Farewell 4Runner, Hello Tundra

I've been an SUV guy for 20+ years, and a 4Runner fan for most of that. I recently sold my aging 200K+ mile 4Runner V8 from 2008. I had actually intended to get a new 4Runner, but they're damn near impossible to get these days; at least in the trim I wanted.

So yesterday, I brought home a 2018 Tundra 1794 Edition w/ the TRD package. Only 25k miles on it and still smells new. Awesome balance of luxury and comforts as I spent a lot of time driving long distances. And just enough offroading capability to get me to most places far off the trail that I'm used to trekking to. Will be an interesting adjustment though, going from a mid-size SUV to a freaking land yacht. Today's jaunt through San Francisco with the kids was...interesting.

I actually learned to drive as a teenager on my parent's old Toyota pickup in the early/mid-1990s, but this is the first truck I've ever had. Already trying to figure out what accessories I need for the truck bed so I can actually make use of it for storing stuff just like I did in the trunk of my 4Runner. Nowhere to really put anything in the CrewMax cabin except my family (wife + 2 boys, 8 and 4).

Anyway, excited to be here. Long time member of the t4r.org forums, and looking to get grounded in the Tundra world now. Apologize in advance for any stupid questions -- learning as I go!

Northern California home. Extensive travel. Work in cybersecurity internationally by day. Published photographer and explorer in my off time.

 

I made the switch from a 2005 V8 4Runner myself, glad I did too. I was on T4R for long time as well, welcome aboard!

 

Welcome from SoCal

 

take a look at Diamondback Covers. https://diamondbackcovers.com/produ...3i7iwRRyGDY2xgwhwif50HSlgmriUgssaAmEPEALw_wcB

 

I still miss my 4Runner sometimes. My wife and I have three kids and a dog, and we just outgrew it. I was on T4R.org for a few years. There were so many fantastic write-ups from people modding and outfitting their rigs. Antman’s thread was legendary. Seemed like there was a lot of crap to wade through as well. This is the best truck/SUV forum I’ve ever been on. Lots of great threads worth subscribing to here. Welcome.

Regarding the bed, I’m using a TCUSA American Roll cover. It’s secure. I’m probably going to add a low rack as well for a tent at some point.

 

Thanks man. Yeah, Antman was amazing! I learned so much from him. I was also a big fan of J.A.'s mods, quite a few of which were the first mods I threw into my runner. I think most forums have a fair amount of B.S. to sift through, but for the most part, they've been tremendously helpful. Speaks volumes that here I am only 24 hours after driving away from the dealership and I'm already seeking out a Tundra forum And as someone who is not remotely mechanically inclined, these kinds of forums have been a real asset.

I felt like I was starting to outgrow the 4Runner too, especially with a dog on the way soon and our two kids growing like weeds. A full size SUV didn't really appeal to me, and we now live on a few acres at the top of the hills east of San Francisco on the edge of a forest -- so a truck bed for hauling out junk and tree debris and whatnot can be extremely useful. Not to mention my wife was never a fan of the 4Runner (didn't feel it was very comfortable as a passenger). So all in all, I think it's probably best we move on. But we'll surely have an adjustment adapting to a truck. OTOH, I took my kids to the beach today and they sat out there watching fireworks on the tailgate...amazing. In love with this truck already. I'll figure out the rest.

The 4Runners are amazing cars. Not knocking it. It was the best car I ever had, and the most reliable. Sold it two months ago at 14 years old and 201,000 miles for more than $5K over blue book.

We actually wanted to get a Ford F-150 Lightning, the new all-electric truck. We're holding a reservation, but it's looking increasingly likely we won't be able to order one much less receive it from the production line anytime soon. Ford hasn't even announced pricing yet either. So Tundra it is! And so far, super happy.

 

Thanks for this. I'll look it up. I was also told I should consider the Bakflip MX4.

 

Consider if you want to add a rack. If you do, that is probably better. From what I've read, the Diamondbacks are about as secure as it gets.

 

Welcome from TX! Ain't nothin like a truck and the Tundra is the King when it comes to reliability.

 

On the back of the bed on top of the cover? No. I may add a rack or at least some cross bars to the top of the cab at some point in the future, but that's all. For the bed, my first priority is a solidly built and easily used cover that is as close to 100% water and snow proof as possible. Second priority is good lock/security mechanisms.

 

Thanks! Glad to be here. Every Toyota I or my wife have ever had were legends of reliability. My 2008 4Runner (a Limited V8 4x4) went a staggering 123,000 miles on the original factory brake pads. Insane.

I was surprised to see the Tundra is Texas-built. And Michigan engineered. And California designed. Toyota may be a Japanese corporation, but this truck is 100% American-built. That surprised me. But nice to see. Apparently the factory in Texas is down in San Antonio, and 1794 is the year the ranch that factory was built on was founded.

 

I have a full shell tonneau. It limits what else I can do back there because it fully covers the rails, like a Diamondback. The backflip (looks like it) leaves room for different rack options independent of the cover and gives you more flexibility. I would enjoy the ability to add a rack, I never wanted that before. So, my advice is to look at a lot of options and think about what you may want to do down the road, like anything else. Congrats!

 

Yessir, American/Texan made. When they came out with the 1794 trim I looked up the origin and this ol' chest puffed out with some pride. I still run into the naysayers who insist it's an import but it's a debate I heartily welcome. Toyota even brought their North American HQ into Plano (outside of Dallas).

 

Welcome! Great looking truck!

 

Welcome from Ohio

 

Congrats and welcome to the forum... Nice stock Rig.
Big fan of the 4R. Had my 1st gen avatar for 20 yrs, w/ 295k, gone, but not forgotten...

 

Welcome from SOCAL

 

I made the switch back in April of 2021. But still have the 4runner. Kept it just in case but going to list it soon. The Tundra fits our needs better. Makes traveling a lot easier and more comfortable for us.

 

Welcome from NY.

 

Welcome! I used to be a member over there as well - is ChildrenofBodom still there? He was a great guy, very helpful.

 

Welcome! I went from a 2007 4Runner to my Tundra to a Sequoia, you'll love it!

 

Thanks. Why’d you go back to SUVs after the truck?

 

Needed the seats, love the platform, it's a Tundra wagon.

 

Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)!

 

Welcome from OKC! You might want to consider a camper shell. I found a cheap Gator roll up to be best so I still have a truck when I need one. Keep valuables in totes then fold up back seats and relocate the totes for security when going in somewhere so nobody slashes the bed cover. There are under rear seat storage compartment options too. As for the 4Runner, my 18 is superior to my Tundra in multiple ways, no way would I let it go! If at all possible get your hands on a nice 5th gen., very good vehicles that will go the distance even if you beat the piss out of them.

 

Made that same switch myself and don't miss the 4 at all. Welcome!

 

Thanks man. That’s great to hear. We’re a little nervous we’ll miss having the 4Runner. But probably just need to get used to different ways of doing things.

 

Really if you can get over the size difference you won't miss it. The Tundra does so much more and you have the room and power to do just about anything.

The only huge difference is how well the 4 does trail riding.