TE for work

[Winstondvm]

I have been lurking here for the last month, and I took delivery on my TE last week!
I am an equine/small animal veterinarian in central Texas, and I decided to get a TE to work out of and get rid of my truck. I came from a 2005 F150 supercrew 4x4 with a full vetbox in the bed (weighed 600lbs empty and with 20 gallons of water and all my equipment weighed in at 900 lbs--which I drove about 25k a year, getting 10-11 mpg). I decided to downsize to something more managable and that I didn't have to fork out money for new brakes, batteries, transmissions, etc. but still get me to where I needed to go. (and then some)

I am looking for some resources for rugged plastic boxes that would fit on the cargo slide and could be mounted down, mobile fridges (I know about the ARB ones), and front end protection that is substantial but not over the top. Wimpy guards need not apply. I have hit a deer with my last two vehicles...
Thanks and I couldn't be happier with my new Trail!

 

[Clemsonfan15]

I think your best option for a cargo solution is to build your own.

I don't know exactly what you do with your vehicle, but it seems like a truck would be better for a vet. I would think a truck would handle that kind of weight better than the 4runner, although the 4runner will probably give you much fewer problems.

Any pictures of your new 4runner?

 

[Winstondvm]

No pictures yet--it's still 100% stock so not "overly" special. I have had vet trucks for my equine work for the last 10 years, and I am really tired of the payments lasting longer than my truck.
I will ne downsizing to no water, no fiberglass shell, etc, so I really only need to carry about 150 to 200 lbs but don't want it to go flying around, medication bottles are glass so I need lots of dividers. There is a company (laboit) that makes big suv boxes, but I don't like them very much.

 

[Muleguy]

Storage

Pelican has a wild assortment of cases these days. They're making a lot of stuff for the military. Take a look under their mobile medical section. You may find what you need is already available.

And more importantly, Central Texas means what BBQ is in driving distance?:driving:

 

[x67934]

If you are going to have a lot of weight in the back look into Timbren Suspension. It is a beefy bumpstop that helps the rear springs, can be had for less than $200 and will last forever.

 

[Winstondvm]

BBQ..let's see-- there's the Saltlick in Driftwood, Louie Mueller BBQ in Lockhart, Cooper's old time in Llano... You can stop there. After that (especially the last two, the saltlick is inconsistent..) there's no need to drive further!
Just logged onto the Pelican website. Thanks for the info!

 

[harper7]

BBQ..let's see-- there's the Saltlick in Driftwood, Louie Mueller BBQ in Lockhart, Cooper's old time in Llano... You can stop there. After that (especially the last two, the saltlick is inconsistent..) there's no need to drive further!
Just logged onto the Pelican website. Thanks for the info!

Congrats on your new TE!
You might want to find a cabinet maker and just go custom and get it made just the way you want it.
Here is real sweet setup that Josh220 had made for the back of his 4Runner.Custom Rear Cargo Drawers - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

 

[mgrande]

Here an option for you
http://www.adventuretrailers.com/drawer.html
you can also see if a local cabinet maker could make something up that you design.

 

[Muleguy]

BBQ..let's see-- there's the Saltlick in Driftwood, Louie Mueller BBQ in Lockhart, Cooper's old time in Llano... You can stop there. After that (especially the last two, the saltlick is inconsistent..) there's no need to drive further!

Lordie, I may be 1000 miles away but even I know Mueller is in Taylor! And as for Lockhart, you'll find me parked outside Smitty's. :hungry:

I am duly ashamed of admitting how much time I've spent in Driftwood. Consider me jealous on all fronts.

 

[SeattleMike]

winstondvm,

I also recommend something custom, but I think this might be more like what you are looking for:

This was originally posted here and was built by the owner, I believe.

 

[Winstondvm]

The adventure trailers box is exactly what I'm looking for! Thanks for the help--I will have to put in an order for the composite system soon!
...Yes Muleguy... Sorry-- Louis Mueller is in Taylor....now I need to make a trip there just to help with my drool..