Member III
WOW! The builds in these threads are great. I can see where I'll get some great ideas for possible future adds to my 4Runner so as a new member I am adding my thread to the forum.
Being newbies to Overlanding, my wife and I were a bit perplexed at what vehicle to purchase that would meet two basic conditions—first; the vehicle had to be comfortable enough for daily driving and getting her to the ski-slopes, and second; have enough Oomph! to traverse the trails that our good friends wanted to share with us (they being experienced overlanders).
Chosen was the Toyota 4Runner SR5 with two additional aftermarket options—heated seats and tinted windows. The reason for the darkened windows was not only for sunlight blockage but for privacy when sleeping in the cargo area on the platform I made.
The platform worked really well but it became rather tiresome to set up the bedding and repack daily. Much less, it did feel like sleeping in a coffin as sitting up was not an option and we literally had to crawl in and out the side door. Soon after a 15-day trip up the west coast into Canada and back, we opted to purchase a roof-top tent. Since then, moving on a daily basis has become a breeze.
Here is what’s been done since the purchase.
Added in 2016:
Future Adds/Wish List:
My most recent activity is getting the HAM radio antenna fully installed. Toyota has definitely made a zero tolerance vehicle and trying to fish wires in the head liner is a struggle. But that doesn't stop us from venturing out. Any helpful hints welcome.
Being newbies to Overlanding, my wife and I were a bit perplexed at what vehicle to purchase that would meet two basic conditions—first; the vehicle had to be comfortable enough for daily driving and getting her to the ski-slopes, and second; have enough Oomph! to traverse the trails that our good friends wanted to share with us (they being experienced overlanders).
Chosen was the Toyota 4Runner SR5 with two additional aftermarket options—heated seats and tinted windows. The reason for the darkened windows was not only for sunlight blockage but for privacy when sleeping in the cargo area on the platform I made.
The platform worked really well but it became rather tiresome to set up the bedding and repack daily. Much less, it did feel like sleeping in a coffin as sitting up was not an option and we literally had to crawl in and out the side door. Soon after a 15-day trip up the west coast into Canada and back, we opted to purchase a roof-top tent. Since then, moving on a daily basis has become a breeze.
Here is what’s been done since the purchase.
Added in 2016:
- WARN Receiver Shackle with lock
- BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A K02 Tires (definitely needed after having a flat in Death Valley with the stock tires)
- Icon Stage 1 lift kit (Lifted two inches making it easier to traverse the rocks)
- Maggiolina Grand Tour Rooftop Tent with custom 4-inch mattress
- DC Outlets—non-ignition activated
- Voltage Meter
- Eezi-Awn K9 Roof Rack
- ARB 64-quart Fridge/Freezer with slider
- Custom platform for fridge slider and extra space for supplies
- Garmin InReach
- ICOM 4100A Ham Radio (after we passed the FCC licensing test)
- DIAMOND K400SNMO Antenna Mount with cable
- DIAMOND NR770HNMO Dual Band Mobile Whip Antenna
- MOHOO 100-watt foldable Solar Panel with MC4 connector
Future Adds/Wish List:
- Rock Sliders
- Skid Plates
- Slimline front bumper with winch
- Rago storage panels
- Rear bumper with tire and Jerry can mounts
- Lights
- Awning
- Shower
My most recent activity is getting the HAM radio antenna fully installed. Toyota has definitely made a zero tolerance vehicle and trying to fish wires in the head liner is a struggle. But that doesn't stop us from venturing out. Any helpful hints welcome.
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