Advice needed: moving to Florida with a 4Runner...

[RaysMD]

I need some advice on what type of roof basket or trailer basket I should get. I'll be moving to Florida from NJ (approx 1,300 miles). Luckily I don't need to bring a lot of my things. No furniture at all. Everything will be bought new down in FL. Other things will be shipped via UPS.


I do need to bring some essentials. I'll probably have 3 26" suitcases filled with clothes. Some electronics that will be neatly packaged and left in the rear. I'm afraid that I won't have enough space once I decide what to bring down. So, I was thinking that I would get a rear mounted hitch basket and stack the 3 suitcases there leaving more room in the 4Runner for other essentials. Or should I just tie them to the factory roof rack and be done with it?

 

[Uneek]

The factory roof rack only supports 120 lbs max. If you can, I think a small enclosed trailer from Uhaul might be a better option.

Here's some info on racks:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16918

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2377

 

[sketch1]

You have a few options and it all depends on what kind of money you want to spend.

You can get a luggage bag that is "weatherproof" that you can place on top of your car, that will run you about 150(Yakima destination 10) or less depending on the size you want.

Next option is a luggage basket for the top of you car, this will mount to your existing rack but provides a large basket, and it also provides you with round crossbars to which you can mount all sorts of accessories, bike trays, kayak stackers, cargo boxes, etc. One of those will run $400(Yakima Mega Warrior) and under depending again on size.

Next that brings me to the cargo shell. This is a much more expensive option, but it allows you to place your gear or luggage in a hard plastic shell that you have the ability to first lock shut, and then lock it to your roof rack to prevent thievery. This also provides complete waterproof protection as well as protection from other elements. These can range anywhere from $560 to $250 (msrp). But they are easy to put on and remove and should bolt to the existing roof rack.

In terms of a trailer rack, the only thing I can think of that matches that description is the Thule Terrapin but this is very expensive($550) for the small amount of storage space (13 cubic feet) you gain.

For me I would go with the Cargo Basket or the Cargo Shell. The basket adds a pretty cool look to the 4runner, and the price is pretty good. If I had valuable items I would shoot for the Cargo shell. I am personally going to be getting a Shell from Yakima at some point to put my camping and climbing gear in when I go on my weekend trips, I like the ability to be able to protect it in the shell, and be able to lock it. It is a more expensive option, but that is my pick.

 

[Jeff Kleb]

It might not be ideal for your situation, but some people rent a large truck from Penske, U-Haul or Budget in which to haul their furniture and household goods -- and then they tow their vehicle behind it.

Being that gasoline is running about three bucks a gallon, the fuel alone for such a trip will run you nearly $500!! That assumes a Ford E-350 or similar chassis (and a 24-foot body), which gets about 8 mpg on the highway (if you are lucky) when towing something.
:bash:

Maybe one of those turtle top things attached to your luggage rack is the best idea. It'll cost you some fuel mileage, but will avoid the cost and hassle of renting a larger vehicle.

 

[dtiep]

Just moved from the Mississippi Gulf Coast to West Virginia 3 days ago.
Rented a U-haul trailer for one-way move. Didn't cost but $80. Check their rates online as it's a lot cheaper than in the stores.
Got about 17 mpg for the 971 mile drive in 4th gear running between 65-80 mph on a V6 2wd.

Good luck on your move!

 

[ksneubec]

It sounds like you'll only use this stuff once of twice- really just for the move. In that case, I would definitely go with the trailer option.

 

[RaysMD]

I just might have to rent a trailer. The Yakima Megawarrior is close to $310.

I just checked uhaul online and a 5'x8' tailer will cost me $430 for the 1,400 miles from NJ to Miami, FL. Not too bad I guess. I could bring more things down also.

 

[dtiep]

I just might have to rent a trailer. The Yakima Megawarrior is close to $310.

I just checked uhaul online and a 5'x8' tailer will cost me $430 for the 1,400 miles from NJ to Miami, FL. Not too bad I guess. I could bring more things down also.

$430... That's insane! Have you tried revising the online quote from nearby cities? I rented a 4'x8' and it was less than $80 including the trailer insurance. Sometimes, it'll cost less if you choose to pick the trailer up from a smaller town. I drove 10 miles out of my way to get that price.
But then again, you are coming from New Jersey and going to Miami, both of which are megapolises compared to anything in MS or WV.

 

[AVincent]

I moved from NY to Boca Raton, FL 3 years ago. Where are you moving to in FL?

 

[RaysMD]

dteip,

I tried nearby cities and states. Lowest price was $310 in a city 100 miles away. It seems that I won't be getting the great price offered to you.


AVincent,

moving for a job. If I like it in miami, then I might stay. I'm through with the harsh winters of the northeast.

 

[Colemanfu]

Coming from NJ you should feel right at home down here.

You can look into a little pull behind utility trailer. Saw one at Lows for 459 or so. Seen them at Tractor Supply as well. 50 bucks more than a roof rack and you can fit so much more stuff. I bet you'll forget it's back there thay are so easy to pull.

Good luck, how's your spanish?

 

[Fat Daddy]

Why not pack the truck and ship the rest? Sounds like a much cheaper way to go. You won't end up with a trailer you probably won't use that much and will have to find space for.

Oh, and welcome to FL.

Fat Daddy

 

[peter78]

Going up on the roof is fine, don't forget about the trailer hitch. If you have a hitch you can put a hitch hiker on the back that can hold up to 500 pounds. My hitch hiker was about $60. Here is a picture with a bag on top of the roof and the hitch packer on the back. If you need more room get a trailer.

 

[TechWrench]

It might not be ideal for your situation, but some people rent a large truck from Penske, U-Haul or Budget in which to haul their furniture and household goods -- and then they tow their vehicle behind it.

Being that gasoline is running about three bucks a gallon, the fuel alone for such a trip will run you nearly $500!! That assumes a Ford E-350 or similar chassis (and a 24-foot body), which gets about 8 mpg on the highway (if you are lucky) when towing something.
:bash:

Maybe one of those turtle top things attached to your luggage rack is the best idea. It'll cost you some fuel mileage, but will avoid the cost and hassle of renting a larger vehicle.

Many years ago when I moved from LI NY to upstate NY, I rented a 24' Ryder box truck. I managed to fit all we owned at that time in the truck, along with a 1968 Alfa-Romeo GTV which I drove up into the back first. After it was in place, I loaded everything else in, around, and on it. That truck was packed, wall to wall, floor to roof. I drove the truck, and the wife drove our other car. All went well. But, you should have seen the faces on the guys that helped unload when they saw the car inside.