Trail Boss to TRD ORP

I have a chance to trade my Custom Trail Boss for a 2023 TRD ORP at MSRP. I am getting a fair trade in (what I asked for). I really enjoy the truck, but I had a TRD ORP and regretted trading it. I guess I only have a couple of things really holding me up on the trade, and I was hoping to get some feedback.

I hunt and fish. A lot. Deer, turkey, and upland hunting. What do you guys that hunt do with game, dogs, and fishing rods? I do not really do any towing, but I do not want to regret giving up my truck later on.

I also keep having the thought in the back of my mind that I should go ahead and get this generation of 4Runner, but on the other hand I wonder if I should wait on the next gen.

What say ye? Thanks in advance for any and all feedback.

 

I say if you need a bed you need a bed.

I went from a Tundra to 4R back in a Tundra now. Missed having the bed.

 

Personally I would have a hard time going from the V8 back to the 4.0 in the 4Runner. But if you don't need the truck bed and rather have an SUV, go for it. Though with all the hunting you do, the pickup seems like a better fit for that.

I'm excited for the next generation of 4Runner brings, and would probably rather have one over the current gen, but I think I'm in the minority there though. On the other hand, if you're trying to get out from under your truck and you're getting what you want for it, you may not have that option by the time the 6th gen finally rolls out.

The other thing is financials. A TRD ORP is going to be nearly 50k, which is not really the value that it was when they were closer to 40K a few years ago. Do you have to lay a significant amount of cash on top of your truck? I know the trail boss is a fairly new model, so your truck can't be more than a couple years old.

 

I actually have quite a bit of equity in the truck.

 

I considered a Trail Boss but GM V8 engines are known to have issues with the valve train from the cylinder de-activation design. I believe there is a class action lawsuit associated with the issue. So it isn’t the truck so much as the reliability of the engine. GM is so committed to EVs they are not that concerned about their internal combustion engines. A GM window sticker on a Trail Boss indicated the cylinder de-activation was disabled and showed a $50 credit for the absence of the microchip that controls it. However, they still put the adjustable valves in the engine that facilitates shutting down some cylinders. They just never get oil ported to them via the solenoid. I read GM lawyers are denying warranty claims saying it is not a defect , it’s just a bad design. If you can sell it and it’s not having problems, I would. Buy a truck that doesn’t have a design defect killing reliability. Please do your own research but the main reason I want a 4 Runner is to not have auto-start/stop, no cylinder de-activation, no turbo.https://www.mylemon.com/lemon-law-blog/general-motors-engine-valve-lifter-class-action-lawsuit/

 

BTW: I deer hunt and turkey hunt. I use a hitch mounted carrier to transport deer outside of 4 Runner. If I had dogs like for rabbit hunting or dove hunting I would pull a small trailer with dog boxes on it.

 

I've hauled deer, pheasant, and rabbits in the back of my Tacoma, but I always used some kind of liner, like a tarp because I also hauled sleeping bags, coolers and milk crates of food. I own a trailer, but, it's kind of awkward in the many tight places I turn around at the end of a fire road, or gate on a snow mobile trail. So, when I traded the Tacoma for a 4Runner, I picked up a sturdy, foldable hitch rack. It kind of solved all my needs, and made me think I should have had one for the Tacoma too. I have only one French Brittany, and one grandson, so I put an impervious cover on the back seat to catch whatever either of them are dropping.

 

I have a Trail Boss after getting rid of a Tacoma. Just not enough for moving 18.5 ft walleye boat around the mountains. I would have to have a bed instead of a closed in cargo area. My wife’s runner is fantastic for outdoor activities or even towing a SXS in the mountains but larger boats gotta have more hp and towing capacity for comfort.

 

I upland hunt with a dog. No issues. Before this I had a Ford Escape and hunted out of that too, but didn’t have a kennel then because it wouldn’t fit.

 

I had a 2015 Tundra and traded it in for my 2015 4Runner Pro. I loved having the V8 power and bed space when moving large items but I don’t miss the size of the truck when parking in small spaces. I’m happy with my trade. I can park my 4Runner in my garage. The Tundra would have to stay outside. I probably used the bed a handful of times for moving gun safes and furniture and other shit. Most of the items could have been moved in my 4Runner. IMO, The ride quality, maneuverability and comfort is better in the 4Runner than the Tundra I had.

I know the Tundra is not a Trail Boss but I’m sure the size is comparable though.

The MPGs were about the same.

if you absolutely need the bed space then keep the Trail Boss. My brother has a Trail Boss and I love the way the look.

 

Only thing that would make that picture better is if you had a Deutsch drahthaar and a Chesapeake Bay retriever

 

We traded in a 2016 4 Door Z71 6.5 Bed for a 2022 4Runner but I still have a 1997 Chevy truck for doing truck stuff. I would have got a new truck if I didn't have the 1997 Chevy 4x4 truck.

 

Here's one idea for fishing rods. I used a rod saver rack and some aluminum flat stock to keep it tight to the roof. It's been working well for me since 2019.

 

Here is a picture of my current ride. Thanks for all the replies, and ideas. I am just having trouble deciding if I want to give up my truck bed.

 

This. Some folks just need a pickup. We love our F150. Comfy, holds 6 adults, tows well, gets 18-21mpgs and we use the heck out of the short 5.5ft crew cab bed. Could be a bit longer but as it is, it’s very easy to maneuver and park.

good compromise, IMO.

 

That looks great. How did you secure it?

 

In the back, I used the bolts for the hanger hooks. In the front, it's resting on the hooks integrated into the grab handles. I notched the aluminum so it wouldn't slide off, and made it a tight fit so it wouldn't fall out of place. I'm sure there's a better way to secure the front, but so far, this works.

Side note: I doubled up the aluminum stock in back to help support the weight of the reels. It seems to be working well.

 

Great looking truck. Honestly, I would rather have this than my 4Runner.

Why exactly do you want a 4Runner? Just figure that out, then decide if those wants are more important than having a truck bed.

 

I think the number one thing for me is the reliability that I know that I am getting with the 4Runner. I had rather sacrifice the bed, buy a trailer, and know the vehicle is more than likely going to give me several trouble free years. It is truly probably the last frame-on old school trustworthy suv, or any vehicle, for that.

 

Sounds like you've made up you're mind about the 4R. There's no questioning the reliability, that's for sure.

It always strikes me as ironic though, that the same BOF construction that is thought to be one of its strengths is also it's Achilles heel.

I wonder what percentage of these are done in by rotten frames.

 

Well people, the 4Runner has arrived at port, so it is crunch time. I am still really torn between the 4Runner and the Trail Boss. I really like having a truck bed, but I don’t know if that is enough. The nagging problem that I keep having is the reliability issue. I almost know for certain that the 4Runner is going to definitely be more reliable. That means a lot. A WHOLE LOT. My only concern is when it comes time to start upland hunting, convincing myself to throw a nasty, stinky dog in my new, clean 4Runner. Hauling deer out doesn’t really bother me because I know that it is definitely doable with a hitch hauler. Convince me one way or another. I guess, tell me why the 4Runner would be better. Sorry for the aggravation.

Decisions. Decisions.

 

If you are talking about reliability...I will tell you right now the reason why I dumped the 2016 Chevy is I wanted to stop the bleeding from owning a newer GM product and paying for repairs. That is why we own a 2022 4runner. I will never go back to a new GM truck. I am the one that has a nice 1997 Chevy truck for truck things. Get the 4Runner. I hope everyone has a good Holiday weekend!

 

Really leaning that way…

 

Either haul the dog in a kennel (crate) carried on a small trailer you tow. Or get one of the interior liners that cover the entire back cargo area for your dog inside. If and when the GM 8 cylinder stops working, and they won’t fix it under warranty, you won’t have a vehicle that runs at all. If a I had to have a full size truck, and it was GM I would get the 6.6 liter turbo diesel. Both of my brothers have one , 3/4 ton GM for one and 3/4 ton Chevy for the other. They both tow large , heavy boats. If I understand correctly they don’t have the cylinder deactivation issue and are not part of the class action lawsuit. Or I would get a Ford which has not had the problem GM gas V8s have had. If you get a 4 Runner and it doesn’t work out, it will sell easily. Whatever you might lose in depreciation, pales in comparison to the loss and frustration you will experience if a full size GM 8 cylinder stops working. 4. Runners hold their value.

 

Exactly why I am coming to the conclusion that the 4Runner looks like the better choice.

 

I was once a Chevy guy. Family owned all Chevy's, I first bought a Camaro, I have a TRD Pro 4Runner in the fleet and you will be happy with the ORP

 

At my work, our two shop trucks are Chevys. One is a 2019 1500 with V6. The other is a 2015 2500 with the 6.0 gasser. Last month, the transmission on the 2500 went tits up at 50,000 miles. The cost for a new one installed? Just a hair over $8000. Oh, and the day after that, the radiator on the 1500 popped. Lucky for us, the dealer was able to get a hold of the last available replacement in the state (mild eye roll here, this particular dealer group here is pretty grimy). But yeah, I had been kinda considering moving up to a new bigger truck, but hearing the repair bills on some of these new trucks makes me appreciate what I have.

 

Get a game cart to attach on your hitch for game

 

Does a Tacoma fit the bill? After owning a Tacoma my only issue was towing capacity. Never had any issues with my GM trucks.

 

Does the Chevy have the 6.2 or 5.3??
We have the 6.2L suburban and after 25,000 miles it’s been amazing so far….knock on wood