Dirtco's 1999 4Runner Build

[sn0wrunner]

Looks nice Jeremiah! You going to add a switch for the rear window in the back too? That's been on my list for a while now. I know some mornings in Moab it gets warm pretty quick in the back of the 4runner!

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/70704-remote-rear-window-button.html

I like your fridge slide. Any more details on that? What is the fridge sitting on?

I assume you're going to make it a level surface with some sort of platform over the top of the rear seat too?

 

[Dirtco]

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.

Thanks Chris! My tool bag is on the passenger side rear seat floor, I bolted a seat belt to the floor and that's where it lives 99% of the time. The sleeping extension will set on top of the folded down seat back and there will be a flip up head rest (now you know why I held off on updates, it's really hard to explain how it will all work together without a picture).

I originally wanted to get rid of the CO2 tank and install a compressor, but it started to get expensive fast. I like being about to use air tools on the trail so I needed a large compressor and a small tank. For the sake of saving money and install time I kept the CO2 and mounted it as close to the body as possible.

As for dimensions, there is 20" between the fridge and CO2 tank where my feet will go. In the middle there is 23" between the fridge and inner wheel well, BUT I bought a 3" think memory foam mattress which will be cut to size. Once it's cut it should set about level with the wheel well so I have extra spill over room for my bedding, etc. Where my shoulders set there is 26", not including spill over room towards the driver side. To put that into perspective, that's only a couple inches narrower than a standard home door opening.

 

[Dirtco]

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!

Thanks Hayden!

Here is a link to the blanket, it's probably the best $24 I've ever spent when it comes to camping supplies. It's set on a 45 minute timer, so I cycle it once before I go to bed, and once more when I get into bed, that's usually enough to get me through the cold nights.

https://www.amazon.com/Heated-Fleec...8-1&keywords=12+volt+electric+blanket+for+car

I'm hoping to do more wheeling this summer, so we'll catch up one of these days!

 

[Dirtco]

Looks nice Jeremiah! You going to add a switch for the rear window in the back too? That's been on my list for a while now. I know some mornings in Moab it gets warm pretty quick in the back of the 4runner!

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/70704-remote-rear-window-button.html

I like your fridge slide. Any more details on that? What is the fridge sitting on?

I assume you're going to make it a level surface with some sort of platform over the top of the rear seat too?

Thanks Jeff! I'm going to wire constant power to both rear side windows for ventilation, but the tailgate is also a great idea. I'll have to add that to the list, and thanks for the link.

I built the fridge slide a couple years ago, I'll try to take a couple pictures the next time I work on it.

Yes, there will be a sleeping extension that will sit on top of the rear seat with a flip up head rest. I wanted the ability to use the 4Runner as a true 4 seater and not have a bunch of extra stuff in the cargo area.

 

[jgilbreath]

Are the window screens something you cut to fit, or were they pre-made? I would like some additional info, those look way better than my current ventilation/bug solution.

 

[Dirtco]

Are the window screens something you cut to fit, or were they pre-made? I would like some additional info, those look way better than my current ventilation/bug solution.

Here is a link, I also bought a couple magnets to help hold it in place.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01523DWZ4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Black798]

I really like that sleeping platform. You definitely nailed the professional appearance as you seem to always do. Definitely gives me ideas for when I redo my rear storage. How many tie down points are you using for the platform? is it just the two turnbuckles in the back?

 

[Dirtco]

I really like that sleeping platform. You definitely nailed the professional appearance as you seem to always do. Definitely gives me ideas for when I redo my rear storage. How many tie down points are you using for the platform? is it just the two turnbuckles in the back?

Thank you! There's three tie down points, you can see the third in this picture. I think it should be enough, especially with how tight the platform fits in the back. But, it's easy to add a couple more if needed.

 

[Dirtco]

Progress has been slow but the sleeping extension is nearing completion, I just need to figure out some tie down points and make a flip up head rest above the tool bag.

Sticking with the goal of keeping the 4Runner a four seat vehicle I decided to build the sleeping extension separate of the rear. This will give the rear cargo area a nice clean look, with a flat floor if both seats are up. More than likely it will be back there 95% of the time, but it gives me options.

The bottom indexes between the seat back and rear cargo platform, there is a small indentation that the sleeping extension drops into.





And here it is setting in the back of the truck. If you haven’t guessed yet I stained the wood to match the Limited edition interior trim pieces, it also goes with the exterior paint quite well.





It’s perfectly flat with the rear seat bottom, this allows me sprawl out a bit and have extra shoulder room with out falling off the platform.

 

[Chuckles89]

I'm confused as to how the extension attaches to the rest of the box... I am going to do something very similar to yours here pretty soon, but don't know how I want to attach the 2 parts together.

 

[Dirtco]

I'm confused as to how the extension attaches to the rest of the box... I am going to do something very similar to yours here pretty soon, but don't know how I want to attach the 2 parts together.

It's not attached, it sits next to the rear section and the lip on the underside indexes the platform so it can't slide forward. There will be a couple tie down points to keep it from moving around when I'm on the trail.

 

[Dirtco]

Space is tight, so I need to maximize any room I have. When I was building the sleeping extension I also made room for my off road "creeper". This thing is awesome for doing repairs in the dirt and it fits perfect under the extension.

 

[Dirtco]

The flip up headrest is done, simple but effective.

 

[fourfive]

The flip up headrest is done, simple but effective.

The way you have maximized the use of your cargo space is impressive. You're 4runner in general is very cool too!

 

[owyheerat]

it just gets better and better...

The flip up headrest is done, simple but effective.

Such a simple, but smart idea. Your ingenuity continues to impress me.
Great job!

 

[Dropzone]

as always Jeremiah you have me some ideas to try to imitate!
Nicely done

 

[Dirtco]

More progress.

I finished the rear storage cubby, it's perfect for smaller items that I need to get to on a regular basis.







In the last picture you can see the paper towel roll on the left side of the 4Runner. I decided to build a simple holder, this will keep it in place and prevent it from rolling all over the truck and keep the wind from blowing it around.

 

[Dirtco]

Next is the stove slide out. I looked at several different models of stoves, but I decided on the Coleman grill/stove combo that I had in the trailer. It’s not the fanciest thing around but it never let me down and I really like the grill feature. Along with the stove there is just enough room for some basic cooking and dining utensils.







The propane bottle sets on the rear bumper.





And it just happens that the LED light I installed in the tailgate years ago lights up the stove perfect!

 

[4-Ripcord]

So freaking clean, amazing work Jeremiah!

 

[JWaldz]

I think you're turning into an expedition guy now lol