Let's see what you have to say...AC VS DC

The 5' bed is a "short bed" but is called a 5' bed - only available on the double cab.

The 6' (actually 73.5") bed is considered a short bed - available on the standard cab, access cab and double cab. The Tacoma does not have a "long" bed.

 

I am kind of in the same position as you (minus the kid). I have a Crew Cab Frontier now and have never utilized it nearly as much as I had thought. I hear they are better for resale value. I am looking at the AC because I like the way they look, suicide doors, etc. AC for the win!

-rye

 

Check the Toyota web site.
http://www.toyota.com/tacoma/features.html?trim=7190

They call it a long bed.

If you have a kid you need a double cab. I checked it all out before I bought a truck. You need four doors so your front doors are not open in the rain while you load the kids. The Taco has more leg room in the rear than the Nissan and Chevy/GMC. Ford does not offer four doors in a mid size. The long bed has 6' + which is as long as some full size trucks with four doors. I couldn't be happier than I am with my Tacoma.

Adding the extras is just a bonus.

 

+1

 

There are sooo many situations where the extra room of the DC comes in handy. Especially if you have crumb crunchers in tow. I remember buying mine then immediately throwing in a booster seat in back. DC LB's are long trucks to park but the turning radius isn't all bad compared to others.
It's really you deciding LB or SB. I like the LB for more hauling and more stable for towing.

-- Then after you buy one you are stuck with the rest of us here at TW spending money on your ride like a crack addict at a methodone convention.

 

Double Cab for sure. I had a Xtra cab, not enough room for my daughter, so got the double cab.

 

Haha, I drive a 97 Dodge 2500 Diesel now, and my last truck was an '05 F350 Quad cab long bed ie 8ft bed, and 24ft bumper to bumper in NYC....I think I can swing it haha....but it def is longer then the SB

I think I am going to go DC with the SB, and the manual. I want the AC, and LOVE the AC but It will be nice having the extra room, even if it is never used. The only thing that might sway me, is the green. If I can get a much better deal on the AC , either way will keep you guys informed. Going to get the Dodge on Ebay next week, and then find a day to go shop.

 

So after searching and searching, i've decided to not be selfish. I am going to go with a DC, Short bed, with the V6 and a 6-speed, TRD Off road package. I went and looked and drove them, the 4 banger was good but just a little too sluggish. The 6 with the 6 speed is great. I still love the access cab but the back seat is much nicer, and I'd kill myself if I had to put a car seat in the AC more then once or twice a month....( took me 45 min to get it in there ). And In 2 years when my daugter is in a booster seat, it will be way too tight in there. The DC, has a smaller bed, but the full back seat is great, and I travel for a living, so I always have a roller board carry on bag, and that gives me a place to put it. I loved the AC, but guess i have to look out for the family too.

I am concerned about the plastic bed, I thought that was a liner, Don't want to crack or split it.....


Looks like I'l use my big dodge for the rest of the year and see what i can get on sale at the mid and end of 09....

I am gonna miss driving a dump truck, haha. But a clean new truck that requires a lot less maintence seems like a nice choice...

 

Sounds like you will be happy with the choice. I went with the AC and find it has plenty of room behind the seats for mjy gear (I'm an auditor and carry printer, scanner, 2nd LCD screen and laptop). When I go out of town I can get my luggage in the back, too, though I am installing an Undercover toneau to handle that part of the load. 90% of the time I am by myself in the truck and can use the passenger seat, too.

I don't have my granddaughter very often and when I do I usually have her in my wife's Murano. I have carried her in the Taco one time but put her in the front seat facing backwards with the airbag off. Getting the seat in the back of the AC is an exercise in frustration.

 

Yea, I couldnt get it in there, And I am by myself 90% of the time, and I could use the front seat and a rear facing seat for when I have my daughter, but then my wife has to sit in the back. Plus I will have the taco for more then a year or two, so when that booster comes into play it's just going to be too cramped. It sucks too, because i really don't like the DC...that AC looks so great. but what can you do.

I'm still worried about the bed, I have a steel goliath of a truck now, and beat it a lot. Just don't want to kill my taco...

 

DC Longbed...best of both worlds

 

The bed is a composite that is a whole lot stronger than you think. It combines strength with light weight that no steel bed could come close to matching.

 

I was going that option, but if I am going to cave on the AC, I am gonna have a stick!!

 

I guess it's just not what I am used too, then again the bed in my dodge, is rusted all over, and dented all over.....and is very very heavy, so maybe they are onto something...

 

Just read thru the whole thread and I think you are making the perfect choice. Good luck with your new Tacoma, you're going to love it.

 

def dont worry about the bed, i just drilled through mine the other day to mount my hilift and i was suprised at the effort it took, there pretty tough and like you said no dents or rust like your dodge

 

Looks like you have heard enough, but definitely the DC. I think the AC will just become a junk collector for you, and then you won't be able to fit a car seat back there anyway! My friend had a 4x2 DC Long bed automatic tacoma. He quickly traded that for a 4x4 DC short bed manual. The bed size difference really was not that big of a deal.