Don't have a truck yet... bed experience

Hello all.

I've been lurking, and lusting on this forum for literally years, and now that it's getting to be the time for a new vehicle find myself questioning my decision on a new Tacoma.

Reason being, I'm not sure if a 4runner might fit my needs better.

That being said, I'm hoping you all (4runner members too) might be willing to chime in on my bed vs no bed dilemma.

Needs/Use

Comfortable seating for 4
Enough cargo for camping, including wife friendly "bring the sink" camping
Moderate offroad ability
Need for a bed 1-2 year (which is why I'm wondering on a trailer + 4runner vs tacoma)

Here in Canada you can't get the offroad Tacoma in "double cab", while you can get the 4runner trail edition, which would have the cabin space I need, and meet my offroad requirements (minus tires).

In any case, I'd certainly appreciate more experienced truck (and 4runner) owners chiming in with their experience, and thoughts on their "bed".

Thank you

 

For a 1-2 time use of a bed per year, I would go with the Runner and buy a cheap utility trailer.

 

Thanks for the quick reply!

That's sort of the way I started leaning too.

Looks like my "lurking" might be more in the 4runner area for the next little while until I manage to convince myself which way to jump....

 

Just a Tacoma with a big fancy cap...

 

I love my truck. I also love my trailer. My bed is full of tool boxes, I use my trailer all the time. If I didn't have to carry all my tools daily, I'd get the 4 runner. Brother has a '13 4 Runner, and I like it alot, but I need a bed.

 

Thanks guys - it certainly helps point me towards the 4runner.

Only thing I need the bed for really would be "weekend warrior" home reno projects and similar.

Based on how often I've kicked myself for not having a truck bed (like I said 1-2 year) I think the 4runner might have just slid to the top of my "look for" pile.

Thanks again - green squares for all.

 

You would have more cargo room in the Taco in a DCLB than the 4runner. I have both and take the Taco camping for bed space and not having to deal with a trailer.

 

Test drive both and see which one you like more.

 

It really does seem like there's no "right answer" because there's really no "wrong answer".

Either one would likely meet my needs "eventually". Either through some small mods on the tacoma, or a trailer in addition to the 4runner.

Interesting to hear the feedback on taking the tacoma camping when there's the option for a 4runner due to space.... Would have thought the 4runner would have more than enough room.

 

I would be leaning toward the 4runner, how much more is the 4runner than the Tacoma? That would also be a big factor for me.

 

Cost here is about a wash for what I'm looking at (around 2012).

Seems the 4runners here depreciate quicker than the tacoma, so while the original cost of the 4runner is higher, the cost I'd be looking at is more or less equal....

The information on their forums is so much less organized and easy to find though!

 

If you only need a bed 1-2 times a year, get the 4Runner. Then find a friend with a truck, and when you borrow it, fill his tank. Or buy a little utility trailer.

 

truck with cap, best of both worlds.