Wanted double-cab tacoma (2001-2004)

[frieed]

I think there are a few reasons I'm leaning towards a tacoma.

..... I'm sick of building rigs, I just want to drive them...

I'm not buyin this one

 

[TRD270]

I have come to the conclusion that Steve was deprived of Legos as a child...

 

[sixstringsteve]

As a child my dad was buying vehicles every 3-6 months. It's something I grew up with. It's not really all that weird to me. Every saturday we would look through the nickel classifieds and try to find cool cars. Sometimes we ended up buying them.

 

[Coco]

maybe if I had a drawer/storage system in the back like Kurt's I could get away with storing stuff better in the 4runner. It could have a sliding shelf on top to cook on. And I could keep all my recovery gear inside the box.

Next time your down this way, look at Glen's system he has in the back of his fj80. Maybe something like that would be cool?

 

[sixstringsteve]

got any pics? I'd love to see it.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I just got off the phone with Kurt. His experienced combined with his knowledge of the products in this industry are unparalleled. He gave me some great storage ideas for my 4runner.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I think that short-term I'll get some sort of water resistant roof bag. Just being able to get my sleeping bags, pads, tent, and bushranger jack up on the roof will free up about half of my storage.

Then if I'm still struggling, I think a drawer storage system is in order.

 

[Kevin B.]

I think that short-term I'll get some sort of water resistant roof bag. Just being able to get my sleeping bags, pads, tent, and bushranger jack up on the roof will free up about half of my storage.

Then if I'm still struggling, I think a drawer storage system is in order.

I've got a waterproof roof bag you're welcome to borrow and see if you like it.

 

[sixstringsteve]

cool. how big is it?

 

[airmanwilliams]

I think this is the one I got from walmart in the store and I love it, besides the hassle of having to climb on my sidekick to get in it.we've use it camping in idaho,our trip to pheonix for thanksgiving, and plan to use it on a few trips to oregon im taking this next year in my civic. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Reese-Towpower-Car-Top-Weather-Resistant-Bag/15125809

 

[sixstringsteve]

And Brandon, that's WAY out of my price range.

Now that I think about it, I may have a roof rack bag from my college days. Maybe I could find some colossal garbage bags and line it with that just in case it rains. Hm...

 

[airmanwilliams]

This one doesnt have hooks on the straps but I have used the existing straps and taken some from my bike carrier with hooks and run then through the existing buckles and then I dont need my thule rack and can mount it using the hooks inside the door on my sidekick and neon.

 

[Kevin B.]

cool. how big is it?

Uh, top of my 4Runner big? I can dig it out and see if it's critical.

 

[sixstringsteve]

that's close enough. I may hit you up to try it. Thanks Kevin.

 

[jentzschman]

Wow, there was a lot of discussion in this thread today...

So, what have you decided Steve? Keeping the runner? Guess I am glad I snagged up your shell and platform you made before you changed your mind

 

[sixstringsteve]

Decided? I'm never decided.

 

[TRD270]

Decided? I'm never decided.

People keep telling me this. Glad i'm not alone

 

[Coco]

I will take some pics of it tomorrow when it is lighter out.

 

[ttora4runner]

I think there are a few reasons I'm leaning towards a tacoma.


1) I feel like I can't wheel my runner it as hard as I'd like. The rear end of the 4runners feels like it hangs out more than tacomas. I'd like to wheel the Rubicon again, and I don't think I'd want to take my runner through the Rubicon. I thought I got it out of my system, but it really is a great trail and I want to go back. I have no doubts that a doublecab on 35's would make it through without issues.

2) I don't have experience packing the 4runner with gear. Each time I camp I learn a better way to pack the rig up. I've gotten pretty good at packing a pickup, but I haven't figured out how to pack a 4runner very well. On my last trip, I had 4 people and a dog with me. Maybe after a few trips I'll get better at packing with it. With a thule cargo carrier on the top I could fit all the sleeping stuff up there and have a lot more room in the 4runner.

3) I really like having a tailgate to cook on, sit on, and prepare in general. It's like having a table attached to the truck.

4) it's nice to put nasty, dirty things in the back without them being in the same compartment as the passengers

5) I love the storage space behind the rear seats. It's perfect for recovery gear.

6) I may want a RTT someday, and I can mount it a lot lower on a tacoma, yet still retain bed functionality.

7) in order to fit the same amount of stuff in a runner as a truck bed, you need to stack gear. That means gear is burying gear. Which means you're digging through sleeping bags, pads, coolers, stoves to find stuff.


A few things I like about the runner:

1) it's already built. I'm sick of building rigs, I just want to drive them. Plus this rig is clean and has every feature.

2) you can lock your stuff in it when you run into a restauraunt or store. Can't do that with a tacoma.

3) it's a little bit more driveable for DD, shorter wheelbase= easier to park.

4) it's already paid for and I don't have to worry about juggling funds to make it work out.

Give the 4runner a chance before you decide to ditch it. If cargo space is an issue just get a cargo box or bag and if want a place to cook when it comes time for a rear bumper just build a folding table into the bumper. Plenty of folks have wheeled the rubicon in a 3rd gen.

Save your $$ for trips.

 

[airmanwilliams]

tell you what steve ill sell you my samurai for $700 and then you can turn it into an awesome offroad trailer to pull your gear around in with you on the trail.