For those with a DC Long Bed

Hey guys, I'm looking into getting a double cab w/ 6ft bed in the sport package at some point. I never had a chance to drive one yet so I want to know. Does it ever give you trouble being too long? I know it's only an extra foot. Do you ever look at it and regret it? thinking its too long. I'm used to always having a 6 foot bed and would like to stay with it on my next truck. I have an extended cab frontier now and the only other truck that I drove for more than just a little spin was a Chevy 3500 dually crew cab with 8 foot bed and well...you could imagine how it was.

 

Honestly it's really not bad at all, i mean sure there is an extra foot but i have driven a few cars and the turning radius on this truck is just as good, pretty dang good IMO so that really helps with the maneuvering in tight places. But get what makes you happy because in the end of the day thats what mattters.

Good luck with the decision brotha

 

Had the same thoughts when buying my 2008 D/C. Wanted the longer bed, but it just made the truck look to long. Ended up with the shortbed.

 

It's nice because you have the extra 1ft. when you need it.

 

I just picked up my 09 DC Longbed TRD Sport last Friday and love it. Yes, it does look long but I would not have been happy with the shortbed. I understand there may be cosmetic benefits for some with the shorter bed but it just seems too small to be of much use.

I don't want to get long winded here but the original Taco I ordered was a shortbed which I immediately regretted..... however, due to a dealer mistake I was able to reorder and got the six footer. Good luck!

 

It's not a big deal.
Well worth the much better ride the 14.5 inch longer wheelbase provides along with the extra foot of cargo space when needed.

 

Thanks for the reply's. I would think the DC LB would be a bit better towing also. I know the short bed would be better for off roading but I won't be taking the truck anywhere a typical stock 4X4 couldn't go so that won't be an issue. I've been looking at pics online and sometimes I think they look too long. I just wanted to hear from the people that already have them.

 

I think the DC looks best in LB form... for some reason proportionally it just looks right. Maneuvering is no problem and the turning radius is pretty good. You won't regret it.

 

It sticks out a bit in short parking spaces, so I usally make sure the front wheels are as far forward as they can go. Otherwise, no worries. I like the extra space in the bed.

Slightly off-topic, I was searching for a LB in the Phoenix area and a salesman at Camelback Toyota told me to come in and test drive a short bed, he told me all I needed was a short bed with a bed extender. Needless to say he didn't get my business (I think I knew more about the truck than he did). What a leach.

 

I love my DC LB. It really makes a difference hauling lumber for my work. The turn radius is really good. As far as looks go...I do however like the SB better and if i didn't have to haul so much stuff for work, i would have gotten a SB. But it's all up to you! Whatever you are gonna be happy with.

 

I have a buddy that has a hook-up at the local dealership. He let me test drive a short bed for a weekend, and then a long bed for a day. I came from a 2007 Access Cab Tacoma. So, the short bed was okay for driving, but I already knew that I liked the longer bed. My experience is that the long bed rides a bit better due to the extra weight and longer wheelbase. Plus, I haul stuff all the time, and the short bed was only okay if I wanted the tailgate down. With my truck I can just haul whatever and keep the tailgate up (and usually the tonneau cover closed).

I use my truck as a truck AND as a people hauler for business. So, here is some facts interlaced with my opinion...

Long Bed Pros:
Extra storage
Extra Hauling Capability
Better Ride (especially when towing)
Looks More Proportional (by my opinion)

Long Bed Cons:
No Locker Available
No 6-speed Manual Available
Larger Turning Radius
Easier to High-Center while Off Roading

Do I regret my decision to get a Double Cab Long Bed - not a bit. I finally found the truck that I need.

 

what they said - coming from a full sized truck - this thing is a dream to drive !

 

I wanted the DC long bed, but i also wanted the 6 speed manual.

Its the stupidest thing in the world not to make a manual tranny in a long bed...Does anybody have a logical reason for this?

I ended up with a speedway blue dc trd sport short bed...
While im in the bitchin mood...lol...The distance from fender well to fender well in the taco is like 1 inch shorter than 4 foot.. So plywood, drywall, and just about everything else associated with building will not fit flat...lol...You would think an extra inch wouldnt have hurt anything...Even a 1/2 inch on each side...

Ok...Im done...I feel better...!

 

Again, thanks for all the input guys. Very helpful. This will be my first auto too! I'm a little unsure about that but as stated above I have no choice with the LB. My girlfriend can't drive a manual so (maybe that's a good reason to get another stick ). How is the auto 5 speed in these trucks? The most I will ever be towing is around 3000lbs a few times a year. My buddy has an 06 DC 6 speed so that's the only Tacoma I got to drive so far.

 

The 5 speed automatic is the first automatic I have had in 12 years. It is very smooth and very efficient. For highway cruising and in-city it is great to drive. It can get you ~20 MPG on the highway right off the lot. I actually like it.

That being said - it is still an automatic. You feel disconnected at first (if you are accustomed to a manual tranny). In my opinion it is not as good for towing as the 6 speed manual (because of the taller gearing and lack of control).

 

I think one reason they didn't offer the manual and/or the locker on the long bed is due to spin-outs and fish-tailing. If I had to guess, Toyota saw this as a liability and a potential public relations issue. Here's an example...

Joe Noename gets a DC LB 6 speed manual. On his drive home, he makes a turn on the crappy stock Dunlop Grandtrek tires and gives it too much throttle through the turn. As he begins to lose control of the rear end, he takes his foot off the accelerator. Unfortunately, the clutch is still engaged, and the truck swings around 110 degrees into oncoming traffic. The next several months are found in a court room where Toyota is being blamed for Joe losing control of the vehicle.

If Joe had a short bed, the force outward on the rear end wouldn't be as great. In the same manner, if he had an automatic, taking his foot off the accelerator would have caused the rear end to grab once again (maybe).

The other reason that I could think of - a long bed isn't really made for serious off road. Chances are that the new owner is going to use it for light off road and mostly highway hauling. Therefore, the automatic is a better choice for fuel efficiency. Also, the locker is only really needed by serious off roaders (so I was told).

...just my opinion. I still agree with you. It sucks on both accounts.

 

The DC LB Rocks!! If your worried about it looking to long, lift it
I would like a manual tranny like others but the extra space in the bed is great.

 

I just think the Long Bed looks better preportioned. The short bed always seemed just a bit to short - looks like the cab is longer than the bed. Anyhow, I'm pleased with my decision so far, and it does seem to ride a little better than the short bed I drove. And haven't really notices a problem parking or turning the vehicle due to length. Attached is a pic of mine (LB) if that helps your decision.

 

Thanks, that looks really good and the same color I want too, well maybe the gray. I'd like to find a nice used one but i'm going to talk to a dealer and test drive one for a day.

 

i love mine!!!