[Stuart Pidassle]

I need to pick up some 10 foot 2x6's. Has anyone come up with a good way to carry lumber inside their Seinna? I am thinking about building some sort of rack to keep weight off the center console when carrying long items.

 

[datsa noydb]

Have not tried it in a Gen4, but have done it in Gen2 and Gen 3.

Definitely recommend something to at least pad any consoles that are involved, and be SURE to pad the front edge of the lumber and push it as far forward as possible. While it sounds better to keep it near the rear door for access, if you need to stop quickly, the lumber will likely slide. It's quite possible that the slide will be stopped by something that is rather expensive (radio, windshield, etc.). If the lumber is already AT the radio, the impact will be much more tolerable.

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[Stuart Pidassle]

Have not tried it in a Gen4, but have done it in Gen2 and Gen 3.

Definitely recommend something to at least pad any consoles that are involved, and be SURE to pad the front edge of the lumber and push it as far forward as possible. While it sounds better to keep it near the rear door for access, if you need to stop quickly, the lumber will likely slide. It's quite possible that the slide will be stopped by something that is rather expensive (radio, windshield, etc.). If the lumber is already AT the radio, the impact will be much more tolerable.

.

Thanks, with the foldable center table it was much easier to carry long things. I should have mentioned that I will tie the lumber down to prevent shifting.

 

[pamhar]

Try moving passenger seat forward and tilt to get more space.

Than angle in the lumber and pad everywhere.

Plastic milk/bottle boxes could keep level.

 

[Mikeyee]

I was able to fit some 2x4 10ft pieces recently and they popped over the center console a bit.

 

[20swrt]

I need to pick up some 10 foot 2x6's. Has anyone come up with a good way to carry lumber inside their Seinna? I am thinking about building some sort of rack to keep weight off the center console when carrying long items.

Get a roof rack/cross bar (the Yakima round bars are stronger imo). How many pieces are you buying ?

 

[Stuart Pidassle]

Home Depot runs will be something that happens fairly frequently so I was wondering if anyone came up with a clever idea before trying to solve this on my own. Using the roof rack is definitely on the list of options. I am probably going to build a simple rack from scrap 2x4s that will fit between the first and second row seats. I can post what I come up with if anyone is interested.

 

[pamhar]

Another option if getting a lot of lumber is to rent HD van/truck which is usually less expensive then rental company in general.

 

[Vanfam12345]

I just put a heavy blanket over the front row center console, and some days not even that if I’m in a hurry and it’s only a few boards

 

[BBlack]

I'm a carpenter, and my Sienna is my work vehicle. Roof rack is your best bet. I use the Thule crossbars with two load stops on each, and added pieces of aluminum 90 on the verticals to make them taller.

This might not be desirable, but I also dismantled the plastic shroud underneath the passenger seat - not even sure what it is - in order to allow ten feet of length through trunk and under seat. This is with all rear seats removed. I mostly use the space for my saw's guide rail, but depending on the width and thickness of your boards, you could probably get a couple under there.

 

[Mikeyee]

I'm a carpenter, and my Sienna is my work vehicle. Roof rack is your best bet. I use the Thule crossbars with two load stops on each, and added pieces of aluminum 90 on the verticals to make them taller.

This might not be desirable, but I also dismantled the plastic shroud underneath the passenger seat - not even sure what it is - in order to allow ten feet of length through trunk and under seat. This is with all rear seats removed. I mostly use the space for my saw's guide rail, but depending on the width and thickness of your boards, you could probably get a couple under there.

Could you post some pics of your setup??

 

[Dimitrij]

I am with @20swrt and others who recomended roof rack. Mine came with the roof rack, so this wouldn't even be a question. The problem with Gen 4 is that the 2nd row is going to be in your way, as the backs won't tilt forward or backward enough to make space.

 

[mtdelvecchio]

I have a Gen 2. For lumber over 8 ft I just put down the console and stack the lumber up to the side with plenty of padding. Obviously only works for a few pieces, but is quick and easy, do not even have to remove the seats.

 

[williamdrescherf]

Could you post some pics of your setup??

I also sure would like to see pictures of your setup.

 

[BBlack]

Yes, will get some pics today!

 

[MTAtech]

I need to pick up some 10 foot 2x6's. Has anyone come up with a good way to carry lumber inside their Sienna? I am thinking about building some sort of rack to keep weight off the center console when carrying long items.

Lumber was easier to haul in my old 2004 Sienna Limited than it is in my latest, a 2016 Sienna Limited. In the old one, the middle seats could be folded flat. In the new one, the more luxurious seats only bend to about 45 degrees, making it impossible to put sheetrock and flat lumber inside.

 

[woodchucklub]

Lumber was easier to haul in my old 2004 Sienna Limited than it is in my latest, a 2016 Sienna Limited. In the old one, the middle seats could be folded flat. In the new one, the more luxurious seats only bend to about 45 degrees, making it impossible to put sheetrock and flat lumber inside.

It is a hassle, but cannot those seats be removed? I have removed my 2013 and 2020 before and the room is overwhelming!

 

[BBlack]

Okay, two days.

These give you some idea. Usually packed to the brim with tools, but I'm on a job and everything's there right now.

The load stops connect to Thule's square bars, not pictured. Two on each to pinch the material, along with a ratchet strap.

No, it doesn't slide out with that handle. Yes, it makes a great camping vehicle, too!

 

[MTAtech]

It is a hassle, but cannot those seats be removed? I have removed my 2013 and 2020 before and the room is overwhelming!

I think so, but a real hassle.

 

[Stuart Pidassle]

I finally got around to making the rack to carry long boards. It is not at the level of @BBlack's setup, but seems to work pretty well for home owner duty.

Key measurements/considerations - 12" cross members for a total of 15" wide, 22" top bar height to clear the center console. I would potentially reduce the width, but like the fact that the front seats lock everything in. Padding towards the 2nd row I added some hook eyes to be able to use bunji cords to tie down the cargo. I also secured the boards using the cleats for the 3rd row seats.