My Tacoma Dilemma

I live in LA area and commute downtown sometimes so I understand your concern. I have a DCLB and haven’t had any issues with maneuvering around those tiny garages. You’d be surprised how used you get to moving the truck around parking spots (I’m coming from a Subaru).

As far as other needs go you seem pretty set on DCLB. Our pup loves have the backseat basically to herself. More comfy space for people too. Long bed is the way to go honestly. These trucks seem big but after some time you’ll end up driving it like Mazda lol.

 

Side question here, wondering if anyone knows much about the difference in ride quality between the TRD or or sr5 or sport. Is it noticeable in the off road trim as far as smoothness and handeling etc vs other trims?

 

I haven't driven the Sport, but I've had both an SR5 and TRD Off Road in the 2nd gen Tacoma. Not really much difference I can recall on-road. Off road, the TRD offered a bit more control at speed, and you could tell it had progressive front springs. Both trucks were switched to Bilstein 5100s, the SR5 at about 30K miles and the TRD at about 50K miles. Then they were essentially the same.

 

OP, for a couple years I had a tight parking situation. I parked my crew cab, short bed Ram 1500 in a business lot in the rear, one way enter and one way exit with an unlined lot that could fit 6 vehicles if people parked like they cared. There were times when I parked in spots that were mirror overtop mirror, barely squeeze out a cracked door tight.
My DCLB is about as long as the Ram but the narrower profile makes all the difference. Both trucks have/had back up cameras which help.

Here are some potato pics of the parking. Some days tighter other days more space. I would hear the business door close and I'd go out and watch as the other drivers tried to get in there cars and leave. Entertaining.

 

why not just get the DCSB with a bed extender and a rooftop tent? just drive with the tailgate down and bed extender on when carrying the surf boards?

 

My 188cm race skis fit no problem diag in the Short Bed. However, if they had a DBLB on the lot in a MT, I would own it.

 

I live in SF area and have had a DCLB for years. No issues really, I mean how often does 1’ make a difference parking? Parallel parking would be the one time, but how often is spot going to fit an AC or DBSB but not a DCLB.

The positives of having the bigger cab far outweigh the negatives.