Building, Driving and Adventuring the MTN4RNR

[wfo9]

Great job... That thing is nice.. I've been thinking of doing something similar.

Couple of questions?

1. what is the total weight?
2. Does the carpet stay in place?
3. Where did you get the Aluminum L-track tie down strips with movable tie downs

 

[Waterdog08]

That's a nice looking setup. Keep us update on you're plans I love how it is low profile and you don't waste the storage height in the back.

 

[NuclearN8]

If that's anywhere close to $400 you're gonna be putting goose-gear baseplates out of business. Slick setup, very functional. I'm curious to hear about how the slidout works... Is it on tracks? And how you got that to fit underneath the platform using the threaded holes in the floor to mount the platform.

 

[BS Goodwrench]

That's sick man!

I'd be in but I don't have a T4R......... yet.

 

[taco2runner]

Yeah I'd be interested in one for sure (cost dependent). Looks great, and very functional.

 

[Jasalvas]

Your cargo tray looks great Max!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rochmpr]

Great job... That thing is nice.. I've been thinking of doing something similar.

Couple of questions?

1. what is the total weight?
2. Does the carpet stay in place?
3. Where did you get the Aluminum L-track tie down strips with movable tie downs

I used the same things and picked up from Amazon.

Tie Down Strips

 

[Swens]

When I first bought the 4Runner, it didn’t take long before I realized that I would need to modify the stock cargo area to best fit my personal needs. I had a few basic requirements to consider:



Cargo Security:

My typical cargo usually consists of the Ruff Tough kennel for the pup and a Front Runner Wolfpack (used to be Action Packer). When I switch to camping/Overlanding mode, I will typically add my camping box (DeWalt Tough boxes), the cooler, and other miscellaneous small items. All of these things needed to be secured in case of a collision or other accident. The last thing that I want is for the dog kennel to smash around, or to see a fully packed Yeti cooler cruising through the windshield. A tie down system can also be more practical by keeping your gear secure when four wheeling as you start/stop/pitch/jolt. It was really clear that the stock 4 point system wasn’t going to cut it after a few 4wd trips, however for the better part of a year I have made it work.



A Fully Flat Cargo Area:

The 4Runner (without the OEM cargo tray) with the rear seats folded down does not allow the cargo area to be flush with the rear seats. It’s about a 2-3 inch drop, and that drop makes a huge difference when it comes to sleeping comfortably in the back. Like my issue with securing cargo, I was able to make it work using a yoga mat, and an extra blanket. It worked, but I slept terribly.



Additional Preparation Space:

When I camp and spend time outdoors, I tend to need a flat surface to perform various tasks. Cooking, organizing gear, working with maps, etc. In the past I have made due with cooking on my camping box, requiring me to pull everything out that I will need for the meal, and ultimately I forget something mid-cook. How hard is it to open the camping box while there is a full pot of water boiling on the stove? It’s very difficult, trust me. Sparing myself buying a table for camping, I thought having something that could be easily deployed when needed would be a great addition to this platform.



Room for growth:

When I design/start any project, I understand that even if it is well planned, and even better built, there is always the likely possibility that I will find some way to make it better. So I incorporated that reality into my build by using materials and a general layout that would allow me to incorporate drawers, a fridge slide or anything else later on down the road.



Note:

I won’t be going into full design details with this particular project at this time, mainly because I am contemplating doing a small production run of this platform once I give it a good shake down to test the integrity of my design. Once I can establish that there aren’t any weak points, I will consider moving forward if there is a suitable demand. In the meantime, I will be pricing the unit as it is currently designed because I understand that the first question many ask with this sort of product is “How much?” That’s what I am going to work out.



Product details:

-Baltic birch plywood construction

-Aluminum L-track tie down strips with movable tie downs

-Line-X platform coating

-Stainless steel hardware

-Minimal modification of the 4Runner to fit (plastic trim removal; no cutting)

-Flush to seat design

-Slide out preparation space



Product Description:

The platform is constructed using strong, Baltic birch plywood. It is made of a hardwood ply, and unlike cheaper substitutes, it doesn’t use a weaker filler between the layers of hardwood. It is hardwood through and through making it very rigid and durable. The plys are bonded together using marine grade adhesive, and the outside veneers are thicker allowing for a more durable surface. It’s not a cheap material to use, but the benefits well outweigh the cost.



The platform incorporates 4 aluminum L-track strips. Left, center, right, and against the rear seats. Each one with approximately one tie down option every 1-2 inches. This means that as cargo needs change, so do the tie down points. This variable approach allows for securing different cargo in different arrangements without compromise.



A Line-X finish on the platform was used to increase the base material’s overall strength, provide a waterproof finish to the top surface, and to increase the long term durability of the platform. As an added bonus, it ended up looking like something that should have come from the factory as it closely matches the plastic color.



The slide out is made of the same Baltic birch plywood, but with an added polyurethane surface protectant to seal it from water and other stains. The edges have been routed to provide a smoother grip when extended. The slide can come out approximately 18” with enough rigidity to hold a stove and food preparation supplies. It is branded with the Mountain 4Runner logo on the lower right corner.



The platform attaches to the 4Runner using existing threaded holes, and only requires the removal of 2 plastic trim pieces. No cutting is required for installation. It fits with approximately ½” per side to spare, and enough room to fold the rear seats up and down without interference.



Product photos:

As I mentioned above, I will be testing the platform in the coming months and determining if I can produce a small number of units and what the associated cost would be. I will update the build page with information as it comes. Feel free to send any questions to me via the personal message feature on the forum.



More to come…

Great build & write up! I'm definitely interested if you do a production run.

 

[FrenchToasty]

Now for some installed photos.

Switch lights when on.

S8 in the grille, S2 in the hatch.

From the following weekend camping trip. This light definitely did it's job lighting up camp, and [MENTION=124732]LawnDart[/MENTION]'s rig for a sunset photo shoot

Impressions
I am very pleased with the outcome of the light installation. It covers all of the requirements for my install, and the light output is awesome. This is the perfect addition to the 4Runner for anyone who spends time behind the truck at night, working, camping, or whatever. The quality of the [MENTION=87816]Baja Designs[/MENTION] light is top notch and it puts out a lot of light for it’s compact size, and in the right place with the work/flood lens. I finished this just in time for a dispersed camping trip, and will post updated photos when I come back!

More to come…​

Following your directions I've done the same mod, love it, also while I was in there ran 3 extra circuits to the back, thanks for your documentation

 

[MTN4RNR]

Great job... That thing is nice.. I've been thinking of doing something similar.

Couple of questions?

1. what is the total weight?
2. Does the carpet stay in place?
3. Where did you get the Aluminum L-track tie down strips with movable tie downs

1. I would ballpark it to weigh about 125-150lbs with the Line-X
2. OEM carpet stays in place
3. Google is awesome. Type it in and pick your preferred vendor/package. Works every time :thumb3:

That's a nice looking setup. Keep us update on you're plans I love how it is low profile and you don't waste the storage height in the back.

Thank you, and I will keep you updated. I was really happy with the low-pro finish that it ended up at.

If that's anywhere close to $400 you're gonna be putting goose-gear baseplates out of business. Slick setup, very functional. I'm curious to hear about how the slidout works... Is it on tracks? And how you got that to fit underneath the platform using the threaded holes in the floor to mount the platform.

The GG baseplate was the original item that I was going to purchase, and I had inquired to Brian to see if a custom unit could be made to make it level with the rear seats. I got no reply, so I started my own design and for the money I put into it, I think I got a much better product.

To answer your question vaguely, the slide out is designed into the mounting frame. Considering I am keeping the design details under wraps for now, that's about all I want to divulge for now.

That's sick man!

I'd be in but I don't have a T4R......... yet.

.... yet ....

Yeah I'd be interested in one for sure (cost dependent). Looks great, and very functional.

I will keep you in the loop! Thank you!

Your cargo tray looks great Max!

Thank you, I am very happy with it.

Great build & write up! I'm definitely interested if you do a production run.

I will keep you in the know as things evolve!

 

[MTN4RNR]

Following your directions I've done the same mod, love it, also while I was in there ran 3 extra circuits to the back, thanks for your documentation

Nice, I am glad that someone else has ... seen... the... light...... :naughty: and done this mod themselves! Glad to help!

 

[MTN4RNR]

Update

I have uploaded new photos to The MTN4RNR 4Runner Platform post because I was able to get my hands on a camera that was much nicer than mine. Enjoy!

 

[Spaulding Metals]

Looks great. Is there a stop to prevent from pulling the tray to far out?

 

[MTN4RNR]

Looks great. Is there a stop to prevent from pulling the tray to far out?

Currently there is not a stop for the slide. There are 2 main reasons that I did this:

1. I wanted to have access to the slide during the "shake down" period to inspect for any design flaws.
2. I wanted to leave the slide removable because the polyurethane finish will eventually need refinishing, and it will be much easier to have it be removable than to need to remove the platform top to access it.

There really is not an issue with the slide not having a stop, because after a few uses, you get used to the pull out distance and it gets easy to judge how far out to slide it out.

 

[High_Country]

because after a few uses, you get used to the pull out distance and it gets easy to judge how far out to slide it out.

Ahem....that's what she said...*cough*

 

[pmostaghim]

Currently there is not a stop for the slide. There are 2 main reasons that I did this:

1. I wanted to have access to the slide during the "shake down" period to inspect for any design flaws.
2. I wanted to leave the slide removable because the polyurethane finish will eventually need refinishing, and it will be much easier to have it be removable than to need to remove the platform top to access it.

There really is not an issue with the slide not having a stop, because after a few uses, you get used to the pull out distance and it gets easy to judge how far out to slide it out.

Without the intention of squeezing information out of you [emoji57] - would it be feasible, in your build, to install a slide longer than 18in? Or even to use other material (ex. aluminium) with the same dimensions?

 

[MTN4RNR]

Without the intention of squeezing information out of you [emoji57] - would it be feasible, in your build, to install a slide longer than 18in? Or even to use other material (ex. aluminium) with the same dimensions?

Anything greater than 18" would require a different design. But I think that yes, you could use a different material with the same dimensions. I thought about other materials, but the birch plywood made the most sense for strength, cost, and durability.

 

[MTN4RNR]

Ahem....that's what she said...*cough*

 

[pmostaghim]

Anything greater than 18" would require a different design. But I think that yes, you could use a different material with the same dimensions. I thought about other materials, but the birch plywood made the most sense for strength, cost, and durability.

Thank you, sir!

 

[RoverGS]

Should you decide on a production run, count me in. I like it a lot. Great job!