hauling long things

[scanny]

Did anybody tried to carry long cargo such as 2x4, doors etc hanging out of rear glass? I'm wondering if it's ok roll down rear window and put a load in the opening? How do you folks - think let say if I buy 2 doors in Home Depot and put through the rear door - could it damage glass sweeper?

I guess moldings or rigid foam insulation is not a problem, but what about some lumber like dozen 2x4s for instance ?


By the way 77" bifold door fit perfectly in the trunk with rear seats down and front passenger seat moved forward.

 

[westwind77]

Did anybody tried to carry long cargo such as 2x4, doors etc hanging out of rear glass?

Yes, moved a number of items like this. I roll the glass all the way down, double up a thick moving blanket to take the 'pressure' off anything on the gate, sweeper, etc. Everything has been perfect.

 

[Snooperstyle]

This is a warm reminder of how much I LOVE THE FRICKIN' REAR GATE SLIDING GLASS WINDOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:cheers:

 

[scanny]

Thanks guys, I'm going to get some 2x4s and would prefer to drive with closed liftgate, now I won't be worrying for damanging sweeper (gonna put an old blanket in the trunk though - you never know when you decide to buy something long)

 

[gmoney35c]

Is it a bad idea to drive with tailgate/trunk open?

A few weeks ago I bought 3 sheets of 4x8 plywood and had them cut length wise (which left me with 6 pieces of 2x8). weight seemed to heavy to lay thru window opening.

 

[Quentin]

Thanks guys, I'm going to get some 2x4s and would prefer to drive with closed liftgate, now I won't be worrying for damanging sweeper (gonna put an old blanket in the trunk though - you never know when you decide to buy something long)

I keep a king sized fleece blanket in the cargo area. It doesn't take up much volume, but it is a lifesaver when it comes to keeping the cargo area clean and scratch free.

 

[Snooperstyle]

You can always grab one of your floormats and put it under there for the trek...especially if you have carpet mats or the more rubbery type aftermarket ones. My huskies are a little rigid for this purpose, but in my old car, I FREQUENTLY used the rear floor mat to cushion and protect the area between my front seats when loading 2x4x8s.

 

[kmiller8821]

Speaking of cargo, I noticed that my new 4runner didn't have the cargo cover as standard for the first time. I guess it went with the locking fuel door. lol. I was gonna buy one, but I don't keep things in the cargo area so I'm not going to bother. I had one in my last 3 4runners tho, so odd that's just not standard on the new series.

 

[scanny]

Is it a bad idea to drive with tailgate/trunk open?

Well, I prefer to drive with rolled down rear glass than open tailgate if possible. It seems to me a lot easier to put a dozen 2x4s or a door or something like that trough the window then tie it down in open trunk and hope my cargo or smaller stuff I carry in trunk won't fall on the road : )

 

[WRM1]

There are times when I miss the tailgate on my 1995 SR5. Like when I'm hauling stuff, or need a place to sit, although the slide out works for that.

 

[trex9K]

I do wish the the tailgate had something to loop through for a tie down. Some items just don't fit through the glass.

 

[Jetboy]

I use this for long stuff. Made from some scrap from another project I had leftover. Works like a charm for long stuff. I think you can buy them fairly inexpensively.

 

[Runn4est]

I've transported 9 cases of oak flooring with a couple of saddle pads over the rear trim pieces in the window opening with no issues.

 

[4RnR Grl]

Hands down, the roll down rear window is one of the most useful things about the 4Runner. When it comes to hauling cargo.... I have hauled lumber, doors, plywood, etc.... not to mention I can have my dogs in a locked crate, in the locked truck with the rear window rolled down for ventilation. Lets see you do THAT in your Ford Explorer!

:clap2:

 

[Engineer]

I use this for long stuff. Made from some scrap from another project I had leftover. Works like a charm for long stuff. I think you can buy them fairly inexpensively.

OP is talking about hauling long stuff........ what you have there is beyond normal, that's like a 3rd leg

 

[philsey]

Yes, moved a number of items like this. I roll the glass all the way down, double up a thick moving blanket to take the 'pressure' off anything on the gate, sweeper, etc. Everything has been perfect.

Yup, me too, several times.

 

[DesertCanyons]

Hauling lumber

When hauling lumber, doors and plywood I prefer to put it up on the roof rack and tie it down. I don't want to damage the inside and it's easier to load up on top than inside. I'll put things inside if they fit on the floor. Also, try removing the back seats for more flat space.
Here's a shot of a recent trip to the lumber yard. These are 8 and 14 feet long 2x4. I don't have the cross bars and I wouldn't load lumber on them if I did. It's better to place a couple of 2x4 or 4x4 sideways and tie the boards down with the load to the side rails or crossbars if you have them. When hauling a canoe I've tied the cross boards with smaller line and the load with rope.

 

[BenSD]

I've transported a boxed sofa and some other items that were too big to close the lift gate. This is where the sliding cargo tray really comes in handy. It helps support loads that extend out of the back of the cargo area, and also gives you a good place to tie the lift gate down so it doesn't bounce around as you drive. Now if only there was a way to turn off the chime. When I've hauled gear this way, I've always stuck to surface streets.

 

[Bstrom]

Yes, moved a number of items like this. I roll the glass all the way down, double up a thick moving blanket to take the 'pressure' off anything on the gate, sweeper, etc. Everything has been perfect.

Ditto - I've brought home 12' 2X12's this way. Just tie it all down well so things don't start sliding around!

 

[trex9K]

I've transported a boxed sofa and some other items that were too big to close the lift gate. This is where the sliding cargo tray really comes in handy. It helps support loads that extend out of the back of the cargo area, and also gives you a good place to tie the lift gate down so it doesn't bounce around as you drive. Now if only there was a way to turn off the chime. When I've hauled gear this way, I've always stuck to surface streets.

What are you using on the lift gate as a tie down point?