4Runner Camping Mods
 

I'm wondering who else likes to sleep in their 4Runner when they're out camping. What are some of the mods that you've done to make it a more enjoyable experience? So far, I have built a storage platform for the rear, based on RamRod's thread (Link to his pictures)

Here's a picture of mine, before I stained it
https://i1101.photobucket.com/albums...o.jpg~original

I tried to build magnetic screen coverings for the side and rear windows, but the magnets I bought were not very good. They were too small, and kept sticking to each other, and it was also difficult to sew the trim around the window screens. So I gave up on that project, and was looking at some commercial alternatives such as this one:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/..._.jpg~original
Amazon Link
Anyone use one of these before? I'd like to make one for the rear window, but can't figure out how to deal with the damn rear wiper being in the way..

Anyone install any type of insulation in the rear panels, to make it warmer while you're sleeping in the cold? I'm wondering if this would be a winter-only thing, and if I'd have to remove it in the summer to avoid baking like an oven. Thoughts?

I found a thread on YotaTech where a guy was selling an old '87 4Runner, and in his post he said

The stuff seems pretty thin, and I definitely think it would help cover the window glass and keep the warmth from escaping there. I don't know if it'd be suitable for behind the rear cargo area panels. I don't feel like pulling all the panels and installing the Reflectix in the winter, only to remove it all come spring time.

http://www.airstreampadawan.com/uplo...g.jpg~original

http://www.downbytheriver.us/article...r.jpg~original

You guys do any inverter mods / LED lighting / fans for the rear or anything of that nature?

Update:

Reflectix is best used for situations where you have a lot of radiant heat entering the vehicle (summer-time). You can put it in the window, and it will effectively reflect the heat back out, preventing it from warming up the vehicle.

You can also use it behind paneling, but you have to make sure to leave at least a 1/2" air gap between the exterior wall of your vehicle, and the Reflectix. Otherwise the "R" value is super-low and it doesn't reflect the heat out as well.

If you're mainly camping in cold weather, then you want to insulate, in order the keep the heat in. In order to do this, you'd use a product called PolyIso (van-dwellers are using it inside their vans, non-toxic). This, however, would also keep the heat inside the vehicle longer during hot, summer days. You really have to judge what conditions you're going to be using the vehicle for.

The site also said that if you have an A/C setup in your vehicle (to run while sleeping during the summer), then you CAN insulate using PolyIso, because it will help keep the A/C inside and the heat out. With no A/C, the PolyIso is basically working against you.

As I understand, you can also use a combination of the two, but you'd have to have the outer sheet metal, then the 1/2" air gap, then the Reflectix, then the PolyIso.

Hope this can help someone else, because I had no idea about any of this until I started reading on CheapRVDweller. Pretty cool blog if any of you guys are into that stuff.

I like the removable rear seat bolt mod so as to allow an extra 6-8" of cargo area. They are sold as "Camping rear seat cushion bolts" and would have been awesome when I got stuck sleeping in my 4R in Big Bend last December.


Camping Rear Seat Cushion Wing Bolts $70.00 & 5.95 USPS - $75.95 : Sonoran Steel, Sonoran Steel Custom Metal Fabrication L.L.C. Custom Toyota Truck Parts

That's really a good idea! Might have to weld some of those up.. Steve sure has found an awesome niche with all of his 4Runner products.

Is that price for real?? $20 + shipping for him to drill holes in my plastic? lol

People will pay it. Also, another one of my favorites is the emergency brake cable extension bracket. I had a 1/2" wide piece of scrap, drilled two holes, and bought one more 12mm bolt...voila.

But people will pay it. Like I said, he's got a good niche :juggle:

4Runner Camping Mods
 

for a window screen someone had mentioned using rain gutter screen panels or something that worked perfect. Maybe someone can post a link to that. Search sucks through Tapatalk.

BTW I like the idea of this thread.

1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5/Limited build
 

here is the box i built, the door is magnetic and it hold my two subs and all of my tools and other miscellaneous things.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...ow-screen.html

I have a set that I have used quite a few times. I love them =D.

Painted black w/ spray paint for cool points.

lol also the 75 for 4 bolts you can make from stuff at the hardware store.

No fancy TIG welding though.

Wow those bolts are a great idea. Although I refuse to buy anything from SS mainly because of stuff like this. $75 for maybe $7 in materials? Not to mention they offer drilling 1.5" holes in "just the right spot" for $20 + shipping. That's disgusting. :hiding:

I used the reflective insulation in between my headliner and roof for noise dampening. It has worked pretty well. Not sure how well it is insulating because I don't camp in severe conditions. Most of my camping is beach trips.

Those wing bolts are great! I always just brought along my ratchet to pull the seats out, but that's definitely more convenient :) Might make some for the lexus!

Think about it this way-

There are far more guys out there that can't do stuff now. I bet 1/2 the dudes that say $20 is too much(not on this forum, this forum has a lot of skilled and smart members) will go to HD or Lowes and buy 1 1/2" bit. When they get it home it won't fit in their 3/8" chuck. So they will go back and swap it for something else. Maybe a paddle bit, or a uni bit. They will not layout the holes correctly and the hole will be off. So they will 'waller' it out to fit. It will look like a$$. And they will crack the plastic part after taking it off and putting it back on the 7 times it takes them to fit it up and get the 'waller' part in the right spot.

I would not pay $20 + shipping, but some people will, and a lot more should, lol.