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- - Car Camping in the 5th Gen (https://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/272499-car-camping-5th-gen.html)

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!

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.

Here is mine. Works great.

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.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by unsub1 (Post 3284823)

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 (Post 3284825)

Here is mine. Works great.

Thank man! That drawer system looks great.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starsky (Post 3284841)

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by moshie (Post 3284859)

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.

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.

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starsky (Post 3284841)

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by mscot (Post 3284901)

Check out this: https://www.amazon.com/Car-Sun-Windo...1-1-spons&th=1

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!

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.

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.

Some accessories to consider:

Debbie Meyer Green Bags. Keeps fresh fruit & vegetables fresh for a long time without using a refrigerator. Frees up room in the 12V fridge for other stuff, or just use a smaller fridge in the vehicle.

The Shower Pouch. For a wipe-down instead of a shower. A little expensive, but can come in handy if you don't have enough water for a real shower.

CoreGear USA Misters Personal Pump Mister & Sprayer. Pump the handle a few times to build up pressure. Then press down on the trigger on the handle with your thumb to release a steady spray that can be adjusted from fine to mist. Useful for washing dishes or even to help with showering.

15 Gallon RV Fresh Water Tank. I haven't tried this, but I think it might fit down low in the spare tire space, with some fabrication, if the spare tire is carried on the rear hatch. EPA approved to carry drinking water. The company makes lots of other sizes too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nglayton (Post 3285021)

+1 for a really good sun shade, I have this same one and with the window tint on the sides it's like black out curtains. The Weather Tech one functions really well to deflect the sun and heat and keeps the interior nice and cool and really dark when the sun comes out. The kids always want to sleep in the truck as it's not as bright outside when they are in the tent and want to sleep in while camping.

I have the Weathertech window shades for the windshields of our vehicles but I never considered the entire kit for all windows. If you were to store a vehicle outside for an extended period of time (months) or if you want a true "blackout" experience for car camping, then it's a great option. The windshield shade is a must have in this Texas heat IMHO.

How tall are you guys?? 5'11 person can sleep comfy inside?