Had a dual vab BT50. Proper PITA. Could only load gear for forecast, always concerned gear would get nicked... got a van and haven't looked back. Always loaded with whole quiver.

I specifically bought a Triton because it has a 700mm electric window between the cab and canopy the 105 Tabou fits all the way thru and I can lock up the canopy. Then if need be on the roof rack another board with lockable straps (can't remember the brand). It was only certain models that had such a large window in the middle I think its the ML series. Would have got a Hilux if they had the same spec .

Stationwagons work great, i can load 2 boards, 4 sails, 2 masts, 1 boom, 1 wing, 1 half attached foil (only mast is not attached) plus luggages and duffle bags, with full visibility (rear window and mirrors) and that is with comfort/handling of a car. I can even add a 8"6 longboard but it reduces visibility. Can take more sails if they are smaller than 4.2.

There are some decent 4x4 stationwagons too, i would suggest subarus if you need off-road capabilities.

Your gear is open to direct sunlight, dirt, creatures and their poo, dings because of no cushioning plus off-road suspensions and small stones while driving, most importantly theft, and its harder to load/unload using pickup trucks.

For top of the car carrying with a board+quiver bag, i found that using only straps directly on the roof gives better performance in terms of traveling speed and noise because no air goes underneath the bag, but straps need to be tight and in correct angle. Roof racks are unnecessary in my opinion.

Yup. Dual cab utes - the most pointless thing ever and only exist due to tradie/work tax breaks.
Clarrie is onto it. More d/cabs should be like that.

Had many utes over the years and have a look at the "space cab" utes. I had 2.5m flat deck that would fit plenty of boards and sails and most of the time just had a tarp so out of site out of mind but then I got a canopy that I could lock. Now in NZ our flat decks were galv steel with wood were as when I went to our Aust branches they were all ali.
After so many years of company vehicles and I did have a double cab ute when my daughter came along and had to look at the tray specs as some were only 1300 mm long and others were 1500 mm long.
Now I have my own vehicle I brought a van, Nissan NV350 with extra foldable seats in the back. Its my work van and multi purpose so nots racked but so handy to throw what ever gear in the back with a couple of tiedowns. Great peace of mind with tinted windows and peace of mind.

JakeNN said..
Thanks guys .. confirms that it's a bad plan to consider the Hilux ..

even if you were considering a double cab you still shouldn't consider a Hilux unless its the old one

New Toyota's FORGET THEM FULLSTOP.

Nothing but trouble & if you like taking trips to & from the dealership on a self destructive, self sabotaging basis & getting no where fast- Avoid at all cost.

Not worth the trouble
& amount of $'s spent on them. Prior to 2005-2010 yep were good.

Hear it frequently & regular complaints,t dealerships of today are only interested in sales targets, FINANCING Terms, getting arses into seats. That's all it's based on the New age of car sales.


The ACCC are regulators of complex situations.

Remember this: Buyer beware.

There are better cars than Toyota.

Do your research. It pays long term.