for those of you who sleep in your 4Runner...

[BoomSticks]

This is what my girlfriend came up with. Roll of screen and rare earth magnets from home depot sewn/glued into pockets. They worked great.

Don't bother with the strip/tape magnet, they're too weak and mostly worthless. Only use rare earth.

For the next trip going to have this screen on one side, and the gutter screen mod on the other.

 

[RowdyRoyskie]

... what have you incorporated for ventilation and blinds?

For ventilation, I was planning to get some mesh screen and cut out shapes just slightly larger than each of the rear passenger windows; then I would glue magnetic strips on the edges which overlap the rear windows so I can just stick (via magnets) these mesh screens to the outside of the 4Runner, and thus, leave the both rear passenger windows down slightly for air (but no bugs) to get inside the vehicle... has anybody made anything similar?

For blinds, what have you done to keep out light when sleeping in the rear cargo area?

Skyrat's Rear Cargo Box and Sleeping Deck

4Runner Sleeping Deck

Dan RamRod's sleep platform

I commute across SoCal everyday. To beat the traffic I leave
early and sleep in the 4Runner in the parking structure. I used to tie a tarp long enough to cover the windows from the roof rack. Turned out to be a hassle and would not ventilate. I now just wear a sleeping mask, and rely on the window tint and a windshield cover for privacy.
If you use magnets make sure they are rubber coated, the bare metal will muck up your paint.

 

[Coy_0te]

It would be amazing if a cargo box/sleeping platform was mfg'd for sale. I would so buy it...so useful and badass

 

[LiveLifeOnWeekend]

Thanks for this thread, being able to do some mods to make this an epic camping vehicle is one of the reasons I wanted this 4Runner. I was thinking about sewing some curtains in somehow but I don't want to permanently attach them to the vehicles interior. Thanks all!


2011 T4R SR5

 

[RyanNapoleon]

Alright guys, good timing because I'm working on this exact project as we speak. I'm nearing the end, so I'll give you a sneak-peek pic. It's turned out SO GOOD, I gotta say.

I epoxied about 300 of those super strong little magnets around the perimeter of every window besides the windshield (on the inside of the trim, of course. This was a huge pain in the ass as I had to remove all the interior plastic.) Then I made patterns, and have nearly finished sewing a blackout/bug-net combo that seamlessly and easily attaches to the inside via magnets that are also stitched into the gorgeously crafted panels.

I know I'm being a pompous ass but I spent a shit ton of time on this project and I am so pleased with how it is turning out. Here's a pic of what I've comlpeted so far. The five base panels are largely done, with the bug-netting stitched in, but I still have to make another panel for each that covers the bug-net openings to black everything out. These will be attached by a zipper at the top and Velcro sections on the other three sides. Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet

I think this is pretty much as slick as it gets. Granted you kind of have to imagine it all together at this point because I'm not done, but you get the point.

 

[cuilleree]

Dang

I epoxied about 300 of those super strong little magnets around the perimeter of every window besides the windshield (on the inside of the trim, of course. This was a huge pain in the ass as I had to remove all the interior plastic.) Then I made patterns, and have nearly finished sewing a blackout/bug-net combo that seamlessly and easily attaches to the inside via magnets that are also stitched into the gorgeously crafted panels.

I know I'm being a pompous ass but I spent a shit ton of time on this project and I am so pleased with how it is turning out. Here's a pic of what I've comlpeted so far. Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet

Wow. That IS slick! Please post pics when they're completely done to show what they look like in use.

 

[RyanNapoleon]

Thank you man, I appreciate it. I will definitely post pics when I'm done.

 

[pstur11]

i use weathertech rain/sun guards. they work great to crack the windows in the rain. i'd definitely have a fan if it were over 60 degrees at night.

for privacy i suggest tint. i have 15% over the stock, but i regret not going 5%. tint works well as long as the limitations are understood. if it's dark outside, any light from inside comes right through. i also use a windshield reflector; this helps cut down on light coming in from outside (making the tint work better) i've thought long and hard about curtains but could never find an easy solution.... each window needs a custom solution

the velcrow around the door lock has had a hard time staying put. the rubber and adhesive and heat react which makes it not stick. but this setup is sure nice when i roll the rear windows all the way down to get a breeze. one thing that's not shown in the pictures is that clear duct is applied to the opposing side of the netting where the velcrow adhesive is.

 

[kkopen]

blackout blinds.

Hi, I am new to this forum but I have experience making temporary blackout blinds, we had sold our house and we were temporarily staying at my mother in laws, the blinds were awful,i went to the joann fabrics store and bought black out curtain liner and cut it to size and I bought every kind of Velcro, sticking the Velcro receiver to the window worked but due to condensation the Velcro would not stay on the fabric, so I sewed the Velcro to the fabric and they are still working every time we are in town, and beause the Velcro is sewn to the liner you are able to pull them tight because they stay in place., so no light gets in.
you can buy sew on Velcro in packages or by the yard.