Anyone here driven both short box and long box Tacomas off-road? How much does that extra foot really matter?
I’m planning to get a new Tacoma in the next few months. We’re expecting a baby in April, and while this won’t be our main family vehicle, it does need to fit a car seat, so I’m going with a double cab. I’m deciding between an SR5 with a 6’ box or a TRD Off-Road with either a 5’ or 6’ box.
This truck will mostly be for me and my work as an electrician. I plan to get a dedicated work van eventually when I start my own business, but that’s a couple of years away. I also hunt, hike, and ski, so I’m often on deactivated logging roads. My current truck is a Mazda B4000 4x4 with an access cab and a 6’ box, and I love the space for tools and gear. I also sleep in the back on hunting and ski trips.
I know a double cab long box won’t handle tight tracks as well as my Mazda, but how much of a difference does it make?
Tilden said:
I have a short bed because I wanted a manual transmission, but finding a canopy for it has been a hassle. Way fewer options compared to the long bed.
Really? I have a long bed, and I’ve noticed some canopies I want are only for the short bed. Guess the grass is always greener!
Tilden said:
I have a short bed because I wanted a manual transmission, but finding a canopy for it has been a hassle. Way fewer options compared to the long bed.
It took me years to find a canopy that didn’t cost $3k. Finally snagged one on Facebook for $300.
Tilden said:
I have a short bed because I wanted a manual transmission, but finding a canopy for it has been a hassle. Way fewer options compared to the long bed.
Good point—I hadn’t even considered the topper options.
@Gray
It’s because most contractor trucks are access cabs with 6’ beds, so there’s a surplus of 6’ toppers in the used market. Way easier and often cheaper to find one compared to a 5’.
Tilden said:
I have a short bed because I wanted a manual transmission, but finding a canopy for it has been a hassle. Way fewer options compared to the long bed.
I’ve had no issues finding options. Honestly, I see more long bed toppers than short bed ones in my area.
I’ve owned both a short bed (2005) and a long bed (2022). Same lift, same tires. I found no real difference off-road. For me, the long bed is better overall, especially for property maintenance and hauling.
I’ve had two long beds and now have a short bed. The long bed is almost as big as a full-size truck, but I preferred driving the short one. Downsides? My XL mountain bike needs to sit at an angle, and I can’t sleep in the back.
My mom has a long box, and I have the short one. Honestly, you’ll probably want the long box. It’s more useful, and the difference in driving isn’t that big. Slightly harder to park, but it’s still not a full-size truck.
Zain said: @Quinlan
I’ve borrowed his mom’s long box, and it’s been great when I need extra room on family camping trips. Makes me rethink my short box.
I don’t need that much space day-to-day, but it’s great for dirty gear. Just hose it out, and you’re good.