Plannerman
Wandering Explorer
As is so often for many of us, too much analysis gets us stuck. I've recently purchased a 5th gen 4Runner and sold my Tacoma. The plan for the 4Runner is backcountry exploring and camping with my two boys, usually 3 day trips like traversing the Mojave Road or exploring Death Valley, Anza Borrego, etc.
There are many pluses with the 4Runner. I am more comfortable and my boys are more comfortable. But packing out gear is a little more complicated. And this is where I am seeking some advice/experience/feedback.
I am trying to keep as little weight off the roof as possible. I have a three person CVT that I plan to use and expect to mount it with either Yakima bars or a small aluminum rack (like a K9).
I have a list of additional gear that probably shouldn't be in the vehicle: 5-gallon fuel can, hi-lift, propane tank, and shovel. With these parameters, I can't help but conclude that a rear bumper with swing gate(s) is in order. But I get hung up when I consider the weight and cost of a rear bumper.
I find myself asking whether I would be better loading this extra gear on the roof. Whether a rear bumper will drastically affect the handling and performance characteristics. Or even whether I should dump the hi-lift and fuel and limit trips accordingly.
There are many pluses with the 4Runner. I am more comfortable and my boys are more comfortable. But packing out gear is a little more complicated. And this is where I am seeking some advice/experience/feedback.
I am trying to keep as little weight off the roof as possible. I have a three person CVT that I plan to use and expect to mount it with either Yakima bars or a small aluminum rack (like a K9).
I have a list of additional gear that probably shouldn't be in the vehicle: 5-gallon fuel can, hi-lift, propane tank, and shovel. With these parameters, I can't help but conclude that a rear bumper with swing gate(s) is in order. But I get hung up when I consider the weight and cost of a rear bumper.
I find myself asking whether I would be better loading this extra gear on the roof. Whether a rear bumper will drastically affect the handling and performance characteristics. Or even whether I should dump the hi-lift and fuel and limit trips accordingly.