2nd Gen vs. 3rd Gen Bed Size Difference?

So I'm looing to buy a Diamondback cover and I've found one that is on a 2016 and the Diamondback reps say they only fit 05-15 and then a different cover for 16+ when you order. When I look at the bed sizes and stuff from what I found this says they are the same at least the inside widths and the lengths. Has anyone tried to fit an 05-15 cover on a 16+ or vice versa. Here's the information I found.

From these links.
http://pressroom.toyota.com/toyota/2014+toyota+tacoma+product+specs.download
https://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/2016+toyota+tacoma+product+specs.download
They are one of the first links that come up if you google "dimensions of 2014 Toyota Tacoma" or insert 2016. So thoughts on fitting a '16+ cover onto a '14 it's only 2 hours away so may drive to see if he'll at least let me try to fit it.

 

Did you ever find out more about the fit?

 

No i didn’t I just ended up buying one from Diamondback while I was up that way.

 

Does anyone know the answer? I have a 2012 LB Crewcab and have a chance to buy a cap off 2017 same color and everything just not sure it would fit to cab

 

I'm not 100% positive but I do know the bed on the 2016+ is 1 inch taller inside. Not sure if they just went deeper or if the side rails are 1 inch taller. I also the the tailgate area design is slightly different. It may fit but not perfect or they would not be listed seperately. If it's local see if they will let you try it on first.

 

I know this isn't as important now since the OP bought one already, but for anyone else looking in the future - the 3rd gen factory accessory rails are lower than the 2nd gen (as if when they made the bed 1" taller on the 3rd gen they didn't move the rails up).

So the "lock-rod striker bracket" for the diamondback cover would be different.

This is based on my knowledge of the Tacoma beds from building multiple bed racks for people and looking at the install instructions for the Diamondback covers.
I have no other experience with the Diamondback covers though.

 

I wonder if some of you have other information since that original post. I'm looking to purchase a Go Rhino 3.0 that is listed only for 2016+ Tacoma. I don't understand why it couldn't fit on a 2015-. I wrote to Go Rhino weeks ago but never received an answer.

Thanks

 

It’s the railing system n the 2 bolts in the back are at different locations

 

I was with the impression the Go Rhino roll bar would be mounted on the flat surface of the bed... that would have to be drilled anyways. Do you think the railing is involved with the installation of the roll bar?

 

The height is going to vary between 2nd and 3rd gen. The bed side caps also are different dimensions, 2nd gen is straighter up and down while the 3rd tapers in toward the top. It'll probably work, but won't look clean.

I transported my old camper shell from my 12 on my 17 and it was quite wonky for all the same reasons.

 

To be clear...are you saying it won't work (not interchangeable)?

Anyone else have updates/insight?

 

I haven't tried reaching out to Go Rhino yet, but I'm going to try and look into this also. I work in the industry so hopefully that helps me get some replies.

Tyger makes a vehicle specific bar like the Go Rhino one that they say fits 2005-2021 Tacomas.
https://www.tygerauto.com/sport-bar-fit-2005-2021-toyota-tacoma-fleetside-tg-sb7t88028.html

It's a very similar design so I don't see why the Go Rhino one wouldn't fit both generations. Maybe it's just a matter of the cabin height above the bed rails and it won't look the same, but could also be they just haven't tested it. I'll keep this thread posted about any replies I get.

 

So I got an answer from Go Rhino. The only issue they saw was the bar potentially blocking part of the 3rd brake light. The 18 inch clearance does put it pretty close from my quick measurements, but worst case it might block 1/4 - 1/2 inch of it at most.

 

I’m looking to buy a backflip cover for my 2016. I found one online for sale that’s for a 2012. Anyone know if this will work with my 16’? From what I read, the only difference is the 1” height? I’m thinking with very minor modifications, I may be able to make this work.

 

Did you find out if it fits? Im looking one off at 15 to put on my 21.

 

No I just ended up repairing my old cover. I’m pretty sure the dimensions are the same though. It just may need shorter or longer hold downs.

 

@DoggerDave Thanks! Appreciate the info.

 

Does anyone know what the bolt spacings are like between the two gens? May have an opportunity to get a 3rd gen flat bed and want to try and bolt it on my 2nd gen. I see the factory dimensions are not too far off but I'm curious where the bolts are in relation to the frame.

 

I am going through this setup with a Backflip on my second Gen Taco. I am trying to put a 3rd gen Backflip MX4 on it. I got it on FB Mktplace for dirt cheap. First things I noticed are the clamps are taller for the 3rd gen. THis leaves like a 1 1/2 inch gap between the cover and the bed. Also the bed seems to be a little longer with the 2nd gen. I ordered 2nd gen claps from Backflip and hoping I can fill the gap in the back with some window weather stripping.

 

So I have a ARE DCU cap for a 2018 on my 2015 and it suits my needs but doesn’t fit right.