Dirtco's 1999 4Runner Build

[JWaldz]

It's kind of weird seeing the back of the 4Runner completely empty.

If anyone is interested in the roll bar and storage rack here is a link to the classified ad: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-...ll-bar-storage-rack-silverthorne-co-$250.html

If I didn't have my storage bins, I would have taken it off your hands. What the heck are you up to now?

 

[owyheerat]

Sleeping platform...

That means the 4Runner will be under going a transformation. I will be building a sleeping platform and converting the back of the 4Runner into a one person sleeper, while still having the ability to carry three people and the dog when needed.

Step one of this process; I needed a low profile and light weight roof rack to hold my awning and Hi Lift jack, along with extra camping gear and firewood. I prefer the clean look of no rack, but with the sleeping platform in the back cargo space will be at a premium. I wanted to stick with the cheap or free theme (BajaRack has one, but I can think of better ways to spend $500) so I reused the rack that I built for the RTT and modified it to work for this application.

Jeremiah,
I look forward to seeing what you come up with. As I've stated before, your 4runner is one of fav's, and I am always impressed with your attention to detail on ALL your mod's. I am just finishing my sleeping platform / low profile drawer storage, and I'm sure I will wish I would have waited once I see your's. So I could've copied it hwell:

 

[Dirtco]

:bravo: That gusset on the corner is gold! I like it. Couldn't have a roof rack without a little Dirtco flare on it! I like the round bar idea up the sides tho, that was a good call. Everyone always builds them and then has to build in tie down points as almost an afterthought. Looks sharp man I love it!

Thanks Rick, that gusset is just for you!

If I didn't have my storage bins, I would have taken it off your hands. What the heck are you up to now?

I love the roll bar set-up, but it doesn't work very well if you want to sleep in the back.

Jeremiah,
I look forward to seeing what you come up with. As I've stated before, your 4runner is one of fav's, and I am always impressed with your attention to detail on ALL your mod's. I am just finishing my sleeping platform / low profile drawer storage, and I'm sure I will wish I would have waited once I see your's. So I could've copied it hwell:

Thanks Durwin! I'm still working out all the details but I think I have the basic plan figured out. I'm excited, it should be very comfortable and functional at the same time.

 

[SnowLizard]

Sweet!!! can't wait to see the plans... I'm sure someday I'll be doing one, just have to incorporate dogs into the sleeping arraignments...

As always, the stuff you come up with I know everyone is going to copy some part of it, so keep the details coming.

 

[TBuzz]

Lots of changes again, sweet. I wondered how long the tent would last on top. They are a total pita setting up that high. I only did it one time and was worn out and filthy from rubbing on the truck and climbing on the sliders reaching it.

Roof rack 2.0 is very slick, also noticed the gusset detail, nice touch. Do you have any plans for alley lights on it? If so what lights are yo looking at? And the bolts holding the rack on look larger than stock yet in the same rail..what's that detail?

 

[Dirtco]

Sweet!!! can't wait to see the plans... I'm sure someday I'll be doing one, just have to incorporate dogs into the sleeping arraignments...

As always, the stuff you come up with I know everyone is going to copy some part of it, so keep the details coming.

Thanks Richard! I'm pretty excited, all the pieces are falling into place and I think I'm close to having a solid plan.

Lots of changes again, sweet. I wondered how long the tent would last on top. They are a total pita setting up that high. I only did it one time and was worn out and filthy from rubbing on the truck and climbing on the sliders reaching it.

Roof rack 2.0 is very slick, also noticed the gusset detail, nice touch. Do you have any plans for alley lights on it? If so what lights are yo looking at? And the bolts holding the rack on look larger than stock yet in the same rail..what's that detail?

Total pain, who knew a couple extra feet could make such a difference. I feel the perfect set up for a RTT would be flush mounted with the cab on the back of a pick up. I tried to talk the wife into letting me build the Tacoma but she wasn't trilled by that idea.

I installed LED strip lighting in the awning when it was on the trailer, I'm hoping between that, the rock lights and the tailgate light I should be set. If I need more I'll install one or two of these.

1x2 65º DC Scene Light - Black Surface White... | Rigid Industries

The bolts are welded to the inner plate, I had to grind them down a little to fit but it makes for a stronger mount. I'll rip the roof rails off the 4Runner before the rack breaks.

 

[the great him]

I'm curious to hear your reasons/rational for ditching the RTT on the roof of the runner. I have mine on my rig and I would guess our tents probably sit close to the same level(I'm running a full Yakama system (towers into the factory rails and crossbars)... Yeah it can be a PITA to set up, but I got used to it pretty quickly. Ideally a trailer would be best as you do not have to break down camp anytime you want to go some place... That got old really quick and is my main reason for finding a trailer. - I totalled my trailer I was going to use last month, caught a curb with it and flipped it right over...

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[dtc81]

It's a little reassuring to hear your findings on the RTT! I built my roof rack with an RTT in mind because I thought they were (and still are) the coolest thing. But after building a roof rack for a buddy's FJ to support a RTT and watching him use it for years, I realized it's just not the most practical set up for me. I have been sleeping on a single "platform" in the back for years now. I need to use all the seats often, so I couldn't build a dedicated platform with the mattress support I ideally wanted. A piece of plywood shimmed up along the foot area and some strategically placed accordion hinges so it packs up in the cargo area with the seat up has been working just fine.

 

[Dropzone]

It's a little reassuring to hear your findings on the RTT! I built my roof rack with an RTT in mind because I thought they were (and still are) the coolest thing. But after building a roof rack for a buddy's FJ to support a RTT and watching him use it for years, I realized it's just not the most practical set up for me. I have been sleeping on a single "platform" in the back for years now. I need to use all the seats often, so I couldn't build a dedicated platform with the mattress support I ideally wanted. A piece of plywood shimmed up along the foot area and some strategically placed accordion hinges so it packs up in the cargo area with the seat up has been working just fine.

i like that rear seat up of yours.
just curious- that curtain rod doesn't really hold your tire in right?

 

[dtc81]

i like that rear seat up of yours.

just curious- that curtain rod doesn't really hold your tire in right?

Nope, although the tire is wedged into the carrier well enough that it's tough to get out. It gets ratchet strapped down when driving.

 

[Dirtco]

I decided early on that I would hold off on updates about the sleeping platform until the basic structure was done. A picture is worth a thousand words and trying to explain every idea and detail without pictures would have been overly complicated and time consuming.

Step one was to install sound deadening in the rear cargo area, this is primarily for temperature control but if it cuts down on noise thats a plus too. While I had the rear cargo area apart I ran all the wiring for the electrical accessories.

 

[Dirtco]

I had several ideas and requirements for the sleeping platform, I looked at literally hundreds of pictures to get ideas. First and foremost the platform had to look professional, and not like a random box in the back of the 4Runner. Also, the sleeping area had to sit as low and wide as possible. I want to be able to sit up in bed and not feel like I’m sleeping in a closed coffin, and I had to be able to get into the fridge while in the back of the 4Runner. On top of all of that, it had to be modular with the ability to convert the truck back to a regular four seat configuration. So here is what I came up with, remember this is a work in progress and it’s not done yet.








The biggest challenge was keeping the platform low enough that I could still sit up in bed. I wanted to maximize every bit of space I had, so I decided not to have a drawer under the sleeping section and instead have two cubby’s. The area under the fridge has full length drawer slides and will house my camp stove / grill and some basic kitchen supplies.



I can access the contents of the fridge from inside the 4Runner, and an added bonus is that I can get inside the fridge without opening the spare tire carrier and hatch.





Next to the fridge is my spare Lotus CV axle, it drops through the platform and has a ratchet strap that runs through the interior panel to the steel body structure. When I slide the fridge all the way out there is more than enough room to pull the axle out.



I had to build a bracket for the CO2 tank holder, it bolts to the floor in several places and the tank drops through the platform to the floor.

 

[Dirtco]

The largest storage area is for emergency vehicle parts and fluids





I also have a set of work clothes and a full list of everything inside. That way I don’t have to dig around looking for that “one thing” I swear I had but really don’t. If it’s not on the list it’s not inside the storage area.



And here it is all closed up.

 

[Dirtco]

One of the big problems with sleeping in a vehicle is the windows, even with tinted windows they don’t offer much privacy and you have to deal with the early morning sun. To combat this I wrapped the inside of the two rear side windows in 3M Carbon fiber.





For the rear doors I picked up these window screens last summer, not only do they darken the rear of the vehicle but they also allow me to open the rear window for ventilation without bugs getting in. I also plan on having some kind of a privacy curtain behind the front seats.

 

[Dirtco]

Next up is the lighting and electronics…

The main light is a LED strip light I had from another project, it’s mounted on the driver side above the rear window and I made an aluminum shroud to direct the light.



When the light is turned on it displays the outside temperature and battery voltage. I also have a 12 volt outlet for my electric blanket, and there is a switch for the awning lights.







I converted the rear cubby into a nightstand area, where I can put my keys, wallet, phone, etc and not worry about loosing them. I installed some soft white LED lighting and installed a remote dimmer control. I also wired in a fast charge USB port for my phone and GoPro.

 

[TBuzz]

Great work that is superb! As usual a couple questions. Where are tools going and what is reasoning for keeping CO2 on such a soace limited build? No dual compressor buried somewhere..Looks like I could fit between the fridge and tank but I drink less beer. How wide is it? Ultimately Looks like you'll be able to break camp or hit the hay in no time now.

 

[derpiful]

Awesome work again!!

Some really great ideas here with the wiring and lighting and everything. I've actually been looking at a heated blanket too, and am pretty jealous of your current setup. Excited to see it in person!

 

[owyheerat]

I've been waiting to see this...

I knew it would be AWESOME!!! Great work as always Jeremiah. I really like your 'nightstand' idea...might have to steal that one.:eyebrows:

 

[4-Ripcord]

Wow that is a very well thought out design.

I never really liked the big cargo boxes much, but in one fell swoop you changed my mind.

 

[Cadaverous]

LOVE the build. This is my favorite 4Runner color, by far. Love what you did with it.