I might get a new tow vehicle....

HappyCamper2024

We are currently towing our tab 320s on a 2005 Tacoma. I love this truck but age will probably take a toll. Pondering what I might do if either of our vehicles need replacing. I do love the truck with the 6 foot bed aux cab because its small compared to new trucks and muuuuuch easier to transport a kayak than the shortie beds that all modern trucks with 4 doors have. Trucks are too expensive to get one with a short bed so we might go another way.

Has anyone towed with a Ford Transit or any other van? This way we still have a vehicle for other recreation activities that we can tow with. Another thing is keeping the truck for fun and replacing the Subaru with some kind of smaller SUV or Jeep that can tow the TAB. Any suggestions for current vehicles that are good for the tow and not ginormous trucks, especially big trucks with small beds?

HappyCamper2024

I just noticed a similar thread, sorry for the dupe. I'll read that but also check here in case anyone has a response specific to my post.

Grumpy_G

Toyota still makes an Xtracab Tacoma with a 6 ft bed, good look finding one though. The previous generation Tacoma had 6ft beds for both the Xtracab and the 4 door cab so that might be an option unless you're set on brand new. Nissan makes both a King Cab with 6ft bed and a crew cab long bed of the Frontier.

HappyCamper2024

One other note...we do occasionally transportal an older woman to lunch and appointments so one plus of a van or SUV might be that's it's easier to get in and out of. She's not really our responsibility but it's nice to be helpful.

HappyCamper2024

Thanks. I'll check those Nissans. We thought we were gonna replace the Tacoma a few years back and finding a 6 ft on anything but a big 4 door was impossible. Maybe I could shop at a place that sells fleet trucks. I'm also not convinced that modern Tacoma's are worth the extra money. Every mechanic or Toyota enthusiast I've been to talked to strongly encouraged me to stay in my old truck as opposed to the new version. Plus it's just not as ginormous. But the fleet trucks might be way to go. I'll also check Nissans, thanks.

Gomers2

At least drive the new Tacoma. It's really a great truck for camping. (I added a running board for a step for my mom.)

Gomers2

Okpete

I have a 2024 frontier lwb, 2wd ,SV with tech. and convenience pkg towing tab 400. Truck has exceeded my expectations. Drives well, comfortable, wife enjoys her seat. Performance wise no issues. However, had to add brake controller, not happy with tekhonsha, very hard to set. Should have gone better model

HappyCamper2024

Thank you, that's helpful

ScottG

@HappyCamper2024, I share your sentiments re: a 6' truck bed, and your frustration with finding one. I often carry things that just wouldn't fit in a 5' bed, but I really have no need or desire for a giant full-size truck.

My 2015 Frontier is a great truck, and I'll likely replace it with another Frontier given the limited options for extended cab models. @Okpete, thanks for your opinion on your next generation Frontier.

ckjs

We tow our CSS with a turbo-engined Outback XT - 3500 tow capacity, 350 tongue weight. It has all the oomph and stability we've wanted. We got about 16 mpg on our 31 day trip from California to Jasper, CA & Yellowstone and back. I even occasionally drove it at 70+ mph in the UT and NV high desert straightaways. It might work for you.