Registered just to ask this cargo area question...

[trig]

Hey guys, I currently own a BMW 3-series sedan, and now have three full grown labs (two yellows, and a chocolate). The GF and I travel to Colorado alot, and take the dogs with us (or used to).

The 3rd gen 4runner is at the top of our list, mainly because it's one of my favorite toyota's, and the price, size, etc..

My question is, when the seats are folded down, do they fold flush with the floor?

In whatever SUV or truck we get, I want to build a big removable kennel so the dogs will be save in their weather we are with the car or not, and so they're not running around all over the the car. Also, some pics of seats folded down would be awesome!

 

[JeremyH]

Yes, you must remove the headrest, but they will fold to the same level as the cargo floor. You will fold up the bottom part of the seat, then remove the headrests, then fold down the back part of the seat.

 

[trig]

Haha, finally a real answer! I have looked at probably 1000's of pictures online and out of tons of them showing the cargo area, I still couldn't figure it out!

Thanks!

 

[Pikeman]

also if you get the 99 or newer, you see the plastic grommets in the picture above? The headrests store in those. In my 98 I have to slide the headrests under the front seats or take them out of the car completely. I am 6'3 and just camped for a couple days and slept in the back cargo area seats folded down. Had to curl up slightly but for someone under 6' it would be fairly comfortable.

 

[peter78]

My wife had one of the seats down, so I took a picture and I see someone beat me to it. As you can see, it is not exactly flat. Maybe about a inch higher. For all practical purposes, it is flat.

I am including my two pictures. As you can see, the seats are 50 - 50 seats. My side picture show the little bit of a rise.

Oh one more thing, welcome to the forum.

 

[96Blacklimited]

Yes, they go completely down. If this help you with your choice, I own a 06 Maxima. Got a Great Dane/lab mix (he is 120lbs an huge) He got big quick, so I then went on the hunt for the vehicle i always wanted A black 4runner. I found a 96 limited with 68k that was sitting for 5 years paid $4500. Maybe put $500 in new parts and maintance. I already put over 10,000 miles on it since feburary and its the best investment i have ever made. My dog loves it; plenty of room without the seats down, window goes down and when i take long trips, he get to rome around when i put the seats down.

 

[wareagle98]

The roll down rear hatch window is great for dogs, too.

 

[trig]

also if you get the 99 or newer, you see the plastic grommets in the picture above? The headrests store in those. In my 98 I have to slide the headrests under the front seats or take them out of the car completely. I am 6'3 and just camped for a couple days and slept in the back cargo area seats folded down. Had to curl up slightly but for someone under 6' it would be fairly comfortable.

How is the 3rd gen on long trips with your height? I'm 6'4".

Our first option was a Subie Outback, but the seat does not move back far enough for my height. I need something that will be alright for several 2000+ mile trips a year.

 

[Pikeman]

I am 6'3 230 and I am fine for long trips in it and have already slept in the back with out any problems as mentioned above. I am planning on getting the Sonoran Steel rear seat bolts so I can remove the bottom cushions and get the extra length so I can sleep stretched out. I drove 600 miles with just a fuel stop to stretch and it was fine for me. Will see if I can take a cheesy camera phone pic of me sitting in it so you can have something to compare. Not sure how heavy you are or where you carry your weight. My legs are not that big around, just long, so no real interference from the steering wheel.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

KennelAire doggie divider fits great

I have pictures in my Facebook link-no membership required.

Made in Kansas USA-keeps my Lilly in the back-I can segment off the back into my choice of lengths depending on how far she gets to roam....