Hey everyone! I think this may be my first actual post! Anyway, my plan is to travel across the U.S. I'm going to be living out of my 4Runner and have been putting together ideas about what i would need in order to do this as comfortably as possible. I have plenty of time to plan and put money into this project (the set-up will probably end up being kind of costly). My list for must haves:
- Baja Rack (Mesh, sunroof cut-out)
- Tepui Tent (Ruggedized)
- An Organization System for Cooking and Storage
- Extra Battery System
- Refrigerator System
- Solar Panel System (Minimal)
- Rear Diff Re-locate Mod
- Rear Spare Tire Rack
- Battery Charger
My plan is to make it as comfortable as possible, while still retaining basics, this is just a day one planning list. If anyone can think of anything that would help my travels easier, I would really appreciate anything (no matter how far out there) anyone can think of. Was also thinking of maybe hooking up a small turbo on to the 4Runner, has anyone done this? I'll also be updating this post as I perform some of these modifications. Thanks everyone!
My trips in US were mostly road trips and I got impression that all wilderness in US is either private or some sort of state maintained. My off the grid experience stays in Canada, so I might be wrong in my thoughts about US trips.
I think your list depends of how far from civilization you are going to be, what roads you’re going to take and how much time you intend to spend driving your truck vs have it parked. If you’re mostly driving you probably won’t need extra battery and solar charger, but if you spend a lot of time outside your vehicle you might need additional power source for a fridge. From other hand if you are close to places where you can buy ice, you might be fine with a cooler and won’t have to carry heavy fridge and battery.
If you’re going off-road you might need some recovery stuff, armor maybe, AT tires, tire repair kit and air compressor. Probably battery booster would be a good idea just in case your battery dies in middle of nowhere.
If you’re going to be close to populated areas or parks you don’t need much stuff, just regular camping gear. I would try to get reasonable lightweight and compact gear though. It’s amazing how camping gear tends to grow up and take all available space.
Rooftop tent IMHO is the best when you’re traveling off the pavement (not very fast) and off the populated places. On highways tent will eat up a lot of fuel and I would hesitate to use it within city limits. Also you’ll need to remember about tent on the roof if you ever try to use covered parking in the cities.
Solar panel is tricky thing. It works well (providing you got it right size and good charge controller) in open spaces, but you mostly want to set up your camp in the shadows Solar panel won’t give a lot of juice there. It won’t hurt to have solar panel but don’t count on it as a serious power source if you plan to stay in the woods.
If you are keeping stock size tires you don’t need rear tire rack. It looks nice of course but adds extra weight, you don’t see well in rear window (might not notice a cop : ) and every time you need to get something out of trunk you’ll need to deal with rear tire rack first.
I don’t really understand what is “Rear Diff Re-locate Mod” you’re mentioned, but I’m pretty sure you can live without it : )
Also I think it’s a good idea to have a detailed list of stuff you are going to take with you , making sure you don’t forget small important stuff like a lighter, headlamp with spare batteries/charger etc.
