Double vs Access

Like 2004TacomaSR5, I used to operate heavy equipment for a living, anything smaller than a D9 is like a toy to me.

The Taco DCLB and a fullsize Extra Cab 6' box...is really close in size (to me at least, coming from large pieces of equipment)...for nearly the same price you can get so much more truck.

I don't even know why Toyota even makes the DCLB. Regular cab makes sense, regular cab long bed (the old 7+ footers, if you remember) makes sense...so does the AC and the DCSB...however the DCLB just seems odd to me. If a foot and half longer wheelbase isn't a big deal over the AC/DCSB...then what is a measly 5" wider by stepping up to a 1/2 ton?

I dunno, the whole reason I started buying Toyota trucks 25 years ago because they were small and nimble, both in town and on the trail...really nice from to jump in, after operating heavy equipment all day.

Now they have gotten so big, especially that DCLB...makes more sense to buy a fullsize over it. The one configuration that was still like a mini truck was the RC, they got rid of...I dunno..Toyota is loosing their way.

 

Well, obviously there is a demand for them because they sell a good chunk of them. My next Tacoma will likely be a DCLB. I really want a truck that can haul four people and some mountain bikes and also my 3500 lb travel trailer. I don't need a full size for that. The issue isn't that the Tacomas are too big, it's that full size trucks are too big. Not to mention the gawdy, overly-macho styling of any full size truck as of late. Also, c'mon, it's a Tacoma. They have a solid reputation of QDR. Some people want that without going to a giant Tundra. The DCLB has been the same size for 10 years. This is the new norm. Plenty of reasons to stick to a longer wheelbase Tacoma.

 

Bring back the reg cab V6 4x4 with 7 foot bed!

 

True, I tend not to like what is popular though, that configuration doesn't make sense to me. As they say "to each their own".

I see more disadvantages with the DCLB over a Extra cab 6' bed fullsize...but that is just me...

Not sure if that is enough for me anymore...they don't seem as well built as they used to.

1st gen seem way better built, and the out going HiLux was even better than the 1st gen Taco, I have owned a few of the different model years. Kinda wish I could buy a brand one of these. They aren't built like this anymore.

 

Dude! I would buy this in a heart beat. 2000 lbs. payload, 30 mpg...

 

Really stinks there is so much regulation keeping our trucks different than the rest of the world. It's possible to to get a Hilux in the states if you are willing to swim through fees and paper work, right?

 

When Toyota strayed away from the HiLux platform for the US market...that is when they started going downhill. (At least imo) I have seen the HiLuxes in person...so much better built than the Tacomas, damn shame we can't get them.

Even if you could import one on the grey market, it will most likely get crushed when it is discovered by the feds.

I have thought of importing a 25 year old LC70, if you're gonna do it, might as well get the Landcruiser over the HiLux, me thinks, but I dunno...seems like more trouble than what it is worth.

 

I know I won't be getting another access cab Taco, so next time it's down to either a DCLB or a double cab Tundra (not crewmax). They are similar in price and length. I don't like the width of the Tundra at times, and the new 3.5 should be better on gas than the 4.6L, but it's a lot more truck.

Decisions decisions. I do know a DCSB is out because the 6' box is too short for my stuff at times and I gotta borrow the Tundra for its 6.5 footer.

 

Hitching a trailer not an option?

 

I do if I have to, and that's no problem even with the four cylinder, but there's some stuff where that's way overkill. For example, I know it'll sound silly, but honest to goodness by bicycle doesnt fit in my Tacoma even with wheels off. It's a recumbent long enough to take just over thirteen feet of chain.

There have been a couple trips to Home Depot for stuff where I took the Tundra for similar reasons as well. Sometimes the bigger box is better.

Edit: I do plan on getting a tadpole trike that's easier to transport than the bike so at least that one will be alleviated soon. That won't fit in a 5' box unless I get a folder though.

 

The ISIS version of a Hummer. It's a worldwide weapons platform!

 

I really don't think Toyota trucks went downhill post 1994 like everyone else. They are still solid, reliable, long-lasting and hold their value very well. I think the only thing that happened is that Toyota taylored the the truck to the US/Canadian market which is quite different from the rest of the world.

 

LOL

 

Perhaps "downhill" is too strong of word...still great vehicles, just different than what they were. Some ways better, some ways worse.

 

I am in kinda the same boat, I have a trailer...but won't use if I don't have to. I looked at the DCLB...but no manual trans option...if I am going to loose my beloved manual trans...might as well get a 1/2 ton, spend nearly the same money and get much more truck that really isn't that much bigger, yet can haul things a hell of a lot better.

 

A new double cab is reliable. Consumer reports does not have stats yet but is assuming or predicting (insert smart comment here) the new Silverados to be 97% below average reliabilty. Now that is low.....

Gas milage is better in a taco. Don't believe the city spec on a label. I only drive a mile and a half in the mornings and it kills me. 16 rated city.....more like 12.

Plus garage space. The taco is narrower.

If you want a chevy wait for incentivea. It is not uncommon at the right time of the year for our dealer to advertise 8000 off a mid grade model silverado.

I currently have an access cab and getting all three kids out in the garage is a pain in the buttocks.

If only needing 10 sheets or so of drywall occasionally a longbed will do it with a couple of 2x4's cut to fit. Could a actually hall more, but just saying.

Plus the tacoma has off road credibility that can't be denied.

 

Silverado was just an example...could be any half ton extra cab standard bed, up against the Taco DCLB like a Tundra, F150, whatever.... Believe you get more bang for your buck with the 1/2 in that configuration.

Think you guys need bigger garages. 2.5" inches wider on either side with a half ton isn't much...unless you guys have been lying to your wives & girlfriends. Drive them back to back, the 1/2 doesn't feel all that bigger.

Yep, Taco has offroad cred...not sure in the DCLB version tho' that thing is pretty long. My bud has a mid-travel kit on his Silvy...tell ya it gives my Taco a run for its' money. He still manages to get 20 mpg hwy out of it too.

We ride dirt bikes, the Taco's bed gets tight pretty quick....no kids though, like the Extra Cabs for tossing the gear bags in, nice to have stuff locked in the cab (and not piled on the front seats) while we are out riding. Dirt bike is 7' foot long, you can pull it straight into the bed of the 1/2 ton and not have the rear wheel on the tail gate. With my bud's truck he uses the tailgate cables to loop over latch pins to hold it half way shut.

 

Last time I backed the Tundra up into my garage it had less than an inch from each mirror. Slooow going! Now it has towing mirrors and won't fit at all without folding 'em. Tacoma is so much easier.

Still, now that I only drive something like 60 miles a week thanks to the new job, I start to think, why not have a little fun and get the 5.7L. I just wish I could get it with the bench seat.

At least that way I'd get away from the Tacoma front wheel bearings. Heck, the whole truck is built a lot better, always has been IMO.

Edit: just checked the Toyota website. The Tundra double cab 4x4 5.7L SR5 non-flex fuel with the bench seat is finally available here. Well, I'm sold!

 

If you go double cab you gotta do the long bed.

 

I've went around in circles and still end up with AC as my best option for my needs. In the end it will come down to what you need. Anything else mentioned is just an opinion... based on their needs, not yours. Get what you need!