What direction did you head when you outgrew your 4runner?
- Thread starter icediver
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GeorgeHayduke
Active member
We have a diesel ram 2500 with a go fast camper and a 5th gen 4runner. Also 2 kids and dogs. The 4runner is great as a rugged daily driver but the diesel is king for long trips. If you need to go bigger than the 4runner and know that towing is important, I'd skip the 1/2 ton and go straight to an HD model.
The ram hd platform is a great size, surprisingly nimble and has the shortest wheelbase of any full size crew cab pickup with a bed that you can sleep in. Our ram has been more reliable than the 4runner, gets better mileage empty or loaded than the 4runner, and with the GFC we can sleep 2 upstairs and 2 on a platform in the truck bed.
Nothing wrong with the Ford HD trucks either, and the 7.3 gasser looks to be really robust.
The ram hd platform is a great size, surprisingly nimble and has the shortest wheelbase of any full size crew cab pickup with a bed that you can sleep in. Our ram has been more reliable than the 4runner, gets better mileage empty or loaded than the 4runner, and with the GFC we can sleep 2 upstairs and 2 on a platform in the truck bed.
Nothing wrong with the Ford HD trucks either, and the 7.3 gasser looks to be really robust.
I really should spend some more time investigating the HD models. I drive F-450s at work, so the size isn't intimidating, they just seem like so much more then I need. Haven't been in a 3/4 ton in a long time though, I should add it to my list to take for a test drive. Thanks.
calicamper
Expedition Leader
I retired the 4runner in 2002. Replaced with 94. Landcruiser (11mpg) one kid one 75lb dog. Second kid and grandpa moving in moved to 2007 sequoia. Two pre teens super active family one 100lb dog one crocodile mix 12lbs 2019 Expedition heavy tow elocker hands down my favorite.
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When kid #2 came along, we outgrew our 4Runner also. Went from a 97 4runner to a 2005 Sequoia. It's basically the 4Runner +30%. What I needed was a love child mix of 4Runner and Minivan because on a daily basis I am using the 3rd row for car pools, then I pull them out for weekend jaunts.
I really wish I had a Tundra with a camper shell- but that doesn't offer the passenger capacity I currently need.
I am rather dissapointed in the newest gen Tundra (lack of front recovery points) and disgusted with the newest Sequoia (really small cargo space behind the 3rd row when it's up, an ungainly cargo space when its down and the elimination of the drop down rear window- which I have been using several times a week between my 4Runner and Sequoia for the last 21 years for surfboards).
I really wish I had a Tundra with a camper shell- but that doesn't offer the passenger capacity I currently need.
I am rather dissapointed in the newest gen Tundra (lack of front recovery points) and disgusted with the newest Sequoia (really small cargo space behind the 3rd row when it's up, an ungainly cargo space when its down and the elimination of the drop down rear window- which I have been using several times a week between my 4Runner and Sequoia for the last 21 years for surfboards).
Over The Silent Planet
Active member
Agreed on the Sequoia. The new one is what made me take a harder look at the 2nd gen. What a sleeper of a vehicle: loads of room, center torsen diff that can run 4wd locked or unlocked (basically like full time 4wd) or 2wd, the classic Toyota rear window, and the drivability of a much smaller vehicle with a very tight turning radius. Only downside is the fuel economy.
Previous generation Tundra seems like an obvious choice, especially if you intend to stick with the Toyota brand.
Good reliability, decent towing range (w/ 38 gallon tank), easily modified and off-road capable with minimal modification. I can't speak to the newer generation of Tundra. Sequioa and LC I'm sure will ride and tow well, but their range is limited (in stock form).
Good reliability, decent towing range (w/ 38 gallon tank), easily modified and off-road capable with minimal modification. I can't speak to the newer generation of Tundra. Sequioa and LC I'm sure will ride and tow well, but their range is limited (in stock form).
DesertRoads
New member
We moved from our cramped 4Runner to a Sequoia. The gas mileage is a little worse than the Runner, but it can tow more, the V8 is powerful, and it gives us A LOT more elbow room.
Todd780
OverCamper
