long road trip with 4Runner
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Mark86
Super Moderator
The longest trip I took my 4Runner on was a 4 hour trip but I will chime in:
1. It did not wander at all
2. My legs started aching after around two hours but I am very tall. It definitely didn't get to a point where I had to stop though
3. Around 17-18 mpg highway on 89
4. There was some road and wind noise at higher speeds, but nothing that the radio didn't drown out.
5. The factory nav sometimes lost its signal and took awhile to update. Most important thing was the truck was reliable and didn't leave me stranded!!
1. It did not wander at all
2. My legs started aching after around two hours but I am very tall. It definitely didn't get to a point where I had to stop though
3. Around 17-18 mpg highway on 89
4. There was some road and wind noise at higher speeds, but nothing that the radio didn't drown out.
5. The factory nav sometimes lost its signal and took awhile to update. Most important thing was the truck was reliable and didn't leave me stranded!!
03_4x4Runner
Senior Member
My wife and I retired this spring and took a 7k mile trip all over the U.S. this summer in our 03 V8 4x4. It was completely enjoyable and can not wait to do it again. Mine does not wander at all even with the lift and BFG all terrains. The all terrains get a little annoying on some road surfaces but when I had the stock tires it was very quiet, also very little wind noise even after 8 years and 80 mph speed limits in Texas. I only got 16.8 mpg average for the whole trip combined, city, highway, rocky mountains etc. I used to get 18.8 mpg on the same trip before the lift and tires. The last day we wanted to get home so we drove 1000 miles in one day. I was ready to get out that day but all in all it was great. If I were going to do long trips and no off road I would get a set of stock tires to help mpg, noise and power.
blaniac22
Member
Traveled back and forth from San Antonio to SoCal several times - 2 10-12 hour days (with kid and dogs).
1. No wandering - I still have the original Dunflops, but they are doing ok.
2. As a driver, fine. Passenger - wish it had the lumbar support - but it was good.
3. Hand computed - around 20 for the whole trip. A little lower in the high speed, hilly areas.
4. Not enough to bother me.
5. It's one of the more comfortable rides I've had for long trips.
mysticz
Member
Took a round trip from Norcal to Moab, Utah with stops throughout CA, AZ, UT and NV.
My Runner as well as the other Runners on the trip had no problems with handling and ride comfort while on the road trip considering we all have full lifts and running MT's.
As far as wind noise, it wasn't that bad considering we had a full load with fuel & water cans on the rack.
Gas mileage did take a drop running with a full load but not too bad.
My Runner as well as the other Runners on the trip had no problems with handling and ride comfort while on the road trip considering we all have full lifts and running MT's.
As far as wind noise, it wasn't that bad considering we had a full load with fuel & water cans on the rack.
Gas mileage did take a drop running with a full load but not too bad.
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mdjohnsen
New member
I traveled from E VA to S CA.
For those who have, how do you find the 4Runner on the highway:
1. Handling (wanders a bit?)
Handling was fine and didn't notice any issues and I had Spidertrax. I mention Spidertrax because some people say that this installation causes a wobble or some sort of handling problem. Everything was fine with my trip.
2. Seat comfort
I have no a$$ therefore I should feel the lack of comfort but I can honestly say that I was comfortable. Not once did I need to take the wallet out of my back pocket.
3. Gas mileage
I needed to fill up every 350-ish miles or so. Good mileage and just like any other vehicle...stay off the accelerator and you will save money. No hurry, right?
4. Road or wind noise.
None to speak of.
5. and any other related info.
- Use the rear cargo cover if you have things stored in the cargo area when parked at a hotel.
For those who have, how do you find the 4Runner on the highway:
1. Handling (wanders a bit?)
Handling was fine and didn't notice any issues and I had Spidertrax. I mention Spidertrax because some people say that this installation causes a wobble or some sort of handling problem. Everything was fine with my trip.
2. Seat comfort
I have no a$$ therefore I should feel the lack of comfort but I can honestly say that I was comfortable. Not once did I need to take the wallet out of my back pocket.
3. Gas mileage
I needed to fill up every 350-ish miles or so. Good mileage and just like any other vehicle...stay off the accelerator and you will save money. No hurry, right?
4. Road or wind noise.
None to speak of.
5. and any other related info.
- Use the rear cargo cover if you have things stored in the cargo area when parked at a hotel.
I just did a 2500 round trip from WI to CO and back:
1. Straight as an arrow, no concerns at all, did get pushed around a little with strong wind, but then again what SUV doesn't.
2. About 2.5 hours was the limit before having to get out of and walk around. This is with an 8-way leather driver seat. Otherwise, the seat warmers were excellent.
3. Gas mileage to CO was around 16 MPG at 80 MPH (Nebraska and Colorado have 75 as the limit) I got 17 coming back as I had a great tailwind! This was with a V8 Limited. I too got about 350-370 miles per tank of gas.
4. Much quieter than my Jeep Rubicon! Noise level was comfortable IMHO.
5. Us the cruise control as much as weather and traffic will permit, it helps get better gas mileage. Also, keep the cabin cooler, it helps keep you awake!
Hope this info helps. Have a good trip.
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rwilliams
New member
I just got back 2 hours ago from a Huntington Beach,CA to Bakersfield, CA trip. 400 miles round trip and my 4runner did amazing.
I have the daystar 2.5 in the front and Spidertrax front and rear. Orig tires. AFE CAI.
Running Chevron 91, gas was 19.1 average. 17.9 up the hill.
Did wonder a bit with the gnarly wind i hit but that's normal.
Road noise & tire noise was fine, I didn't even notice.
SUPER comfortable. I'd go again right now.
I have the daystar 2.5 in the front and Spidertrax front and rear. Orig tires. AFE CAI.
Running Chevron 91, gas was 19.1 average. 17.9 up the hill.
Did wonder a bit with the gnarly wind i hit but that's normal.
Road noise & tire noise was fine, I didn't even notice.
SUPER comfortable. I'd go again right now.
I took a 30 day 6,150 mile road trip with the family this summer.
1. Handling (wanders a bit?)
2. Seat comfort
5. and any other related info.
We borrowed my brother's Sirius radio. Highly recommended for remote areas. We've done many cross country trips and this really made the long drives in the remote areas of MT and the Dakotas much nicer.
Get a GPS. I'd never really used one before and it really made the trip enjoyable and allowed us to find things easily wherever were were. It was also really accurate with the arrival time but note that it (at least Garmin) displays the arrival time in the destination's local time so your travel time might be longer due to time zone changes.
If you have rear seat passengers, get a long cigarette lighter plug extension cord and run it from the rear power port to the middle. I picked one up at a truck stop about half-way through the trip. It makes it easier for your passengers to swap charging cords rather than trying to do it in the center console. I also bought USB charging cords for everything from Deal Extreme for cheap.
This American Life is a great show for listening to on road trips. They offer the weekly show in MP3 format for a free download and with a slight bit of URL modification, you can download MP3s of older shows for free as well.
1. Handling (wanders a bit?)
I found that the truck didn't wander but would track every road imperfection. Sometimes suddenly and a bit scarily and I really wasn't enjoying driving my newly purchased 4Runner. You had to keep a firm grip on the wheel just in case it tried to track into the next lane suddenly. I read advice on this forum that suggested lowering the tires to 32psi (mine were at 35psi). Once I lowered the air pressure, the truck drove fine.
2. Seat comfort
Acceptable
3. Gas mileageMuch better than my 3rd gen Runner. Typically in the low 20s.
4. Road or wind noise.Acceptable
5. and any other related info.
We borrowed my brother's Sirius radio. Highly recommended for remote areas. We've done many cross country trips and this really made the long drives in the remote areas of MT and the Dakotas much nicer.
Get a GPS. I'd never really used one before and it really made the trip enjoyable and allowed us to find things easily wherever were were. It was also really accurate with the arrival time but note that it (at least Garmin) displays the arrival time in the destination's local time so your travel time might be longer due to time zone changes.
If you have rear seat passengers, get a long cigarette lighter plug extension cord and run it from the rear power port to the middle. I picked one up at a truck stop about half-way through the trip. It makes it easier for your passengers to swap charging cords rather than trying to do it in the center console. I also bought USB charging cords for everything from Deal Extreme for cheap.
This American Life is a great show for listening to on road trips. They offer the weekly show in MP3 format for a free download and with a slight bit of URL modification, you can download MP3s of older shows for free as well.
nmsail
New member
I've done ~ 15-18 FL to WI, 4 FL to MD, 4 MD to WI in several vehicles. most solo
Handling- my 4Runner handles just fine as long as the alignment is good, same handling as any sedan/minivan
Seat comfort- Great, roomy really good. Sometimes I'll put one of the airplane/travel pillows behind my back for more comfort. I def think that helps if you're doing a really long drive.
Gas- Obviously the 4r doesn't get the best gas milage, but I get 17-18 on the highway
road/wind noise- I can definitely notice more wind noise with the 4r than any of the other vehicles I've driven (mostly sedans and a minivan). Like people said though nothing the radio can't make up for, but wind noise is a bit louder than most.
Other facts- Don't have to care about what the weather is with the 4r. rain/snow/sleet/sun handles them all.
Handling- my 4Runner handles just fine as long as the alignment is good, same handling as any sedan/minivan
Seat comfort- Great, roomy really good. Sometimes I'll put one of the airplane/travel pillows behind my back for more comfort. I def think that helps if you're doing a really long drive.
Gas- Obviously the 4r doesn't get the best gas milage, but I get 17-18 on the highway
road/wind noise- I can definitely notice more wind noise with the 4r than any of the other vehicles I've driven (mostly sedans and a minivan). Like people said though nothing the radio can't make up for, but wind noise is a bit louder than most.
Other facts- Don't have to care about what the weather is with the 4r. rain/snow/sleet/sun handles them all.
Colemanfu
New member
ADV Runner
The Runner makes a great expidition vehicle. For the past few years I have taken it on 2 week long dirt bike trips. Even went from Key West FL to Boston MA for work one summer - 2 different trips. Mrs. Manfu is not a fan of the seat and after 3 tanks of gas I'm done as well. Longest trip I made was 15 hours from Daytona to Philly PA. That was an ass kicker. Makes 6 or 7 hours to Key West or Atlanta look easy.
Here is the camp setup. Murphy NC June 2010.
The Runner makes a great expidition vehicle. For the past few years I have taken it on 2 week long dirt bike trips. Even went from Key West FL to Boston MA for work one summer - 2 different trips. Mrs. Manfu is not a fan of the seat and after 3 tanks of gas I'm done as well. Longest trip I made was 15 hours from Daytona to Philly PA. That was an ass kicker. Makes 6 or 7 hours to Key West or Atlanta look easy.
Here is the camp setup. Murphy NC June 2010.
So when you bumped it to the proper PSI (32), it made a big difference?
Nuke
New member
I've taken more 6 hour one-way trips than I can shake a stick at plus about 4, 12 hour one way trips (one of those towing a bass boat) with my T4R.
1. She tends to wander in a slight to moderate cross wind, more than I prefer but it's tolerable. I've been told a little change to the alignment specs can help. Plus, the wider the tire the more she'll tramline on those worn, rutted surfaces.
2. I find the T4R more comfortable than my '07 Mustang GT which is actually my long distance driver of choice, mainly for the gas mileage and fun factor.
3. My T4R will get about 21 MPG, hand calculated cruising at 70 MPH, pump-to-pump. At 55 MPH, that becomes about 23-24 MPG. Towing the boat at 65 MPH I get 16-17 MPG.
4. What road or wind noise?
5. This is my 3rd T4R and 6th Toyota overall. I've also owned 6-8 other makes of vehicles and Toyota reliability rules. Maintain the vehicle and you can hop in the car on the spur of the moment and drive coast to coast.
progress4m
Member
Just came back from 1400 miles (both ways) ski trip with my family (wife, two kids and typical family luggage), so that should good for your questions:
1. Handling is superb, no wanders. I think it hard to find SUV on the frame that feels stable and so smooth on hwy but 4Runner is definitely one of them.
2. Very comfortable, just as a note: I have leather seats (they are great if you have kids).
3. 19.1 (calculated). Not my best, I got over 21 on the l trip to Yellowstone, but considering temperature range in this trip (lowest -12 F and highest just under 50 F) and the speed with cruise control 75 to 84 (on I-25)… I will take this gas-mileage, especially with lifted truck, AT tires and V8.
4. The only time wind noise is little bit too much is when you going over 80 mph and you have a head wind that is over 20-25 mph, but that obviously put you in the same scenario as you will be doing right around 110 mph so wind noise is kind of expected.
5. Enjoi!
KB084RUNNER
New member
Just drove my 08 Limited to Naples FL from Cleveland and back 2 weeks ago. (1300 miles each way)
1. seat is fine
2. no wandering (tire style causes it)
3. average 21 mpg at 70-75mph (87)
4. no increase in wind noise
One thing: next time I will get an ipod with hours of music. Just easier than CD's.
1. seat is fine
2. no wandering (tire style causes it)
3. average 21 mpg at 70-75mph (87)
4. no increase in wind noise
One thing: next time I will get an ipod with hours of music. Just easier than CD's.
DeafDog
New member
We traveled to Massachusetts from Gainesville, Florida for the holidays, 2,800 miles round trip. The longest stint northbound was 16 hours. We travelled with a light load of gifts, luggage, cooler, and our two big dogs. (old pic attached)
The 4R was great! The wife and I are both very pleased with the comfort and spaciousness. We have no complaints at all.
Gas use was right around 17mpg in mixed conditions. We hit no traffic heading north, experienced heavy snow for two days while in MA, and we were in stop and go from eastern Connecticut all through South Carolina on the return. Even in the heavy traffic through the carolinas, we were comfortable.
Enjoy!
Edit: I forgot to say that we had the XM playing through the iPhone throughout the trip. That alone made the trip much nicer.
Gerry.
The 4R was great! The wife and I are both very pleased with the comfort and spaciousness. We have no complaints at all.
Gas use was right around 17mpg in mixed conditions. We hit no traffic heading north, experienced heavy snow for two days while in MA, and we were in stop and go from eastern Connecticut all through South Carolina on the return. Even in the heavy traffic through the carolinas, we were comfortable.
Enjoy!
Edit: I forgot to say that we had the XM playing through the iPhone throughout the trip. That alone made the trip much nicer.
Gerry.
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We traveled to Massachusetts from Gainesville, Florida for the holidays, 2,800 miles round trip. The longest stint northbound was 16 hours. We travelled with a light load of gifts, luggage, cooler, and our two big dogs. (old pic attached)
The 4R was great! The wife and I are both very pleased with the comfort and spaciousness. We have no complaints at all.
Gas use was right around 17mpg in mixed conditions. We hit no traffic heading north, experienced heavy snow for two days while in MA, and we were in stop and go from eastern Connecticut all through South Carolina on the return. Even in the heavy traffic through the carolinas, we were comfortable.
Enjoy!
Edit: I forgot to say that we had the XM playing through the iPhone throughout the trip. That alone made the trip much nicer.
Gerry.
Thanks Gerry. By the way, vice nice dog and nice picture. Looks like your into photography as well.
gm350reratliff
New member
I've made several trips to ND (1300+ miles each way) with the 4runner and a few other vehicles. A few trips to Las Vegas as well.
The 4runner does wander a slight bit but nothing that you can't control.
Seat comfort is good for the driver. No complaints from the wife so passenger comfort must be good too.
On the hiway 19-20 mpg is pretty normal.
To me there is a little wind and road noise but nothing that the radio can't drown out. Not near as bad as a G6 we once had.
Having XM radio is nice for long trips. On dark rural roads the headlights seem to be pretty good.
The 4runner does wander a slight bit but nothing that you can't control.
Seat comfort is good for the driver. No complaints from the wife so passenger comfort must be good too.
On the hiway 19-20 mpg is pretty normal.
To me there is a little wind and road noise but nothing that the radio can't drown out. Not near as bad as a G6 we once had.
Having XM radio is nice for long trips. On dark rural roads the headlights seem to be pretty good.
Trevloc
New member
i did a 24 hr drive from oregon to az not too long ago.
handling was fine. smooth sailing all the way.
as for seat comfort, im a fat kid, and my legs started to ache around the 10 hour mark or so, thats when i started stopping every few hours to strech. i also used one of those seat plug in massager things you can get at walmart for cheap, it worked fine. when i started to go numb i would turn it on, it just changes things up.
as for gas mileage i cant really say much, i was pulling a full loaded trailer. but i would say it was average.
noise? no complaints, i drive with my window down no matter what so there was always wind. but when the windows were up ie, phone call, it was beauty.
handling was fine. smooth sailing all the way.
as for seat comfort, im a fat kid, and my legs started to ache around the 10 hour mark or so, thats when i started stopping every few hours to strech. i also used one of those seat plug in massager things you can get at walmart for cheap, it worked fine. when i started to go numb i would turn it on, it just changes things up.
as for gas mileage i cant really say much, i was pulling a full loaded trailer. but i would say it was average.
noise? no complaints, i drive with my window down no matter what so there was always wind. but when the windows were up ie, phone call, it was beauty.
ALLEGRO
New member
I think it has all been covered well in the earlier posts but here are my observations:
I find the 4R to be very comfortable on even 500+ mile trips. I have made several 600 mile jaunts to FL from TN, very comfortable.
SEATS: I have found the electric-adjustable seats to be great. If I become a bit uncomfortable I can adjust the angle of the seat-back or bottom and solve the issue. The heated part is great too.
NOISE: Not much of an issue, there is some, but this is a big vehicle, high off the ground with a lot of frontal area. There is some wind-noise, but there was also some tire-noise from the Duelers.....now I am on Michelins...solved. I don't find it to be an issue.
FUEL ECONOMY: Come on now, this is a 4500 lb vehicle with the aerodynamics of a brick. With all the power and torque of the V8 on hand, I can accept the mileage as is. Drive slower and it increases a lot.
RIDE: I find this vehicle to be the best of the four SUV's I have owned. The ride is surprisingly smooth considering the live axle, and though strong enough for towing or off-roading, the suspension provides a smooth and gitter-free ride on almost every surface. Any change to provide a better highway ride would be working against the other usages of this vehicle.
All-in-all this is one talented truck. I enjoy driving it very much and plan on keeping this one for quite some time.
I find the 4R to be very comfortable on even 500+ mile trips. I have made several 600 mile jaunts to FL from TN, very comfortable.
SEATS: I have found the electric-adjustable seats to be great. If I become a bit uncomfortable I can adjust the angle of the seat-back or bottom and solve the issue. The heated part is great too.
NOISE: Not much of an issue, there is some, but this is a big vehicle, high off the ground with a lot of frontal area. There is some wind-noise, but there was also some tire-noise from the Duelers.....now I am on Michelins...solved. I don't find it to be an issue.
FUEL ECONOMY: Come on now, this is a 4500 lb vehicle with the aerodynamics of a brick. With all the power and torque of the V8 on hand, I can accept the mileage as is. Drive slower and it increases a lot.
RIDE: I find this vehicle to be the best of the four SUV's I have owned. The ride is surprisingly smooth considering the live axle, and though strong enough for towing or off-roading, the suspension provides a smooth and gitter-free ride on almost every surface. Any change to provide a better highway ride would be working against the other usages of this vehicle.
All-in-all this is one talented truck. I enjoy driving it very much and plan on keeping this one for quite some time.
