Your 100's as family vehicles

[Trustey]

Grandma has a hard time getting in due to the lift. The kids won't even mention it though, they love to climb.

Seats 8 but you'll need a roof rack or something for luggage if you try to pack more than 5 on a long trip.

 

[Topoguide]

seriously? I'm 6' 4" though. I find the middle row stifling, even when I have it to myself, let alone with two car seats...

If you were 6'4" and gangly you might be OK... but yeah, your shoulders would prevent sharing with a car seat in the middle for sure

Did you all seat two car seats plus one adult in the second row at any time? Any comments?

Yes. I have had two car seats the entire time I have owned my Crusisers over the past 6 or so years. We put two car seats on the large side of the second row, leaving the small side to fold for access to the rear. Grandma fits just fine in the second row next to Grandkids

Seats 8 but you'll need a roof rack or something for luggage if you try to pack more than 5 on a long trip.

We have done a long trip with 6 and no rack with no problems, but now that we are above that I agree a roof rack is mandatory.

 

[jonharis]

Two "Real" car seats don't leave enough room for an adult in the middle of the second row to travel comfortabily. Two infant seats work fine for anyone but the largest adults and can be installed on the 60% section. My Britax Frontier SITC leaves only room for a dog, small child or super model. Cheapys may provide more room.



For a longer trip for adults it will fit 6 comfortably in a 2/3/1 arrangement. This gives the person in the third row room to stretch. Children/Teens could sit two across in the third row in comfort.

 

[OregonLC]

Leaves only room for a dog, small child or super model.

Those were your three choices for trip mates? Based upon the picture, you chose wisely. Minimal fuss, happy to ride in any seat.

 

[El Cid]

I like to haul two kids and at least one dog around. The overall size means everyone can stretch their legs on a longer trip and it just reduces fatigue.

That I can take my pets with me saves me money in kenneling costs, too.

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/441/editeddogandcruiser.jpg/

 

[re_guderian]

If you were 6'4" and gangly you might be OK... but yeah, your shoulders would prevent sharing with a car seat in the middle for sure ..

No doubt! Doesn't help that wife and kid that drives are also tall, so front seats are always all the way back. You are definitely a pro at maximizing the interior space of a cruiser!

 

[slimbuddha]

Middle row configurations I've had:

2 britax roundabouts and an adult, but it depends on the adult, and likely doable for most short trips.

2 britax roundabouts, 1 parkway (full-back booster). Adult had to do the buckle for the booster, it was hard to reach.

1. britax roundabout, 2 parkways full back booster. Adult buckles booster

1 britax roundabout, 1 parkway, 1 backless booster.

1 britax roundabout, 2 backless boosters

I'm finally down to 2 backless boosters, though, I am down to one here soon.

 

[marcfj60]

We have done a long trip with 6 and no rack with no problems, but now that we are above that I agree a roof rack is mandatory.

If you're doing a trip that's not off-pavement and need to haul extra gear, I recommend something I recently bought at Harbor Freight as an alternative to a roof rack. It slips into the receiver hitch and provides a platform about 5' X 2' to set stuff in/on and strap stuff down to. It makes using the tailgate impossible while stuff is loaded on it but with the upper liftgate on the 100, it has never been an issue for me.

 

[Fitzgerald]

If you're doing a trip that's not off-pavement and need to haul extra gear, I recommend something I recently bought at Harbor Freight as an alternative to a roof rack. It slips into the receiver hitch and provides a platform about 5' X 2' to set stuff in/on and strap stuff down to. It makes using the tailgate impossible while stuff is loaded on it but with the upper liftgate on the 100, it has never been an issue for me.

^ I agree.

I waited and got a HF coupon for the steel one for $39.99 (go with the steel, same weight as the aluminum one and much less assembly / fiddly parts to deal with).

I've even used it a few times off-road to get back to our "base-camp" (light off-road stuff).

 

[VtaTom]

I'll throw in my 2 cents worth.

The 100 series makes a excellent platform as a family vehicle. Primarily because it is a robust and flexible platform. I found out real quick that rear facing seats properly mounted take a lot of space. So the wide arm rest creates a void in the center position that allows a car seat in the center of the second row. The same car seat in the back of a crew cab truck required the passenger seat to be forward and upright. Using a rear facing seat in the center position in the back seat (or 2nd row) of most vehicles forces BOTH front seats forward. With our current setup I can actually recline one front seat and face my son in his rear facing seat. I can fit adults in either side of second row and with the 3rd row accessible from second row passenger side if I wanted to run my 3rd row.

Don't get too hung up on LATCH system. It's only good up to a certain combined weight of seat and child. IIRC it's about 35 lbs. It's to make installation convenient and idiot proof but the center seatbelt locks it in pretty well.

My requirements were to carry my wife, kid(s) and 2 dogs for a multi day trip with or without a tent trailer and to be able to travel off highway. If you travel light in the cabin this works well. I fit a cooler and a food box behind 2nd row, put a mesh baby gate with load straps to keep dogs in back, threw in 2 dog crates with tops zipped open and drove 9 hours in 100 degree weather running AC front and rear towing a light tent trailer at 55-60 mph with overdrive off on hills. I got great mileage like mid- high teens. I had passing power and the seats are very comfortable. My backup choices were all much bigger over all and for the size of a 100 you can't beat the capabilities. I have a small truck with a shell and I think the cruiser has more cargo room.

 

[slimbuddha]

If you're doing a trip that's not off-pavement and need to haul extra gear, I recommend something I recently bought at Harbor Freight as an alternative to a roof rack. It slips into the receiver hitch and provides a platform about 5' X 2' to set stuff in/on and strap stuff down to. It makes using the tailgate impossible while stuff is loaded on it but with the upper liftgate on the 100, it has never been an issue for me.

Marc,
I've got one of these as well, though I think I only used it a few times. Usually when I have used the 3rd row seating for 7-8 passengers, to go up to the mountains for a picnic.

 

[marcfj60]

Marc,
I've got one of these as well, though I think I only used it a few times. Usually when I have used the 3rd row seating for 7-8 passengers, to go up to the mountains for a picnic.

I wish I had bought one of these years ago. We tent camp a lot and I can generally get everything in the cargo area if I take out the 3rd row seats. I only have 2 kids and no dogs so there's still plenty of room in the second row.

But I always had the thing packed to the ceiling and packing/unpacking was very time consuming to make sure I got it all in. Now that I can put a few large, bulky items like the cooler, tent, etc on the rear platform, packing the cargo area got a lot easier and I can actually see out the rear window now. Plus, having the platform on the back really doesn't impact the wind resistance the way that a roof-rack does.

My only caution with this setup is to make sure nothing flammable or meltable is directly behind the tailpipe. My stretchy cargo net got a few melted sections. I think the heavy loads of going into the mountains with the truck full of people and gear caused the exhaust temps to get high enough to melt it.

 

[onpoint01]

I've used this rear storage box made by Stowaway on my Disco. It swings out to allow entry into the gate so I'm hoping that it will swing out far enough that I can drop the gate on the 100. I'll report back once I drag it down from the attic.

 

[onpoint01]

This carrier also makes a great cooler for tailgating with the addition of some thick pink insulation foam.

 

[Brock]

the back seat (2nd row) of the Land Cruiser is very comfortable.....not sure what you guys are talking about. It is the most roomy seat I have been in maybe except a Suburban. Third row was not bad but more about leg room to sit there than anything and lets be honest. It is not meant for someone to sit there and ride for hour upon hour all the time. One person can turn sideways and stretch out on entire seat. Short trips.... they can deal with it or walk.

I bought my vehicle for me...my drivers seat is comfortable. My wifes passenger seat is comfortable. For anyone that might ride in 2nd Row....once or twice a month ...they can deal with it...not really concerned with their comfort over more than a short trip. They can drive themselves if they dont like it.

I sold my 3rd Row seats as I use mine for camping and hunting and they were just in the way.

After owning for many years Jeep Cherokee, riding in parents Suburban and full size Jeep Wagoneer, owning a CJ and YJ jeep....and also a FJ Cruiser and an 1984 FJ 60....the 100 series is the best of all of them for comfort, capability, and versatility. Without question.......

 

[re_guderian]

the back seat (2nd row) of the Land Cruiser is very comfortable.....not sure what you guys are talking about. It is the most roomy seat I have been in maybe except a Suburban. Third row was not bad but more about leg room to sit there than anything and lets be honest...

how tall are you?

 

[patrickfinley]

It's funny to hear people suggesting the LC isn't big enough to be a family vehicle. Granted the LC is one of the smaller vehicles in the American Extra Large SUV category. However, it's still an Extra Large SUV, lets put things into perspective. It is bigger and roomier than most vehicles on the road.

Yes, the LC does have one weakness when it comes to the 2nd row, it doesn't have a ton of legroom compared to the other over sized SUV's . If a tall person is in the front seat and has it all the way back, a tall person behind them will be a bit tight for extended periods of travel.

 

[Sverige]

It's funny to hear people suggesting the LC isn't big enough to be a family vehicle. Granted the LC is one of the smaller vehicles in the American Extra Large SUV category. However, it's still an Extra Large SUV, lets put things into perspective. It is bigger and roomier than most vehicles on the road.

True that.
The LC is freaking huge, I think the debates about "is it big enough for a family" are pretty pointless unless you have a family of 8.

 

[OregonLC]

True that.
The LC is freaking huge, I think the debates about "is it big enough for a family" are pretty pointless unless you have a family of 8.

I've seen a guy with an 80 and a family of 8. He pulled out the center consoled and fabricated a rear-facing car seat adapter. I wouldn't do it, but it works for him.

 

[JETTIX2]

I LOVE our 100, but I wouldn't classify it at "huge" by any stretch for family use, at least not with infant seats. In fact, we find ourselves cramped sometimes. We have a 6 year old and 2 year old, and their 2 car seats do a pretty good job hogging up the second row (both outboard). 3rd row is removed as we never use it and otherwise not enough room for groceries and stroller and 6yr old's backpack and assorted other @&@@&$@ back there etc etc. Second row is not nearly spacious as my parent's Yukon, but wife doesn't want something that large to drive in the winter. 6 year old constantly kicking the setback with her boots, etc.

In the summer, my wife drives an Odyssey, and coming from the 100, it feels enormous inside. Tons and TONS of space in 2nd row, cargo space galore, etc. As much as I love the 100, if I had to take the family any long distance (even ignoring fuel cost), I'd much rather take the van. But it sucks in the snow, so i was able to justify the 100......which she drives in the winter and I plan on playing With all summer long.

To each their own. Last fall when we searched for a vehicle, it was either a $55k Denali or a $30k Oddy + $25k 100 Series. We ended up with the latter, which I think is the best of both worlds solution for us being in a northern climate. ((Awd sienna was out as it caused me back pain)

Cheers!