So, Ive been shopping hard for a replacement of my recently totaled 03 Taco dbl cab. I originally thought it would be another 1st gen Taco, but Ive been leaning hard towards a 4th gen T4R. Going back and forth on what would best suit my needs.

What I would be using it for: Daily driver, camping, and hauling a canoe (sometimes a sit-on-top kayak as well).
Some of the places I go camping/paddling are backcountry so mild wheeling will happen.

Plans for additional equipment: Whatever I end up with will receive a small lift, beefier tires, a rack system for the boats, and likely a front plate bumper...sliders in the future.

Through my research it seems if I go with the T4R, a V8 OR V6 would get the job done. A V8 would be preferred to manage the extra weight and gas mileage doesn't seem to be a big difference between the two.

The big question to me is, will there be enough room to haul everything?!
Its usually just the lady and I (and our Boxer). For that I think Im good.
But occasionally, it will be me and a couple buddies. The gear would be the two boats on top, 3 large backpacks, a couple coolers, a couple tents, etc.
Is there enough room for 3-4 adults and all this gear in the 4Runner?
Please post pics of your runner loaded up!
Heres a pic of my Taco on our last trip together.....sadly, the day before the accident.



Apologies for the long read. Thanks for any advice!

With the correct roof attachments, you can easily put kayaks and canoes up there. Where you might find some lack of space is the rear cargo area with the seats in the upright position when you and your buddies are going on a trip. Really depends on how big the coolers are and how much other gear. I wish I had a tape measure, because I'd measure for you to get a real world cubic feet.

I think it really depends on what your definition of cargo space is. I prefer the contiguous cargo space a SUV offers as opposed to the broken up cargo space on a pickup. I have owned 3 pickups; one without a shell, and two with shells.

A 4R offers more usable cargo space that your Taco shown because you can stack stuff higher in the bed and it will stay out of the breeze. And you don't have to worry about rain, wind or theft (unless you have a shell).

You can also carry longer stuff than your shorty bed because the 4R doesn't have a rear cab wall and does have roll-down rear window.

In the end, it's really your decision. Were I getting a commission, I would try to sell you harder. But like all discussion forums, we all have our own opinions and rarely does anything someone write change our minds.

As always, YMMV.

Daren

Thanks for the replies.

As far as the roof attachments, I would get yakima crossbars long enough to handle both boats. I was thinking a basket could help with the added cargo....but that wouldn't work well with the boats.

The truck wouldn't have a shell, just the Thule Xsporter rack as pictured.
You did mention a big plus of the T4R...keeping things dry.

haha....yes, I have already sold myself on the T4R. I just don't want to get one and find out it doesn't work as well as the Taco for my needs.
Just being indecisive.

and while I can certainly understand this point, Im really just looking for some owners with experience in camping/hauling similar stuff.

I've never had any problem stuffing gear into my 4th gen. I've hauled 4 people with full ski/snowboard gear without issue to the mountains. If you need a little extra space for coolers or an extra bag of gear, you could always get a hitch basket for the tow hitch receiver and tie it down on there. It's what I use when I'm hunting to carry the day's kill back home.

Amazon.com: Highland 1042000 Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier: Automotive

a pickup is nothing more then a suv without the back part of the body. its virtually the same space in terms of square feet give or taken a half a foot here and there when it comes to non speciality pickups.

Same space just one has the open bed and other doesnt

Thats more opinion on it.

plus the frame from the taco is the same frame used for the 4runner if i am not mistaken

Hitch basket could free up some cargo space when you have passengers.

i do know the 08 4runner i have is at least a foot or two shorter than my 07 access cab tacoma was. i also feel there is a lack of stow away storage. all that being said, i think there is plenty of room to put stuff if you are willing to forego seeing out the back glass

I think the best thing for you to do is to go look at one or test drive it and see if it works for your needs. Obviously it works for most of the forum members here (or they wouldn't be here).

Daren

Isn't that why we have side mirrors? As they say, "It ain't a load unless it's an oakie load!" Wall to wall and headliner tall! If there's room to stack, there's room to pack!

my brother has an 04 taco and my 09 runner is a lot more convenient to hall people and gear. as far as power goes my v6 is faster then his so even if you get a v6 it will be a nice bump in power

If all else fails, you can get a trailer!

Do you take long highway trips with that setup? How hot do the wheel bearings get on that trailer with those little wheels?

I have a 3rd gen 4runner that replaced my 96 Jeep Cherokee. I don't do any serious off roading or camping but I do 4 wheel out on to the beach (which my wife loves because all of the kids and beach gear are right where we park on the beach and don't require physically hauling them yourself!). My jeep when filled would require 1 or sometimes 2 coolers to be strapped to the roof cargo basket I had. Now with the 4runner I actually pack even more beach gear (canopy, tents, inflatable pool, buckets, cooler, etc) into the cargo area and have room for more and I don't have to worry about strapping down the coolers to the roof anymore.

My issue with pickups as mentioned before is that your gear can get wet and the passengers will have a hard time grabbing a cool one from a cooler in the bed! Of course none for the driver while driving!