Manual Transmission: Access cab vs DBCB

Hello,

I am will soon be in the market for a MT Tacoma OR. I am buying this truck for me, and my significant other, and hopefully a dog (lab size). This taco will be built as an Overlander/Expedition machine. Kayaks, trailers, and a RTT.

My indecision stems around the performance/off-road area. Does the extra length of the DBCB make any difference with the off road capabilities? Does the MT perform/handle better with the AC, or the DBCB?


Also while I'm asking questions: I had an 05. I will be looking at the a 10+ because I want the backup camera and the new interior styling. Is there any specific year I should go for between 10-15? I don't necessarily care about the facelift on the 2012 +. It's cool but not a game changer. I think the 11 had the honeycomb grill?

Thank you for your input. I appreciate it.

 

That will be difficult to find someone who has had both a Dbcb manual and an AC manual. As for your questions with them, I don't understand what you think would make them perform or handle any differently in the AC vs dbcb clutch?

 

If you want to carry a dog, I'd recommend a double cab. I have a small dog and he loves poking his head out the window and since the back windows don't go down on an access cab, he squeezes up front. Not fun for whoever is riding shotgun.
I did an off-road/recovery course and they had a double cab with mt and I rode that around during it. Handled well, but I found the more technical obstacles to be an annoyance with the MT at times. Just something to think about if you plan on doing some wheeling that has a lot of low speed stuff.

 

Well I don't know IF it would make it a difference, however, I rather check with the experts and be sure. I'm glad that people are of the opinion that it is the same. Perhaps my thought process was longer = more difficult for off roading terrains/rocks.
Thank you for your response.

Can you tell me more about the handling of the MT on the course? I do plan on wheeling it since I want to make it an Overlander/Expedition vehicle. I feel I have to practice in all types of terrains.

I want a manual because I enjoy shifting. Most of my cars have been MT and it's always fun. Even in traffic. I rather drive MT than automatic. I get more frustrated with the AT. I do hope the MT on the 2nd gens is not as good. If its the case Ill just get an Trail 4Runner.

 

For me I prefer the double cab short bed compared to access cab, has more rooms at the back for friends or dogs

Let me just clarify the mnenonics:
DCSB= Double Cab Short Bed
DCLB= Double Cab Long Bed
AC = Access Cab

I believe DCSB and AC have the same length bumper to bumper, the only difference is the bed size

 

How is it the same length? The DCSB has a whole extra door? Is the bed on the AC a longbed?

 

I like the MT for off-roading, the gearing is made for towing so by 15 mph you're at almost 3k Rpms. It's actually excellent for off-roading to me

 

Yes the access cab has a long bed, you cannot get an OR Manual double cab long bed.

 

There are pros and cons for a manual.

Pros: Good for highway driving, overtaking
Manlier for some
Theft deterrent
Better Acceleration CONTROL
Cons: Not good for off roading
MPG is not as good as 5speed automatics
Make sure your wife knows how to drive manual for long trips, thats my problem Im the only one whose driving lol. Nevertheless love my MT

 

If you like a manual, then by all means buy one. Having owned both manual and automatic off road trucks and jeeps I wouldn't have a manual for off-road. But, that said there are those who feel the same about autos. Regarding access vs double cab vs a dog - there's no debate there double cab is the only way to go. My buddy has a ginormous german shepard that rides in his double cab every where he goes. With the seats folded and a carpet over the slippery plastic that dog is as happy as any dog could be.

 

What's so bad about the MT off roading?

 

Why do you think the MT is bad for off-roading?

 

Off-roading with a manual trans is a much more involved process...especially the more technical the trail gets.

Can it get frustrating at times? Yeah. But like with most things, the greater the challenge the greater the reward. I prefer to have as much control as I can over my truck when I'm driving it and that goes double for when I'm wheeling it.

And yeah, it's a great theft deterrent. I actually decided against tinting my windows for this reason. Tacomas are a high risk theft vehicle in SoCal and I'd rather a thief take one look inside, see that I have a stick-shift and continue on to the next potential target than break into my truck only to figure out they can't drive it.

 

I prefer a manual for offroading, but that debate is beaten to death. I will say that the factory manual setup from Toyota is pretty poor. Given a choice between that and an auto, I would choose the auto. My manual/AC has 4:56 gears, TRD shifter, and a twin stick FJ case, along with air lockers front and rear. It gets me around.

 

I think the issue is the driver, nothing with having a MT

 

Yea, I'm pretty comfortable with a manual. Had a manual tacoma for years. The low speed crawling and stuff got old though. I'm sure more experienced people can handle it pretty well, but the automatic was easier to deal with when doing the low speed obstacles.

The AC bed isn't really considered long bed, but just the standard size. When you get a DCSB, the bed is smaller than the standard size. I'd love to have a DCSB, but the small bed was a deal breaker for me. You can get a DCLB, which gives you the same size bed as the AC, but I don't like the geometry with the truck that long.

 

People that say it's "bad" either don't know how to drive a manual or are trying to justify not having one. There's nothing 'bad' about having a manual for off-roading, it's all subjective anyway. I could make the same argument about how it's 'bad' to use an auto for off-roading, or better yet....it's cheating

Switch out the word "bad" for "less convenient" and I could understand the argument.

 

I love my MT but I don't buy the cheating theory. If using technology is cheating then we should all get out of our trucks and run the trails.

 

Its not bad, the right word for it is, It's more CHALLENGING driving in off road courses, or uphill situations. For as long as its TACOMA AT or MT your good. Good luck on your purchase bro.

 

That's a bit of a stretch, lol. Hiking isn't even in the same category as using a vehicle off-road. But I understand your point. It really all just comes down to being entirely subjective which is why I don't think anyone can definitively say that it's "bad".