Love my runner! But kinda missing having a bed in back

[cbreze]

Coming up on 3 years of having my 2012 SR5. Love this vehicle, but I'm finding more and more the need to just be able to throw shit into the back that should not be in the back of an enclosed vehicle. Dirty, smelly stuff. Big , tall stuff, long stuff. The list goes on and seems to grow. When I got my rig I was a renter and now I'm becoming a homeowner very soon. The need for a pickup is growing. I know lots of folks say "just get a trailer". Well, never knowing when the need arises this is kind of impractical. Also, storing it would be problematical. Getting an older truck wouldn't be practical for me either as the storing issue arises and yet again I may be needing it when I'm not in it.
I've had Toyota trucks since 1974, always a pickup style until 2012 when I got the runner, selling my 2004 Tacoma. Thought the need for the occasional load haul wouldn't be an issue, but seems to be creeping in and with the new house will be more of a pressing need no doubt. So I'm just wondering about others experiences and especially those who have only their 4runner, no wife to advise them, we all need such advice right?
So here's the question: Has anyone bought a 4runner then down the road realized they need a pickup far to often? I know you guys on here are absolute 4runner lovers and enthusiasts, so maybe try to be practical and unbiased in responses, Yeah right ;-) I've looked at all pickup truck options available on the planet and keep coming back to Tacoma as they have served me well over the years with a minimal level of problems and irritation. Wondering about the 2016's

 

[serial0l0]

It's the perfect time to buy a Taco if you don't mind risking the issues of a new Gen. 2016 is all redesigned. I have always owned trucks. My last two vehicles have been 4runners and I haven't looked back. That said, I just spent almost $1500 on a Gobi roof rack so I could have somewhere to throw all my crap when I'm traveling...lol. I never really considered a rack in any of my trucks.

 

[1engineer]

Coming up on 3 years of having my 2012 SR5. Love this vehicle, but I'm finding more and more the need to just be able to throw shit into the back that should not be in the back of an enclosed vehicle. Dirty, smelly stuff. Big , tall stuff, long stuff. The list goes on and seems to grow. When I got my rig I was a renter and now I'm becoming a homeowner very soon. The need for a pickup is growing. I know lots of folks say "just get a trailer". Well, never knowing when the need arises this is kind of impractical. Also, storing it would be problematical. Getting an older truck wouldn't be practical for me either as the storing issue arises and yet again I may be needing it when I'm not in it.
I've had Toyota trucks since 1974, always a pickup style until 2012 when I got the runner, selling my 2004 Tacoma. Thought the need for the occasional load haul wouldn't be an issue, but seems to be creeping in and with the new house will be more of a pressing need no doubt. So I'm just wondering about others experiences and especially those who have only their 4runner, no wife to advise them, we all need such advice right?
So here's the question: Has anyone bought a 4runner then down the road realized they need a pickup far to often? I know you guys on here are absolute 4runner lovers and enthusiasts, so maybe try to be practical and unbiased in responses, Yeah right ;-) I've looked at all pickup truck options available on the planet and keep coming back to Tacoma as they have served me well over the years with a minimal level of problems and irritation. Wondering about the 2016's

I rent a trailer a half dozen times a year when I need a pickup. Use to have them, only hauled crap every now and then, got the 4Runner and realized how valuable lockable storage is! Especially when there is two feet of snow on the ground. You say you will have loads that won't be planned but they are few and far between. I think I spent maybe $150 last year on renting various size trailers. A pickup truck for the average person is impractical. However most vehicles are impractical in some shape or form so if you want a truck buy a truck.

 

[NoDak]

I love my 14 4Runner and the warden loves her 12 Tacoma, soon to be 16 Tacoma.

sorry no help from me

only comment I can say is maybe look into a tundra. the extra room and features might make up for giving up a 4runner compared to a Tacoma.

 

[Hoxtongue]

Went from pick up to T4R

I went the opposite way, always had pick ups, last two were a 2010 F150 then downsized to a 2013 Taco which was amazing, but I had less and less use for the bed and figured for the few times I would get a utility trailer.

I was going to rent one, but bought a nice aluminum one (no storage issues at the moment) and its much easier to load and unload. I would stick with the 4Runner and just rent trailers.

 

[Ron4RNevada]

I have had SUVs.
I have had pickups.
I have had utility trailers.
I have had panel trucks.
I have had station wagons.
I have had 5th wheel trailer.
I have had pop-up trailer.
I have had miriad sedans and coupes.

Renting a utility trailer once every couple of years to tow behind the 4Runner now seems best route...

 

[<<<<]

You showing your age, Ron

 

[Blitzkrieg]

I too have owned numerous pickups. Love 'em, but....

I reached a point where I asked myself "When was the last time I used the bed of that truck?"

So ask yourself that. If it's once a week, you need a pickup. If it's twice a year or less, you need to evaluate. That's where I got to.

I have two kids and a brother and between them there are six pickups at my disposal so I have options. If it don't easily fit in the back of the 4Runner, I drop a dime.

 

[4Surfin]

Bought a utility trailer
.. problem solved

 

[ihateBL]

Coming up on 3 years of having my 2012 SR5. Love this vehicle, but I'm finding more and more the need to just be able to throw shit into the back that should not be in the back of an enclosed vehicle. Dirty, smelly stuff. Big , tall stuff, long stuff. The list goes on and seems to grow. When I got my rig I was a renter and now I'm becoming a homeowner very soon. The need for a pickup is growing. I know lots of folks say "just get a trailer". Well, never knowing when the need arises this is kind of impractical. Also, storing it would be problematical. Getting an older truck wouldn't be practical for me either as the storing issue arises and yet again I may be needing it when I'm not in it.
I've had Toyota trucks since 1974, always a pickup style until 2012 when I got the runner, selling my 2004 Tacoma. Thought the need for the occasional load haul wouldn't be an issue, but seems to be creeping in and with the new house will be more of a pressing need no doubt. So I'm just wondering about others experiences and especially those who have only their 4runner, no wife to advise them, we all need such advice right?
So here's the question: Has anyone bought a 4runner then down the road realized they need a pickup far to often? I know you guys on here are absolute 4runner lovers and enthusiasts, so maybe try to be practical and unbiased in responses, Yeah right ;-) I've looked at all pickup truck options available on the planet and keep coming back to Tacoma as they have served me well over the years with a minimal level of problems and irritation. Wondering about the 2016's

i have a Taco with the runner. if you need it, and you sound like you do, i would swap the runner for a '11 or '12 taco. im not trying to discourage you but i was the same way when i bought my home, when the fixing/remodeling/hauling starts then you'll understand. plus, when it comes to upgrades, what you can do to a runner, you can do to a tacoma, maybe even more, but dont tell the 4runner addicts. aswell as if you want the bed covered, you get a bed cap and you'll have a "over sized" 4runner in a way. that right the is what i call a "jumbo runner":drummer:

 

[cbreze]

It's the perfect time to buy a Taco if you don't mind risking the issues of a new Gen. 2016 is all redesigned.

What I was thinking. I like the redesigned look.

Renting a utility trailer once every couple of years to tow behind the 4Runner now seems best route...

Couldn't agree more if it were that seldom a need for me. Renting if only needed every couple years would be optimal.

I too have owned numerous pickups. Love 'em, but....

I reached a point where I asked myself "When was the last time I used the bed of that truck?"

So ask yourself that. If it's once a week, you need a pickup. If it's twice a year or less, you need to evaluate. That's where I got to.

I have two kids and a brother and between them there are six pickups at my disposal so I have options. If it don't easily fit in the back of the 4Runner, I drop a dime.

Sounds like the perfect arrangement. I to have had pickups for many years and needed the beds off and on. Three years ago I also asked myself WTF, I hardly ever haul anything in the bed anymore and couldn't remember the last time. This line of thinking is what put me in the 4runner to begin with which I love owning and driving. Last time I bought a new house was in 2002 and I was a regular at Home Depot and every other place having anything to do with home improvement, hauling anything from railroad ties to large rock and stinky piles of manure to pea gravel. the 4runner wouldn't handle any of that sort of stuff. Being a renter I coasted, being a homeowner there is no more coasting.
Loving the comments and input. Would like to hear more.:high5:

 

[mnofpeace]

in a word...YES

thats why i keep my paid off F150 in good working order. I need a pick up, i choose the smaller key on the ring. i want the T4R, then i choose that key...


When you have a house, or a hobby (mine is motorcycle racing) nothing beats a pickup truck. especially one that is paid off, and you dont mind banging, abusing, or getting really dirty every once in a while.


go take yourself out and find some 2nd, 3rd hand pick up that wont cost you any more than $6-10K...and will fit your needs.

 

[BrowningGuy88]

in a word...YES

thats why i keep my paid off F150 in good working order. I need a pick up, i choose the smaller key on the ring. i want the T4R, then i choose that key...


When you have a house, or a hobby (mine is motorcycle racing) nothing beats a pickup truck. especially one that is paid off, and you dont mind banging, abusing, or getting really dirty every once in a while.


go take yourself out and find some 2nd, 3rd hand pick up that wont cost you any more than $6-10K...and will fit your needs.

I second this. I have a paid off 2004 Silverado that I bought new in August 04. I have no intention on ever selling it cause it is so nice to have a truck in the yard.

I have come to greatly enjoy and appreciate an SUV though! I can't se my family ever being without a truck and an SUV.

Go find you a late 90s or early 2000s pickup and keep the runner!

 

[ihateBL]

in a word...YES

thats why i keep my paid off F150 in good working order. I need a pick up, i choose the smaller key on the ring. i want the T4R, then i choose that key...


When you have a house, or a hobby (mine is motorcycle racing) nothing beats a pickup truck. especially one that is paid off, and you dont mind banging, abusing, or getting really dirty every once in a while.


go take yourself out and find some 2nd, 3rd hand pick up that wont cost you any more than $6-10K...and will fit your needs.

I second this. I have a paid off 2004 Silverado that I bought new in August 04. I have no intention on ever selling it cause it is so nice to have a truck in the yard.

I have come to greatly enjoy and appreciate an SUV though! I can't se my family ever being without a truck and an SUV.

Go find you a late 90s or early 2000s pickup and keep the runner!

i agree. ps- killer deals at the police auctions for a truck.ainkiller:

 

[dieck]

I Went the other way. I've always had pickups most recently a tacoma and tundra crewmax. But really I can do everything I did with the tundra with the 4Runner and I get much better mileage. I did build a replacement load floor for the 4Runner that has l-track tie downs and is linex-ed. Most crew cab pickups only have a 5 foot bed anyway so you actually have more length in the 4Runner with the seats folded down. If you have a massive load of stuff from the hardware store you can usually talk them into throwing in the rental pickup for an hour for free or at worst 19 bucks. I also agree a trailer is really useful but I haven't needed one yet and you should see some of my house projects! I recently built two 8x12 climbing walls in my garage and the 4Runner still fits in there! Mountain bikes fit in the truck or on the hitch.

Trucks are fun. Get what you want.

 

[gman123]

Last time that I needed a truck, just rented a Silverado.
Picked up some stuff at my parents, went to the dump, etc. Much of the time, the 4Runner does the job with the seats down, and some towels to protect the interior.

I prefer the 4Runner for the enclosed security.
I do not really miss my old Titan.
If I were to need to use a truck bed more, would get a small utility trailer.

 

[77Bronc]

I wish I could help you too, I don't have a 4RNR yet, getting one in a few months, trading in a 2005 F150...

But my commuter truck is a 1996 T100 with 240K miles. AC went out today, but other than that runs like a top. I feel it has another 200K left to go. My dad gave it to me with 120K when he purchased a new 2008 Taco. He has a grand total of 32,000 miles on that 7 year old truck!!!

I also have a trailer, a 5x10 that I use for yard stuff and the ATV. I will always have a truck.

My son has my 2002 Taco, 185K. So we are a truck and trailer family.

 

[Leftseat]

Pickup

I have had many pickups, each time I let one go, missed it. I am on my third
4WD 4Runner SR5, 2015. Five months ago, purchased a 2003 SR5 PreRunner, excellent condition. This takes care of Lowes and Home Depot runs, plus hauling tree limbs, etc. from our yards.

 

[enapa]

Pardon my ignorance, but why are you buying a house that has no room for either a trailer or an old truck? If you don't have room for either of those things what exactly are you going to be needing to haul?

 

[cbreze]

Pardon my ignorance, but why are you buying a house that has no room for either a trailer or an old truck? If you don't have room for either of those things what exactly are you going to be needing to haul?

Good observation. The house in mind, but not a done deal yet and it could be a different place altogether actually has a 3 car garage. The space would be needed for my work area tho. The back is a bare , blank canvass, aka, weed patch that would need a lot of work and numerous trips bringing in and hauling out various loads of stuff and junk including fencing material, rock, pavers and concrete along with various garden plants, shrubs and trees. This being done over the course of several months or years before I get it where I want it then possibly changing or adding some things again. I live alone and am a one vehicle does everything guy. Either I get a truck, most likely brand new Tacoma or I reconfigure the 4runner to haul this stuff with least amount of wear on the rear compartment. I've had trailers before and they are fine until it's hook-up, unhook all the time, gets old fast. Frequently I'm out and make unscheduled stops to pick something up and don't want to be tied to having the trailer to run and pickup first. When not using its beside the house looking tacky and getting in the weather. The reason for starting the thread was just to see what others do to deal with the issue. I figured that second vehicle pickups and trailers would top the list as solutions. Most people are married anyway and have second and third vehicles, so makes sense for them. Its been fun reading the responses tho.
I'm taking the 4runner in for service next week and will be checking out prices on the new trucks. Having the 4runner for awhile now I've learned that I don't really need all those bells and whistles either. A basic extra cab 4x4, long bed would do nicely as a work horse and daily driver for everything. Considering waiting till the 2016's come out, liking the newer style a bit better.