Convert your 4Runner to a comfy solo camper for about $250

[Rapidrob]

Thank you for posting the idea. looks great for the every-now-and-then camping weekend.

 

[x-77-x]

my kids just slept in the back with the seats down on a blanket... =P

 

[patkelly4370]

I did something similar in mine, just not elevated. Also on the wider passenger side.
Used a piece of scrap wood siding left over from our barn. Hinged at where the seats fold so that it can be folded so the seat can be raised. Two 2"x3" boards as leveling spacers (5th gen). 2" by seat, 3" by rear hatch.
I used it once. Then took it with me on a road trip but didn't use it.

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

 

[Flybynight]

I camp in mine all the time but I just fold the seats down and use a sleeping pad + sleeping bag. I put the cooler in the passenger seat and I have a tupperware bin with all the camping stuff that fits under the rear of the rig so it wont get wet if it rains. I tie/bungee a small tarp off the roof racks to a tree.

It works, is simple and tears down in minutes for a quick getaway when you get sick of camping after 2-3 days

 

[Xeynon]

Great job!

I regularly sleep in my 4th gen 4Runner as part of camping. I took out the rear seat bottoms (4 bolts), which allows the backs to lay almost flat. That lets me lay a 4" thick folding twin mattress in the back, and be quite comfortable sleeping. I can put most of my gear in the front two seats, as long as I pack lightly, and not be very noticeable.

Recently I picked up a Ram Promaster that I’m converting into a full camper van. Been checking out different ram promaster conversion kits to figure out the layout and storage options - it’s a big step up in space compared to the 4Runner, but the DIY part has been just as fun.

 

[tonytoshiba]

Post 1/3

After reading many accounts of people using their 4Runners as mini-campers, I decided to give it a try. I’ve just gotten back from my second 3 night trip, and I am pleased as punch with the results.

For anyone else out there who has been curious about this, I thought I’d post a brief write up of how I did it and add a list of materials. You should be able to build something like this yourself in a few hours after work for less than $250. (However, if you don’t already have basic camping equipment such as sleeping bag/pad, stove, etc., (like me), you’ll need to buy all that stuff as well. That all added up to about another $500. I’ll add my final equipment list at the end.)

I happen to have a 2008 Sport, but my impression is that this approach may be a good option for newer 5th generation 4Runners, too.

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Project Parameters
These days, I don’t have access to a garage or a collection of power tools, so I needed a solution that I could build using off-the-shelf components and hand tools. Since my 4Runner is also my daily driver, I also wanted to avoid any permanent modifications to the vehicle, and the camper elements had to be easy to store, install, and remove for last minute camping weekends.

So my priorities were:
1. Sleeping comfort for one adult
2. Privacy and security in campgrounds
3. Good ventilation
4. Inexpensive
5. Easy to install, remove and store
6. No major alterations to the vehicle
7. Light weight materials for MPG and ease of storage

Additional Notes:
1. This probably isn’t the best design if you are planning on doing serious overland camping, but I’m sure clever people can improve on it.
2. The end result is a small space. If you are claustrophobic, bigger than 6’/200lbs, or not very limber, this solution may not be for you.

Interior Components
I decided to build the bunk space the same width as the larger of the two fold down rear seats, which is about 32” wide in my 2008 4th Gen. This promised a comfortably wide sleeping area, and I could use the folded seat to support the head of the bunk. I could also leave the other rear seat in place where it acts as a “living room” and entry point for the bunk.

Sleeping Platform
For this, I used standard ClosetMaid 48” x 16” wire shelf sections. When zip-tied together, and properly supported using 8” lengths of ½” PVC pipe, elbows and #12 hose clamps, they can form a remarkably strong and lightweight platform. I didn’t plan it this way, but I found that wire shelving sections have enough “give” to feel like a box spring, making the sleeping surface very comfortable.

Two 4’ sections zip-tied back to back form the upper end of the bunk. Another 4’ section is attached crosswise to them spanning the cargo area to support the legs. One last section is added at the rear and loosely zip-tied to the spanning section to support the feet. This also allows the rear-most section to slide forward, and both spanning sections can be tipped up for access to the storage area underneath.

I placed a cheap 6’ yoga pad on the shelving section to protect a sleeping pad/air mattress from any sharp points. This would also be important as insulation under an air mattress. I opted for a more expensive 3” memory foam mattress, and I’m very glad I did.

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This results in quite a lot of storage space under the platform.
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The left rear seat becomes a useful and fairly spacious area with the drivers seat moved forward.
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Adding a privacy screen up front, stick-up AAA lights and a rechargeable fan makes it comfy.
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Good ideas. I have been just placing a 6" pad on the rear driver's side with seat folded down.
Rifles and ammo on passenger side.
Placing the rack is a sound idea, thinking I may use it. Will need to hold it down to floor area, I overland and go where no man has gone before, ( I also help myself to other's words, Star Trek for this one). Then store rifles and ammo under it.
Steel bumpers, full length rack on top, home made tail-gator holds the ice-box. Just in case my hunting is successful.
I place dry ice in cooler with regular ice on top. Usually lasts a week.