Which bed size?

Howdy, been lurking for a while and just joined.

I've decided I'm definitely getting a 24 Tacoma, but haven't decided on a bed size.

Besides the obvious of load capacity, what are the advantages/disadvantages of the two sizes? It will be going off road as well as towing, but other than that I'll leave it open for opinions. Thanks in advance.

 

If you off road, I think you want the shorter wheelbase. A DCLB will not fit in my garage. An XtraCab will give the shorter wheelbase with the long bed if you don’t need 4 doors.

 

LB should ride better towing than the SB.

 

Can’t sleep comfortably in a short bed, especially not with 2 people. That’s the only factor for me. My DCLB fits in my garage with about 3 inches to spare. I’m not doing the Rubicon or Hells Revenge, I’m going down dirt roads and across the deer lease or up the forest roads to a trailhead. The LB is perfect for me.

 

LB rides a little better with a longer wheelbase. SB parks easier in a parking lot. LB has about 100 pounds less payload due to more size. SB bed looks like a hacked off LB. LB hits curbs while turning if you are used to driving a SB. SB can't be a LB (dealbreaker for me).

 

DCLB forever.

 

DCLB for the win!!

 

The short bed is tiny. If you haul stuff the LB is much preferred. Make sure you look at both in person.

 

To me DCLB looks to narrow they need a larger tire sticking out slightly then they look good. I'd go with a long bed if it would fit in the garage. But then with these prices I'd just get a full size with the big discounts that are out now and get a 6.5ft bed. Or wait till the discounts show up on the tacoma.

 

Its all personnal preference and utility use.
How much and what do you haul?
Our 200+# deer here, stiff and long after hanging, fit much better in a 6’ bed for sure. Hauling wood pellets, lumber, etc. offers more space.
What kind of ‘off roading’ do you do? I do old forest roads, etc not the big off roading, and it’s no problem. Note those side steps are even more of an issue off roading in a long bed. I haven't had an issue and don't mind the steps for other uses.
Your parking space? I park in a utility shed so no issue. Parking in a lot is a little different if not used to a long vehicle but I came from a full size and never noticed.
It probably does ride better but i don't have a comparable. Don’t think it matters in snow.
I don’t think it affects much else unless you’re stuck on the looks of one or the other.
A 6’ bed was a must have for me and it still is.

 

Do you need passenger space over bed space?

Do you need passenger space AND bed space?

Do you prioritize bed space over cab space?

Is it hard to park where you live?

All of these important questions will have to be factored into your buying choice.

I will say this again if I didn’t have to park in short ass parking spaces, I would get a double cab long bed 247.

 

I don't want a 4 door LB, but the xtra cab's access sure stinks. I think I am going 4dr and LB.

Another bummer is that in my 52 plus years of driving, this will be my first automatic

 

I've decided I'll need to go with a long bed due to needing the space to transport motorcycles to service. Hopefully not that much longer, overall, than my current '10 Dakota extended cab. I've only got so much space in the garage! lol

 

Long bed all the way.

 

You can always just lower the tailgate. Even with the long bed depending on the bike you may need to have tailgate down, unless it fits diagonally.

 

I am in the same boat decision wise, SB vs LB. My friends have mentioned that if you have a family then go long bed. Always way too stuff to haul with having a family especially kid stuff on trips. Also I recently noticed that adult length skis really don't fit well in the short bed with the gate up.

 

Thanks for all the input. I think I'm definitely going DCLB.

The only advantage I can think of for the short bed is better maneuverability (tighter turning radius) in tight spaces, handling tougher than average off-road trails, and slightly more payload. Guess I'll have to stick with the bunny trails. Hopefully, I won't regret that.

I have no issues with garaging, except for height in case of a lift. Plenty of room length-wise.

I currently have an 05 Silverado extended cab and have always been a little frustrated with the smaller back seat. It's not really functional as seating except for little kids, but I don't have to worry about that anymore. Just want more cabin space.

It's interesting that the DCLB is basically the same size as my Silverado.

Silverado overall length is 228" vs 226.2" for the DCLB
Wheelbase is 144" vs 145.1"
Width is 79" vs 77.9"

 

Offroading you want a short bed.

 

DCLB fan here. The extra foot in the bed will come in handy. Not really harder to drive either. You forget about the 1 ft extra in length pretty quickly.

 

That's what she didn't say