why not a Dodge Ram?

This is one of the biggest things small trucks have against them is the fuel mileage. A small 3.5 with 278 HP can MAYBE squeeze out an additional 1 mpg over a 5.7 with 395 HP on the highway. That and the high cost compared to what you get.

 

Just about everybody that I know with a diesel is planning on going to gas next time, and many already have. While a diesel is more powerful, the engine along with other heavier running gear means about 800 extra pounds compared to gas. The GVWR of a diesel is exactly the same as a gas engine which means you automatically have about 800 lbs less payload with a diesel. So no it won't handle the extra weight of accessories any better.

I'm more familiar with Ford trucks than Dodge, but most of the 3/4 ton Ford trucks on the road have no more payload than an awful lot of 1/2 ton Fords. There is a lot of overlap between them and I'm sure it is the same with Dodge. A 3/4 ton Ford with a gas engine will actually tow more than the diesel engine. The diesel is rated for 15,000 lbs, the gas 14,000. But the diesel runs out of payload with a trailer over 10,000. The gas engine will handle the full 14,000 because it has about 800 lbs more payload. People who want to tow heavy will need to go up to a one ton truck if they want a diesel engine.

A diesel is about $9,000 more than gas too. Combine that with $130 oil changes, fuel that is $1 more per gallon, DEF, and you'll never break even on costs compared to gas.

 

don't get me wrong
I already have a DCSB and enjoy it,
just was not sure if there could possibly be anything even better
it's my first body on frame vehicle (truck / SUV, etc.)

 

Gas is dirt cheap, buy a TUNDRA

 

power wagons are dank, get one of those.

 

We know you don't

These comparison threads are confusing. Everything OP is comparing the Tacoma to is a fullsize actual truck. Tacomas are in the same size range as the Colorado/Canyon, Ford Ranger, etc. Gas milage, towing/payload comparisons between 1/4 ton and everything above it is apple to oranges

If you need a big truck, get a big truck. If you dont need a big truck, keep the Tacoma

 

I agree. If you need a big truck, get a big truck. With the larger truck you are going to want to carry even more gear which may be unnecessary. If you want a smaller truck, load it up reasonably and appreciate the fact that it is small and generally easier to drive around the city.

 

I use a 2012 ram 1500 on the farm at work, it’s great on pavement and towing but the 4x4 system is horrible. It can’t get out of its own way in the mud or snow

 

size wize . . . you can get to more fun places in a midsize.

 

Be nice if Toyota offered a powertrain comparable to the Rangers. You can now buy a warrantied tune from ford to bump the torque to 355 which is nuts. Not that I’d pick the ranger over a Tacoma though.

 

My dad bought his ram new. Doesn't tow with it, doesn't off road with it and he drives like a old man. It's at 119k miles and its literally falling apart. Last time I drove with him in it I could smell & see smoke coming from the vents when he turned the heat on. He said hes been having to add coolant to it, so I now think the heater core is going bad. Truck has numerous other issues as well so he bought (against my recommendation) a 46k mile AWD Ford escape to get around in, which for some reason had went into "Limp" mode and wouldn't go over 5mph numerous times (pic from when I had to rescue him the last time) and the trans is clunking into gear. I recommended him to buy a Toyota but he refuses to buy a foreign vehicle and keeps dumping money into his ram just to keep it going, and now the Ford. And here I am driving my original drivetrain 491k mile 04 Tacoma everyday with no issues. I'll stick to the dependability of Toyotas.

 

Had my 1999 Ram Reg. cab, short bed, 360CID, auto., 4X4, since new, very few problems. Would be lost without it. I've found pulling my boat, the Taco will work OK, but stopping my boat, you can get in a pinch before you realize it, Ram works much better. Love the Taco, Reg. cab, 4X4, 2.7, auto., other than the 2.7 being pretty weak, why no 4.0 for the reg. cabs? I love it. Love them both, just for different reasons.

 

You will spend more in repairs in the first two years on the ram than in the entire ownership of a Tacoma.

 

Diesel was dirt cheap when I bought my first diesel truck new.

 

Big truck =TUNDRA in the real world of dependability

 

Had a 2008 Ram. Most basic of the basic STs, found it on the fleet sales lot. Got a good deal on it, 15k new and closed the deal less than a month before the dealer closed from the recession. Truck lasted almost 8 years until it started randomly shutting down on the freeway. Like scooting along at 70 mph, engine stall, throw to neutral, clutch in, start, back to 6th, trundle on for another 20 miles before it quits again.

Took it to two mechanics, both said the same thing. They could throw parts at it and hope the problem goes away, or I could wait until the truck is having a "good day" and try to get a decent trade offer on it. 115k miles on the clock.

Sure hope the Tacoma lasts longer.

 

The ram probably needed a crankshaft sensor. Did you get rid of it over that problem?