Short Vs Long Bed for offroad

Hey now, that's my job.

Wow, this is an old thread.

 

But but but... you’re captain obvious.

 

Dclb is plenty capable with the right setup. Just think how this would have looked with a capable spotter.

 

Long bed is more useful off road as I can pull over anywhere and sleep in the back without my feet sticking out. Additionally fits a full sheet of plywood without sticking way out of the bed. However, I have a kid, a wife, and two dogs thus we need the space.

Utility is the big thing I got the long bed for, to pick up gravel which is loaded with a skid. Loads easy diagonally across the bed with the skid in the long bed. I'm not sure how it would work with a short bed, probably dump gravel everywhere. I've done 6 loads of gravel, granite, and mulch so far for the house, and the utility is really what I bought the truck for, off roading is just an extra perk. If I was really into off roading I'd buy a truck specific for offroading, like a Jeep, or FJ40 or old 80s or 90s Toyota truck, then I could modify it and cut it and not worry. There's a nice 4 runner for sale right now with a UZ swap in the classifieds, lots of diesel conversions too.

Thus, I don't see the point in buying a Tacoma in the first place if you're into heavy offroading. If you want a truck get something with a proper bed, otherwise but an offroad specific vehicle.

 

Imagine you're taking off road adventures, that last multiple days, deep into the mountains out west. No services, no fuel, no food, no water. You have to bring it all with you. You're sleeping in a different spot each night and don't want to set up and break down a tent every single day. Imagine you're also single and the only people you're ever taking with you is a friend or whatever girl is lucky enough to be dating you at the time . Tacoma regular cab or access cab 4 cyl is hands down the single most perfect vehicle for this. Tons of parts, good off road ability (only outclassed by Jeeps really and can hang with them in most cases especially when they break down), and space for a camper in the back.

 

reg cab shortbox

 

For off-road use, Regular Cab > Extended Cab/DCSB > DCLB

The only instance I can think of where a longer wheelbase is better off-road is on steep hill climbs.

 

Who actually goes on trips like that? Nobody I know personally does this kind of thing. Do you watch a lot of Bear Grillis?

 

These kinds of trips are literally the reason I bought my truck. It's a good way to find some of the most beautiful places on Earth that nobody even knows about.

 

^^ This ^^

 

I do this multiple times per year - remote fly-fishing, camping & hunting trips. Not out west, but in pretty remote areas of Maine.

 

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And welcome to TacomaWorld

 

Ya.... that was last weekend. Oh and this weekend, and why I bought the damn thing

 

I have a long bed sport it serves me well because I am a handyman and I live in the city.

I think for your purpose you need an off road short bed. If you need to ever haul bigger stuff then get a 300 dollar bed extender. The short bed is more proper for off-roading. Make sure you get an Off road and not a sport version.

now just go out to the dealer pick a color and be happy.

 

I’m pretty sure in the last TEN YEARS the OP found the truck he was looking for. Maybe even two or three by now. Haha!

 

Yep. I noticed it was January 24th 20freaking10 after I posted. Ohh well. I hope he enjoyed his truck.

 

We'll never know since the OP left over 9 years ago..

I always find it amazing how people drop in to ask a question. BUT never update on the outcome..

 

OP's original auto loan fell through and is now lurking on a KIA Sportage forum for the past 9 yrs.

 

Several years ago I went to Tierre Del Sol run with my friend in his tricked out 85 4Runner. We saw quite a few Jeeps have problems going up a hill, including several Rubicons, but his longer 4Runner didn't have any problems whatsoever. We also saw a Hummer having difficulty on the same hill. There's a lot more that comes into play offroad than just wheelbase length.

Since it's been 10 years since the OP posted I'm not sure when I'll be able to sleep again because I'm so concerned about his choice of truck (probably got a Jeep instead).

 

Seems to be a very relevant thread so here’s my take - I’ve done all sorts of off-roading in Death Valley, Mojave, Eastern Sierras, Tahoe, technical, snow, mud, deep sand, etc. and never dragged or gotten stuck in my DCLB without lockers. Upgraded my suspension with 2.5” lift and KO2 275/R17 tires. If I were going stock I would get a TRD pro short bed; otherwise, mine has been very capable in everything thus far. Bonus, I built a 2nd story on my house with this truck when it was stock.