Regular Cab Long Bed (RCLB) - Let's see them!!

I don't have an RCLB yet, but been looking for one for a while now. Intend to put a commercial cap on it and build out the back as a camper. Looks like a lot of folks here have 1st gens, which is what I originally wanted, but as I've learned more about the differences, I've shifted to preferring 2nd Gen (or 2.5). Here are some of my reasons, in order of importance to me:

• substantially more space behind the cab seats (room for a friend to bring along a big dog among other storage advantages)
• 4" deeper bed (more headroom under my cap)
• bigger payload (assuming 5.6 or 4.6L engine)
• better angle of departure AND tighter turning circle
• newer safety features / higher crash test ratings
• timing chain
  
• more aftermarket support
• optional 38-gal fuel tank
• more used trucks out there, so better chance of finding one in good shape

All that said, part of me still really prefers 1st gens. It's largely aesthetic preference, but better breakover angles is a plus too, and most of the above bullet points aren't deal breakers. What do you regular cab 1st gen owners think about the lack of space behind the seat? How big a pain is it for you? What do you do to compensate? What do you 2nd gen owners use that space for?

What other pros /cons am I overlooking?

 

Behind the seat space lacking sucks for reclining. But I don’t find it to hinder me much. I keep a full set of standard/metric 1/4” and 3/8” tools, a set of metric wrenches, a ratcheting screw bit driver set behind the passenger seat. Nothing really ever behind the driver seat unless I have stuff to keep there. I did get rid of the bench and add buckets with an access cab center console that added a fair bit of storage at the cost of a 3rd seat. But it’s my work truck. I rarely even have 1 passenger with me in it. If I need more space I’ve got other trucks and cars

 

Exterior dimensions are one thing to consider. For me, I consider RC FGT to be the most compact 8’ bed available in a reliable lifetime vehicle.

For building a camper I’d want crew cab and 8’ bed myself. And diesel. Totally different vehicle.

I personally like the 2.0 gen look in RC a lot and would be stoked to own one. Lots better aftermarket support.

 

As much as I love my first gen, if I wanted a regular cab I would get a 2nd gen for the same reasons you mentioned. They didn't make a gen 2.5 regular cab though. I would look for a 4x4 with the 5.7L

 

That's a good point for me to keep in mind too. I'm nearly 6'3" and would be nice to recline a bit sometimes.

 

Absolutely! Being able to navigate tighter trails or parking lots is a definitely a 1st Gen plus, though seems like that's partially mitigated by the slightly tighter turning circle on 2nd Gens.

 

They made regular cabs through 2017. They're not common, but they're out there!

 

Short bed.
@Swalters has one now

 

They made Regular Cab Long Beds through 2017 too. Came close to buying a 2016 a few weeks ago.

 

I haven’t had enough drive time with the Solo LCA’s to know how much that changes things.

 

Really? I stand corrected then. Thought they stopped around 2014.

 

Yep! For example, here's a 2016 for sale now.

 

That’s a nice truck. Not cheap though. And 112k miles. Still looks good though.

 

Yeah, sadly it's got more rust underneath than I'm willing to deal with, which is true for most of them out there right now.

 

Howdy! New to me 2004 RCLB on 33s, some changes underway. Glad to see all your rigs.

 

Great seeing all the first gen RCLB. Looking to get one, and wanted to know if they come in a RCLB, V6, Manual, 4x4 config. Been searching forever and have not seen a single one leading me to believe it does not exist from factory.

 

RCLB is the only truck that comes with manual, and they're all V6, and 4WD is available, IIRC. @Tundra2 has found at least one at a junkyard, I believe. I swear I've seen at least one person post on here having one.

 

I think the MT FGT I used to see near me was 4x4. But not sure. I’ll check my photos, might have grabbed one.

 

The only manual is a V6, yes, the truck I found was an automatic transmission, with manual 4×4 shifter

 

Mines a 2011, it just has a 2019 front end. Short bed but it's still a 6.5' box. I plan to swap the bed too so it looks like a 2019+ all around.

 

V6 4wd is always lever activated on the floor. I'm almost certain they made access cabs with the 5 speed too though.

 

2002 access 4x2

 

Introducing my new (to me, and nearly rust-free) 2016 4WD SR RCLB! Only previous owner was a Toyota dealership in Huntsville, AL, which put 165k miles on it hauling parts.

Up next: replacing the solid rear window with a manual slider (or a fully removable one) and putting a 36" wedged commercial cap on it.

 

With the help of 22 cinder blocks, I got her level today.

 

This thing is way too clean.

 

I realize that it's probably just the angle of the photo, but the gap between the cab and topper looks bigger than it does between the cab, and the bottom of the bed. Real subtle like..

But, I wish Crackie was this Bad ass looking.

 

I want your windoors!

 

I could tighten that up a bit. Haven’t put much time into shell alignment. Good eye.

 

No, I meant like that whole line top to bottom including the bed looks slightly bent down towards the end of the bed.