Short bed vs long bed looks.

My thoughts.

The biggest advantage of owning a Tacoma over a 1/2 ton is the small size. They are smaller and easier to maneuver and park. The biggest disadvantage of owning a Tacoma is the small size. Compared to a 1/2 ton they have a smaller more cramped cab with reduced towing and payload capacity. Fuel mileage now is a tie.

The DCLB trucks have almost identical wheelbase's and overall length's compared to most 1/2 tons. You get all the negatives of owning a small truck, with none of the positives. A 1/2 ton with an extended cab will have more rear seat room than a DC Tacoma with an almost 7' bed that is much wider and deeper. You get about 800-1000 lbs more payload and around 3000-4000 lbs more towing capacity with the same fuel mileage. A 1/2 with a double cab has a massive rear seat at almost the same wheelbase as the DCLB. While the beds are only 5.5', you have 8' with the tailgate down and the beds are much wider and deeper. If I'm thinking about buying a DCLB I'll go straight to a 1/2 ton.

The AC with a 6' bed is the same overall length and with the same wheelbase as the DCSB. Which isn't a bad option if you don't really need seating in the back. The AC trucks are at best OK for kids, but really for storage and the ability to recline seats which isn't an option with regular cabs.

I've owned a lot of trucks over the years with beds of 5', 5.5', 6', 6.5' 7' and 8'. If I can't haul it in my 5' Tacoma bed I've never found anything less than 8' to be of any help. With the limited depth and width plus limited payload you ain't putting much in a Tacoma with any bed length. If you want to carry anything with you, you need a trailer.

 

It always bugs me to call them long beds. It’s only a 6 foot bed, that’s just a regular bed. 8 feet is a long bed.

 

Get a thin over the rail tool box, it breaks it up

 

So much this. ACs and DCLBs have the standard bed as far as i'm concerned. DCSB frankly look unbalanced on 3rd gens. You have this long nose, a big cab and then this weird short bed.

Yeah parking a DCLB is sort of like parking a narrower full-size, you get used to it. But even this 6ft bed feels small at times, any smaller and you'd start to wonder why you didn't just go 4Runner.

 

This is how you make the DCLB look good.

 

where did you find that awesome sport bar?

 

I prefer the looks of the long bed.

Lifted with bigger tires and a camper shell looks sick.

I just couldn't get a deal on one and went SB. It all reality it's easier to drive and park in crowded small parking lots. Most of the time I see Tacoma they have empty beds so I do t think the majority actually need a long bed.

Anyway I think my SB looks good on 265s. A LB would need minimum 285s.




Here she is the day I picked her up 3 weeks ago. Picked up a new couch without an issue. Just leave the tail gate down.

 

Partly my brain and mostly the skill of a welder. Here is the write up in my build thread:

• Roll-bar: I designed (a 'sweet roll bar') to be mounted into the the factory OEM bed rail system with no drilling. I worked with Sterling Equipment to fabricate and ship, they did a fantastic job and offer other styles/customization. This was built to order so it takes time but totally worth it! Let Wade/Brenda know I sent you!
  
  The key mods I spec'd:
  • made it fit into the bed rail system so again no drilling to install this was a key goal as bed rail rust is hard to fix
  • only one center post between the two top rails so I could install my lights in any spread I liked
  • no side panels for a more open look
  • I had them carefully taper the bed rail mounting plates to match the tapered profile of the truck...notice how it follows the line of the bed rail evenly and has rounded corners and a front notch for more forward install
  • angles match cab, and it is slightly tall to give the lights better clearance but still look clean
  • you may want to provide the center of mounting hole distance from the top of your bed rail protectors to the center of bed rail system to align the mount holes or drill and paint them yourself

More pics

 

Reminds me of my 83 ... proportionally speaking ... 7’ bed

 

I would have gotten the long bed if it would have been available in MT....

 

Hello, I may be in or not in market for Tacoma TRD Sport Double Cab with Automatic. So I am not sure if I should get long bed or short bed because I am in process of starting mobile detail, which I will do mobile detail for a year before renting a Garage Unit for all year detail.

What's your thought on long bed or short bed? I do not want a Ford Tranconnect or Dodge protester, I need a personal/business vehicle.

 

Do you need the double cab? Why not access can with long bed?

 

Yes, I do. I’ve alway wanted the double cab.

 

If your running a business out of it get the double cab 6 foot box. There will be days you appreciate the extra room.

 

In that case I would vote for DCSB. I don’t think you would need a 6’ bed for detailing equipment.

 

On a DC, the short bed looks the best. DCLB's look like they're about as long as a city bus.

 

The surest way I know to make a double cab long bed Tacoma look less like a long ass train is to give it a lift and some meaty tires.

 

Kind of off topic, but I always thought it would be cool if the TRD Pro came in an ACSB, kind like the F150 Raptors do.

 

LOL based on those Photo Chop sneak previews, looks like the answer is the same as always: wait for the 2020!