4Runner - Camping Setup

[paulndot]

The wheeling is better at the north end of the forest - so good for you guys I guess since it's a bit closer. The campgrounds I've stayed at, Alexander Springs and Clearwater Lake were both excellent. Whether in a camper or in a tent like us - they were top notch. There are endless miles of forest service roads. Most of the driving is not very technical, but there are a few "techy" trails at the north end like I said. If the trip is JUST for wheeling… might not be worth it. The camping & springs - DEFINITELY worth it. Send me a PM to remind me and I'll send you some of the trail maps I have if you end up coming down.

I'm actually heading to Columbus (Ft Benning) in a few weeks. Send me that PM.

Answered your PM...

 

[paulndot]

Doesn't look like the message application allowed me to add a file (maybe I'm just an idiot - it's possible). Anyway - let me know if this works.

 

[jpeaslee]

Doesn't look like the message application allowed me to add a file (maybe I'm just an idiot - it's possible). Anyway - let me know if this works.

Got em. Those look great, a lot more detailed than the ones I've found so far. Thanks again for getting those to me!

How are the bugs down there? Do y'all have no see um and sand gnats?

 

[paulndot]

No-se-ums, gnats, and mosquitoes with FAA tail numbers - yes. Also, if you come down in the summer - be especially careful with ticks. I've come back from camping trips and found them in very undesirable places man.

Glad the maps worked out - as you can see LOADS of trails.

 

[jpeaslee]

No-se-ums, gnats, and mosquitoes with FAA tail numbers - yes. Also, if you come down in the summer - be especially careful with ticks. I've come back from camping trips and found them in very undesirable places man.

Glad the maps worked out - as you can see LOADS of trails.

No-See-Ums are f'in evil. Went scalloping saturday and fishing sunday out of battle creek/perry. My right foot looks like a nightmare case of chicken pox.

I'm afraid to ask, but I'm assuming they're pretty present aside from December-February? I can deal with Mosquitos and gnats, but the damn sand gnats are EVIL!!!

 

[Munf]

Anyone have any good DIY fishing rod racks for the hitch?

 

[Sphonaut]

We went for a 4 day camping trip last week... some 4runner teaser pics.

 

[paulndot]

No-See-Ums are f'in evil. Went scalloping saturday and fishing sunday out of battle creek/perry. My right foot looks like a nightmare case of chicken pox.

I'm afraid to ask, but I'm assuming they're pretty present aside from December-February? I can deal with Mosquitos and gnats, but the damn sand gnats are EVIL!!!

Unfortunately, yes. The season is really OCT - MAR. nothing before or after that is pretty bad. Sand-gnats aren't as bad in the campgrounds, but mosquitoes sure are. Some of the campgrounds have fogger trucks that come around every so often, you'd have to ask. I know the KOA ones do, not sure about the Nat'l Forest camps.

 

[slyangel9]

We went for a 4 day camping trip last week... some 4runner teaser pics.

Could you post some pics of how that is held onto the roof?

 

[Sphonaut]

Sorry no pics but I am using 4 factory cross bars. 2 tie down straps and 1 rope.

 

[alia176]

Man, i remember those days! Two dogs and a family made packing an adventure on every trip. Now, we have a Kamparoo and makes primitive camping more comfy. Enjoyed seeing your pics.

 

[Sphonaut]

Nice setup your little trailer.. something to consider.

 

[Beanzermin]

A couple from Overland Expo

And just a day at the beach

 

[UnderFire]

My 4Runner during my family's last "camping trip", yea it's not really camping when you're at a campground that has full bathrooms with showers, but it still proved that the 4Runner can get 4 adults, a dog and all their stuff there and home, hassle free.

 

[RAD4Runner]

.. I have 2 regrets with that one: not getting it in 4wd;

I loved our 2001 too. Folding seats are great for camping in the back. I actually liked the way it articulated, but it was 2WD.

...kings canyon... What would you recommend?"

Backpacked nearby Franklin Lakes a couple of years ago. Lovely camp by the lake...

I hate packing and unpacking. If I still toted around that much cargo I'd never go camping at all. I'm glad it works for you, but it's literally painful for me to see a camp setup with that much stuff.

Second that. Hence...

When I want to sleep in the truck, I just move all tubs, etc to roof rack. I put them back inside the truck when driving so I don't have unnecessary drag.

For privacy and keeping heat out, I use Reflectix on all glass. (here)

Since, I have a first-gen - no rear doors, to facilitate getting out through the tailgate, I added a switch to control the rear roll-up window from the rear deck (here). No more scrambling over to driver's seat to turn on Ignition just to roll the rear window down. I hope to replace that stupid roll-up window with flip-up ones like those on camper shells and other utilitarian trucks.

 

[Mtn Guy]

Nice setup! Those pictures make me want to camp! Do you crack a window when you sleep in the truck due to condensation?

 

[Kanoe]

Nice setup! Those pictures make me want to camp! Do you crack a window when you sleep in the truck due to condensation?

Yes. More than one to get some air flow. Especially if it is kind of cold at night. Best is to have all 4 down a bit if bugs are not an issue.

 

[TheExplorer]

Wow, some great photos on this thread, places that I will have to visit.

A suggestion if I may about hanging your tarp, run a main line between two trees then drape your tarp over top of it, then tie down your corners. I find it easier to hang this way and I also do not tear the corner grommets out as they will not be bearing any weight. To get the rope high enough in the tree I attach it to a wrench and toss it over a branch then tie off at the base of the tree.

 

[olyltd]

Awesome!

 

[GotAnyAcid?]

My biggest reason for getting a 4runner was being able to sleep fully extended in the back for hunting and camping purposes. Love waking up, starting up the engine and just taking off without leaving the car after a comfortable nights sleep. Perfect camping rig.