Road trip/vacation rig

[Tphocker]

Hey Guys,

I have a 2000 4runner limited, Silver, Stock 17" Wheels, Factory Locker

Like most of you I have a million things in mind (pending on money) to do to my 4Runner. My idea build is one what is the most practical and efficient for going across country on road trips with my wife. I plan on doing a lot of traveling, and relying on my runner to get me every mile.

The purpose of this thread is to post modifications that you couldn't live without on a road trip. I'm looking for on board fridge, lights, sleeping arrangements, on board air, etc. What should I do to my rig to make it the ultimate road trip machine!?!?!

Also I want to put a small lift (2" maybe 3") and some slightly bigger tires. Something no bigger than 32"s. What do you recommend that will increase my clearance and give me a little more capability without killing my gas mileage and giving me bad road noise.

Speaking of Gas mileage. Any tips on increasing gas mileage and range. I have looked into a secondary fuel tank to instal in the spare location, but haven't had much luck. Any ideas aside from just carrying a couple gas jugs?

Is there any practicality as it relates to cleaner, and colder air by installing a snorkel? I think they look bad ass and I know there is def practicality for some applications but will it make any noticeable difference just cruising across country?



Also I want to know what are some of the locations you have taken your 4runner on that are a must see for a road trip. What should I put on my list of places to see.

Don't forget PICTURES. PICTURES. PICTURES!!!

 

[4'running'26]

The only thing I have to comment on is gas mileage.

I have found that at or around 70 mph I can usually get close to 22 MPG. Much more than that and she goes down quite drastically.

 

[shootmymime]

LIGHT BAR or other off road driving lights. If you are going to be doing any kind of night time driving. Get better lights.

Maybe some armor as well . In my neck of the woods deer are like local terrorists. Committing suicide and destroying your property. (That's why I had the brush guard and lights) reverse back up lights are a must need. I use them all the time for backing up to hooking up trailers to loading stuff in the back trunk at night. (Also fend off tail gaiters)

Also if you plan to do any type of off road an AT tire would be good. But for better mileage I would highly recommend Michelin Ltx m/s 2. It's what I have on mine. Road noise is very good with its non lug tread design but kicks but in rain and snow. I don't know about mud.

Switching to synthetic fluids might help gain a few mpg.

Get some kick ass floor mats! Who has time to vacuum out the car when they are on a road trip going to adventurous places?

Maybe invest in some sort of cb. Ham. Eperb. Device for help if anything bad ever happened. Not sure on the extent of your travels but cell service can be very limited out west.

 

[Tphocker]

The only thing I have to comment on is gas mileage.

I have found that at or around 70 mph I can usually get close to 22 MPG. Much more than that and she goes down quite drastically.

That is no doubt about it the TRUTH. It's incredible how even 5mph can make a difference.

I plan on getting a digital gauge that calculates mpg. I think that would be a huge help. And also automatically calculates in factors like tire size.

 

[Tphocker]

LIGHT BAR or other off road driving lights. If you are going to be doing any kind of night time driving. Get better lights.

Maybe some armor as well . In my neck of the woods deer are like local terrorists. Committing suicide and destroying your property. (That's why I had the brush guard and lights) reverse back up lights are a must need. I use them all the time for backing up to hooking up trailers to loading stuff in the back trunk at night. (Also fend off tail gaiters)

Also if you plan to do any type of off road an AT tire would be good. But for better mileage I would highly recommend Michelin Ltx m/s 2. It's what I have on mine. Road noise is very good with its non lug tread design but kicks but in rain and snow. I don't know about mud.

Switching to synthetic fluids might help gain a few mpg.

Get some kick ass floor mats! Who has time to vacuum out the car when they are on a road trip going to adventurous places?

Maybe invest in some sort of cb. Ham. Eperb. Device for help if anything bad ever happened. Not sure on the extent of your travels but cell service can be very limited out west.

I have some Mich. MS2s on my tundra and they seen to do really well. But at $200+ per tire it gets to be pretty expensive.

I have a Weathertech cargo mat and so far I love it. I'll prob get some for the front.

I have a cb. But so far it's been useless cause I don't know anyone else with one lol

What are you running for back up lights? Are yours linked to your exciting lights or on a seperat we switch? I like the thought of both but I don't want to blind ppl in the walmart parking lot. And I also like the idea of turning them on to load up and stuff like that.

 

[shootmymime]

The ultra gauge is great for the price vs the things it can do. I love most is the obd2 code reader it can do. It saves me and friends from going to the auto parts store to use theirs when cel come on.

So yes a digital ecu monitor would be a good thing to have.

 

[Tphocker]

The only thing I have to comment on is gas mileage.

I have found that at or around 70 mph I can usually get close to 22 MPG. Much more than that and she goes down quite drastically.

Are you getting 22mgs on a stock rig? Do you have any drastic modifications? Lift, tires, rack, etc?

 

[Tphocker]

The ultra gauge is great for the price vs the things it can do. I love most is the obd2 code reader it can do. It saves me and friends from going to the auto parts store to use theirs when cel come on.

So yes a digital ecu monitor would be a good thing to have.

Are you saying the ultra gauge can also identify CEL codes? Or you're saying having both is the way to go?

 

[shootmymime]

Are you getting 22mgs on a stock rig? Do you have any drastic modifications? Lift, tires, rack, etc?

does the word "stock" mean anything to you?

no the ultra gauge can not convert the code to a description of what it is. it just gives me the code, then the free app on my phone converts the code to a description.

 

[shootmymime]

I have some Mich. MS2s on my tundra and they seen to do really well. But at $200+ per tire it gets to be pretty expensive.

I have a Weathertech cargo mat and so far I love it. I'll prob get some for the front.

I have a cb. But so far it's been useless cause I don't know anyone else with one lol

What are you running for back up lights? Are yours linked to your exciting lights or on a separate we switch? I like the thought of both but I don't want to blind ppl in the walmart parking lot. And I also like the idea of turning them on to load up and stuff like that.

My lights are just on a separate switch next to the steering wheel. you can check out my build thread and look at pictures of my rig and see the lights on there. with the bumper there are already holes drilled there so it was as simple as running the wires and bolting the lights up. no drilling needed in that location.

the main reason i use these lights are for night time backing up. with 20% tint on the rear windows i cant see squat at night time. also the lights help my back up camera.

 

[Tphocker]

does the word "stock" mean anything to you?

no the ultra gauge can not convert the code to a description of what it is. it just gives me the code, then the free app on my phone converts the code to a description.

What do you mean does the word "stock" mean anything? I'm asking him if he is getting that kinda gas mileage with a lift or bigger tires. Or if he is just running a stock rig.


That's sweet that it gives you the code. Who cares if it gives you a description. Are you familiar with the different brands of gauges? Are they pretty easy to install? Are you just having to tap into a few wires? Or do they plug into the diagnostic slot?

 

[541joseph]

Pack tools and if you can I'd pack an extra upper and lower o2 sensor and either have a k&n air filter or bring extra paper air filters. If you come to Oregon stop at fort rock and just look at it. Have to buy a pass to go on the trails there.

 

[shootmymime]

What do you mean does the word "stock" mean anything? I'm asking him if he is getting that kinda gas mileage with a lift or bigger tires. Or if he is just running a stock rig.


That's sweet that it gives you the code. Who cares if it gives you a description. Are you familiar with the different brands of gauges? Are they pretty easy to install? Are you just having to tap into a few wires? Or do they plug into the diagnostic slot?

just when someone says stock, they are referring that they have done no modifications to it. like tires, rims, lift, intake, exhaust. its the way it came from the factory. so yes he does have a stock rig.

Do some searched on here. the 2 main are ultra gauge and scan gauge 2. you will see lots of people comparing and pros and cons of each. as for connecting it. you are right, it just plugs into the obd2 port by the gas peddle and thats it.

 

[Tphocker]

Pack tools and if you can I'd pack an extra upper and lower o2 sensor and either have a k&n air filter or bring extra paper air filters. If you come to Oregon stop at fort rock and just look at it. Have to buy a pass to go on the trails there.

I'm thinking about a snorkel mainly just to reduce the amount of dust in the filter. Should work just as well or better than a k&n filter.

 

[Tphocker]

just when someone says stock, they are referring that they have done no modifications to it. like tires, rims, lift, intake, exhaust. its the way it came from the factory. so yes he does have a stock rig.



Do some searched on here. the 2 main are ultra gauge and scan gauge 2. you will see lots of people comparing and pros and cons of each. as for connecting it. you are right, it just plugs into the obd2 port by the gas peddle and thats it.

That's what I'm asking. If he has a stock rig. OR not. I'm not sure what your confusion is.

That's awesome that you can just plug it in an have all the info right on the screen. Def a good buy. I'll look into that. They seem super cheap to!!!

 

[kball]

The only thing I have to comment on is gas mileage.

I have found that at or around 70 mph I can usually get close to 22 MPG. Much more than that and she goes down quite drastically.

just when someone says stock, they are referring that they have done no modifications to it. like tires, rims, lift, intake, exhaust. its the way it came from the factory. so yes he does have a stock rig.

His quote and his sig say neither stock nor modified. Which is why the OP asked.

I would guess, he's stock.

 

[4'running'26]

Are you getting 22mgs on a stock rig? Do you have any drastic modifications? Lift, tires, rack, etc?

So as to get to the bottom of this...

Yes, completely stock. Unless you count no running boards and banged up driver side bumper as not stock .

I did discover while investigating my bumper issue the other day that the previous owner had installed an aftermarket trans cooler though! Yay me!

With the tires and lift you suggested in the original post, I would guess that at 70 MPH you would not be getting anything over 20 mpg. Probably more like 18-19 at best. But someone who has similar lift and tires can speak more to that.

Cheers!

 

[paddlenbike]

99 tall coils
265/75R16 tires, something along the lines of a Dueler A/T Revo
LED interior lighting
rubber/plastic floor liners & cargo liner
sat radio or mp3 capability
7-8" tablet for nav on a dash mount
a really nice ice chest and some crates for your gear


Stay away from a huge roof rack unless you need it (kills mpg and makes noise). Check out my build 5 page build thread (link in sig below) for some ideas. I basically built mine with the same purposes in mind.

 

[Tphocker]

So as to get to the bottom of this...



Yes, completely stock. Unless you count no running boards and banged up driver side bumper as not stock .



I did discover while investigating my bumper issue the other day that the previous owner had installed an aftermarket trans cooler though! Yay me!



With the tires and lift you suggested in the original post, I would guess that at 70 MPH you would not be getting anything over 20 mpg. Probably more like 18-19 at best. But someone who has similar lift and tires can speak more to that.



Cheers!

I def need to instal a trams cooler. I plan on getting a scan gauge as suggested above which as I understand it has a trans temp gauge which would be nice to keep tabs on.

It would be nice to get a little bit of a lift without getting below 20mpg cross country. But prob difficult to achieve.

 

[Hepar]

If you want a cooler/frig in your rig, get the ARB frig/freezer. It's pretty pricey, but there's nothing else that comes close to it on the market. It draws much less power than other ones because when it gets down to temp, it just maintains that temp like a true frig. It also will cut power when the battery gets low, so you'll never kill your battery running it. The build quality is second to none too.