Bob Posted January 2, 2010 Share Posted January 2, 2010 Really, I'm not going to buy one of these things. I'm not. :rolleyes: But, I've found that pickups are not well suited to easily accessing, protecting and loading cargo. I've been working out of (Toyota) pickups since 1984. Current selections are mostly getting larger and higher, while I continue to stay the same size, mostly. The Ranger seems to be the only exception. Anyway, I'm looking at other options. A recent hiking trip in the French Alps showed various contractors using Renault's version, the Kangoo for business, so I know it can work for me as a handyman. Toyota has had some problems with quality recently, so I'm not the devoted fan I was. Still, each one I've owned has gotten me to work dependably with almost zero downtime. Contented Ford owners please respond. :D I'm happy with the payload capacity of 1,600 lb since I carry approximately 700 lb of tools. I can't find a dimension for the distance from closed rear doors to the dashboard between the seats. I'd like to put 4x8' sheets on edge between the seats with doors closed. Has anyone done this? Pre-hung exterior doors with brickmold attached run about 83" long, so they should easily fit between the seats with doors closed. Roof racks will take care of longer stuff. I'm also a huge fan of low lift-over heights, and the low floor height of the TC tempts me more than almost any other aspect. Compared to my '06 Tundra, hoisting a bunch of 60 lb bags of mortar mix into the back would be a piece of cake. Then there's the poor 12-15 MPG of the Tundra compared to the 22 MPG of the TC. I realize this is not the place to be talked out of buying a TC, but I'm just looking, really. Don't try to sell me on this thing. I mean it. (Now, let's see... a tax deduction, easy access to my tools, less back pain from lifting, 22 MPG, I like the way it looks, dang I wish I knew how dependable this thing was...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PetrosA Posted January 3, 2010 Share Posted January 3, 2010 I'm happy with the payload capacity of 1,600 lb since I carry approximately 700 lb of tools. I can't find a dimension for the distance from closed rear doors to the dashboard between the seats. I'd like to put 4x8' sheets on edge between the seats with doors closed. Has anyone done this? For 4'x8' sheet stock you're going to need a roof rack unless you remove the passenger seat and load it at an angle. There's a flat one available with a rear roller bar to assist loading. With a solid bulkhead in place, I'm able to get 6' materials inside (electric heaters, fluorescent lights, etc.) but only at an angle. I think for the dependability question, it's kind of early to get answers from US users since most of us have only had ours for a few months at most... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Posted January 3, 2010 Author Share Posted January 3, 2010 (edited) Nice pic, PetrosA thanks, and thanks for the info! A couple more questions, of course... I'd like to put the TC in my garage, so 7' is the maximum height allowable. If you get a chance to measure, what's the height to the top of your roller racks? [edit] I stopped by the local dealership, and I see what you mean about no room between the seats. There's a center console with parking brake and shift lever in the way. The seats are also only a few inches apart. Removing the passenger seat is an option, but so is leaving one of the rear doors open.[/edit] My Tundra died on me at the building center yesterday. So much for 100% dependability. Called the wife for a jump in part because I didn't want to ask the Powerstroke guy next to me for one :rolleyes: but also to ease her into the idea of trading in the Tundra at some point. It was just a dead battery, but she never really liked it anyway; too big and this will have made it less likable. Thanks for your help! For 4'x8' sheet stock you're going to need a roof rack unless you remove the passenger seat and load it at an angle. There's a flat one available with a rear roller bar to assist loading. With a solid bulkhead in place, I'm able to get 6' materials inside (electric heaters, fluorescent lights, etc.) but only at an angle. I think for the dependability question, it's kind of early to get answers from US users since most of us have only had ours for a few months at most... Edited January 3, 2010 by Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PetrosA Posted January 4, 2010 Share Posted January 4, 2010 Nice pic, PetrosA thanks, and thanks for the info! A couple more questions, of course... I'd like to put the TC in my garage, so 7' is the maximum height allowable. If you get a chance to measure, what's the height to the top of your roller racks? Actually, I have a lock-down rack on mine (this photo is from a seller's website - http://www.primedesignracks.com ). If memory serves, roof height is 6'8" so any kind of rack is going to put you over the 7' mark pretty much... There might be some basic cargo bars that would fit, but that would kind of work against your carrying plywood/drywall since they wouldn't have stops on the ends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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