[dogbus]

Hi All,

Like many of you reading, members and lurkers alike, I was a SUV owner. Now, like some others, I am a Pacifica owner.

I traded a 2013 4Runner for a gray Touring-L. I've had this van for 2 weeks and have enjoyed it thoroughly.

I purchased the van for ease of access and comfort for my 2 pitbulls. The girl dog has a hip problem and the 3' jump into to SUV was starting to be too much. The low deck in the van is great for her (and me too). I wanted to be able to open the doors to load/unload them without the risk of them getting past me. I can now open either slider, as the dogs are in the Cargo area behind the 2nd row, with the 3rd row folded. I can tilt the 2nd row forward, dogs in, tilt back, and ready to drive or unload. Any shuffling I still need to do with 'stuff', I can still do with the sliders open with both hands free.

Big improvement over the 4Runner.

To any SUV/dog owning lurkers reading; My dogs don't miss the 4Runner.

Best to all,
dogbus

 

[cue003]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the van.

 

[dogbus]

Thanks cue003,

I had been lurking a couple weeks prior to purchase. I was comparing the usual suspects and had test drive seat time in the sienna and odyssey.

In my stumbling around on the youtube, I found an amusing Pacifica video by an autoreviewer 'savagegeese'. Then, I started interneting for Pacifica information in earnest.

This forum has lots of good info for how short a time it has been around. Much of the testimonial here informed my purchase.

Also, a note for the lurkers; This rotary shift dial thing is all good.

Thanks again for the welcome,
dogbus

 

[Gohawks1224]

I too came from an SUV, a 2011 Mazda CX-9 Touring AWD. While I miss owning a Mazda, I do not miss the troubles loading all my four children, three under the age of 6, into the car.

 

[konnerbllb]

Hi All,
To any SUV/dog owning lurkers reading; My dogs don't miss the 4Runner.

Can I ask where or how you are transporting them? I'm haven't let my golden ride in the van yet because I'm concerned she will scratch the vented leather seats and door interior.

 

[dogbus]

Hi konnerbllb,

Golden. Nice, good looking dogs. Many I've met have great expressive faces.

The dogs spend all their time in the very back of the van.
I keep the 2nd row upright, with middle(8th) seat installed. Dogs are in the very back, over the 3rd row folded flat.

Until I get some seat covers, the second row is covered with old sweatshirts except for the headrests, which have old t-shirt arms cut and wrapped over them. The butt part of the seats have a blanket across them.

I am looking for, but haven't found yet, some kind of covering for the hard plastic sides of the interior of the van. Something like the exterior paint protection films. Maybe not as permanent or pretty though. I just want to line the very back area. This may fade in importance over time. Especially after one of the dogs digs their nail into something to help me get over my worrying.

Best,
dogbus

 

[phickson]

We 'sorta' bought our Pacifica for ease of 4 dog loading and unloading. We went to Ikea and picked up a low pile rubber backed rug that almost fits perfectly with all the seats stowed - it's a few inches short in length, width is perfect. The dog hair doesn't stick to it like the OEM carpet.

 

[dogbus]

Hi phickson,

I am also looking at a product by 4knine. It is a cover for the 2nd row to the liftgate.
It covers the back of the seats and some of the sides as well. I think there is also a flip-out lip for over the bumper when the liftgate is open.

This is mentioned on another thread on this forum.

best,
dogbus

 

[Rctini]

I choose the Pacifica Van for my two dogs (standard poodle and husky). Gave up 2015 Toyota Highlander with only 6,800 miles because my 10 year old standard poodle pulled up lame for a couple of days about 6 months ago. The SUV jump was so much higher and not easy to lift a dog in like the Van. Also, Pacifica has more area behind the 2nd row than the 2nd row in the Highlander. I love that Chrysler Vans give you the option of stowing 2nd row captain seats and 3rd row seats. I purchased the 8 passenger Pacifica because it provides a barrier for the dogs when riding behind the 2nd row and I have the option of stowing the 2nd row and removing the 8th passenger seat.

I have always had a Van since 1983 until I gave my last one to my grandaughter (2008 Chrysler Town and County) in 2011. Since than have used various SUVs that allow the seats to be folded. I usually installed a custom cut piece of plywood covered with carpet over the area behind the 1st row seats and attach my own custom built barrier behind the 1st row seats.

Both dogs and I are enjoying our morning and afternoon rides in the Chrysler Pacifica.

 

[MrPerception]

Thanks cue003,

I had been lurking a couple weeks prior to purchase. I was comparing the usual suspects and had test drive seat time in the sienna and odyssey.

In my stumbling around on the youtube, I found an amusing Pacifica video by an autoreviewer 'savagegeese'. Then, I started interneting for Pacifica information in earnest.

This forum has lots of good info for how short a time it has been around. Much of the testimonial here informed my purchase.

Also, a note for the lurkers; This rotary shift dial thing is all good.

Thanks again for the welcome,
dogbus

Savagegeese comes across as a bit of a jerk sometimes but his laid-back and brutally honest take on vehicles is refreshing. I really did enjoy his take on the Pacifica.