05-07-2019, 07:43 PM
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#1
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Member
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Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Pittsboro, NC
Posts: 186
Real Name: Josh
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Member
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Pittsboro, NC
Posts: 186
Real Name: Josh
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Car Camping in the 5th Gen
So I have been sleeping out of the back of my 4Runner ever since I bought it. Just curious on everyone's camp setup who sleep in their 4Runner...LOTS OF PICTURES PLEASE!
Looking for:
1. What do you bring?
2. How do you stay cool in the summer in the car?
3. Do you have an awning?
4. Fire rings?
5. What does your 4Runner look like inside?
6. Any other awesome accessories?
Thanks y'all!
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05-07-2019, 07:58 PM
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#2
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Member
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Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 379
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Member
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 379
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1. ARB 50qt fridge, Paco Pad and sheets, pillow, blanket, D-battery fan, Goal Zero Yeti 150, USB latern, portable burner with coffee and frying pan, camp chairs, table, and mountain bikes!
2. Not very easy in the South or Southwest in the summer. This is where I move to the RTT (unless I'm camping in Pisgah)
3. Yes. ARB 2500 with room attachment (as-needed)
4. I have a SoloStove for certain areas in Texas in the winter but usually just build a fire
5. A big mess (see photo)
6. C4 bumper next week and going dual battery this summer.
Last edited by unsub1; 05-07-2019 at 08:08 PM.
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05-07-2019, 07:58 PM
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#3
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Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Big Blue Marble
Posts: 477
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Big Blue Marble
Posts: 477
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Here is mine. Works great.
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05-07-2019, 08:19 PM
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#4
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Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Earthling
Posts: 81
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Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Earthling
Posts: 81
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I've only just tried camping inside my new truck, so I don't have a lot to share (i.e. no pictures); but from my past experiences, I use this rechargeable fan for creating some airflow at bedtime, and I will usually open the windows and cover them with a towel in the door to allow more circulation and moisture relief (the towel is to keep the bugs out). I think I will try to find a way to make, or buy, a magnetic screen for the rear window. That would be excellent for helping to stay cool in the summer.
I also use this great, cheap rechargeable lantern for lighting, and I carry a outdoor propane fire ring for warmth that uses the same propane tank the stove does. I find it takes less room than carrying wood, and doesn't have the same issues with sparks and embers [and smoke] in high fire risk areas. (I've also gotten tired of always smelling like a campfire when I camp.)
From my first trip, I think I will forego buying an awning in favor of a popup since it is more flexible for me in the outdoors. When possible I can always use my tarp and rope to build an awning by tying it between my truck and available trees. (or even tie it between the truck and the popup for extra space.) I still want to see if I can make an awning with just my tarp, rope and fiberglass offload whips - I think it's possible. For now, my large SUV tent can fill the role of the popup/awning.
And as far as awesome accessories, I think the Road Shower looks like a must-have for me. A lot of the camp sites where I like to go have bathrooms, but no showers, and this toy looks luxurious compared to my old solar shower bag. And for safety and recreation, I carry this gun safe, (loaded of course.)
Last edited by Starsky; 05-07-2019 at 08:49 PM.
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05-07-2019, 08:50 PM
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#5
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Member
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Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Pittsboro, NC
Posts: 186
Real Name: Josh
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Member
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Pittsboro, NC
Posts: 186
Real Name: Josh
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Quote:
Originally Posted by unsub1
1. ARB 50qt fridge, Paco Pad and sheets, pillow, blanket, D-battery fan, Goal Zero Yeti 150, USB latern, portable burner with coffee and frying pan, camp chairs, table, and mountain bikes!
2. Not very easy in the South or Southwest in the summer. This is where I move to the RTT (unless I'm camping in Pisgah)
3. Yes. ARB 2500 with room attachment (as-needed)
4. I have a SoloStove for certain areas in Texas in the winter but usually just build a fire
5. A big mess (see photo)
6. C4 bumper next week and going dual battery this summer.
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Love all the things you have! Mine is a huge mess..are you going with the dual hinge rear bumper? NEED TO SEE!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Khjphoto
Here is mine. Works great.
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Thank man! That drawer system looks great.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Starsky
I've only just tried camping inside my new truck, so I don't have a lot to share (i.e. no pictures); but from my past experiences, I use this rechargeable fan for creating some airflow at bedtime, and I will usually open the windows and cover them with a towel in the door to allow more circulation and moisture relief (the towel is to keep the bugs out). I think I will try to find a way to make, or buy, a magnetic screen for the rear window. That would be excellent for helping to stay cool in the summer. I had something similar in my old VW van with snaps that covered the rear hatch.
I also use this great, cheap rechargeable lantern for lighting, and I carry a outdoor propane fire ring for warmth that uses the same propane tank the stove does. I find it takes less room than carrying wood, and doesn't have the same issues with sparks and embers [and smoke] in high fire risk areas. (I've also gotten tired of always smelling like a campfire when I camp.)
From my first trip, I think I will forego buying an awning in favor of a popup since it is more flexible for me in the outdoors. When possible I can always use my tarp and rope to build an awning by tying it between my truck and available trees. (or even tie it between the truck and the popup for extra space.) I still want to see if I can make an awning with just my tarp, rope and fiberglass offload whips - I think it's possible. For now, my large SUV tent can fill the role of the popup/awning.
And as far as awesome accessories, I think the Road Shower looks like a must-have for me. A lot of the camp sites where I like to go have bathrooms, but no showers, and this toy looks luxurious compared to my old solar shower bag. |
I have seen the road shower, really want that as well. I'm thinking of doing a DIY option though. I love that I'm not the only crazy one who sleeps out of my vehicle.
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05-07-2019, 09:03 PM
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#6
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Member
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Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 379
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Member
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 379
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moshie
Love all the things you have! Mine is a huge mess..are you going with the dual hinge rear bumper? NEED TO SEE!
I have seen the road shower, really want that as well. I'm thinking of doing a DIY option though. I love that I'm not the only crazy one who sleeps out of my vehicle.
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Yeah, when bike racing and checking out ranches around Texas, sleeping in the truck is perfect. I'm actually doing a single-swing bumper with the camp table and an accessory receiver so that my bike rack will swing out too. And I also have the 7 gallon RoadShower on my list down the road sometime. Was wondering about mounting it sideways behind my RTT.
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05-07-2019, 09:15 PM
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#7
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Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 623
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Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 623
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I have been sleeping inside of mine since new as well, albeit only solo so far. I have been removing the rear seat bottoms and using closed cell foam in the cargo area to level it out with the seat backs. I use a sleeping pad and a sleeping bag like pictured above. I have the fridge/freezer to the drivers side, I'll be installing the Goose-Gear sleeping platform soon so that will solve the leveling issues and provide a proper mounting system for the fridge on a slide. I haven't used an awning on the 4Runner so far and oddly enough I haven't missed it.
I use a skottle for cooking most days, but sometimes I bring the old Coleman stove along instead and I always carry a Solo Stove as a backup. I have screens cut out for the rear windows to get a cross-breeze in the hotter months, I use magnets to keep them on but I might remake them larger and simply fold them over the door frame instead. I added the rear lift gate interior release button a few months back and it's been a game changer for getting in and out more easily.
I would like to add a C4 rear bumper with the single swing out but I wonder how long I'll keep the 4Runner in order to justify it and if I'll be able to use my motorcycle hitch carrier with the spare tire in the way.
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04-21-2020, 06:28 PM
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#8
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Junior Member
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Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 27
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Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 27
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I can say that the O2 cool fan in the earlier post is awesome. I used it out in the Badlands last summer and the batteries never died on me over a week.
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06-05-2020, 01:06 PM
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#9
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Join Date: May 2020
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 314
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Join Date: May 2020
Location: Vancouver, BC
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Just curious for some of you that stated it... why do you sleep head towards the rear hatch? I've always just naturally thought of putting feet that way
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06-05-2020, 09:31 PM
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#10
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 194
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 194
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I bought a cot from walmart for $40. The kind with 3 hooped legs. The legs closest to the front can be partially folded to rest on top of the flipped up seat. I can store gear, snowboards etc under it. I'm 6' and sleep fine. This setup works great for 1 person but for 2 I would use a dedicated platform and get a roof box for storage.
Screens for the windows are a necessity for me for summer. They are cheap and easy. The cot allows air to flow underneath so I can stay a bit cooler.
Winter nights are fine too, more protective against wind than any tent you will find. Coldest night I've had in it was -22F ambient temp in northern VT. I had trouble finding a public restroom because septic systems were freezing 6' below ground. I did not run the truck at all overnight.
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2010 SR5, Dobinsons 300 & 505 springs, Bilstein 5100 front/rear, LED interior, Metaltech sliders, LFD crossbars, '10-'13 Trail Wheels, Toyo AT3 255/80/17
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06-06-2020, 07:36 PM
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#11
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Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 726
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Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 726
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Car Camping in the 5th Gen
Quote:
Originally Posted by kaitlyn2004
Just curious for some of you that stated it... why do you sleep head towards the rear hatch? I've always just naturally thought of putting feet that way
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I guess it depends on how tall you are. The reason I sleep with my head toward cargo door is because i would rather my feet hang off the mattress than my head. I have the 40% split removed and lay a 72" mattress on the drivers side. I’m 6’1” tall so it’s not perfect but fits in the space pretty well. My feet hang off, but i don’t really care. It’s comfortable. By removing the 40% seat bottom, I'm able to hide my air compressor, recovery gear and tool roll with seat laid down. With it up, it makes it so easy and safe for my dog to jump in and out. I have to keep the 60% bottom so my dog can sit/lay in the back seat.
I have the cargo tray so my floor is completely flat. I put my cooler/hopefully fridge soon on the passenger side. That leaves plenty of space for my dog. I put the rest of my gear/clothes in the front seats. Its a pretty basic and simple set up. My goal was to keep things simple on a daily basis and allow me to bug out if necessary especially in our new normal and civil unrest.
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Last edited by DallasTRDPro; 06-06-2020 at 08:10 PM.
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05-07-2019, 09:54 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,258
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Colorado
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Starsky
and I will usually open the windows and cover them with a towel in the door to allow more circulation and moisture relief (the towel is to keep the bugs out). I think I will try to find a way to make, or buy, a magnetic screen for the rear window. That would be excellent for helping to stay cool in the summer. |
Check out this: https://www.amazon.com/Car-Sun-Windo...1-1-spons&th=1
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05-07-2019, 10:50 PM
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#13
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Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Earthling
Posts: 81
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Earthling
Posts: 81
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mscot
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That's not quite the idea. I want to be able to leave the window down and cover it. I basically just shut the door on a towel with the window open to cover the opening. Thanks!
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05-08-2019, 03:37 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Oregon
Age: 60
Posts: 1,559
Real Name: Neal
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Oregon
Age: 60
Posts: 1,559
Real Name: Neal
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Weathertech custom fit window shades. Not cheap, but they work great.
Small USB fan, not the one in the box you see in the pics that thing was WAY TOO big, had to down size. I also did the brown plastic vents from Lowes pictured above in someone else's post, but I painted mine black.
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05-08-2019, 11:46 AM
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#15
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Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 121
Real Name: Insta: cadeandmollyadventures
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 121
Real Name: Insta: cadeandmollyadventures
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My quick and dirty build:
4Runner Camper Conversion | Cade & Molly
Need to update this since I put the setup into my 5th gen but didn't take too much tweaking.
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