5' or 6'

every time I see a DCSB, this pops into my head, and it hurts my soul.

 

What's a truck known for? The "truck bed"
What's a MINI known for? Being small.
Both have diverged from their original purposes.
Now you can buy a truck with a tiny bed, and you can also buy a huge MINI.

 

My truck has a bed. One that’s quite useful.

 

The wheelbase is my biggest holdup about the DCLB especially on the new ones. That being said its wheelbase starts where the shortest 1/2 ton crew cabs begin, and those are easy to enough to live with and drive daily, especially considering how many 1/2 tons they sell.

The advantages will vary based on personal preferences and use case. It's Narrower and that makes a big difference on trails. Have been down plenty of trails in Colorado where a full size would have gotten body damage. Small differences in width or length can make a big If difference on the trail or in urban environments. I can guarantee a DCLB Tacoma will handle trails better than a comparable half ton. My friends stock DCLB keeps up with my lifted access cab on most trails. Break-over and wheelbase definitely make things harder, but articulation, approach and departure angles and weight all play a role.

Cross shopping full sizes for my next truck because mid size prices and overall dimensions are closer than ever. That being said you are also getting more from the midsize category these days. The hybrid makes more torque than the old tundras 5.7 v8! And because of that they had to build a more robust truck overall. The creature comforts and tech have also gotten better. Struggling to find a 1/2 ton that has the same creature comforts, and off-road capability as the THLB at the same price point. I don’t need the payload, towing capacity or interior space that 1/2 tons offer. I would like more utility than my access cab though. Can't carry anyone and the back seat fills up fast with gear I don't want to keep in the bed. That has me heavily considering the THLB, especially with how much personality they gave it.

 

I've been on trails like that, even some that the DCSB was too long for and got some body damage. In my opinion these trucks are a compromise between something like a 2 door wrangler and a 'real' truck.

The DCLB moves the needle closer to the truck side and if I was going to do that I'd personally get a full size truck because I could benefit from the additional payload and I'd just accept the fact I couldn't go on some trails anymore.

All comes down to where you want to compromise really. If I had the money I'd have a full size long bed truck and something dedicated for offroading but I don't so I compromised with the DCSB and put up with the downsides on each side. Some people want to compromise at the DCLB level and that's fine, all depends on preference.

 

6'

 

6ixer

 

woah, my Baja was awesome off-road, with a rear locker was way more fun then necessary! wish it hadnt gotten totaled

 

Proportions look great on the 6' bed in my opinion

 

I went from driving a Honda Accord for 11 years to a long bed double cab and didn’t have any problems turning, getting into/out of parking spots, etc. sometimes I wish the 6’ bed was longer, but it is probably a good compromise.

 

I have a 6' bed on my '24. I have a 5' bed on my 2015. Both have same shock and control arm setup. I have noticed the difference mainly if I go into parking lots. I like the 6' still because I can get my KTM in the back and close the tailgate.

 

what's the parking lot difference, just worse maneuverability on the 6' bed? ride quality is the same otherwise?

 

Love being able to fit my Yamaha, cooler, gas can, ramp, stand and riding gear with the tailgate up. Feels much more secure.

 

Yes maneuverability. I got so used to the '15 turning radius that I'll back up now and think I got this. And nope I got to back up again.

 

The Trailhunter LB is the best looking Tacoma. The wider fender flares really complement the extra length.They look a little weird on the SB.

 

I went from a 22 OR SB 4x4 and don’t miss it at all. Yes it has a longer wheelbase and your turn radius is increased but I really enjoy the extra bed length. I also prefer the big mid size truck look as well.

 

If not this thread, somewhere, but I posted noticing the wheelbase difference improving ride quality when we were doing testing and considering purchase options. My wife noticed seats differences in that more than I did.

The test loop we took with different Tacomas and makes had a rough section of street and freeway, and we went over a same railroad crossing. The long beds in all trims had less bounce back and jiggle.

In my case the parking is just a non or barely issue. A long bed is about same length as old cars I knew and short compared to real trucks I've driven. I got a long bed for how inane it would be to own a pickup that could not do what our minivan and station wagon can do. My Tacoma has to do personal use when my wife chooses the car but it is otherwise work and task oriented or serves adventure type travel.

 

RIP KTM ... :-(

 

6' FTMFW

 

Little self deprecating humor. Short bed owners be like: