TNMtnLexus

Thanks xxstewart. I had not considered the safety implication of the pedestal in a serious collision. I also own a 4x6' trailer which suffices in place of a pickup truck for most circumstances. However the SUV is needed for hauling items that shouldn't be exposed to moisture, rain, road salt, etc. and aren't easily contained in a roof-top cargo container. Unfortunately, if the GX470 won't haul 66" or longer inside a protected environment then its utility for me fails and just becomes a 4wd minivan for me (and I don't carry > 1 passenger). It looks like I'll be shifting my focus to a Toyota 4runner Limited for the fold flat seats in the cargo area. This is really disappointing as I was anticipating the capability of the GX470 4wd & wanted to keep the satisfying ride & interior comfort like I had with the RX300. :(

I'm shopping for an SUV after previously owning the Lexus RX300. The GX470 (2007) that I test drove didn't have a 2nd row rear seat that folded flat which poses a problem for me. I need to haul some items that are between 5 and 6 feet long (and 20" wide) and flat. I haven't been able to find any 2008 or 2009 GX in my area to see them. Is there a difference in model years that have a flat cargo area with 2nd row folding seats (besides the 2010-2011)? I can't seem to find much discussion on this issue and I don't understand why! I was planning on removing the 3rd row seats but I'm not about to bother removing the 2nd row too! Has anyone built or fabricated a pedestal that creates a raised floor to create a continuous and flat surface for hauling long objects or gear in the cargo area of the GX? I'm at a loss for how this isn't discussed and what people are doing with their GXs? Is everyone just using their SUV as a minivan?