Bed decisions

We have an access cab/6 ft bed with a Leer camper shell and it is great for us (empty nesters with a cat, we have slept in it 16 times so far!). I love the access cab but feel like it would be too small with a golden.

 

I bought a DCSB in 2019 and to this day I wonder if I should have purchased the Access cab instead. I thought having the double cab would be nice for passengers but I’ve only had people in the rear seats maybe 2 or 3 times. The 6 foot bed would have been more beneficial for camping and trips to Home Depot. Can’t speak on what’s better in regards to transporting your dog

 

My Golden loves riding in the back on the Access Cab dog platform I built. Similar to post #1 on this link (minus the Toyota logo).

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/access-cab-dog-platform-udpate-pics.72761/

Normally, it’s my Wife and I in the front and my Golden on the dog platform. I can count the number of times a two legged human rode in the back on one hand in the past 7 years. Each time, they asked for a ride somewhere, so I assumed they did not mind being cramped. The platform is great for Costco runs and hauling stuff I don’t want in the bed. If I need another Tacoma in the future, I hope an Access Cab is still available.

 

I had the same desire when i bought mine (in Canada as well)

Wanted TRD OR in DCLB ended up with TRD Sport. Figured I can always add an aftermarket locker if I ended up needing it, but can't just add the bed space back. Has come in handy having the 6 feet so I wouldn't trade it now.

 

I feel like, with a decent-sized dog, and a desire to camp in it, I might consider a crew cab long bed Tacoma or a F-150 or Tundra extended cab. The full-size trucks ext cab back seats are about as big as a crew cab Tacoma plus they have a 6.5-foot bed ... and, overall, the Tundra is only about 8" longer. The Tundra SR is very reasonably priced for what it is, IMO. Even with the de-tuned 3.5TT, it still has 348 hp and 405 lb-ft.

I love mine but, doing it over again, and if I had an extra $10k in my budget, I would probably get a basic full size ext cab for a bigger back seat, to have space for the cooler, etc., without having to get it out of the bed and store it in the back seat at night (for bears).





Tundra SR ext cab back seat


We have the 6-foot bed with a shell and it is so great just rolling up to a perfect spot on a mountain and being totally set up in 5 minutes.

 

I went with a full back seat and a 6ft bed glad I did use both a ton.

 

5' beds are worthless.

 

Double Cab Short Beds FTW!!! Dont let someone tell you they are worthless as you can see I do a LOT with my short bed and use it like a REAL truck!

 

This.
I too was super on the fence when looking for my truck. My previous truck was a long bed and everyone told me to get another long bed or I’d regret it. I also live a very active lifestyle (dirt bikes, surfboards, snowboards, dog etc. ) and was worried about fitting all my gear. But, I preferred the wheelbase of the DCSB so I went with the 5 footer and never looked back. I honestly can say I haven’t regretted once. Sure I have to put my tailgate down for my dirtbike, but other than that, I absolutely love the DCSB and think it makes the most sense for the Tacoma.

 

Just be sure that you don't plan to have two dogs or a dog and a kid.

I had to trade my access cab because we got a second Sheprador.

 

Dogs are just happy to go along in any cab... that said, my son has two Mastiff's that happily ride in the back of his access cab, now it's a bummer the rear windows do not open or even tilt but then, the rear slider gives them fresh air.

 

2nd this.

 

Love my AC and long bed. Has not been a problem AT ALL with:
wheelbase - I've made it everywhere I've attempted. Never high-centered once. (Rocky Mtns of Colorado and backwoods of Georgia)
dog with me - my dog can pass between the seats from rear to front so I DON'T have to open the rear half door if I don't want to. But still can if it's convenient.
rear area - I built a flat platform covered with auto-trunk carpet for the dog, cooler, gear, groceries, anything. Lots of room!
manual gearbox - fantastic performer so far. I did install the 4x2Lo switch for reversing up-hill on pavement. NONE of those problems with hunting or memory or teaching the xmsn.
sleeping in the bed - I have a softopper and netting. Not any issues what so ever sleeping (me, wife, & dog).

Great truck in every regard! I would definitely buy another ACLB with a manual if I were to ever buy another one.

 

SR utility package

Build custom storage & platform in rear for dog & gear w/o having to dink w/jump seats & rear panel.

Lowest initial cost truck. If you want OR suspension either buy take offs from someone or just skip that step and go aftermarket.

 

Access cab long bed for me, had a short bed early on and found it limiting for what I hauled, last two have been access cab long beds.

 

That's definitely an idea. I imagine loading up the car for a trip with the pup and bags of clothes it might get cramped quickly back there. Can the passenger lay their set back in the laying position? And did you install yours with the seats all the way back?

 

I was thinking that route but I decided I wanted the shorter wheel base for break over when wheeling

 

I was debating the f150 but I've always been in Japanese Cars even though these are built in Mexico and Texas lol I'll check out the tundra but we have alot of small underground parking lots here in Whistler that's why I wanted the smaller sized

 

Yeah I won't be using mine for any work related stuff just the toys. I've got the only things I'm thinking about is potentially stealth sleeping in the back and loading up for snowboard trips.

 

My house hold is never fully safe my gf is a Vet so the chances of a wnd dog are high. Nice color tacoma and some good looking dogs there!