What would you do different? I'm getting a new truck.

test drive a 4 door,more room in the back for the dog and the windows roll down,I bought my sr5 access cab for 6foot bed and 90% of my driving is just me.Dog fits in the back of my truck but she'd rather the back seat of my wifes car and it's easier for her to get in and out(jumping up and down into and out of the higher tacoma is tough on a old dogs shoulders)

 

Nothing as I'm perfectly Happy with my '18 TRD Sport SB and have no regrets.
My '96 4x4 is basically a stripped down Tacoma with AC and radio as only options so this time I got everything on it.

 

I had a 2nd gen access cab several years ago. One of my major issues with it was that my dogs could not ride in the cab comfortably. Those jump seats were just too small for my medium sized dogs to fit without sliding around. Maybe there is some hack I could have done to make it better, but they are doing great in my current double cab.

 

I love my black truck but not sure I'd get the same color. It's pretty unforgiving even though I love black on anything with wheels. Other than that, I made the right choice.

 

Agreed. I only got black because the options/trim i wanted and the ability to get a deal limited me to take what was available. Black is a PITA to keep clean.

 

Exactly.

They didn't have Cement for the 16 year but ever since I saw it, it's probably been my favorite or MGM as a close second.

 

Read up on skinny tires. A tire upgrade is your first step, but you don't need wheels or any type of lift to run full 33" 255 85 16 or 255 80 17

I recommend @mattgecko bed lighting.

I also say skip the NAV as aftermarket (or your phone) can do much better, not to mention that they have free updates and Toyota does not.

If I were in your shoes I'd stick with the AC cab (love mine) and get the utility package to clean out the rear, then build a nice platform for the pooch with storage underneath.

 

I got a low optioned TRD off road double cab short bed. I think it is the best value in the whole line. Got it for $36k back in 2016, built to order.

If I could do it again, I would prioritize regearing (still haven't done it) and coat the underside with Woolwax the same day I brought it home (I didn't start that until 2019 but it still looks good).

 

I easily get 17-18 in town in my v6 taco. 265/70/17 Load C AT tires.

 

Short bed is for looks and not for work?

Ha!

Hauls yard of gravel and all the stuff that i need just fine.

 

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My needs are similar to yours. My new '21 TRD OR AC was ordered with ONLY the features I wanted. And yes, it WAS specifically ordered from the factory with the ONLY the packages and features I wanted (long story - PM me) - it did NOT come out of the dealer's allocation.

I'm mostly retired. No kids, only 2 canines and a bride. My previous '06 TRD OR AC fit my needs perfectly, so I wanted to replace it in kind. One key requirement was the longer bed, BUT I didn't want the longer wheelbase of a double cab with long bed. So an Access Cab works for me and my rare traveling companion(s). Made one major change - went from a 6-speed manual to a 6-speed automatic. Age is part of the reason and I hated having to shift so much when entering traffic from a stop. I also did NOT want all of the technology features that today's market seems to want to provide. Minimal safety features is fine, and I believe that all the technology 'bells & whistles' detract from good driving skills.

So what did I get:
- '21 Tacoma TRD OffRoad Access cab
- V6 4x4 with 6-speed automatic
- TRD Premium Off Road Package (+$1,945
- TRD Performance Exhaust (pricey, but my 14 yo TRD still has its original system - I like the sound)
- Mudguards (very disappointed they're no longer a standard feature)
- Bed mat (gotta love it - stuff is much less inclined to slide around)
- Bed lights (no more cargo light in the 3rd brake light)

What I will be adding:
- Leer mid-rise cap on order (with a rack. dome light, headliner, overhead hangers)
- Bed side stiffeners already received (because of the rack on the cap)
- Front bed rail on hand, waiting for SS fasteners (Toyota stopped including this rail - my '06 has it)
- Clazzio leather seat covers on order (my '06 had OEM seat covers - no longer offered)
- Trailer brake controller (I will occasionally tow a 3,500 lb trailer with my Kubota BX-2380 on it)
- numerous other minor convenience & appearance stuff.
- there are other mods I'm pondering, but I'll let others with deeper pockets vet them first. The electronics in this vehicle can be touchy when adding electrical goodies.

So far (400+ miles elapsed) I'm pleased. I don't find the automatic shift issues annoying like many others have bitched about. This is a different engine than my '06 and has a different power band. Yes, it does climb hills at 3K rpm at 70 mph, but it seems comfortable with that. I've experienced little 'searching' for gears. Not happy with how the bed lights are wired (tied into the rear interior dome light - should be separate IMO).

Feel free to PM me with any questions.
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Honestly i just wish i would have went with a long bed so i could build a sleeping platform and camp in there. I got a shell for my DCSB and its kind of pointless aside from keeping my gear dry and secure. I didnt know much about truck camping when i bought my sr5 4x4.

I’d just say trust your gut. If you think and ACLB is best for you then it probably is

 

Get a bed mat

 

I don't agree with the guy who said the short bed is just for looks... The long bed is only 6 or 8 inches longer than the short bed... I can see the extra space coming in handy (I wish I'd gotten one), but its not like some night and day difference.

 

- To answer your question though - "What would you have done differently?"

Absolutely nothing - I got what I wanted (at least what I could get from Toyota).

I will do a few mods, but nothing major.
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Stay away from sunroofs! Ugh. I have had issues right out of the gate with mine. They leak by design. The one drain was clogged and backed up wetting the floor. Toyota has not deemed it a warranty issue and is stonewalling me. The truck is 5 months old and has 4000 miles on it. I now have a funky odor. Kinda like a mold smell on and off in the truck. Really is a bummer. This was my dream truck. I'm now battling toyota to make it right.

 

Welcome! I am an old guy too. If I were going to do what you are doing the only mods would be:
A real front bumper from ARB. THey are huge, they are ugly but I know that looks are not as important as function in your case. Get it with a 10K winch. THis is a bumper you can use to move a boulder off the trail lol.
I would get a aluminum utility type topper. All function, no flash.
Lastly I would get some E rated tires because you will be by your self and want the most durable.

Now, this is not a mod to the truck but I would also have a little Honda generator that went everywhere with me and five gallons of gas. That thing can power a little heater and lights forever with five gallons of fuel.

Good luck and welcome!

 

I have a Golden Retriever so the 4 door works great. Just fold down the seats which make a nice area for her. I also have cushion mat for her to stand on.

 

Yep. If we are comparing an actual 10ft long bed vs short 6ft bed than its a big difference of course.