Our 4Runner has mainly been the wife's business transportation since we bought it in 2005, and we love it. Recently we were thinking about purchasing a travel trailer, in which case I would need to fix up or replace my truck, or use the 4Runner for towing. After running the numbers it became obvious that:
1: A new(er) truck and trailer were going to set us back big $$ for a few nights camping each year. Plus all the other expenses, etc.
2: The 4Runner wasn't going to safely pull much of a trailer once we were loaded down with 3 adults, luggage, and a 100lb dog. Let alone the stress on the vehicle and driver. (I think we had 3lbs of GVWR and about 500 lbs of towing capacity left with the lightest trailer that fit our requirements. That's way to close for me.)
So, on to plan B. Use the 4Runner, but stay in hotels.
We have already made several extensive trips in her, and enjoyed every one of them. Why tie her down with a trailer when I can let that V8 run free? The plan is to hit as many of the national park lodges as time will allow each summer. All I need to do is add a cargo box up top, and we are ready to go.
I enjoy the site and look forward to posting about our adventures, and getting a little advice along the way.
Nick
1: A new(er) truck and trailer were going to set us back big $$ for a few nights camping each year. Plus all the other expenses, etc.
2: The 4Runner wasn't going to safely pull much of a trailer once we were loaded down with 3 adults, luggage, and a 100lb dog. Let alone the stress on the vehicle and driver. (I think we had 3lbs of GVWR and about 500 lbs of towing capacity left with the lightest trailer that fit our requirements. That's way to close for me.)
So, on to plan B. Use the 4Runner, but stay in hotels.
We have already made several extensive trips in her, and enjoyed every one of them. Why tie her down with a trailer when I can let that V8 run free? The plan is to hit as many of the national park lodges as time will allow each summer. All I need to do is add a cargo box up top, and we are ready to go.
I enjoy the site and look forward to posting about our adventures, and getting a little advice along the way.
Nick
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