3rd Gen, Long bed vs. Short bed

I'm looking pretty hard at upgrading to a 2016 Tacoma (the reason I joined here). I'm hoping to get some input from everyone, but especially from those that have driven/owned both a long bed and a short bed Tacoma. I'm wondering to what degree the advantages and disadvantages are. I plan to hunt, camp, work on projects plus better enjoy a daily commute. I often spend at least 1.5 hours in the car every day and have pretty awful traffic..... Simply put, daily, I'd prefer the short bed, but I could find use for the long bed when I'm doing fun stuff.

What are your thoughts?


Edit to add: I do have a trailer for my ATV..... so I don't have to have the long bed, but I see advantages.

 

Long bed. Too many regrets expressed for short bed, especially from those who carry motorcycles, plywood, or sleep in the bed.

 

Access cab? 6' bed, same wheelbase as a DCSB

 

I've owned 2nd gen long and short beds.

It is easier to maneuver in the short bed. However on a double cab I think the short bed looks weird and like it doesn't belong.

Long bed looks better and can haul more stuff.
But is longer and a little harder to maneuver.

Personally I'd go long bed

 

For your use a long bed would be great, . My brother had the long bed and did not care for parking lot maneuvering. He said that extra foot or so made a huge issue,

I prefer the "look" of the long bed. But I don't need it (nor want it) Function first, form second.

Drive both and test them in a parking lot near the dealership.

 

Thought about it.... Sometimes I need to fit more people in the vehicle at work.

 

You could probably make a short bed work.

 

totally understand

 

The long bed is more practical but I think the short bed looks 10x better. I bought a utility trailer to make up for having the short bed.

 

I bought the long bed. It has a HUGE turning radius, however, that I've only gradually gotten used to. The first time I tried to get in my garage I couldn't tell where the bumper was over the hood and so I had my dear wife stand out there and direct me. There's a lot of unexpected room beyond that hood on the left side bumper so now I'm getting in better. Still, it's a big radius.

But, being able to simply toss 12 foot boards in the back and haul them home is great. I could have gotten the short bed and one of those devices that hook into the receiver to support long things, but I'm happier just having the long bed.

 

Long bed and loving it.

 

Shorter wheelbase and shorter vehicle helps in city. I am perfectly content with my DCSB. Really comes down to what you do with it. I always thought that if i needed a bigger bed, i would just move up to the half-ton class

 

I have a DCLB (double cab, long bed). I would definitely recommend the long bed. Only once or twice did I kinda wish my truck was shorter (mainly because it sticks out of parking spaces in small lots), but it's been at least a few dozen times that I think, man I am glad I got the long bed.

It doesn't feel that big and it is nice to have the extra room in the cab (can haul 4 adult men to lunch at work, but wouldn't do a 4 guy road trip) and the bed.

 

You still have the same issue with a full size, right? The bed on the full size SB look no longer to me.

 

Long bed... yeah it has a larger turning radius but if you want short wheel base get a jeep! LBFFLB

 

Typically a full crew cab full size will have a 5-1/2 foot bed. Some offer longer beds as an option.

If you were to go with a Tundra, it does not offer a longer bed on the CrewMax, but on the double cab it does. The double cab is comparable to a double cab Tacoma--definitely more room than any competitor's extended cab.

 

Thanks. So still 1/2 foot shorter than the Tacoma full size bed.

 

Short bed with a flip out bed extender? A DCLB is a long truck. Almost as long as a Tundra

 

They will be wider, though. At least 4 ft between the wheel wells.

For most of the stuff I do, the length matters more though (kayak, mountain bike, etc.).

 

The only major downside for me is that my DCLB does not fit in my garage. I also want to dispell the myth that a DCLB is difficult to drive. Sure, your turning radius sucks and you will need to pull a 3 point in certain situations where you want to make a U-turn but this isn't a tractor trailer. If you've never driven something this long, you will get used to it. I have zero regrets going with the LB.