Hunting Truck Mid vs Full Size

[huntsd]

I am in the market for a new truck. I am torn between mid and full size (1/2 ton). Would appreciate some input. Some info about my hunting style:

-I do not use side by sides or tow anything (truck needs to be trail worthily to get me to my spots)
-sleep in the back of the truck. will put a camper shell on
-all hunts are DIY western
-all hunts are solo or with max 1 other person

I am leaning towards a Tacoma since they aren't as wide a full size and would seem to be better on 2 track roads, tight trails ect..

 

[Dented]

I've used a mid size SUV and a 1 ton truck. For what you're describing I'd be thinking Tacoma. I spent 3 weeks in the suv solo, you could certainly do that in the taco with a shell.

The 1 ton is tough to get around in the tight stuff.

 

[huntsd]

thanks yes I mean 1/2 ton. F-150, tundra ect..

 

[49ereric]

Used to be guys in the mountains wanted full floating axles front and rear for the dependability.

 

[Ucsdryder]

How do you sleep in the back of a Tacoma?

 

[huntsd]

How do you sleep in the back of a Tacoma?

The models I am looking at have 6 foot beds

 

[maxx075]

How do you sleep in the back of a Tacoma?

Maybe he's a midget?

 

[Ucsdryder]

The models I am looking at have 6 foot bed

How tall are you? If you’re 5’6” that only leaves 3” each direction. It’s annoying sleeping in the back of a truck and waking up because your foot is cold because it’s been pressed up against the bed of the truck.

The 6.5 foot bed on the tundra is perfect. Not as nimble as a Tacoma but a lot handier.

 

[huntsd]

5'11 about an inch to spare. I have a 6 foot bed right now in my old crappy ranger. no issues sleeping in it

 

[CorbLand]

As a short person 5 foot 8 inches and as an individual that has spent a lot of time in a Tacoma. If you want to sleep in the bed, I would seriously consider a Tundra.

 

[meconium]

I have a Tacoma with 6ft bed and I'm about 5'11". Sleeping in it is fine. I really like the added security of the shell when in bear country. Also you are guaranteed to have a flat sleeping surface every night. More bed length is obviously better, but you can make it work. I would be hesitant to take a full size pickup in the woods, unless it was already an absolute shitbox and you didn't care about scratches and dents.

 

[huntsd]

I have a Tacoma with 6ft bed and I'm about 5'11". Sleeping in it is fine. I really like the added security of the shell when in bear country. Also you are guaranteed to have a flat sleeping surface every night. More bed length is obviously better, but you can make it work. I would be hesitant to take a full size pickup in the woods, unless it was already an absolute shitbox and you didn't care about scratches and dents.

I'd say I can generally find a flat spot here is my grand plan for a bed

 

[RocketRob16]

I don’t sleep in the bed of mine (5ft) but here is a hearty vote for the Tacoma. I’ve taken it from east to west hunting and it’s always gotten me where I was going and never left me stranded. I can imagine a 6 ft bed with a camper shell would be a pretty slick setup though.

 

[180ls1]

What years and budget? Keep in mind an 05 tundra is about the same size as a modern mid-size.

 

[meconium]

I'd say I can generally find a flat spot here is my grand plan for a bed

That's a great idea. I have been lazy and just throw a lawn chair cushion down and call it a night haha

 

[Broadhead]

Maybe I'm the only one that brings too much stuff with me, but I load out my crew cab Ram 1500 with 6.5ft bed when it's me and one other person. Camper shell and decked drawer system. Helpful at night to store everything in the cab while sleeping in the bed. It has gotten me in and out of every place I've needed to take it. Granted, I'm not going down tight two tracks with it.

 

[huntsd]

What years and budget? Keep in mind an 05 tundra is about the same size as a modern mid-size.

good point. $35kish is where I am trying to stay. So something used

 

[180ls1]

good point. $35kish is where I am trying to stay. So something used

Have you ruled out SUV's? They are generally superior offroad to trucks because of their better weight distribution. I have a platform and 2/3 of the rear seats removed and sleep in mine. It works very well.

 

[browning2480]

I am an SUV guy also and will never go back to a truck. Even with a shell, the dust will get in and destroy your sleeping spot. SUV stays nice and clean.

 

[Wyo_hntr]

I would suggest test driving a Nissan Frontier. Especially if you are looking used.