It’s Monday, which means a new Luggage Test should be featured here on Autoblog. Unfortunately, February had several vehicles that did not require luggage testing, leaving me without suitcases to toss in for today’s test. However, I have come up with an alternative option that could be just as intriguing.
The Toyota Tacoma has always been recognized more for its ability to venture into remote places than for its hauling capacity. While it may be seen as an adventure vehicle rather than a work truck, one cannot ignore the countless older models in Southern California that have their beds filled to the brim with lawnmowers and gardening tools.
For this article, I decided to challenge the 2024 Tacoma TRD Off-Road with a 5-foot bed by putting it to work in a practical setting. I wanted to create a drainage rock creek and having the new Tacoma offered the perfect opportunity to do so. Knowing the weight of the rocks was crucial, and Patagonia Building Supply in Agoura Hills, Calif. provided me with the exact weights of the materials needed. In total, the rocks amounted to 1,111 pounds, which fell well within the Tacoma’s maximum payload capacity range.
Loading the rocks at Patagonia was much simpler than I had anticipated. With the help of a forklift, we carefully loaded the rocks onto the Tacoma’s bed. The truck handled the weight well, showing minimal strain on the powertrain and suspension. Despite the noticeable change in the Tacoma’s stance due to the added weight, it maintained a steady drive.
Unloading the rocks at home was a different story, as the repetitive lifting became a laborious task. Eventually, I found it more efficient to use the Tacoma as a means to transport the rocks to their destination. However, a step to aid in climbing into the bed would have been a helpful addition, considering the height of the Tacoma’s tailgate.
Successfully unloading the rocks, I made a return trip to Patagonia for one final bag of rock. The process of driving the Tacoma across my lawn and over the curb felt surprisingly satisfying, showcasing the truck’s versatility in handling various terrains.
In the coming days, I made another trip to Lowe’s to pick up mulch for the job, highlighting the Tacoma’s utility in transporting materials. Additionally, the Tacoma proved its capability in hauling a child’s electric ride-on car, showing its versatility beyond just heavy-duty tasks.
While this may not have been an extreme test, the new Tacoma certainly proved its worth in handling practical work duties. It showcased not only its off-road capabilities but also its usefulness in everyday tasks that require hauling and transporting materials. The Tacoma is indeed a reliable work companion that can handle a variety of challenges with ease.
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