I Went from a 16 LB to a 17 SB

I was also on the fence about this and went with the short bed for a few reasons. I considered the following:

Sleeping in the bed:
I camp a lot and off road in Colorado and would much rather sleep in a tent and have all my gear locked in the bed while I sleep. I'd also rather have a rooftop tent with gear in the bed, if needed.

Off roading:
The off roading in Colorado up and over 13,000ft peaks is much more conducive to a short bed. I've already slammed my trailer hitch on some rocks as it is.

Garage:
A 6' bed wouldn't fit in my garage

Looks:
IMO the short bed looks better no matter what and it's due to it being proportionate. It's the same reason pretty girls look pretty. The long bed is disproportionate to the truck, but hey if you can pull it off go for it! I don't hate the long beds when they're lifted.

Length:
If I ever need to fit something in a 6' bed, I'll simply use a bed extender. Done!

Mountain bikes:
For now I'm using a hitch mount (1up) as it is removable and I can avoid ripping my bike off in garages (which I've done). It is better to mount the bike in the bed when off roading so I don't hit the rack on rocks. I have a Rocky Mounts bed rail rack that attaches to the fork when I'm off roading.

Parking and driving:
Parking is much easier in the short bed. I've heard the short bed is less bouncy than the long bed. Not sure.

Skis and snowboards:
My skis and snowboards fit fine. Even my friends 185cm skis fit at an angle in the bed under the cover.

 

It took me a long time to pick one as well. Got the LB and am very happy with the look and added utility.

 

SO jealous. I have a 2015 SB. I don't hate it, I actually really enjoy it. I would just like the extra foot, for sleeping comfort. I don't off-road enough to justify having the SB. I enjoy camping a lot, and I really like having the shell. My dog spends the most time in the bed, so it's not like it matters for her. But as for camping and camping storage, I think it'd make more sense for me to have the LB. I just can't get my wife on board with trading in a truck that's only 2 years old.

 

I am going SB only because I have to have a Manual.

 

I had my '07 DCSB for three and a half years, now my '16 DCSB for over a year and not once have I ever wished for a long box. My Tacomas have been used for multiple moves, multiple home improvement projects, hauling my four wheeler, hauling bicycles and over two dozen camping trips. I've never needed or wanted an extra foot of bed space, I love the size and utility of the DCSB.