Is the newly designed Tacoma getting closer for real?

Actually, composite is more expensive than steel---3x so when the Tacoma and Ridgeline came out with them:

http://www.compositesworld.com/colu...-and-honda-get-it-right---with-composite-beds

http://www.autonews.com/article/200...nda-ridgeline-forgoes-steel-for-composite-bed

So, the only reason to use it is because it's better.

 

Damnit. I just paid mine off yesterday (w00)...and now there's this 2016 to tempt me!! NOoOoOoooo!!!!

Also, +1 for composite bed...that thing has held up.

 

The first article states that it is a lb. for lb. comparison, so the composite bed may actually be cheaper.

 

gm used composite bed sides on the pickups with Quadrasteer(4wheel steering), not sure if the whole bed was composite or not . Also most of the domestic duallys have used or use some sort of composite/fiberglass bed side so they've all dabbled in the area. I've also heard rumors that the next Gen f150 and possibly future superdutys will have an all aluminum body so domestics are looking at alternatives to steel. Personally I'm with keaker on this one on the steel beds, trucks are supposed to be thought of as tough and rugged. Even though the composite may be as strong as steel, which I doubt, it just doesn't sound that awesome to say "ya, my trucks made out of plastic"

 

But that'd be an ignorant thing to say, since it isn't plastic. It's like calling a Glock pistol "Tupperware."

Composite bedsides are extensively used, have been for decades. Not slamming steel beds, that'd be stupid. Slamming composite beds that do the job better, or equal to steel beds is stupid also.

 

well this thread went sour fairly quickly.

 

Not really.

 

maybe you and others should learn what you are talking about before spouting stupidity about things you are uneducated about.

polymer composite beds are made from plastics

educate yourselves: http://composite.about.com/od/aboutcompositesplastics/a/What-Is-A-Composite.htm

and why is this even in a first gen thread in the first place, most people own first gens directly because they don't want those plastic bed trucks

 

Whoa. Polymer is made of plastics?

No shit. I've never heard anybody say they own a first gen because what material the bed is made of. But I'm glad you like your truck.

I like mine, too. I bought a truck. I didn't buy a bed that I can drive.

 

Wait, wrong copy pasta.

 

Dem dere plastics beds is the devils werk. Ain't want no part o dat.

 

About.com is definitely my go-to source when I want to go from uneducated to educated.

 

My ejumication tells me plastiks is fer soda boddles, not dem dere truk beds.

 

Thats just a test mule. Companies will use older car bodies on new frames/platforms for testing. The body will not look like that. Look closely and the frame underneath is different.

 

I think most people own 2nd gens actually, comparing number of 1st gens to 2nd gens. Also, I'd venture to say that most people who own 1st gens do so b/c they came out before the 2nd gens.

 

Makes sense.

 

This thread title is now very misleading

 

Although considering it's only about 10% lighter than steel and cost 3x the amount per pound (in '05, can't find a more current source) that's not a big enough difference to make it cost less overall.

 

Only 10% lighter?

 

I was surprised too: http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/2015+toyota+tacoma+product+news+release.htm