Washington DC Parking Protection?

Phoreal

Phoreal

New member
So I live in DC and park all of my cars at a hotel parking garage/valet that is a block away from my home.

I realized today that my 4Runner TRD Pro will not fit in the garage, it’s too tall.

Therefore my only option is to leave it street parked, and anyone that knows DC, specifically Georgetown, knows how reckless drivers and parkers are.

Problem with my area is the streets are extremely narrow, and street parking is in high demand. Lots of “bumping” to make cars fit.

I’ve had the front bumper torn off a brand new AMG while parked on the street overnight...

On another occasion, I had a parked motorcycle fall over and break park of a rear diffuser. The motorcycle had been bumped... and the driver ran off.

So -

What would you guys recommend for parking protection? I see lots of bumper bully’s (rubber flaps that hang over the rear bumper) being used... but I’m looking for a more permanent suggestion.

Thinking some sort of bull bar and a tow hitch combo?

And for bull bars, any suggestions on low profile, no bumper cutting options? No need for light bars or winches... really just to protect/deter from aggressive parking.

Same thing with the hitch... won’t ever be towing anything but would like the added visual deference.

Thanks!



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I have to park on the street at times too.

I looked into stuff.
Picked this up since it doesn't "hide" a front plate. (Required in NY/NJ, but I never ran one until now, because I needed *some* front protection.)
Bumper Thumper Ultimate Front Bumper Guard Shock Absorbing Flexible – Luv-Tap
Does not protect sides.
Out of stock but can be had elsewhere.


And this for the rear.
Amazon.com: Smittybilt 27046B Beaver Step for 2-Inch Hitch: Automotive
Secured with
Amazon.com: Connor Trailer Hitch Lock - 5/8" Black Nickel Hitch Pin for Class III, IV, V Hitches, 1615190 Receiver Lock: Automotive
 
Last edited:
I use to live in Arlington, but wife worked in Georgetown, there is no way I would park on the street like that. One of my wife's coworkers even had his car slammed into because the two lane turns into one at certain times, the other then turns into parking, someone was not paying attention and slammed into the car.

My time there, I saw all sorts of bumping, side scrapping, mirrors hit.

I would find another parking garage, or just move, lol.
 
Park it at a friends/relatives home away from downtown and Uber in better be safer at least past this weekend
ANYTHING could develop quick :target:
Mike
 
Ive taken my 2010 4Runner into DC several times and have been able to park in a garage. Perhaps there's another a few blocks away that can accommodate yours.
 
I work in DC, just outside of Gtown, but also i used to work in Gtown as well. and yes, parking is a mutha down there. Entitled people thinking they can do what they please.

for the hitch, simple, i just left on a spare trailer hitch arm, no ball. Because even if they dont bump you, they have no problem leaving you ZERO space to back up and pull out.

for the front, thats tricky...who wants to mess up their front bumper. I'd go with finding another garage if you can, looking for an outdoor parking lot of some kind that might take a monthly rate, or one of those devices like the thicker license plate holder that protects your bumper some what.

you could also always go with a steel bumper...someone backs into you with that, they will only be looking to pay for their own repairs.


Some people...what can you do...
mnofpeace-albums-all-minz-picture54574-parked-work.jpg
 
Is your TRDP too tall for the garage because of the roof rack? Maybe replace that with OEM rails.


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Phoreal said:
So I live in DC and park all of my cars at a hotel parking garage/valet that is a block away from my home.

I realized today that my 4Runner TRD Pro will not fit in the garage, it’s too tall.


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Click to expand...

Have you actually measured the height of the garage or you going by the hotel's advertised maximum height?

The last time I was in the DC area the hotel where we stayed advertised a maximum clearance of 6 feet in their garage, which is about 6 inches lower than my Trail Edition. However, the actual ceiling height in the garage was over 7 feet. The only thing that has ever touched in a hotel garage anywhere is the radio antenna. I think the hotels understate their clearance heights for liability purposes.
 
Isn't this the kind of thing you think of BEFORE you purchase a vehicle?

Sliders or running boards to protect from door dings.
 
How tall is the garage vs your pro with the pro rack? My 4R with 2.75-3” lift, Sherpa rack and maxtrax mount manage to fit fine into a 7’ parking garage. It’s close, but I have a few inches to spare.
 
Appreciate everyone’s input.

Garage advertises 6’ clearance... We shall see. Haven’t actually measured yet.

I’m already paying $1,200 a month to park 4 cars. So maybe the 4R is meant to be the “street walker” of the bunch.


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I can’t seem to find a definitive height on a 2021 TRD Pro, anyone know?


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