Some good news to share with my BWE family here.
 

On Monday, I will be picking up my new 2017 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium in Nautical blue color.

I will have the minimum four requirements for traveling to Baja, or other off-road destinations.

4X4 drive,
Roof rack for roof carrier container,
Rear backup camera; to see my kayak that will be sticking out from the cargo area. No more kayak on the roof.
Tow package.

Lots of other bells and whistles that are not needed for Baja, but are nice to have.

Added to new gear is Spot Gen3 Satellite GPS messenger unit (on sale from Cabela's at 1/2 price),
Additional tow cable,
Hi-lift jack,
12V jack and impact wrench kit,
Harbor Freight truck bed extender to support the kayak with addition of rear lights.

And I am getting ready for Baja.
Not bragging, just sharing my good news with the family here.

How are you going to haul the yak? With the lift gate open? Doesn't exhaust fumes go into the truck? I must be missing something

I put my 14 in the back of my wife 4Runner it fits awesome only sticks out a tab and haven't had any issues with exhaust coming back in just crack the front windows and it's like a wind tunnel

Good question. Thanks.

I plan to build a platform over the kayak for cargo. Also areas on both sides of kayak should have room for some stuff. Roof carrier is another place for light stuff, like sleeping bag, etc.

Then the plan is to build a removable "wall" inside of rear lift door if you will.
That way only the kayak will be sticking out. The wall will be cut out to the silhouette of the kayak.

The wall will provide security and keep the fumes out.
The backup camera will eliminate the need to see from the back window, however with the lift door strapped to the kayak, I wonder how the camera angle will be. How will it affect the view?

Lots of experimentations to get it right.

With my Sentri card, towing a kayak trailer is out of question. Unless the rules change.


As you can tell by the posting of this reply, it is late, yet I am too excited to go to sleep!

Lots to think about. Once done, I will post pictures of the progress.

I got woken up last night by the sound of helicopters looking for someone.
After that I could not go back to sleep, so I was reading the fine print in my contract with the dealer.

In it I read that I need their written permission to take the SUV outside of US or Canada! I guess that means Mexico. Technically as long as I owe them payments, they own the SUV.

The first think that I told the salesman and the sales manager, was that "I am looking for a 4Runner to take to Baja for fishing", and that had to have; A, B, C, etc.

I will have to talk to them on Monday when I go to pickup the SUV. I need to notify the CBP as to the vehicle change on my Sentri Pass.

Well, that takes care of the transportation problem.

Now you can start working up a plan to take care of the rooster problem!

Not that it's any of my business, but I'm not crazy about the idea of you driving down to Baja and back with the kayak inside your truck. If you get an aftermarket roof rack you can potentially run a cargo pod and the kayak side by side on the roof. An alternative is longer load bars or a skinny cargo pod + j-racks on the factory load bars.

You're starting to gravitate towards overland expedition style of thinking and if that's the case you should really check out the Expedition Portal forums. Lots of parallel thinking going on over there.

Are you familiar with the Tiger Moth Trailer? https://taxaoutdoors.com/ultra-light...amper-trailer/

https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gear...es-700x417.jpg

If I was adventuring solo, or with just my wife, I'd probably invest in one. Load bars on the roof to accommodate a kayak or two as well. I'm just remembering no trailers for the SENTRI lane?

Congrats on your new rig!

That's a sweet rig. Congrats, man!

That makes a lot more sense, I remember the exhaust fumes were bad when i tried that once. Cracking the front window helps but I wouldnt want to do that on a long Baja trek. Sounds like a nice setup

Lift gate open and strapped? I would double check local laws especially concerning the third brake light. Premature wear and tear on the lift gate shocks, strapped is not locked after all. Annoying door open light always illuminated would bug me to death. Rear camera is a good idea but, knock on wood, if you get pulled over I would assume an LEO would want full visual of the cabin. Not to rain on your parade but I would hate to hear you get busted for it.

Congrats on the new ride though. I'd get one in a heartbeat but our 3rd gen 4Runner keeps on ticking.

Thank you for all the comments about my plans. It helps me through the road that I have not traveled yet and your experience is needed and welcomed.

Trailer of any kind is out of question due to the use of Sentri card.
Putting the kayak on my existing 4Runner has been a pain, even with the lighter than XFactor, Outback.
My roof rack has been bent and there is paint chipped that I had to touchup before rust set in.
The new 4Runner looks even taller, and it will be harder to get my kayak on. I am getting on in years, and not as fit as I used to be. This whole project started as a challenge to resolve various issues with me enjoying the Baja trips and not having to work so hard for a chance to get fish.

I think I can build a plywood wall, so the fumes would not get in, and it would provide safety for the cargo. It will also be so that I can load and unload the gear.
There is 120V outlet in the cargo area. A long fan maybe a useful item to blow the exhaust away.

Dome light can be turned off.

As to the rooster, “I make the owner an offer he can’t refuse”. A howling coyote sound track.

There will be 2” pipe insulation with the thickest wall available under the lift gate, and gate strapped in. Will shall see.

The extender will have LED lights at left and right side of the “T” to duplicate the vehicle lights.

None of the matters if dealer does not issue a written permission letter, allowing me to take the vehicle to Mexico as long as I have payments to make. I will resolve that on Monday.

Got to go now, but keep comments and suggestions coming.

Thanks.

I'll be eager to see your build; I'm sure it'll work well for you. One more go round since I just can't help myself... have you considered investing in a Thule Hullavator?

As for the "Rooster" there is are a couple easy fixes. I use a Rooster Collar to bring down the volume by at least 75% enough where my neighbors don't notice. (It's basically a 1"-1 1/4" wide velcro from home depot that you trim to neck size). or like me you could always bring earplugs on any trips that involve a bunch of guys snoring!

Not an issue to get "permission" to take your truck into Mexico. I remember sending/receiving a fax in the past. Might be as simple as an email that you print out now. Nothing to worry about. Very easy process.

Just curious if you considered a Toyota Tacoma and if so why u went with a 4Runner.

Good for you, Baja bound

That is GREAT news Arkadash. If anyone can figure it out it is you. Tight Lines and we will see you soon amigo.

Baja
 

Do you go ? Often enough to makos place ,about buying a used kayak and
Park it at makobobs place .
He wouldn't mind will he?

It is neighbors rooster, and I cannot touch it. As to ear plugs, it is a good idea and I have used it before. I sleep in my tent away from the guys, to be far from their snoring, and my snoring to bother them.

Thanks for the tip though.

Thanks, there is always a way. I could get a credit from B of A as I originally intended, but it did not happen.

Then pay Toyota financial. Not sure if B of A has the same requirement.

No I did not. Isn't Tacoma a truck line?

I have a 4Runner and like it very much. If it had 4X4, I would have fixed it when needed and not worry about ding and dents, etc.

I am considering it seriously.

Thanks for the tip.

Thank you Bob and Robert.

He is a very gracious host. He has some kayaks left by others and running out of room.

I got two kayaks, but one is on sale. An XFactor which is too heavy.

Thanks everyone for your tips and suggestions.

Keep them coming, if you have new ones.

Yes but they are equally capable vehicals and many who looks at one will consider the other. I went with the Tacoma for the very useful truck bed.

With how he rolls the 4runner will work very well for Hashem, it fits his travel needs. As to the Rooster there will always be a few around. However Arkadash it is less noisy infront of the garage, if you moved your camp/tent to where Rossman was there would be less noise and you would be closer to the rest of us, and have a much nicer VIEW. Your new Blue vechicle will be Great for Baja, congratulations again.

x2

Good advice, the roof is always nice as well as long as you plan to get up around sunrise.

Congratulation Mahi, solid purchase!

I do suggest, just for fun you should plan a trip with the mind set, what is the least amount of stuff u can take to have a good time. It actually can be quite fun and make these trips low maintenance. The less stuff I bring is always way easier.

I really, REALLLLLLLLY wanted to make a crass comment here....

An inflatable hobie kayak would solve many problems!

The inflatables are still 70+pounds.

Sure, but they would fit inside the back of a 4Runner and can be taken on the Catalina express.

DONT WORRY ABOUT THE DUST.:cool::auto::eek:

WHAT you mean there is dust in my beloved BAJA? I thought it was only beach sand. Mahigeer, did you get it, please tell!!!!!

Picked up the 4Runner today. Manager told me that it should not be a problem going to Mexico as long as I get Mexican insurance. I get it anyways, so that’s that. Only thing is, was he just trying to get me off his back, or was he correct.

Now some new issues: Even if I wanted, I could not load the kayak from the rear. It is due to a body part that sticks out and a shark fin looking thing. It is the antenna and it is in the middle of roof at the rear.

That leaves the cargo space or the use of Thule Hullavator Pro. Thanks Dave.

The lift is rated at 75 lbs. and I think Outback is over 80 lbs. Other issue is the instruction says “not to use factory installed roof rack”. I need to investigate more. This morning I was on hold for estimated (10) minutes on
Thule’s line with a worst wait music I have ever heard. I could not wait (and stand the music). So I hung up.

Cargo storage can lead to salt water and sand and dust to get inside of the vehicle. There are ways around that, but I am trying to make it safe and easier than before.

Locally I can use a trailer. For Baja trailer will work too. I can use the trailer the whole time I am in Baja, and passing into Mexico is not a problem. Only issue is crossing back to US. If I don’t use the Sentri Lane there is no problem there either except the wait.

For now priority is selling the green 4runner.

As to why not Tacoma, I have a Dodge van for work and prefer to have my cargo covered and inside. Never considered a pickup truck for purchase.

Please keep your tips and questions coming. It is very helpful.

P.S. The Hi-lift jack arrived today. It is a monster. It looks like it can lift a tank!!
I think it is missing parts and has a bent pin. No box, no instructions except some taped on the handle. Need to talk to the seller.


Winning the inflatable Mirage Drive will change the game. Perhaps a purchase is in order, if not won.

Picture coming soon.

Are you a REI member? If so (it's cheap if not) you can purchase the Hullavator from REI, get the 10% dividend at the end of the year, and return it if it doesn't work out for you. Those guys and gals over there are pretty well versed in those products as well, so they might be able to answer your questions. I wonder if the Hullavator requires square bars? It's the only thing I can think of.

I am indeed for many years. They were next to 110 Freeway on Torrance Blvd when I joined them.

Expensive, but quality and great warranty.
My 20% card was just expired recently.

I got a bid on EBay for $430.00 plus $88.00 for shipping which ends tomorrow.
So far I am winner. The box looks old, but the item suppose to be new.

99.3% rated seller.

I think I just got taken by CBP for $42.00.

I opened the application to add my new 4Runner. I put in the new information, then it asked me for $42.00 non-refundable application fee?

So I paid. Then it reads that my application is under review and that I should check the site for an interview date!


I had paid only $25.00 for the initial application fee, now it is $42.00 to change the vehicle information?

What a rip-off.

I got to send them an Email, but I probably will not see the $42.00 back.

Once you get plates for your new 4Runner you will have to take it in for examination. They use to put a sticker on the windshield. They stop doing that a few years back, but I believe you still have to take the car in.

Yep - they stopped rfid scanning vehicles a few years ago, but they still want to inspect every vehicle to make sure you have front plates installed etc...


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