The revised, and revived, "Long bed vs. Short Bed" 4X4 Debate

Hello fellow Tacoma owners,

I have a question regarding the highly controversial long bed vs. short bed Tacoma debate.

Let's start with what I know:
It seems to be the consensus that the pros for each argument are as follows:

Short bed:
Better looks
Better off-roading (rock crawling, mudding, etc)

Long bed:
Better for hauling
Better for sleeping in/camping

But I have a new topic: Which is better for driving in snow? My truck is a long bed, and I would think that the long bed is better for this, but I don't have enough experience with each to make a scientific comparison. I was surprised to learn a few years ago, for example, that a Dually is NOT AS GOOD for the snow once other car tracks have been made. With their dual rear wheels, they will jump into and out of the tracks making for a miserable experience.

So, for those of you with experience, please enlighten me.

 

I might be wrong but I remember someone saying long bed/longer wheel base will help from spinning out of control

 

better looks? like stubby? i think the long beds look way better.

 

I don't think I'd be stressing over which bed to get based on which is better in the snow! It's only a foot difference. If you're really that concerned about driving in snow get yourself a good set of dedicated winter/snow tires. That will be the best money you'll ever spend. I'd rather have a SB with snow tires than the supposedly 'better handling' long bed without snow tires when in snow. Or just get a Subaru.

 

Yeah, what he said. Short beds look funny.

 

IMO there would be no difference in snow performance LB vs SB. Tires, weight over the tires, 4wd, and LSD are the biggest factors for snow.

 

Yeah! what they said...the LONG bed looks weird!

 

Pardon my ignorance, but what is LSD?

 

Limited slip differential

 

Are we talkin double cab long bed? I thought the long bed was with access cab and short bed was with double cab. Both have the same wheelbase if I'm not mistaken.

 

This. If anything the longer wheelbase will give you a smoother ride and would be better to tow with.

 

Yes, double cab long bed. It's has ~ 13" longer wheel base.

 

Thank you. I should have known this.

 

Double cab long bed is the best of both worlds. Extra cab space with out giving up bed space. The only real downside in my opinion is a larger turning radius. It may be tight in parking garages and smaller trails, but still not as bad as a full size...

 

It is tight in parking situations, no doubt, but I am completely pleased with my new ride. Coming from a 2014 Civic coupe (gas mileage), this is a serious upgrade. Before the Civic, I owned a 2002 Honda Accord. The 02' Accord was the last vehicle I used for snow driving. It did surprisingly well! Anyway, I feel better prepared than ever to take on some winter weather...let's hope it is not a false sense of security.

 

Remember, if you need to have the truck in 4 wheel drive while winter driving. Take it easy.

 

DCSB w/ MT ftw

 

I found that driving my Tacoma around the city in the snow last winter, I rarely needed 4wd. Even on the stock Dunlops, the traction aids were enough to safely navigate snow covered roads. It did feel more stable on snow covered roads with 4wd engaged, but I was surprised how well it did in 2wd.

I'm also grateful that traction control can be totally turned off in 2wd allowing one to drift around corners, spin donuts and do other vehicular ass-hattery... On deserted roads and parking lots of course... Always use common sense and be safe.

 

Thank you everyone. And, for the record, this is why I bought the long bed... Had it one week and already enjoying the extra space http://[URL=http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/tnjyoung1/media/IMG_0465_zpsxcm4mi5y.jpg.html][ATTACH=full]1711819[/ATTACH]


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FTMFW