Long vs Short Bed Turning Radius

Hi, I am looking at new double cab Tacomas and am deciding between the short and long bed. Practically, the long bed is a better fit for my lifestyle but I wonder if the turning radius will be worse than the short bed.

Unfortunately I have not been able to find a double cab/long bed to test drive but there are a couple local dealers that have will have them in the next month or so. I have test driven the double cab/short bed and thought the turning radius was not an issue. I would be interested to hear about other folks experience, thanks.

 

Quick web search shows short bed has a 20' radius, while the long bed is about 22'.

 

Long bed has a longer turning radius. Only you can decide if its worth the trade off.

 

I drive both, almost daily.

As tacomamba pointed out, the DCLB has a larger turning radius, and it is noticeable. I leave my gym parking lot two different ways depending on which Tacoma I drove that day.

 

Thanks MR, that is helpful

 

How often does a turn radius matter in your day to day. For those few times reverse then drive again

 

Fair question. I park in a garage at work with about 20 feet between the rows so it could be an issue there

 

Either way, it's been a learning curve for U-turns, tight parking lots, etc. Longbed is only 10% larger radius.

 

I've only had issues backing out of parking garage spaces in tighter parking garages, mostly due to how close the cars are together not allowing one to start turning until clear of the back of the car next to you. I can't think of a time when in a typical parking lot that I have had to 3 point it unless I just borked the turn in.

 

Haha. I had a 2002 dodge ram 1500 quad cab 6ft bed. My Tacoma DCLB feels like it turns on a dime compared to that beast. Lol

 

I love my D/C L/B, hate the turning radius. If you like nimble & tight, choose wisely.

 

Maybe it's all in my mind but it seems easier for me to get out of any parking garage/space if I back into it, rather than regular front forward in the LB. So, no problems here.

 

Very minor difference. Ever drive a crew cab long box? lol

 

Not your mind, not just you, it's how I do it too. Only place I go head first is in my drive-way, or if i can drive out head first.

 

It def is because you are pivoting around the end that is constrained on two sides instead of trying to laterally move the end that is constrained on two sides.

 

Love my DCLB but sometimes the short bed would be nice. Still wouldn’t change a thing

 

I think this statement you mentioned would be the main reason for getting a LB. I would not worry about the turning radius but what fits your needs better. I went with the LB because I needed more room in the bed for camping and outdoor adventures.

 

Turning radius never entered the equation. I bought based on need. I had the short, traded for the long. Yes, the radius rears its head about once a month… but I either drive over the curb (it IS a truck after all) or I make the adjustment needed with an extra maneuver. As others said - wouldn’t change a thing.

 

If you don't need a DC, why not consider an Access Cab with a long bed? It has the short wheel base but you still get the 6' bed. I drove a DCLB for 10 years for work, and the turning radius is not as good as the ACLB, most noticeable in tight locations. Not bad, just noticeable. Also, I prefer the shorter wheel base when in the dirt.

 

Sorry for bringing this back. Just wanted to say I had to get DCSB because they didn't offer the ACLB in manual transmission. I have a 2022 trd or dcsb. I definitely wanted the access cab with long bed. I hardly ever have more than 1 other person in the truck, and the extra bed space would've been great! Too bad toyota stopped offering the other trims with a manual. I tried, and asked the dealer, and salesman. They said it was no longer possible to get my tacoma like that. So i had to compromise and get the dcsb. I love the turning radius.