Dog Crate?

Ah. A fellow 80lbs GSD owner. I understand now

 

As much as I'd love him to be in the cab, it just won't work lol. This is why a 4Runner has been tempting me.

 

Back seat works fine.

 

Yeah, a Tacoma isn't really a family van - especially with kids and dogs in the mix. When my kids were younger I drove an Outback. My dogs were fine in the hatchback part although it required some serious packing skills for camping trips.

If you stick with a Tacoma, at least consider a topper. Crate will fit just fine but might get a bit warm depending on where you live and time of year. Personally, I think dogs deserve the same treatment as people. My kids are older now so mostly it's just me and my 90lb great Pyrenees and she gets the full back seat. And even then that's not always enough

 

Lots of room for children and dogs in the 4Runner.

 

I took a 2022 4Runner TRDOR for a test drive a couple weeks ago and really enjoyed it. Just not sure I am ready to lose the manual transmission.

 

We have both. 2016 4Runner still in mint condition, and my 2021 Tacoma. The taco is the dog mobile, but if we need room and are traveling, we use the runner.

I’m waiting to see the next gen 4Runner specs.

 

It should be interesting. I am excited to see it but it also makes me wonder if now or 2023 is the time to get a 4Runner. Take advantage of the 4.0L and 5 speed transmission.

 

Wow that’s a man that loves his gear boxes,,,,, more so than the comfort and safety of children and dogs.

sorry, but it’s true

 

Backseat works for us too. I would never put my dog in the bed. Way too dangerous!

https://khqa.com/news/local/100000-...g to American,that often result in amputation.

I have a shell on my truck now and I would still never go anywhere with him in the back. My last truck was totaled when another truck ran a red light and hit me so hard that the shell was destroyed and the bike I had back there was launched out across the highway. I care for my dog entirely too much to put him at that risk. Plus he enjoys spending time near me with his harness keeping him secure.

 

If you like the current platform, do it. We only have 45k miles on the 2016 so there’s no point buying a 2023 runner. Pretty much the same vehicle.

 

Am I missing something? Put the dog in a crate, in the bed, and close the cover?

 

This is where my pup rides
And yes she is belted in

 

Yes. I posted my configuration. Being new to Tacomas, I am finding there are very creative products based on setups. I was hoping to get a product suggestion optimized for my setup. That is all. Please don’t contact PETA, I take excellent care of my dog.

 

I do. These 4Runners live forever. I like the 2022+ as they now come with OEM LED headlights and fog lights standard. Price of gently used ones are so ridiculous that I might as well buy new. I bet the next gen will be nice but nothing like the current.

 

That is a pretty ignorant assertion you have built up. Please elaborate on how I am sacrificing safety or comfort of my occupants by sticking with a manual transmission Tacoma over a 4Runner. Comfort is not part of my considering nor is the transmission the only deciding factor. My dog resides in the topper with a comfy dog bed and bed mat so he does not slide around and a safety latch when needed. Put him in the hatch of a 4Runner and he poses more of a risk to the occupants in the event of a collision or rollover. It is better to be separate from us in that sort of situation in my opinion. My dog is family but my children's safety is paramount.

 

What can I say, she's spoiled.

 

Hope you’re not leaving your dog inside a crate under the tonneau. It borders on animal cruelty. Can’t imagine the temp inside

 

I have a gunner. I have a fan on the side as well for ventilation. Stays in the low 80’s when its 100 out and its impact rated.