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Help me with truck bed dimensions

HaunSolo

HaunSolo

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Joined
Aug 14, 2020
Messages
225
All,

I've been without a truck for the last few years after I sold my Dodge Dakota. Now I'm looking to purchase again. My budget is small(under 10k). I need something that can fit a car seat and has 4x4. I like the idea of a full sized truck, except they get terrible gas mileage. I've also looked at mid sized trucks - dakota, frontier, tacoma, ridgeline - but I'm concerned about the bed size on a four door midsize truck.

What's the smallest bed that you've ever fit a buck into? That's my main concern about the bed.

You guys that have small truck beds - what's the most you've been able to pack in there?

Thanks.
 
I see guys using those hitch mounted racks all the time for deer, don't even need a truck bed.
 
Gator said:
I see guys using those hitch mounted racks all the time for deer, don't even need a truck bed.
Click to expand...

Definitely would be an option. It would be nice to have a truck for other things, like hauling scrap, yard waste, tools, etc...
 
Lol not to belittle your consideration, but back in the day I fit a couple very large bucks in the back of a Chevy Malibu. Probably much to the chagrin of all the local Cody's that thought bucks would commit suicide just to roll coal in the lifted cummins.

Currently rocking a short bed Tacoma because they only offer the manual in short bed. I could fit 10 deer back there if I had to. I can sleep in it just fine too even though I am 6 feet in a 5.5 foot bed, I fit quite well diagonally.

But as far as the gas mileage you may want to look at that closer. Best I ever get in the Taco is around 18-20, best case scenario. I have buddies in 1500's that claim they are doing 25-30 mpg these days. Gen 4 Tacomas as supposed to address that but I know they are pretty well behind in the mid and full size segment in gas mileage.
 
I'm in a similar boat. I've got a 22-year-old F150 that will be getting replaced by springtime. If you're in MN I'd offer it to you at around that time but you probably want one before then.

You don't need a truck to hunt with. Lots of deer go home in minivans and hatchbacks - check out UK deer stalking sites; none of those guys have open beds. But I want a bed at least 6' long so I can sleep in it in a pinch. Something to consider.
 
elk yinzer said:
Lol not to belittle your consideration, but back in the day I fit a couple very large bucks in the back of a Chevy Malibu. Probably much to the chagrin of all the local Cody's that thought bucks would commit suicide just to roll coal in the lifted cummins.

Currently rocking a short bed Tacoma because they only offer the manual in short bed. I could fit 10 deer back there if I had to. I can sleep in it just fine too even though I am 6 feet in a 5.5 foot bed, I fit quite well diagonally.

But as far as the gas mileage you may want to look at that closer. Best I ever get in the Taco is around 18-20, best case scenario. I have buddies in 1500's that claim they are doing 25-30 mpg these days. Gen 4 Tacomas as supposed to address that but I know they are pretty well behind in the mid and full size segment in gas mileage.
Click to expand...

2018 4 door with the short bed. 19-21 is about the worst I get and if I set the cruise to 65 and go I’ll get 27-28. Don’t have a manual though.


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I agree with the sentiment that you don't need a truck for hunting, and I can't stomach the price of them. I went for a midsize SUV with a decent AWD system. If you need to haul stuff get a utility trailer for under $1000.

I've had deer in the back of a Subaru Impreza, and I loved the rear hitch carrier on my Subaru Forester. I had an old Ranger and basically stopped using it once I got a utility trailer for the Forester. I'm currently driving a 2nd Gen Toyota Highlander.
 
Get a box hitch cargo carrier for the buck. I have one on the back of my expedition. I may get one that folds up and put it on the front of the truck so it’s not in the way when getting to my stuff.
 
I run a 6’ bed 2018 Tacoma with access cab, I get 20-23 mpg. Don’t plan to have more than 2 people in the access cab for more than about half an hour unless you chop the back seat passengers legs off, it’s small. Hauling deer in a 5 or 5’6” bed would be no problem, as others have said. I like the 6’ bed for hauling materials and such but could easily use a smaller bed. If I wanted to do the topper/camper route I’d want the 6’ bed though.
 
Thanks for all the feedback - definitely broadening my horizons.
 
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