Sleeping platform/drawers almost done, now what?

[jharpphoto]

Should be done with the drawers/sleeping platform this week. Will be going with 3” foam mattress on the platform. Should be able to do 30+ nights this year. Wondering how to stay cool in the summer. Does someone make screen window covers and reflective windshield black outs? Does anyone have a fan set up to keep wind moving? If so how do you power it? Also considering refrigeration needs. Since the back will be unable to hold a dometic refrigerator, how do you keep food cold for multiple days?

 

[Nobody Special]

All you need is a TV next, but then why not just save the mod money and stay home at that point?:ranger:

 

[ElectroBoy]

Should be done with the drawers/sleeping platform this week. Will be going with 3” foam mattress on the platform. Should be able to do 30+ nights this year. Wondering how to stay cool in the summer. Does someone make screen window covers and reflective windshield black outs? Does anyone have a fan set up to keep wind moving? If so how do you power it? Also considering refrigeration needs. Since the back will be unable to hold a dometic refrigerator, how do you keep food cold for multiple days?

Screens: I’ve used gutter guard screens (Home Depot) in side windows and back window for airflow and keep bugs out. You have to cut and trim to fit, more than one piece for each window and maybe use duct tape to seal really well against bugs. There are threads about this on the forum. Version 2.0 is now a pair of window socks that slip over the rear seat windows. I haven’t slept with them yet but they look good and quick & easy to install.
Uarter Universal Car Rear Side... Amazon.com: Uarter Universal Car Rear Side Window Baby Kid Pet Breathable Sun Shade Mesh Backseat (2 Pcs) Fits Most Cars/SUVs: Baby

Fan: you can buy a battery operated fan to put in a cup holder. What I did was a get very large, quiet, 12V computer fan from a Fry’s electronics store. I rigged up a power plug to insert into a 12V outlet, which I modded for consant 12V. Hang it from the rear view mirror and point it toward the back.

Fridge: I got one that was the right size and weight so I could handle it while loaded in order to move it from the back seat area while driving, into the front passenger seat while camping (2 people sleep in back). Gotta measure carefully so the one you buy can be installed without bashing the glove box or ripping the seat.
Or just use an ice cooler, like a soft sided RTIC or YETI. It’s easier to moved around.

There are actually hundreds of posts in this forum about camping in your 4Runner if you search around.

 

[sn_85]

Strawfoot makes custom window covers and reflectors for the 4Runner.
Window Covers: Toyota 4runner 5th Gen. 2010-Current – Strawfoot Handmade

As far as powering a fridge goes I'd look into a portable power bank like a Jackery or the Dometic PLB40. Avoid the Goal Zero stuff.

 

[carlodonz]

Strawfoot makes custom window covers and reflectors for the 4Runner.
Window Covers: Toyota 4runner 5th Gen. 2010-Current – Strawfoot Handmade

As far as powering a fridge goes I'd look into a portable power bank like a Jackery or the Dometic PLB40. Avoid the Goal Zero stuff.

Very nice but that price tag... :wow:

 

[DallasTRDPro]

Should be done with the drawers/sleeping platform this week. Will be going with 3” foam mattress on the platform. Should be able to do 30+ nights this year. Wondering how to stay cool in the summer. Does someone make screen window covers and reflective windshield black outs? Does anyone have a fan set up to keep wind moving? If so how do you power it? Also considering refrigeration needs. Since the back will be unable to hold a dometic refrigerator, how do you keep food cold for multiple days?

I will be purchasing a Jackery to power my fridge, a fan possibly and charge my electronics.

 

[1Louder]

These work well, Windshield Sun Shades, Car Window Shades and Car Window Covers by HeatShield: The Original Windshield Sun Shade

This fan moves a lot of air. Amazon.com: Fan-Tastic Vent 01100WH Endless Breeze - 12 Volt Fan: Automotive

Great quality but you also pay for it. The same company makes very nice aircraft covers. I used to own a few way back when.

 

[Bassturd]

I sleep in my ‘04 a lot. I just put the front window shade up and crack the back hatch window and the 2 front windows. That allows enough air to pass through that I don’t get condensation build up inside. I use a RTIC 20 quart or my Cabela’s 40 quart depending on the situation. I usually have no issues keeping food cold with either of those. I know there’s better ways out there but this has worked great for me in most situations.

 

[rageandlove]

LOL his website pricing must be broken. $1,000 for 7 windows. I've read good reviews of those but no one has said they cost more than a new set of wheels, so maybe shoot him a note.

Very nice but that price tag... :wow:

 

[Jono.ful]

amazon car window screens

30 nights is a lot of moisture and condensation to put into the interior of your 4r, even with the windows open....

 

[rageandlove]

I experimented with the one below. Frankly they are easy to damage but more importantly don't let a lot of actual airflow happen. So I moved on and made my own with magnets, but it was still a bit meh.

I ended up getting one of these.

It's fantastic. Well-made, the screens let air move but keep bugs out, and it is under the top of the hatch, so even when it is open in the rain there is no leaks. (I live on the coast so that's important.)

They make them for the side windows too, but I wanted the "out of the rain" setup.

Highly recommended.

amazon car window screens

30 nights is a lot of moisture and condensation to put into the interior of your 4r, even with the windows open....

 

[A10MileHusker]

Just make your own. I made these using cardboard and some cheap reflector.

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3013880-post70.html

 

[1Louder]

Just make your own. I made these using cardboard and some cheap reflector.

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3013880-post70.html

A roll of Reflectix from HD, Lowes or Amazon can do wonders.

 

[Jono.ful]

I ended up getting one of these.

160.

That's a lot of freedom eagles just to sleep with your windows open

 

[rageandlove]

160.

That's a lot of freedom eagles just to sleep with your windows open

[MENTION=81003]Jono.ful[/MENTION] the non-deluxe are less freedom eagles.

Regardless, if you add up the cost of the vehicle, the gas spent on every multi-day trip, food eaten and beer consumed for ~20 trips a year, it's a rounding error that makes nights in the truck a lot more comfortable.

 

[jharpphoto]

drum roll please! Here she is. Already had 2 nights of very comfy sleep in here.

 

[Token_Indian]

Ouch!

My wallet has PTSD.

 

[DallasTRDPro]

I experimented with the one below. Frankly they are easy to damage but more importantly don't let a lot of actual airflow happen. So I moved on and made my own with magnets, but it was still a bit meh.

I ended up getting one of these.

It's fantastic. Well-made, the screens let air move but keep bugs out, and it is under the top of the hatch, so even when it is open in the rain there is no leaks. (I live on the coast so that's important.)

They make them for the side windows too, but I wanted the "out of the rain" setup.

Highly recommended.

I really like that.

 

[emupoacher]

amazon car window screens

30 nights is a lot of moisture and condensation to put into the interior of your 4r, even with the windows open....

I use something very similar to this and it works very well. I've only used it in the winter with the windows down a smidge, so can't speak to the fans. Figure with the windows down it won't be that much different than being in a tent.

If you're looking for someone to hit up some IMBA Epics with, reach out! I'm planning on hitting all of them I can this summer.

 

[emupoacher]

drum roll please! Here she is. Already had 2 nights of very comfy sleep in here.

Looks great!! I did something very similar and stapled some outdoor carpet (~$40 from Home Depot) over mine ... really helped stop things from sliding around and looks a lot better IMO.