I was previously looking at new tundras but decided that I just don't need a full size pick up and a few mpgs is worth it to me. I occassionally tow an evolution e1 pop up camper (@4000 lbs fully loaded). I've pulled this with a buddy's 04 runner (v6) and it was passable. I currently have an 97 runner v6 5spd, but towing with it sucks and it is time to upgrade. I don't off road "recreationally" but I spend many wknds off the road hunting and fishing - mostly going too fast on washboard dirt and gravel roads to get where I am going. I know that I want the dbl cab "long bed". Looks like the dc long bed only comes in sr5 and sport. I think the locking rear diff is only on trd off road? How big of a deal is the locking rear diff? Should I get the trd sport or sr5? In either event I will likely get one of the toytec lift packages or equivalent. Also does anyone know when Toyota will redesign the tacoma and what the changes will be?

Thank you for any advice and input.

As far as I know, the locking differential only comes on the Off Road model. I've only used it 3 or 4 times, to drive through deep (9-12") of snow. Based off what you said you'd like to do, I don't think you'll miss it. Part time 4WD with a decent set of tires will get you in and out of quite a lot. Check out the TRD Sport for any goodies you may want (suck as fog lights, power outlet in the box etc.).

If you don't trust a sales rep, you can always browse over the Toyota website to see what you'll get with each model. As for the amount of weight you're towing, I've heard both good and bad things about the V6. I'll let someone else touch on that, since I don't carry anything more than mountain bikes and skis.

I don't off road "recreationally" but I spend many wknds off the road hunting and fishing - mostly going too fast on washboard dirt and gravel roads to get where I am going. I know that I want the dbl cab "long bed". Looks like the dc long bed only comes in sr5 and sport. I think the locking rear diff is only on trd off road? How big of a deal is the locking rear diff? Should I get the trd sport or sr5?
Driving fast on secondary roads, I would prefer LSD to a locker -- which, as you say, is only available with OffRoad package. And yes, DC long bed cannot be had with OffRoad, so either SR5 or Sport would best suit you. Which one depends on whether the features of the Sport are worth the extra cost to you, especially if it's likely to get roughed up a bit. DC comes only with the V6 (you probably already knew that) -- also, the Sport seats are different than those in the SR5, so try 'em both.

With all the enhanced traction control that the newer ones come with, you're not going to miss a locker for what you're doing (everyone claims they almost don't even need 4wd). All versions (SR5, Sport, Off-Road) come with the traction control and e-LSD now. So no difference there. And the off-road only comes in a short bed on the DC, so your only options are SR5 or TRD Sport. Since you're planning to lift it, then the only differences that you'd be paying the TRD premium for are minor:

Different seats (depending on your size, one will be more comfortable to you over the other)
Compass/Temp gauge
Color-matched rear bumper (instead of chrome), front grill, and mirrors (this is a bad thing if you spend any time on forest roads as I do since the mirrors would be scratched to #$@# if they had paint on them due to branches)
17" wheels on the sport vs 16" on the SR5
And maybe some other minor things I can't think of (not sure if the power inverter in the bed is sport or off-road?

While the suspension on the Sport has 17" wheels (instead of 16") TRD Bilstein Shocks (both springs are the same on the SR5 and Sport), this is all probably irrelevant since you're planning on lifting it. If you don't care about the colored body parts mentioned above, then it really just comes down to which seats are more comfy. You'll be paying a high premium for a sport model if you already plan to lift it and eliminating the parts you're paying for.

17" wheels on the sport vs 16" on the SR5Good point, and last time I checked, there was a much better tire selection in 16" size.




not sure if the power inverter in the bed is sport or off-road?It's in the OffRoad...

I have a 09 dbl cab long bed. I tow a small travel trailer about 3500 pounds loaded and its OK. In retrospect I wish I had 4wd because others in my user group tow the same or heavier and get a better pull with 4wd. (Better axle ratio)

The long wheel base does give a better ride. IMHO

I had an 06 V6 4x4 and wouldn't hesitate to pull 4 k with it. I was concerned about wear when towing my jeep and trailer (close to the 6500lb limit) so I upgraded to the 5.7 tundra.

I just traded an 09 Taco DC Sport for a Tundra and if you do alot of towing, the Sport has the back-up camera that is very handy when hooking to a trailer. Hope this helps.

It's in the OffRoad...

My 09 Taco DC TRD Sport also had the inverter in the bed...I used it more than I originally thought I would too.

I had an '09 TRD Sport 4x4 for 13k miles...GREAT truck. Drove right through all kinds of snow last year during the biggest blizzard in DC in 87 years.

If I were to buy another Tacoma, I would opt for the TRD OffRoad for the locker and ATRAC...the TRD Sport doesn't give you anything that's not easy to add to a non-TRD model. Every Tacoma now has the A-LSD and TRAC, so there is very little benefit performance wise from buying a TRD Sport. Personally, the non-functional hood scoop grew less and less attractive too.

Since parking isn't an issue for me and I am regularly towing 5,000 lbs I bought a '10 Tundra with the 4.6L. The 5.7 fanboys will knock it, but it's a great motor. The truck is huge compared to the Tacoma, but it gets only 1mpg less all around (and I do a lot of towing with the Tundra). The only things I miss about the Tacoma are the steering wheel controls and rear view camera, both of which came with the TRD package. By the way, the Tundra's bed is actually useful for carrying stuff, camping in, etc.

Avg mpg with the Tacoma over those miles was 17.5, including a 3,000 mile road trip that was almost all highway. Tundra mpg is in my sig.

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k301/CompBCurrie/IMG00061-20100210-142069.jpg

Good luck with your choice.