Hualing with Small Trucks

[yzeater]

Hauling with Small Trucks

Hey Spodes.
I'll be getting a truck sometime in the near;) (a year, give or take) future, and I'm looking at pickups. I don't want a full size, because they would be a little harder for a new driver to get used to. I'm looking at the Toyota Tacoma 4X4 (extended cab), the Chevy S-10 4X4 (extended cab), and the Dodge Dakota 4X4 (extended cab). My real question is: which of these trucks can hold a full size bike with the gate closed? Any opinions on these are greatly appreciated.

 

[Highbeam]

All of them should hold it as long as you place it crosswise. My big XR came home in the back of a toyota minitruck with the tailgate up. I would go for the tacoma. Now if you want to transport more than one full size bike then you will need to measure the beds.

 

[zio]

Are you looking at new trucks? All those that you listed, escept the Dodge, have 6 ft beds. The Dodge has almost 6 1/2 ft.

I agree w/Highbeam. Go for the Toyota. The Nissans are nice, too (and you can get them with that killer Rockford Fosgate stereo system for only an additional $500!!!). If you've got the cash, go for the Nissan Crew Cab SuperCharged Longbed 4x4. Now those are sweet trucks! http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/details/nissantruck02frontier4x2/kci4standardmodel/photo.html

 

[yzeater]

Let me clarify my wants. I would like to be able to hold one or two bikes facing straight back. Do you guys know the price on these trucks?

 

[zio]

Check www.carsdirect.com for MSRP, as well as their price. It's a good bargaining tool for when you're actually face-to-face with the salesmen.

You can also get quotes online (I think from autobytel), for the vehicle you're looking for at a dealership near you. The one time I bought a new car, I did this. They'll find a dealership in your area (or try to) that'll give you a fair price for the car you want ($1000 above dealer cost, not MSRP is what I was quoted for our Acura). I then took that to my local dealer & without hesitation he agreed to sell me the same car for a few bucks less than the price I had been quoted. It's a great way to avoid all the sleazy junk salesmen are known for.

 

[zio]

oh, and two bikes will fit, but you may have to leave the gate down. Never was a problem for me. Just use extra tie-downs or bungie cords to secure things like stands/jugs/ramp & keep your gear in the cab.:)