Another AC vs DCSB thread - help first time Tacoma buyer decide!

Current owner of an 03 GMC Sierra reg-cab 2wd who is trying to do his research / due-diligence after getting the idea to finally get a truck that's more off road capable with more interior room for new hobbies, travels, etc.

The main issue with the reg cab I have now is lack of secure storage for gear. I've taken to photography as a second "get my rear end outside" hobby after cycling and need to secure my camera gear in the truck on trips. I am currently looking at the Access Cab primarily, but not entirely opposed to the idea of the Double Cab since the 5' bed would still (though not by much) fit the bikes in the bed. Thinking that the AC would keep gear stored behind the front seats more out of sight than the DC.

I'm married, no kids, and have a couple of run-around-town sedans already for if/when the kids do come along so not too concerned about not having the larger rear for peoples. Then again, I'm fairly sure I said the same thing about not needing more space inside 11 years ago when I bought the GMC. Hoping to get at least that many years service out of the Tacoma.

Any and all feedback welcome!

 

You can get the DC w/ LB. I did.

After looking at the AC I HAD to go w/ the DC due to kids. I'd suggest to step up to the DC for those unforeseen times you need to get two or three extra people in.

 

Go for the DC....it'll grow with you.

As for bikes, get this.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacoma-marketplace/324002-bed-brackets-sale-price.html

 

Buy the double cab it is worth it.

 

Personally I prefer (and bought) the Access Cab. I shoot rifles in competition and even the long range smokepoles in big cases fit side-to-side on the back "jump seats". I have had a couple people in the back seat on occasion, but aside from kids on a short trip would not reccomend them for much more than say a drive to lunch. But my gear fits in there just fine, throw a jacket on top and nobody knows what you are carrying. I also wanted the 6 foot bed as I sometimes need to haul stuff and bigger is better when you have a load.

That being said, if you forsee needing to carry four people more than rarely the Double Cab is your friend! And as you probably know the shortbed DC has the same wheelbase as the AC longbed. Just pick you preference of space inside the cab or outside. DC will cost a bit more too.

 

I like my AC. I just use the back of the cab for storage. Previously I had a reg cab and needed a tool box in the bed for my gear. The AC is great if you're just stepping up from a regular cab and are looking for more storage space rather than passenger room. The AC's are also a few thousand less than DC's.

 

Great idea until I pull into the garage with the bikes sitting higher than the garage door. May get a couple just for long trips where I need more bed storage, but not ideal for day-to-day.

I need to go sit in both (again) as I thought I recall reading something on the various threads here on TW that the Access Cab had a more difficult entry/egress due to the door vs seat positioning. Could also have been a fevered dream, but since I'm 6' that is something I need to compare directly.

 

My application is similar...mtn bikes/motos/outdoor. The access cab is ideal. The suicide doors are great for gear access. The 6' long bed is just adequate, so i cant even imagine going shorter. Also, there is the intangible feeling you are out there with a real truck. The 4 door pickups have their place, but they they just seem watered down to me. If I was to go 4 door it would be a full size platform not a Tacoma....

 

The short bed on the double cab stopped me from buying one. Also, the DC with the long bed just didn't look quite right to me.

 

DCLB: the only real choice for a Tacoma.

 

Hard to argue

 

In for 3 pages of DCLB v DCSB, while the true master race AC owners sit back and lol

 

Midget cab

 

If AC is midget cab then whats a reg cab?

 

Hobbit cab

 

I used to have a dcsb and now I have an ac. I wish I got a dclb. The cab space was nice and the bed length of my ac is perfect. I couldn't haul anything in the dcsb. I do enjoy a short wheel base off road though. But either way AC over DCSB. Plain and simple

 

I can fit my 29er in my 6 foot bed with a camper shell because of these brackets I made! That would give you some added security! Though it would probably work with a 5 foot bed. If you'd like, I can measure and see how much extra length I have in the bed this way.

I would vote in this order:

1. DCLB
2. DCSB
3. AC

 

I went DCSB because its a hell of a lot easier to hook up a trailer than add more seats. And the back seats fold flat if you need to 'haul' inside the cab. I also needed a manual so DCLB was out of the question.

 

for the price diff and resale value it is a no-brainer

 

AC would fit you fine. You just cannot approach the AC thinking it is "half" of the DC, because it is not. It's extremely tight back there and anything over a 100+ trip with two or even one person in the back will feel extremely tight.

But, for your needs, the AC should work just fine. I'm 6'3 and have put myself in the back quite a few times, not comfortable by any means, but it works and gets the job done. If you really want comfort go DCLB. If you want an enclosed trunk marketed as seats, grab the AC and put the rest towards mods.

Neither way, it's a Toyota. Resale value is probably more for the DC, but I've seen quite a few guys turn and sale their AC for nearly 70-80% of what they initially paid. Both models will hold their value extremely well compared to your previous truck.