Just a few months again, I wanted to maneuver an entire bunch of packing containers and different giant objects from my under-construction home to the place I used to be staying in the course of the renovation. Now, the best-possible car alternative would’ve been a huge purple Mercedes Sprinter like I had again in Oregon. The second-best possibility was most likely this, although: a full-size truck with a long-bed possibility. Particularly, this was a 2022 Toyota Tundra Platinum with the CrewMax cab and the 6.5-foot long-bed that is an possibility on all trims however the TRD Professional and Capstone. A 5.5-foot mattress is normal.
This is not only a matter of dropping an extended mattress onto an in any other case equivalent truck. The wheelbase grows by the identical quantity, 1 foot, because the mattress. Not surprisingly, so does the general size. This takes the Tundra from 233.6 inches (19.5 toes) to 245.6 (20.5 toes), with a wheelbase of 157.7 inches versus 145.7. It additionally means the truck was completely and humorously longer than my driveway. So, though “Driveway Checks” round right here often imply checks we conduct in our driveways, on this case, it is each that and a literal take a look at of an precise driveway. Rating!
To that finish, this Tundra undoubtedly would’ve been longer than my infamous previous driveway, and I’ve to surprise how its wonky, Instagram-worthy hump would’ve agreed with the long-bed Tundra. You see, floor clearance for the Platinum with the i-Drive Max hybrid powertrain is just 8.5 inches, or lower than each Subaru not named BRZ or WRX. This, mixed with the extra-long wheelbase and size, doubtless makes the break-over angle, um, attention-grabbing. I would like to share what that’s however it’s not in Toyota’s specs (although should you’re questioning why the TRD Professional cannot be paired with the lengthy mattress, I would wager that is your reply). On the very least, the truck seems to be prefer it’s been slammed.
On the upside, being decrease to the bottom does make loading that extra-long mattress simpler, and is not that the purpose of getting the extra-long mattress within the first place? Lifting the large, heavy wardrobe packing containers did not require such a back-breaking heave, and for 6-foot-3 me at the least, sliding smaller packing containers in simply required a slight raise past my belt buckle. For sure, I may match an terrible lot of packing containers inside.
Now, climbing into the mattress could possibly be higher. The Tundra affords a drop-down nook step (under, prime left) that is definitely greater and simpler to climb onto than the built-in nook steps normal on GM’s vans. Nonetheless, it is also grossly inferior to GM’s elective MultiPro tailgate (prime proper) in addition to Ram’s Multi-function tailgate (backside left) and no matter Ford’s man step is formally referred to as. I used all the above in some unspecified time in the future throughout my transfer and the Tundra’s resolution was by far the weakest (GM will get my vote for greatest).
So, how a lot is the long-bed possibility? Superb query. In response to the 2023 Tundra configurator, a Platinum with the usual mattress begins at $60,100. A Platinum with the lengthy mattress begins at $60,005. No, that is not a typo. The lengthy mattress is cheaper. I checked different trim ranges: it is $330 cheaper on the Restricted, $95 cheaper on the 1794 Version, however then it is $885 extra costly on the bottom SR5 trim. No extra or lacking gear is indicated in Toyota’s options record, so I am at a loss to elucidate this. I’ve requested Toyota why this could be and can replace this could I get a solution.
Assuming, nonetheless, that you just’re not lacking out on a bunch of terrific goodies by going lengthy, one should surprise, “Why go together with the pricier smaller mattress?!?” The very best reply might be “my driveway and/or storage are too small,” however there’s one other issue: it drives bizarre. The wheelbase is so colossal that you just discover the extra-long delay it takes to really feel the bump and subsequent rebound of the rear axle going over undulations within the pavement. It feels a tad nautical, and never not like when towing a trailer.
So, the lengthy mattress is bizarre. However it’s good at shifting packing containers, which you most likely should not point out to associates should you get one. Simply be certain to measure your driveway first.
