No TRD Off-Road with the DC Long Bed?

Ok, I'm not really that close to buying my Tacoma, but I've been doing PLENTY of online window shopping (I just can't stop looking at them!) but I'm pretty sure you guys know all about that .

One thing I've noticed, the dealerships in my area (Oregon) don't have the double cab long beds with the TRD Off-Road, just the Sport. Is this the same way everywhere? I go on trails a lot, so the Off-Road package would definitely suit my needs, but I also need the long bed for wood. Does anybody know if it's possible to get these two in the same truck?

 

The LB does not come in a off-road package. Don't know why. My guess is toyota did not want the locking pumpkin with the LB's longer driveshaft (guess only). You can get the LB and the off-road package in an access cab. If you need a DC, the Sport may be the way to go. I like mine alot, but I bought the 4x4 for winter trips up north. Check out TW, I sure there are folks who take the Sport into hairy 4x4 situations and "ain't skierd." Since your hauling wood on trails, look into all the rear spring TSB threads here. That's all I'm sayin'...just look. Good luck.

 

It is not possible.

Sport with double cab long or short bed, but off road only comes in short bed.

I would guess the thinking is that the double cab long bed would have more of a chance to high center so they don't offer it, but that is just my armchair analysis of corporate Toyota's thought process.

You could opt for a sr5 double cab long bed, and get the 16in alloy wheels option, and then after they add the 08 to the suspension TSB you'd get the TRD suspension as part of the TSB, then all you're missing in the locker.

 

I don't understand toyota's rational on a lot of levels. I just recently found out the trail package is only available in white, black, and silver. I had hoped to order one in radiant red but much to my dismay that won't be happening.

 

You talkin about the rugged trail? if thats what you're talking about then its a damn shame they dont offer it in red. the red and black would look really sharp together

 

A couple additional things come to my mind as well. Along with the higher risk of high centering (hell, I did that with my SB before a lift so image an even longer wheelbase...) it's not as maneuverable on tight or narrow trails. Couple the larger turn radius with someone trying to use the locker in 4LO on some hairy trail and it might be like trying to turn the Titanic!

Not that people couldn't use it properly, but Toyota might not want the risk of some, uhhhh, "less informed" people using it, trashing the truck, and suing them over it.

What do you plan on hauling anyway (besides firewood)? An ATV or bike? That's the only thing I can think of quickly where the extra foot would help. Most lumber is at least 8ft long in standard lengths so that will hang off the tailgate of either truck. (I've loaded my SB up with wood, and wood pellets.)

Something to keep in mind is the DC LB actually has 85lbs LESS load capacity than a DC SB 6spd. So for that extra foot in length, you're not getting an increase in weight capacity. So if you stack the wood right, you can technically carry more in a SB.

Now, if the LB had, say, 200-300lbs more capacity I'd say go for it! But you want off road options, sounds like the locker might be more useful, and you want to carry a bit of weight it seems. The locker would probably be more useful on muddy logging roads or forest trails if that's where you get wood.

Let me explain it this way. With the LB's extra foot I'd be able to cram the last 10 or so bags of pellets (40lbs each) in the truck because there is room for them. However, based on the weight capacity I should put in 2 bags less than the SB can carry. So it's easier to overload the truck with the LB.

 

If you need the LB 6ft bed over pure off-road ablity, get it, its a nice option. But your tranny and Pkg options are less. Auto only & Sport or SR5 pkg.

If you can get away with a SB 5ft bed and extender, you got alot more to choose from... Auto or manual, OFF-road, SPort, or SR5 pkg.

If your sold on the LB TRD Sport, its LSD & 4wd (especially w/ better set A/T tires) will more than meet the needs of most people's idea off-road situations.

Obviously, if your going to be off-road alot or hitting extreme terrain like deep mud or wheel in the air axle twisting rock trails, you'd def want the SB w/ the Off-road's rear locker, and skid plates, and better stock tires.

 

Speaking of hauling wood in a SB....

Here's Demon's SB hauling wood with his Home-Made Bed Extender (patent pending)




Or just check out the link in my sig for more info on the extender.

 

Even though you can't get TRD Off Road with Long Bed You "CAN" get a rear Locker on the Long Bed without the Off Road Package on the SR5. That came from Dianne at Carson Toyota. That may change with the '09 Taco as some changes are coming but who knows.

 

Interesting... The "build your own" section on Toyota's website doesn't give an option for getting a locker on the LB. Then again, with the new website design they don't break down the packages real well anymore either.

Still, you could always install an ARB air locker later. Would require swapping out the LSD though. And cost at least $1500 last I heard.

 

Very Interesting. Even when I looked into this issue Toyota'a site said nothing about the locker being available as an option other than with the Off road package. In speaking to Dianne she said you Can. I guess it's one of those deals that you really have to talk to someone that truly knows what the true deal is on options. Also the dealers want you to buy whats on the lot and not order what you truly want.

 

That makes it sound like it's hard to get. Like maybe limited by region, or special order only. And probably not special order off the website unless a certain region offers it. Unless she was mistaken. I've never heard of anyone getting something other than a Sport LB so it can't be very common.

 

Yeah, I do have a 4-wheeler, and I didn't know that about the short-bed. I'm actually going to go see a dealer, so I'll get to have an up close look at what I'm dealing with here. I guess I could settle for the Sport and see what I would need to do for my purposes. I'll let you guys know what I come up with.