Buying a 4runner/work truck in a couple months..

[lionscourt]

I plan on buying a 4runner that I will use for two reasons...to go camping with my daughter AND use as a work truck for carpentry/remodels I do (mostly kitchen cabinet refinishing). Most likely I will be buying a trailer to go with it for work purposes...
Any one have any experience using a runner as a work truck? I'm interested in the ability to put wood or material in the back or top of truck--for example what the distance from back of seats to trunk opening...and then some as you know how work in carpentry/remodeling is particularly dynamic...

 

[flea1983]

I plan on buying a 4runner that I will use for two reasons...to go camping with my daughter AND use as a work truck for carpentry/remodels I do. Most likely I will be buying a trailer to go with it for work purposes...
Any one have any experience using a runner as a work truck? I'm interested in the ability to put would or material in the back or top of truck--for example what the distance from back of seats to trunk opening...and then some as you know how work in carpentry/remodeling is particularly dynamic...

I've hauled a few pieces of wood here and there rolling the rear window down and putting a towel over the window. I always put a towel on the center console and held them as a drove, but as I said only a few pieces here and there. If you're gonna be hauling anything over 8ft I'd really recommend a trailer. I pull a small utility trailer with 3 toolboxes, and can put some materials on it also if need be.

 

[Jetboy]

You really need a trailer with a 4runner for normal sheet goods. The roof rack isn't very good for that function, nor is the cargo area. A smallish flatbed trailer is just so much better for a bunch of reasons. I have a 4x8 trailer I built myself - so it's fairly heavy duty with a 3500lb axle and removable steel frame sides that bolt together for a very strong box if I need to haul gravel/dirt or whatever. It hauls weight far better than the 4runner, is easy to load at a low deck height, and just makes life easy for moving stuff. Loading block or cement bags or other heavy stuff with a forklift is a back saver. If I were doing carpentry as a job - not just my own home remodel projects - I'd probably look for a smaller sized enclosed trailer for all my tools to live in or a van of some sort.

The one item I almost always have to haul on the 4runner is steel or aluminum stock. Generally it comes in 20, 21, or 24 foot lengths. I can't carry that on the trailer. Having both a front and rear receiver hitch with racks makes carrying long items a breeze. Just like we've used in all our welding shop trucks. They don't cost much to make and are really handy when you need em.

Good luck!

 

[scanny]

Not sure about carpentry work, but I hauled everything I needed for basement renovation in the trunk except for drywall. 8 feet 2x4 can be hanged out of rear window, framed 80 inches door can be stored diagonally when front passenger seat moved all the way forward. I think there's 6 feet between front seats and trunk door, but I'm not completely sure you probably better off to measure it in dealership. Trailer is a good idea if you're going to carry something bigger than 6x4 feet on regular basis.

 

[1jzgte]

Go with a Tacoma

 

[MossJenks]

You can put a 4x8 sheet in the back but it hangs out significantly and doesn't lay flat - has to go over the wheel arches. Not sure exactly how much. 2' sounds about right. A 4Runner is ideal for camping but for dual purpose like you're talking about a crew cab Taco would seem ideal. You'd still have the tailgate down for 4x8 sheets (short bed is 5', long bed is 6') though and have to go on top of the wheel arches again. Obviously 4x12 drywall is going to be an issue for just about any light truck. That's why they deliver!

 

[RUNTHAT]

Go with a Tacoma

This^^^
Probably even an older Taco at that. I'm sure you've already calculated the ROI on a $40k+ work truck and how it'll impact your business.

 

[STX4Runner]

A 4Runner is a great vehicle for your first need. Not so much for your second unless you get some sort of trailer. The inside is too small to load a lot of bulky stuff like tools, lumber, etc. and you'll just beat the hell out of it anyway.

 

[ScottR]

For construction work I'd suggest going with a full size truck over anything else. Go quad cab- hauls lots of materials, can lock up expensive tools and can pull a heavy trailer with ease, when needed. Find a good, used Tundra and call it done.

 

[SwayzeExpress]

Not sure about carpentry work, but I hauled everything I needed for basement renovation in the trunk except for drywall. 8 feet 2x4 can be hanged out of rear window, framed 80 inches door can be stored diagonally when front passenger seat moved all the way forward. I think there's 6 feet between front seats and trunk door, but I'm not completely sure you probably better off to measure it in dealership. Trailer is a good idea if you're going to carry something bigger than 6x4 feet on regular basis.

I did my basement this last winter and its a hassle compared to a pick up - I'd recommend not counting on the truck for more than tools and small materials for work. Camping on the other hand it is perfect in my opinion. If you are going new for tax reasons with the business I'd enjoy the 4runner, if you aren't, I agree used tacoma/t100/tundra would bother you less. Getting lumber in and out with the back window loses its appeal after a few load/unloads

Good luck!

 

[lionscourt]

You really need a trailer with a 4runner for normal sheet goods. The roof rack isn't very good for that function, nor is the cargo area. A smallish flatbed trailer is just so much better for a bunch of reasons. I have a 4x8 trailer I built myself - so it's fairly heavy duty with a 3500lb axle and removable steel frame sides that bolt together for a very strong box if I need to haul gravel/dirt or whatever. It hauls weight far better than the 4runner, is easy to load at a low deck height, and just makes life easy for moving stuff. Loading block or cement bags or other heavy stuff with a forklift is a back saver. If I were doing carpentry as a job - not just my own home remodel projects - I'd probably look for a smaller sized enclosed trailer for all my tools to live in or a van of some sort.

The one item I almost always have to haul on the 4runner is steel or aluminum stock. Generally it comes in 20, 21, or 24 foot lengths. I can't carry that on the trailer. Having both a front and rear receiver hitch with racks makes carrying long items a breeze. Just like we've used in all our welding shop trucks. They don't cost much to make and are really handy when you need em.

Good luck!

A 4runner with a flatbed trailer does sound like a great idea. I love the enclosed aspect of the 4runner for camping and protecting some tools and small cargo for transport of work materials as well as the idea of saving my back--at 48yo those things are starting to matter. I'm not sure how you're carrying 20ft+ lengths (a picture maybe?). I know that a tundra or tacoma would be more feasible but there's an attraction to the 4runner that's fundamental AND the audio system sounds way better in a 4runr... The balance between family camping and work duties means a difficult choice.... Remember e1 that I mostly do cabinets which don't require a huge bed or 4x8 materials. That being said, I'm often asked to do full remodels...

 

[lionscourt]

Obviously 4x12 drywall is going to be an issue for just about any light truck.

Have never had to get 4x12 drywall thank God!

 

[lionscourt]

Resolved to get 2007/2008/2009 4Runner Limited...

I plan on buying a 4runner that I will use for two reasons...to go camping with my daughter AND use as a work truck for carpentry/remodels I do (mostly kitchen cabinet refinishing). Most likely I will be buying a trailer to go with it for work purposes...
Any one have any experience using a runner as a work truck? I'm interested in the ability to put wood or material in the back or top of truck--for example what the distance from back of seats to trunk opening...and then some as you know how work in carpentry/remodeling is particularly dynamic...

So I've mostly decided on the 4Runner as I just like them better AND I'm mostly hauling cab doors and drawers which would fit inside the 4runner. I could be swayed by a nice Tacoma so will keep my options open but I'm really looking at the 4Runner years 2007 to 2009 which have less than 80K in mileage, and with the Limited trim as I like the slight refinement in the Limited version and I get the feeling that Limited owners take extra good care of their truck. Many of the older ones I see around are Limited.
I also like how I still see people holding on to their 3rd generation Runner, much less the 4th generation. I presently hold a 1997 Lexus SC400 which still runs like a champ at 189K miles. So I had to stick with either Toyota or Lexus. I briefly thought of the GX470 but that huge side opening trunk door is HIDEOUS.
I don't plan on 4x4'n just some light trails and camping though I do want a small lift and tires (you know how that goes. AND If I need to get to the point where I'm hauling some serious remodeling supplies consistently, I'll just grab a flat bed and move on. In addition, when you buy a large number of supplies from lumber yards, usually delivery is thrown in. Looking forward to joining the 4Runr fam in about 3 months. There's some nice 2008/2009's with low mileage out there...wish I could buy now

 

[scanny]

So I've mostly decided on the 4Runner as I just like them better AND I'm mostly hauling cab doors and drawers which would fit inside the 4runner. I could be swayed by a nice Tacoma so will keep my options open but I'm really looking at the 4Runner years 2007 to 2009 which have less than 80K in mileage, and with the Limited trim as I like the slight refinement in the Limited version and I get the feeling that Limited owners take extra good care of their truck. Many of the older ones I see around are Limited.
I also like how I still see people holding on to their 3rd generation Runner, much less the 4th generation. I presently hold a 1997 Lexus SC400 which still runs like a champ at 189K miles. So I had to stick with either Toyota or Lexus. I briefly thought of the GX470 but that huge side opening trunk door is HIDEOUS.
I don't plan on 4x4'n just some light trails and camping though I do want a small lift and tires (you know how that goes. AND If I need to get to the point where I'm hauling some serious remodeling supplies consistently, I'll just grab a flat bed and move on. In addition, when you buy a large number of supplies from lumber yards, usually delivery is thrown in. Looking forward to joining the 4Runr fam in about 3 months. There's some nice 2008/2009's with low mileage out there...wish I could buy now

Just wanted to note that 2009 4Runner would be 4th gen and it probably have slightly different trunk size. Probably doesn't really matter if you have a trailer though. And I wouldn't put a lift on if you're not going to go offroad. It potentially increase your car insurance premium and might reduce reliability if not done correctly. Good AT tires will get you through light trails and camping just fine : )

 

[lionscourt]

Just wanted to note that 2009 4Runner would be 4th gen and it probably have slightly different trunk size. Probably doesn't really matter if you have a trailer though. And I wouldn't put a lift on if you're not going to go offroad. It potentially increase your car insurance premium and might reduce reliability if not done correctly. Good AT tires will get you through light trails and camping just fine : )

Yep...I'm really targeting a 2008 LE as I read on here that there are some subtle changes from 2007. I definitely get it about not doing a lift if I'm not going off road but..... I really like the look of a small lift on trucks AND I plan on keeping it for a long time. I've had my lexus off the lot for 20yrs...