Anyone go from DC to AC?

Not an electrical question.

I know there is a lot of love for the access cab for those that have them, and I've read plenty of discussion about why we chose one over the other.

However, I'm specifically interested in those who bought a DC for a reason and later decided an AC was better for them. Why?

I like my DCSB. I use the back seat a lot. Not so much for people, though occasionally, but my dogs have a nice play to sleep, I can put a full cooler back there for road trips (plus a dog), I can store a good bit of stuff locked up and a bit more secure than in my bed with topper.

BUT, the bed is too small for my 6'3" body to sleep in. I enjoy minimalist camping but I can't sleep well in sleeping bag anymore. I need something a bit more bed like and would be awesome to have that in my truck bed. No tent to set up and a cozy place to sleep.

I've looked closely at the AC and I just don't see the back "seat" being large enough to be very useful but obviously the trade off is the bed is more useful. I know people build platforms back there and one would be required for a dog to hang out there.

Yes, I know they make a DCLB but no way I want to drive a boat and I don't think they are as nimble off road. I know they make trailers but that's not minimalist nor can I drag a trailer some of the places I want to camp.

Anyway, if you had and loved your DCSB and now have an AC, any regrets? Was the trade off worth it? What was your rational for changing?

Obligatory "dog in truck" pic - though not in the backseat.

 

I would have bought an AC if I could get the TRD Offroad 4x4 in a manual. But only the DCSB came in manual.

 

I would have bought that combo too.

 

Traded a 17 SR 4x4 4door, for a 17 SR 4x4 4cyl 5speed A.C. kids are moved out or in college, kids never rode with me anyways. My main reason was for the 4cyl 5speed. Just hated the 3.5 with the 6speed auto even after all the TSB. I have no regrets at all, like you said you will lose some interior space, but make up for it with the 6' bed.
Only thing I have noticed is there is more wind noise, will fix that this spring.
Hope this helps

 

I wish I went with the Access cab, it’s what I really wanted just wasnt real practical for me. I have my second DCLB. Its really not that much longer, I drive a half ton for work daily and I can get in and out of places way easier in my DCLB than the work truck.

 

I knew this was gonna be click bait...

Per your OP I don't qualify to answer, but no regrets here on my AC. No kids, needed a bed and didn't want the limo..


Good looking pup!

 

Really I tought you meant DC direct current to AC alternating current

 

Not a 3rd gen but same cab essentially other than the way the seats fold but you can convert to the fold out style. I went from a double cab short bed to an access cab and I’m thrilled I switched. Seats fold down for my fur babies and they fold back up for my drunk friends to sit in the back seat. I cut up a stall mat to fit on the back seat for my boys so they don’t slide around


Not pictured is our teacup Aussie who normally rides in the passenger floorboard anyway

 

Get a hardshell RTT. They deploy in like 30 seconds and then you're nice and comfy. Another option is to do what I did on my 2nd gen, get a camper shell, truck bed mattress and a "camper shell tent". Sets up in minutes and let you sleep comfortably in the back of a shortbed as the tailgate drops like so:


I was in your same situation almost bought an AC but glad I went with the DC as I have ended up taking a lot of friends on road trips and they simply wouldn't fit in an AC.

 

But the DCLB is small! I think you're overthinking it. A DCLB is a bit more than a foot longer than a DCSB or access cab, is easier than a full-size to drive, and way easier than a semi or box truck to drive. I have no issues parking my DCLB in downtown Atlanta... and I never fixed my backup cam after I added a plate bumper with swingout, my camper blocks my rear-view mirror, and I'm over a foot longer than stock because of my front and rear bumpers.

You do have more ground clearance offroad with a short bed or access cab, but the functionality of a long bed far outweighs the 1% of mileage or less offroads, with less than 1% of that 1% having length or wheelbase matter. I think the DCSB and the Access cab are the same length / wheelbase. For what it's worth, I've only beached my DCLB offroad once in the middle and was easily able to get myself unstuck and take a better line.

Honestly, the only reason I can see getting an AC over a DCLB is to make it fit in your garage, or because the DCLB is only really available in SR5 and you want some features in a higher trim package.

 

Atlanta must have some nice parking or something... I rarely fit in spots in DC/Arlington/Alexandria even with a short bed.

 

DC is not at all like any city I've traveled to. I've gone to DC for a wedding and tourism, and Alexandria a few times for work... I managed to park in DC when I was there, but my wife had to spot for me every time we went to another place to sightsee. Y'all play bumper cars in DC to park. It's crazy. I wouldn't even own a truck in DC, I'd commute with some crapbox Chevy Aveo or some other monstrosity or just take the subway, keeping the Taco for weekend trips. Literally nowhere else in the USA I've been is like the capitol for parking. Even NYC was easier to park in than DC. DC is a parking clusterfuck that's best not generalized to the rest of the USA.

 

So I have a TRD OR Access Cab, and while I love it, I think I'd have to do the DCLB if I did it over. I thought it was just gonna be me and my mutt, but then a girlfriend happened and she has dogs, so the AC is really tight. Also, the 3rd gen AC rear seats suck. The fold up into the back, instead of flat so the room for a platform is really weird. I'm actually trying to figure something out now, since I have a wheeling trip this Sunday and my gal, and my mutt are coming with.

 

i only the other hand, have only "beached" my DCSB with a OME and 255s once.

I currently do not have any kids. That will happen while I plan on owning this truck. Which is why I didnt get what I really wanted, which is an Access Cab. It has far more utility as a truck.

 

Great dog! So, I solved our short bed comfortable sleeping while camping in it and getting more storage with this inexpensive project:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...a-6-5’-bed-in-a-weekend.539080/#post-17388634

 

Just wanted to say your dog has great taste in beer,got me wanting a black butte now.

 

This is why I could never do a DCSB, I use my truck as a truck a lot. I have no problem with hauling 10ft 2x6's hanging off the tailgate with my rigid job box still in the back. I can't imagine I'd feel comfortable doing that in a short bed.

EDIT: picture.

 

picture doesnt work for me

 

I just replaced my 06 AC for a 16 AC. Contemplated going DCSB for the "future family" route but for right now the AC makes more sense. My first two trucks were Frontier DCSBs and I remember saying to myself that this config just feels silly. Feels like the saying "jack of all trades, master of none." If tomorrow's the day I find myself needing more seating then Ill get a second vehicle because I still need the bed.

 

Appreciate the suggestions, but I've pretty much thought of all these. It really comes down to the DC vs AC for me. Where do I want the limited space and how will I adapt to it.

The DCLB won't fit in my garage either so I just don't see that as a preferred option.

I'm not into RTTs for a number of reasons but mainly they are not what I think of minimalist, they are hard to take on and off or your leave them on and tank MPG, have to take down to take the truck anywhere while camping, and so on.

The back of the bed tent cover is an option, but honestly if I go that right might as well just stick with a regular tent and get a small futon (Japanese type if you've slept on those not the big, bulky American ones), which is something I'm considering. Doesn't seem to really solve anything if I can't close up the back and drive off without taking down.