Navigating the 4R into a parking spot?

[zoomzoom]

Hey Guys :yo: just got a TRD OffRoad and have an embarrassing question about parking (think Walmart/grocery store type parking lots).

I find navigating the 4R into parking spots is not an easy task! Before coming to the SUV world, I easily navigated my other cars (front first), into parking stalls. I have been trying to repeat with the 4R.

Are you guys backing into the stalls, or driving, front first, into them?

In terms of physical vehicle dimensions for length, width, and wheel base, the 4R isn't that much more than my previous cars, but yet I find it is much harder to navigate into (and out of) a parking spot. I don't know if the height and ground clearance makes parking more difficult. I do notice the 4R has a larger turn radius than my previous cars.

Any tips?

 

[Jarheadoo7]

Perfect practice make perfect performance.

No really, we all park way far away from anyone so we don’t get door dings that we haven’t noticed your specific issue. The result is easier parking, better cardiovascular health, increased musculature of the legs and of course...no door dings!

 

[BobsTrail]

Perfect practice make perfect performance.

No really, we all park way far away from anyone so we don’t get door dings that we haven’t noticed your specific issue. The result is easier parking, better cardiovascular health, increased musculature of the legs and of course...no door dings!

:iagree:

It's more difficult to see for sure where the front corners are and the turning radius of our T4s is larger.

I allow more room but mostly do what [MENTION=223005]Jarheadoo7[/MENTION] says. Over the objections of my passengers.

 

[Pat_reek]

I usually park a mile away from the store where no one wants to park. And i take 2 parking spots (just in case someone wants to park next to me). Since I have a kids its acceptable.=). But usually i find it easier backing up the car to park. And it makes it easier to leave. But sometimes if there is a parking next to an island or a corner parking (since i find it more room then other parking spots) i park there.

 

[cheerup38]

I do the same thing! Everyone will whine and complain but I tell them to suck it....it’s my truck! Ever since I got the 4Runner, I’ve gotten into the habit of parking ass first...so much easier than head first.

 

[A10MileHusker]

Agree 100%. Practice is everything. It's a new car, new dimensions and new perspectives.

Go to an empty parking spot, bring some cones (or like-thereof) and park over and over - you'll get it. Park, get out and look, and do it again.

I'm extremely frustrated with the amount of people I see parking in reverse mainly because of the backup camera. People expect that I, or anyone else, waits for them as they position themselves into a stall which means pulling into the oncoming lane and then back up into the spot. Parking in reverse takes twice as long.

 

[flyrv9]

Yea, it may be a little bigger and visibility isn't great; but it just takes a little getting used to. I try to find a drive through spot; so I can just drive out and not have to back up. Compared to others Ive seen, the 4Runners backup camera isn't very good and is pretty useless at night or in bright sun. If I have a concern, I get out and look. The stock running boards help a little with door dings which are part of life these days.

 

[jhguth]

i haven't noticed any issues, but if you are having problems try backing into spots instead, it's a lot easier especially for tight spots.

 

[mcox522]

Agree 100%. Practice is everything. It's a new car, new dimensions and new perspectives.

Go to an empty parking spot, bring some cones (or like-thereof) and park over and over - you'll get it. Park, get out and look, and do it again.

I'm extremely frustrated with the amount of people I see parking in reverse mainly because of the backup camera. People expect that I, or anyone else, waits for them as they position themselves into a stall which means pulling into the oncoming lane and then back up into the spot. Parking in reverse takes twice as long.

It does take a little longer if you know how to park in reverse, but it's way safer when you're leaving.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk

 

[SCMountaineer]

I had the same problem, aggravated by the two cars before this one having parking sensors and cameras that got me out of practice. It gets better. In the meantime, park at the end of the row. Then you have a nice long view of your gorgeous machine as you walk back to it.

 

[BBQSteve]

Perfect practice make perfect performance.

No really, we all park way far away from anyone so we don’t get door dings that we haven’t noticed your specific issue. The result is easier parking, better cardiovascular health, increased musculature of the legs and of course...no door dings!

Agree with Jarhead007 also...park and walk

 

[Pathfinder!]

I find the 4runner easy to park. It's actually not that big of a vehicle.

 

[LandCruiser]

Pull in until I run into something.

 

[LeesO4]

I agree. This 5th gen isn’t as nimble as the 4th gen. I feel like I’m always readjusting my parking.


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[renau001]

I wouldn’t know since I always park away from other cars. But just do a 3-point turn into the spot. That’s what I did in my Suburban every time. Was better than missing and having to adjust.

 

[jchasse]

The one thing that i notice is that even when i think I'm pulling into a parking space pretty close to the left (driver's) side of the spot, I open the door and I'm farther away than i thought. Still not exactly sure why, but now i just park where it feels like I'm almost touching the driver's side stripe, and it's about perfect.

 

[mtnbiker49]

I, personally, back into every parking spot. Just makes egress that much easier. Put it in drive and go.

But yeah, park away from everyone too. Nor do I rely on the back up camera. That’s just used to confirm distance.

 

[MMTecon]

Statistically, fender benders are most common in parking lots. Use instacart and avoid Walmart altogether. Your long term benefits could outweigh the costs. Time, stress, headaches, gas consumption, depreciation, dents, theft, and even shootings are some of the risks we take going to Walmart. Your 'runner deserves it!

Note: some s/ was used in the making of this post.

 

[2112 R]

l

4 main tips:

Park far away. As mentioned, great way to get some steps in, no one usually parks far away so all your doors and hatch have great clearance when you're loading in all the parts, projects and kid gear.
AND... it gives us other 4runner owners a place to park next to you so we can be parking buddies and show off our rigs.

Order a rear camera override and get an AOB switch to flip it on
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/214681-plug-play-rear-camera-override-dongle.htm
I frequently just pull straight in and then forward into the next space, flip on the camera to make sure I'm all the way in the spot, flip off the camera and then you're even between the lines and wheels straight ready to pull forward and out of the spot easily.

Pulling in nose first, take it wide. I use up the entire other parking lot lane so I can make a wide turn into the spot.
Get sliders. They protect you from rocks, act as a step ... and added bonus, no one ever gives you door dings. Park with confidence.

Back into the spot, use the camera and your side view mirrors to keep between the lines. Line it up and go straight back. Easy to pull out when you're ready to go and you don't have to worry about backing up into the parking lot lane where some prius is going 50mph silent as a ninja and low enough where you don't see them. Use your passengers as extra eyes to help with this until you have enough practice to perfect it.


Now watch me get posted in the Spotted section with some all messed up parking job in the Home Depot or something.

 

[JKD]

The one thing that i notice is that even when i think I'm pulling into a parking space pretty close to the left (driver's) side of the spot, I open the door and I'm farther away than i thought. Still not exactly sure why, but now i just park where it feels like I'm almost touching the driver's side stripe, and it's about perfect.

+1

It's a heck of a lot easier to park my 3rd gen...just better visibility.