Convince me I need a 5th gen 4Runner

To my knowledge, it can absolutely be added - it's just typically expensive and maybe a bit of a bear to do. The sliding tray is a very love it or hate it item on the forum.
If you get a good deal on the 4R, I say absolutely pull the trigger, tray or not. The biggest benefit of the tray from what I've read is that it levels the floor when the rear seats are folded.

I don't have a tray and I don't think it's really necessary; shouldn't be a dealbreaker IMO.

If you want to add it after the fact, your best option is to find someone to swap parts with.

 

What I've found using my tray when cargo is loaded where it is resting on the platform directly behind the rear seats, you have to accommodate that item(s) or they will fall down to the lower floor, then try to slide off of the tray, and then have to be readjusted back up to return the tray into it's locked position. Kind of a pain, but this is the worst case scenario as well. It does make loading or unloading heavier items easier.

 

How badly do you want it?

It sounded cool to me, but I can't really see a benefit for MY uses. In fact, it would be in the way.

However, you will use the 4runner differently than me. You should imagine what you'll be doing with the cargo area, and decide if a slightly higher, sliding floor is better, or a lower, stationary floor.

This probably sounds silly. But, I think just visualizing this will help you decide.

If you've already decided that you need it, please disregard this post.

 

Sliding cargo deck wasn't an option for me once I settled on three rows (which have the added advantage of lengthening the cargo area, because the second row seat bottoms don't need to fold up against the back of the front seats, which robs a good half foot of space). But if I'd wanted only two rows, I definitely would have preferred having this tray. As has been noted, it has the added advantage of leveling the load floor when the second row seats are folded down. You only lose 2-3 inches of height in the cargo area for that advantage. Plus, being able to slide heavy cargo in or out, or to pull out the deck to sit on / for tailgating. That seems pretty cool.

Only you know what's most important to you, but I guess my bottom line recommendation is not to buy a 4R without one based on the assumption you can add it later. That might turn out to be very difficult, especially getting all the parts from some other owner. You could be living with the truck for months or years before you could pull it off.

Given that the 2021s will be out soon, and they will come with (hopefully good) LED headlights standard, if it was me I'd consider waiting for a 21 that comes standard with the sliding deck.

 

Headlights are a good point to waiting, but it all depends on the deal you're being offered now.
If the deal is good, don't be afraid to pull the trigger and add some aftermarket plug and play LEDs into it.
Folks over at Headlight Revolution have been fantastic to work with and I've loved my Supernovas (SV3s & SV4s).

 

I've read mixed messages on this. Some people say it's easy to find the tray. Some say it's a PITA.

I know I can install it if I have the parts.

I know I would use the sliding tray. I think I would prefer it because it levels the floor when the seats are down. That alone is enough for me to want to get it. But I also think I would use it for loading and unloading. And for adding a removable fridge/freezer for road trips.

I hear you about items falling down off the back of the slide. They make a barrier for the back of the slide, but I think it would defeat the "level" feature. But the bottom line sounds like the rear cargo slide is an uncommon option. Perhaps special order for an Off Road or Premium. And would require some significant legwork to retrofit one after-the-fact (just to locate the slide itself).



But I suppose I need to back up on whether I'm getting a "good deal".

Huntsville Toyota offered $29k on my Tacoma trade-in. I currently have 1.9% APR on the Tacoma. Huntsville wants to sell the Nautical Blue Off Road (no Premium) for $39k.

My local dealer is offering an Off Road Premium in Barcelona Red $45k. No commitment yet from local dealer on Tacoma trade-in value.

Neither have the rear cargo slide.

I'm thinking maybe I should wait until 2021. Pay off the Tacoma and have more negotiating leverage for the 2021 models with LED headlights.

 

I think you'll be fine with ORP wheels, but I had rubbing when I put on a set of stock size 265 General Grabber ATXs. Had to push the liner forward and trim a bit to fix it, which was disappointing, but not a huge issue. Everything I'd read everywhere said that there are no rubbing issues with the stock size, and that obviously turned out to be false. I have a completely stock suspension with the stock TRD wheels, and apparently it's the offset of the wheels that's the problem. ORP wheels are a different, but be prepared to do some trimming if not.

 

The other thing I can tell you is with the tray, I fit a 30" W x 32" D x 66" L refrigerator in there on its side, seats down of course. Slide made it way easier for that job. Not ideal for the fridge, but I let it sit upright over night before I plugged it in.

 

I thought the Off Road and Off Road Premium both used the same style wheels. These are the wheels I plan on running with 275/70/17 BFGs.

What wheels were you using that rubbed on 265s?

I used to have a 1993 FZJ80 3x locked Land Cruiser. I installed a set of ARB drawers and an ARB Elements fridge in the back. I used a set of cargo anchor points to secure the fridge. I was planning on doing something similar with the 4Runner and rear cargo slide. My only complaint on the Land Cruiser setup was the fridge was really tall after the 3" OME lift, 315 tires, and ARB drawers. It was hard to get into the fridge because it was so tall.

I think the rear cargo slide in the 4Runner would be a better height because no extra height added by the drawers and huge lift/tires.

 

Is there a difference between the TRD OR and TRD OR Premium wheels?

 

As an option, there is an ARB fridge slide that works with the Element fridge. It's pretty sturdy, low profile, and should allow space to install a set of drawers next to it.

As far as trading the tacoma for a 4runner, I'd go for a tundra and a UTV. When the UTV breaks, get it fixed under warranty.

 

Yeah, the Off-Road and Off-Road Premium both have the same wheels. The stock wheels on mine are the gunmetal TRD wheels. Basically the same exact wheel as the Pro, just different color(same dimensions, offset).

 

Nope. Same wheels.

 

Gotcha. So the rubbing issue is for the TRD wheels? And I should be fine to up-size to 275/70/17 on the stock Off Road wheels?

 

Many are fine, stock with 275s. Long thread on another runner forum with many pictures.
Be forewarned that it can be addicting. I was all worried about going with 285s and now on I wished I went 295

 

I know about the addiction. But my regret about my current Tacoma is that I did too much to the truck right after I bought it. I didn’t even give myself a chance to drive it before I started modifying it.

 

It’s ok. Other members answered above. There is no difference.

 

As far as I know, yes. I know some tire brands have slightly larger or smaller "275s" than others, so that's another thing to take into account. Mine came with the stock 265 Bridgestone Duelers, and the 265 Grabber ATXs look like 275s compared to those. Granted, it's an All-terrain vs highway tire, but I know even all-terrains vary slightly in size among different brands.

You're definitely not the only one to do that.

 

The cargo slide can be added easily.

As far as how picky you should be...

I carry 65qt cooler and the only thing I use my sliding tray for is to drain the cooler. It’s a cool feature but I wouldn’t cry if I didn’t have it.

 

@will van, have you looked into the possibility of ordering the exact 4R you want? I don't know how much of a hurry you're in, but if you considered waiting for a 2021, maybe ordering one equipped exactly like you want, color, model, sliding rear tray, etc. is an option.

 

The 4Runner is actually my wife's, it actually handles decent for what it is, my wife came from driving a STi for the past 5 years and she actually doesn't mind it, the size has actually being really useful right now, its lot shorter than my Ram so parking has been pretty good when doing groceries.

The biggest difference for me compare to a Taco is the interior, I personally prefer 4Runner on driving position, and the rear seats are actually usable, 4 adults will seat comfortably on long drive.

For off road, I like it, the roads we drive on are often narrow, rocky, muddy, so it fits rather well on the terrain, she may need LT tires to deal with the rocks but we'll see how long these Nitto lasts.

Overall this is her favorite vehicle so far.

 

Thanks to everyone for all of the feedback. It's basically decision time: There is a 2020 ORP in Nautical Blue that should be arriving at my local dealer early next week. It has my name on it and I have 24 hours to decide if I want it (the dealer told me these trucks are in high demand, and I believe him). It has a moonroof but no rear cargo slide.



At this point I am debating whether to wait and order a 2021 with the cargo slide, or go ahead and pull the trigger on the 2020. The cargo slide option is $350, whereas sourcing one new from parts is about $1,500. Plus, if I get a 2021 I could finish paying off my Tacoma before I buy the 4Runner.



I'm also vacillating on the color. I really like the Nautical Blue.


But I'm wondering if Magnetic Gray would be a better choice? I'm just afraid it's too many neutral tones - gray, silver, black, etc.



What do you guys think? Should I go for it and forget about the cargo slide? Any disadvantage to waiting for 2021 trucks?

 

Get what you really want. I don’t think the cargo tray is a deciding factor, but if you’re buying new, buy exactly what you want.
The 2021 will be the exact same. New colors maybe.

 

What if I don’t know what I really want?

 

flip a coin. Both great colors if that’s what you’re dwelling on.

I saw voodoo blue and had to have it no matter what.

 

Agreed. VooDoo Blue is badass. Probably my favorite color.

Either way, thanks for the feedback. I’ll probably make the call when I see the truck in person.

 

True, but the supply is low. Under normal circumstances they would probably offer a decent discount to get them moving. But not during these crazy times.

 

I have both a 4R Pro and Taco Pro, I favor my 4R much more. I feel like it’s made much better in quality versus Tacoma.

 

Thanks for the feedback!

 

I second Silver and get a nice aluminum trailer for those times you just need to haul something.