ADV 4Runner camp set up....

[Colemanfu]

* This is a thread about camping in my truck. I'll update it as I make changes and post up camp pix.

I live out of the rig for a few weeks out of the year when out adventure traveling. We use it as a base camp. This pix is from Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge. Nice spot on the creek but have parked at much more primative spots. With and without the KTM this 04 Runner works great.

I use couch cushens for the bed. They sit up kind of high but make for a very plush nights sleep. A good bed is important on the road.

I also yanked the back seat and run it as a flatbed 24/7. Full stretch out to sleep for this 6footer. It gives much more room behind the front seats with the back flat, you even have room under the floded down part for storage. I keep the HI-Lift jack and recovery gear back there. Low C.O.G. as well.

I made the table to fit in the reciever hitch on the back of the hauler and is designed to allow you to open and shut the back gate. It is the perfect level for sittin out back and the hauler is a nice foot rest. Was origionaly built for the NASCAR infield parties. Stores under the bed when traveling down the trail. The all weather rug is a nice touch.

Eveything packs up nice and tight for some long haul trucking. The all weather rug sits on the ramp, gas can on the haluer, table under the bed. I keep all my cooking gear in one box along with the mini grill.

I added lights to the side and one in the back. Nice to light up camp when you need to.

When you have a co-driver you can sleep in the back when going down the road or rest some and mess with the laptop.

Overall it's been a great adventure rig! Hope this gives you some ideas and gets ya out and about.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Very cool! Lived in daytona for ever, miss the "hit the deck" time:lmao: You've got a very cool setup.

Was the riding good?
:cheers:

 

[4x4v8]

Nice setup!

 

[loner]

Lots of good ideas there. I had to bookmark this thread.

 

[Colemanfu]

update:

On the road for work and have some time to kill so figured I would update this old thread on camping out of my rig.

I just got back from a 1500 mile, 9 day trip from central FL up to TN and back.

I have made 2 big changes to the set up:
1. A REI 3in self inflating camp pad. Very comfy and adjustable from firm to soft. Slept as good as I do in the bed at home. It also take up less room in the back than the old cushions. I can sit up in the back section and not hit my head - nice feature. I obviously cover it up with some sheets.

I try to keep most the gear up front when I am sleeping in the back. I use the space behind the drivers seat as my "night stand".

2. New 2012 KTM 500 exc. Big upgrade from my old LC4. This is a race ready modern street leagl dirt bike. MX, single track, fire roads what ever. Only thing holding it back is the rider ha.

I lived out of the Runner and never stayed at the same place for more than 2 nights. I met some dirt bike buds up in TN for 2 days of single track.
Here is a pix outside the gate of Carter Mt 15 miles south of Winchester TN http://www.cmrariders.com/Site/Welcome.html - a 9 hr drive from Daytona Beach. Here is how it looks all loaded up. Tight package. I run the HD OME springs with air bags to stop any sag. Loaded with gear and bike it still has an attractive stance. I put the rugs and gas can on the ramp for the Versa Hauler. I run the little table going down the road and store the larger top under the camp bed and swap em out when I set up camp. The rest of the gear is inside as well.

I stayed on the top of the Mt by the trails for 2 nights. You'll notice that every camp is set up the same. Everything has it's place to avoid the searching moments. Rugs go in the same place (one in the back of the table and one on the side and back of the rig so I can get in with clean feet), cooler and gear box in the same spots as well. Kind of boring but using the KISS theory.

No running water or power up here - you can see the jugs for showering by the cooler. Mmmm burgers. I cook on the little grill at night and make enuff for lunch the next day. Placed on the mini table to make it level and so I can move it around if needed. I dump the coals in the fire pit when finished to help start the evening fire.

Camp 2 - Circle E Ranch and Guest House. http://www.circleeguestranch.com/ We have power! I make java every morning and this lets me just plug in. No inverter need but I have a big one that goes directly on the battery. Had water as well as a bathhouse, but I just showered next to the truck again cause I was the only one there. This place is set up for folks with horses. Fancy stalls and over 120 miles of trial leading out of camp.

 

[BucknutBob]

Looks like a whole lot of fun, Colemanfu! I intend to do similarly with my rig, although I use a traditional dome tent for my sleeping quarters. My primary goal with my rig is backcountry exploring/camping/photography--and if I need to crawl over a few boulders to get there, so be it!

 

[Colemanfu]

Thanks BNB - I have a big cabin type tent that is used when Mrs. Manfu is along. Bet you see some bikes up your way in the summer, the big ralley is about a month away.

Back to the ADV. Circle E was nice and I had the place to myself. I use some old sun shade stuff to cover the windows. From this direction you can't see the bike or camper who showers next to the truck ha. I saw the best stars of the trip at this spot. Nice and clear and stars started low in the sky right above the trees. Only there for about 12 hours/one night so got the $10 deal. I did spend another 10 at thier pub.

In the morning I met the guys at thier depressing motel and we drove 45 min to ride the Sequachie Valley for a day of duel sport stuff - creek beds, more hill climbs and some serous jeep trails. Fantastic ride and much different than the first 2 days of single track but I was beat after 3 days of hard core action. I was due for an off day. I used the GPS to find a nice camp in the direction I was going next - north GA. I found Shellmound Camp in Jasper TN on the Nickajack Lake only 30 min away from our unloading spot in the valley. http://www.tennesseelakeinfo.com/nickajacklake/shellmound.shtml Perhaps the best site fo the trip. No deal - had to pay full price $17 but no electric or water. I washed the bike from the community hose. Spot #41 was right on the water, good spot, super nice folks and real slow pace. I was going to be ther just one night but only had a 3 hr trip the following day so wanted a place that was relaxed - and I got it.

I guess the only down side was the unlevel nature of the spot. I had to get out the Hi-Lift to level out my bed. I can take my feet a little lower than my head but side to side must be spot on for a good night in the rig.

After camp was set I hit the clean bath house for my first real shower in a few days. Cooked dinner and enjoyed some camping fellowship. Should have skipped cooking cause everyone offered me food? Perhaps I was looking a little road weary.
Here was my morning view out of the back of the truck. Lake Nickajack was directly down the little hill. Nice spot to sit and chill. There was a coal train that would come by on the opposite side. You could see all the cars start to finish - one had 114.

Another great sleep under the stars. A little cooler temps and no bugs. I took my time in the morning and took off around 1:00 after lunch with the folks camping next to me. Perfect off day camp. I used the free time to clean up the rig. It was due for a cleaning after 3 days of neglect. I packed up and drove a few hours down to Rome GA to Highland Park Resort a moto and atv off road park. http://highlandparkresort.com/

HPR was the least dynamic camp site of the bunch. I did have power but no water and the view was just OK. The dry weather and pines reminded me of northern CA. I was only here for 2 nights.

Check out the low tech leveling system. Nice to have electric for morning coffee, charge the phone, and Sirius Sat raido.

The bath house was nasty - I went in there once. I found a bathroom up near the office for my moring meetings but other than that it was out in nature. I used my jugs of water to shower for those 2 nights - I would fill em up at the hose by the office each night.

The trails made up for the bath house. I had 2 fun days of exploring. The trails close down at 5:30 and I had plenty of time to pack up after the 2nd day and move 1.5 hours north to Ellijay GA and a camp on Talona Creek. Yep same set up. http://talonacreekcampground.com/ Another real nice camp and right on the creek! Steaks for dinner as well mmmmmmm.

The view out of the back of the truck was stunning! It was also my coolest night of the trip 58'. Nice to get out of the FL heat.

Then it was down to the big city ATL for a day or so and back to the beach. Thanks for taging along! CMF

 

[radlynx]

Nice adventure! thanks for sharing.

 

[shootmymime]

YES! i need to get mine out!!!!


that's my plan next summer! all i need a riding buddy to take a trip with somewhere around Missouri i/ Kansas. maybe even southern Utah if i want to go to the place out there! i need a bike hauler so i dont have to use my trailer!!! then again i could take a buddy and his bike!

 

[Colemanfu]

Going to bring this old thread back to life - made some changes for last summers dirt bike trip out to CO. That was 15 hrs from the Daytona to St Louis then 15 hrs to Buena Vista - long haul truckin! 12 out of 14 days were spent in the Runner. It has evloved into a fantastic camp rig!

I got sick of pulling the table top on and off so made one that could stay there all the time. It's small enuff to load and un load the bike but big enuff to act as a bar top.

I even made a hole to hold the umbrella.

Even this past weekend I added some "hooks" to hang random stuff like a hydro pack or my lid.
I found some new but busted school desks and removed the hangers that are used for holding back packs? Strong and held on with 6 screws -If I break em I'm doing something wrong.

From Daytona.

To Buena Vista in 2 days!

 

[having fun]

Mr. Colemanfu, I definitely envy you. Just being able to pack up everything and just go on an adventure to wherever destination leads you. Granted, I do short runs, packed tight, and live out of the ride. But, doing these long adventures with no care of what going on in the world... PRICELESS.

Thanks for sharing your experiences, and all the good times you have done.

 

[jrob]

You made Daytona to Buena Vista in 2 days? That's some good time man. Just a ways north of my neck of the woods.
Nice EXC. I have an XC-f. Great machine but the maintenance is insane. Probably unloading it soon seeing how much I ride anymore.
Nice travel setup! How is receiver rail? Any difference in handling with the bike back there?

 

[Colemanfu]

J - with the heavy duty 3in lift springs and airbags I forget the bikes back there. I did feel an obvious power suck at elevation but not bike or a load issue. And yes 30 hrs to CO was tuff but I was focused and stoked to ride out west. If I go again next summer any chance you can show me around Durango's single track? I ran out of time in Ouray and went back to make the fireworks on the 4th as well as the NASCAR race.

Not sure if your on advrider.com but I did a ride called Brecktreck(thats prmoted on advrider) - Woodland Park to Breckenridge and back. All dirt, 240 in one day. After I shot down to Ouray to soak in the springs and explore the Alpine Trail as well as Black Bear Pass - my only 2 days of lodging the whole trip. I did a few days in Buena Vista leading up to the big ride. Did Four Mile as well as Timberland Trail.

What a great trip - I plan on doing it again in 14!

A bonus was seeing this new 14 and film crew at the bottom of Black Bear leading into Telluride.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/145736-2014-4runner-spotted.html

 

[jrob]

Sorry for the delayed reply bud,

Yea I would be happy to show you some single track. We have some good trails really close to my house and then there is some really great ones called the aspen loop out by mancos.

Aspen loop

We usually go ride in Aztec, there is almost endless single/two track that follows knife edge ridges and so many hill climbs, you'll get sick of doing them.

I hate to say it man, but if you left Silverton before the 4th of July you missed the best fireworks display in the country. The fireworks light up the cliffs and the entire valley acts like a subwoofer. It is amazing.
Definitely get in touch with me if you are coming back in 14, I would be happy to show you around. Only hitch is I work offshore so I am only in town two weeks at a time. But when I am there I am free all day everyday.
I am on ADVrider but seldom go on there anymore. Been immersing myself in the 4 wheeled side of things lately. Now that winter is here it is all about skiing though.

 

[28.]

Awesome read Colemanfu.. Your set up is kick ass..

 

[Colemanfu]

Thanks - it's been a great rig and a lot of fun sorting it out to meet my needs (long haul, extended stay, 1 up sleeper) Here are a few more pix from the lates trips.......
North Georgia during x mass trip to ATL. Always strange to go from 80' to 40' in a few hours. Loaded and ready to roll! Minimal sag with OME HD 3in springs.

Some dirt bike fun at Highland Park -I had KTM World install the unrestricted map to wake up the EFI a bit. 4 in of rain the night before lead to me having the whole park to myself! Hills, clay and rocks ran the water down and it was fine.

January camping trip in Ocala National Forest.

Who's bed is it?

Next up is Tellico TN for March Moto Maddness! And this June's Colorado Brew Tour 2014 is in the planning stages.

 

[Colemanfu]

I just returned from this years summer ADV with the rig - The Colorado Dirt Bike and Brew Tour 14. 19 days, 50000 miles, 1000 more dirt miles on the bike and 6 different main camps 9 breweries and one distillary mmmmm. I have no problem with extended stays in the rig - that's what it's been setup for.

Loaded and ready to roll - minus the sumbrella. I did 15 hours and about 1000 miles the frist day going from Daytona to St Louis where I slept in the back at a rest stop. Got up the next morning and made the CO border in 24 hrs drive time. Only another 4 down to Buena Vista - the frist camp and a great off road spot called Four Mile.

First camp was in Buena Vist at Ruby Mt and the Arkansas Headwaters Rec Area. Nice spot right on the river with great views of the range. And directly at the trail head of the OHV area.

I stayed here last summer but in a different spot. I eyeballed this one and booked it in advance via the old interweb for $16.00 a night. I take advantage of the free primative camping CO has to offer a little later.

A view from the morning hike looking down on camp.

Second camp was across the Colletgiate Range in Taylor Park at a camp called Dinner Station. Directly on the river looking over to Mt. Grizzly.

I love the different vies out the back or side door. This one was a real stunner!

 

[backcountrymedic]

Sorry to revive an old thread, but man... I am green with envy!

I have a new-to-me 2006 T4R Sport 4x4. Have had it for about a month now and am kitting it out slowly but surely. Your setup is awesome!

I ride a DR650 and plan on hauling it around on the back. What the make/model of your bike carrier? The DR is heavy! Think I can get away with just the AirLift system in the back to offset the load?

Cheers,
Jared

 

[MSRP.]

Sorry to revive an old thread, but man... I am green with envy!

I have a new-to-me 2006 T4R Sport 4x4. Have had it for about a month now and am kitting it out slowly but surely. Your setup is awesome!

I ride a DR650 and plan on hauling it around on the back. What the make/model of your bike carrier? The DR is heavy! Think I can get away with just the AirLift system in the back to offset the load?

Cheers,
Jared

His hauler is from Versahaul. The tongue weight is what you need to consider regarding "safe limits". If you have the regular, non-frame-mounted hitch from the v8 (which rated at 700lbs tongue weight for 2wd, don't quote me) your safe limit is only 500lbs but check your numbers, and I believe you will need to source a v8 hitch or go for an aftermarket one rated at 600lbs--but likely also safe to the 700lbs limit.

The versahaul carrier is about 75lbs, and the ramp can go in the back to save a few pounds.
I run a 430lbs, 500cc streetbike on mine with factory xreas and RAS, and do not notice it in my surrounding flat terrain except for braking--I just use some engine braking to assist. My suspension is getting old though, and am anticipating ditching the xreas, throwing on some Dobinson springs/shocks, and possibly implementing helper bags in the future. The 4th gen dobinson thread has a fella with a lighter dirt bike without airbags and he seems to be happy.