LB outside or SB in garage

This is my first post and from reading others post the last couple of days, the Long Bed/Short Bed topic has obviously been exhausted. Hopefully this isn't quite the same spin.

The wife and I are in need of a truck and looking to get a Tacoma. Currently, we have fairly nice vehicles and wouldn't live anywhere that we didn't have a garage to keep them out of the weather/environment.

I would like to get a 4x4 Double Cab long bed for carrying the wife's work related stuff. However, with the 221'' length of the Long Bed, I wouldn't be able to fit the truck in the garage. If I got the Short Bed, the truck would just fit.

Just looking for people that may have been in similar situations and whether having a truck endure constant weather was a big deal and if so, should I go with a short bed and use a bed extender/trailer for moving larger items.

Thanks

 

Go with whatever bed length suits your needs best.
If you have the money to buy a new Tacoma, you probably have the money to build a carport next to the garage for the Tacoma to sleep under.

Just my thoughts.

 

These trucks are made to be out in the weather. If you need a long bed get a long bed.

Parking in a garage is a luxury not a necessity.

 

X2. Get the truck you need.

 

There's always the short bed with bed extender.

 

I love my garage but you do have to get what you need it for. Another thought though, what about spending $700-$800 for a utility trailer and get the sb?

 

Don't let the garage dictate the type of truck you need/want. They are water proof. No garage over my short bed, dag nab it.

 

If you get the long bed, then you have an excuse to get a project/weekend/race car to fill the garage. Two birds, one stone.

 

Thanks for the replies. Now I still have to decide on the typical LB/SB dilemma. How often will I need the LB, and will that justify me getting it.

I like your thinking

 

DCLB FTMFW

 

id bet a larger majority of owner do not have a garage. the wear on th etruck shouldnt be a factor. but one look in the bumper /parking thread you will see some people are concerned more than others about acorns falling, bird poop and rocks flying from the road. But unless you are parking next to highway i wouldnt be worried about it.


As far as the bed goes. If you know youre goign to use the bed get the long bed. If you think youre going to use it now and again get the short bed.

the long bed has a lot of benefits no related to four wheelin. but you can camp easier in a loong bed whil eyou go wheelin and your short bed friend in on the dirt with scorpions.

yes im biased cuz i have a long bed (and i use it)

have you gone down to the dealer and looked at them side by side?
maybe you can borrow a friends long bed and go to Home Depot for dry wall or 2x4s Or borrowa shortbed and go get groceries.

 

I had a short box and found it to be rather small, now I have a long box and do notice the difference. Buy the truck you need, will you always live at the same house? What if you get a place with a garage that fits a long box down the road. Or park the truck out side and you have space for toys in the garage!!

 

I'm lucky enough to be able to park my LB in the garage. My garage is 20 1/2 feet deep. I back in and have 4 or 5 inches behind and about 1 1/2 feet in the front. Just enough room to squeeze by sideways with the door down.

Whenever I've had to haul anything I've been glad to have the LB. But I have a feeling a SB would get a hair better gas mileage due to weight.

 

do you need a 4 door? the access cab has 6' bed and plenty of room behind the seats for more stuff.

 

I had the same dilemma. I kept my last car garaged and it was nice to keep my car clean and safe when it was parked but I really wanted the long bed for hauling my dirt bike and I don't regret getting it. If you need the long bed, don't let the garage parking be a deal breaker.

 

Access cabs suck.

Test drive one with people in the back set and then park in a spot with cars on both sides and then every one get out.

Or same thing but go to store and try to put bags in back set.

What a pain in the a$$.

DCLB FTMFW

 

Thats why I asked if he needed a 4 door. I dont carry anyone in the back of mine its all storage. I love my Access cab. all the room in the world. Dont buy an Access cab if you are going to have more than 2 people in your truck.

 

they have suicide doors in the back did you not open them?

 

a garaged vehicle is pure bliss. BTDT

warm in winter...cool in summer...clean...secure...

Athough my Tacoma will see limited garage time at our new home...I'll probably end up with another sports car that will be garaged full time.

it's a pleasure to get in a clean & detailed car. it's also nice to be able to detail it a little at a time while she parks in the garage. of course, this requires the car not be your DD. and if the car is a drop top...it's nice to leave it in the garage w/ the top down.

OK...now I'm screwed...

this has got me thinkin' Corvette again...but, BTDT...maybe a Carrera. I'd also love a Ferrari...but my coins don't stack that high.

 

I went with the short bed so I could get my truck in the garage. If you live in Oklahoma and park in your driveway, sooner or late a hailstorm is going to ruin your truck. For a price of $31G s it's worth it to me to put it in the garage.