Toyota Tacoma 5ft vs. 6ft Bed: Pros and Cons of Short vs. Long Bed (2024)

For good reason, trucks are great for adventures. The extra room provided by their beds is greatly appreciated, and the Toyota Tacoma is no different. The Toyota Tacoma offers a 5-foot and a 6-foot bed, both of which are designed to meet your needs.

Contents

Toyota Tacoma 5ft vs. 6ft Bed: A Detailed OverviewPros and Cons of Long-Bed TrucksProsMore Spacioushigher towing capacitydoes not need a sliding hitchConsLess Easy to Maneuver for Daily Driving NeedsMore ExpensivePros and Cons of a Short BedProsideal for familieseasier to maneuverAffordabilityConsLess towing capacityYou a Sliding sliding hitch Fifth WheelFAQsWhat Are the Benefits of Having a More Compact Vehicle?Does bed length matter when towing a travel trailer?How Much Weight Does a Short Bed Hold?How Long Is a Toyota Tacoma's 5-Foot Bed?Does Toyota make a Tacoma with a 6-foot bed?Conclusion

It can be difficult to decide which of the long and short beds is better. Space, appearance, price, and any unique needs you may have are the deciding factors. An improved ride and towing are provided by a longer wheelbase. The extra room provided by the long bed will be necessary if you need to transport more and longer items. The short bed is smaller but still provides enough room for your equipment. Off-road, the shorter wheelbase is also advantageous.

This article assists you in selecting the best Toyota Tacoma bed option for you.

Toyota Tacoma 5ft vs. 6ft Bed: A Detailed Overview

Toyota Tacoma 5ft vs. 6ft Bed: Pros and Cons of Short vs. Long Bed (1)

A popular pickup, especially with outdoor enthusiasts, is the Toyota Tacoma. With a maximum seating capacity of four to five individuals, it has plenty of space for passengers. In addition to the space, you can benefit from a variety of amenities that make traveling comfortable.

There are various two-bed options for the Toyota Tacoma. The dimensions of a 5-foot bed are 60.5 inches long, 41.5 inches wide, and 19.1 inches high. In contrast, the dimensions of a 6-foot bed are 73.7, 41.5, and 19.1 inches. You can bring along all of your camping equipment, picnic supplies, and much more thanks to these roomy bed sizes.

In fact, the length of the bed should be taken into account when looking for a truck. The length of the short bed is 60.5 inches, but if you need more room, you can choose the long bed, which is 73.7 inches long.

In either case, the truck bed will comfortably accommodate a fair amount of equipment. The short bed is perfect for moving smaller loads of equipment because it can easily fit toolboxes and small pieces of furniture. Bikes, a boat, or snowboards will not fit in this bed size.

Your options expand when you choose a 6-foot bed. You can carry more gear, for starters. The long bed can fit numerous toolboxes, ladders, and other items for those who work on construction sites. A long bed is also much more comfortable to sleep in than a short one.

It's also important to remember that each size has a different payload capacity. The payload capacity of the 5-foot bed is 1560 pounds, while the payload capacity of the 6-foot bed is 1685 pounds.

Pros and Cons of Long-Bed Trucks

Pros

More Spacious

Having a fifth wheel calls for a long bed. Their hitches frequently occupy a sizable amount of the backseat. As a result, you'll need more room to transport cargo. You won't have to worry about the fifth wheel taking up too much room or being difficult to install and remove if your bed is long.

higher towing capacity

The truck is more stable and has a greater payload capacity with a longer wheelbase. This increased wheel spacing results in a higher towing capacity.

does not need a sliding hitch

Once more, a long bed eliminates the requirement for a sliding hitch for your fifth wheel. These hitches frequently cost more, occupy more space, and weigh more. The front cap of the fifth wheel and the back of the wheel are separated by a long bed. By doing this, you can avoid breaking your truck's sides or back windows.

Cons

Less Easy to Maneuver for Daily Driving Needs

Since long beds require more room and deliberate maneuvering, driving one may require some adjustment. In small spaces, parking and maneuvering become challenging.

More Expensive

Long beds are always more expensive than short beds when it comes to truck prices. They are more expensive than their short-bed counterparts, making them challenging for those on a tight budget.

Pros and Cons of a Short Bed

Pros

ideal for families

Short beds are a great option for families because they provide plenty of space in the bed and cabin. So the short-bed truck is a great travel companion, whether you want to visit a lake or a campground.

easier to maneuver

Thanks to their compact sizes, short beds are easier to maneuver. You can easily fit in tight spaces, and parking becomes a breeze.

Affordability

When buying trucks, cost is a key factor. While still providing a ton of great features and luxuries, short beds are less expensive than long beds.

Cons

Less towing capacity

Because of the truck's short bed, it has a lower payload and towing capacity. It is not advised to use this truck to tow heavier loads.

You a Sliding sliding hitch Fifth Wheel

You must spend money on a good sliding hitch if you plan to tow a fifth wheel. Normally, there isn't much room between the truck cab and the front cab, so if you're not paying close attention, your back window could get broken.

FAQs

What Are the Benefits of Having a More Compact Vehicle?

Compact cars are great because they are simple to maneuver in and out of parking spaces and through narrow streets. Additionally, they frequently offer better fuel economy, though this also depends on your driving style. A compact vehicle also gives you more flexibility. They provide straightforward handling, making driving much simpler.

Does bed length matter when towing a travel trailer?

Yes, the towing experience is greatly influenced by the length of the bed. While a short bed with the proper equipment can tow a travel trailer, a long bed provides more stability. Additionally, a long bed allows for a smoother ride. A smoother towing experience is guaranteed by a longer wheelbase.

How Much Weight Does a Short Bed Hold?

The maximum payload for the short bed is 1440 pounds. Additionally, it can tow 6800 pounds.

How Long Is a Toyota Tacoma's 5-Foot Bed?

The three main categories of Toyota Tacoma bed sizes are height, width, and length. The dimensions, 41.5 inches in height and 19.1 inches in width, are unchanged. The length of the 5-foot bed is 60.5 inches.

Does Toyota make a Tacoma with a 6-foot bed?

The Toyota Tacoma model is available with a 5-foot and a 6-foot bed. Depending on your needs, you can easily select the bed size of your choice.

Conclusion

The Toyota Tacoma is a great truck option. Overall, the Toyota Tacoma's two bed options have something to offer everyone.

For those looking for the advantages of a truck's performance in a smaller frame, the 5 offers a more compact option. To help you get the job done, the larger 6 ft. double cab offers plenty of space while remaining small.

Toyota Tacoma 5ft vs. 6ft Bed: Pros and Cons of Short vs. Long Bed (2024)

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