I currently have a '99 4runner that has become more of my family vehicle than just my weekend camping vehicle. I want to upgrade to something newer/nicer/safer to haul my family, but still have the ability to make my camping trips over moderate trails a couple times a year. The obvious choice for me is to upgrade to a 4th gen 4runner.

When I plan a camping trip in my '99 4runner I usually remove the rear seat bolts and I'm left with approx 6'ft of space to setup an inflatable mattress (I'm a lazy camper, I know). I saw a picture of a 4th gen with the rear seat folded and it generated two big concerns:

- It looks like the rear seat no longer folds flat. It looks more like the whole thing (seat and back) lift up to fold against the front seats in a vertical position (like a gx470)?? Seems like that would cut way down on available length?

- I looked at a 06 GX470 with rear seats that fold up like that, and it didn't look easy at all to remove them for a weekend camping trip. Has anyone removed the seats? How hard is it?

Finally, if someone could measure the length available in the rear (to inflate a mattress lets say) I'd really appreciate it!! Pics would be helpful too.

-Erik

 

I've got an 04 4runner the back seats do fold flat, a twin air mattress fits perfect front to back and in between the wheel wells, I just did it a few weeks ago. I feel the same about a tent.