion. If I were 4'10 I would get a short bed. Also, I am in a band and I have lug musical equipment around. That 1 extra foot makes a huge difference.

 

I am in the same boat as you. My 2005 SR5 is eleven years old and has been bulletproof but isn't getting any younger. I tow a 3000# boat and have been looking hard for towing reviews for the 3rd gen. and have only seen several. I think that I am going to pull the trigger on a new one and if it can't handle the towing I will be looking at a Ranger in 2/3 years.

 

F150 3.5 EB or V8.

 

I wouldn't get a Tacoma in your case, OP.

Good luck in the hunt, though. Love those Casita trailers.

 

Good read:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/why-pick-2016-tacoma-dclb-over-f150-dc-supercrew.392585/

 

you could always get truckbedz airmattress and go with the tailgate down for ventilation... im 6' and sleep in there every camping trip but then again I have the tent for the bed not a topper.
or go with the long bed...

 

Yeah we tried to convince ya to get the F150...but you ended up with the 3rd Gen . All honestly, it all depends on your needs OP. Take the vehicles you are interested in for a spin and see what works for you.