4runner payload paradox

[WrightRunner]

Icon difference is luxury

 

[cdavis90]

Take your vehicle as it is, grab a ground tent and go out. Add in the mods as you go. If your going out in snow solo, prioritize winch, traction boards and bumpers. If you buy your suspension based on a few mods and add in more weight later, springs are fairly cheap. As long as you don't change height, you don't need to change shocks/struts. I went through 3 sets of springs getting my TJ dialed in and 2 sets on my Cruiser because I added in more weight then I thought.

^This! This is great advice!

After I lifted my 3rd gen, I took it on a pretty substantial road trip in the Mojave. I slept in my ground tent with minimal supplies, and I'm overall very happy with how it went and how the truck rides. BUT, I realized I need to change my rear spring setup eventually. (I also added more weight than I thought) Still, I got in the desert and had a beautiful week camping. Learned some upgrades I'd like to make eventually, but I wouldn't have known if I hadn't put in a number of offroad trips with the truck in the mountains, desert, etc.

For what I do, I need 3 inches of lift and at least 31-inch tires. It's saved me a couple of times from being high centered, but I wouldn't have known that if I hadn't said a couple of hail mary's through some washed out trails. I love my truck, but the 3.4L 5VZE is a little tough with weight sometimes. It works well for me to pack a little lighter with it. The only thing I don't compromise on is water. I'm in the desert, where water supplies are often scarce or non-exsistent. If anything, I need a stiffer spring to carry adequate water. But, you could sacrifice that weight if you are in the mountains/ a colder region with better water access!

 

[Wallygator]

I believe i came to the right place for this question. I've seen a lot of rigs all over the place, some simple and small , While others are very extravagant and large on a 4Runner.

My question to you everyone here on this form is oh, how do you manage your payload with all of the skid plates and tent setup with the bumpers included.

I have seen people with entire setups that enclose them with the 270 degree awni and a tent on the roof that has a drop awning on it. I did a rough scenario build my 4Runner and I am just at the maximum of the payload. Thinking about it is there a way to increase the payload capacity of your 4Runner? Is that not only requiring buying a aftermarket suspension system but replacing axle and Springs. I've seen online with a offer a 700 lb coil for the front axle. I was wondering if the need to change out tires that are more robust and work on the rear portion would increase the capacity to caring more.

I'm using Voice Text so forgive my choppy speech

I didn't read the thread but when I had my 4 I carried at least 500 lbs on a daily basis including a aluminum RTT, fridge, and all the gear in the cab. I had load range C tires (BFG KO2's), RCI aluminum skids, C4Fab sliders, replaced the front coilovers with Eibach PRO coilovers (660lb springs), JBA upper control arms, OME 8295 rear springs, and durobump bumpstops. It handled better than stock with all the weight, worked great off road, and this system did not cost an arm an a leg to buy. Could hook up the utility trailer and haul the dirt bikes or go to the Depot with no issues. Just a great setup. Hope this helps.

 

[slomatt]

This is a very expensive hobby but like anything worth having you got to work hard for it but most importantly of a as one older gentleman told me be smart about it

There are many people who have done true "overlanding" all around the world in old used cars (not 4x4s) and on a very tight budget. Unfortunately Instagram and other sites make it look like you need to spend a lot of money and overbuild your truck, but you don't.

It all depends on what your goals are. The truth is you can spend $0 and go out right now and get started with your current vehicle, just be sure to take water, tell someone where you are going and when to expect you back, and bring a healthy amount of common sense. Regardless of how capable your truck is there is always a situation in which you can get stuck, and in my opinion the most important thing is to learn when it is time to turn around because you're about to exceed the ability of your truck or yourself. Those are the type of situations where you learn what (if any) modifications you would need to go further the next time. Personally, I strongly recommend against buying all the gear "you need" at once because you'll just end up removing or changing things as you gain experience.

 

[Mikeblack]

There are many people who have done true "overlanding" all around the world in old used cars (not 4x4s) and on a very tight budget. Unfortunately Instagram and other sites make it look like you need to spend a lot of money and overbuild your truck, but you don't.

It all depends on what your goals are. The truth is you can spend $0 and go out right now and get started with your current vehicle, just be sure to take water, tell someone where you are going and when to expect you back, and bring a healthy amount of common sense. Regardless of how capable your truck is there is always a situation in which you can get stuck, and in my opinion the most important thing is to learn when it is time to turn around because you're about to exceed the ability of your truck or yourself. Those are the type of situations where you learn what (if any) modifications you would need to go further the next time. Personally, I strongly recommend against buying all the gear "you need" at once because you'll just end up removing or changing things as you gain experience.

No need to worry about going all out. Just want to make a list of parts build and use it as a template to build overtime unfortunately I don't have the cash like something to go out and buy everything all I wants it, but I can make small steps at a time to have a end goal in sight for the future. I know for a fact you don't need much to go out and enjoy the world. You don't need Chrome and shiny lights to appreciate the point of overlanding. I got a whole case of that experience being stationed in Germany for the Army. After the road and the gravel trails end it all we had was a grid coordinate and we moved our vehicles accordingly. First time under the midnight sky with all the stars, it was a pretty dope and we did not have the most modern cool guy gear. With that said what I'm doing with this list is making sure that i'm not getting stuff that makes me feel good to show off but is more practical and to avoid damage. A wonderful trip can be horribly ruined on your equipment broke down and all it took was a simple tool or gear to avoid it. Using the risk management Matrix as a thought process, old habits die hard

 

[Mikeblack]

^This! This is great advice!

After I lifted my 3rd gen, I took it on a pretty substantial road trip in the Mojave. I slept in my ground tent with minimal supplies, and I'm overall very happy with how it went and how the truck rides. BUT, I realized I need to change my rear spring setup eventually. (I also added more weight than I thought) Still, I got in the desert and had a beautiful week camping. Learned some upgrades I'd like to make eventually, but I wouldn't have known if I hadn't put in a number of offroad trips with the truck in the mountains, desert, etc.

For what I do, I need 3 inches of lift and at least 31-inch tires. It's saved me a couple of times from being high centered, but I wouldn't have known that if I hadn't said a couple of hail mary's through some washed out trails. I love my truck, but the 3.4L 5VZE is a little tough with weight sometimes. It works well for me to pack a little lighter with it. The only thing I don't compromise on is water. I'm in the desert, where water supplies are often scarce or non-exsistent. If anything, I need a stiffer spring to carry adequate water. But, you could sacrifice that weight if you are in the mountains/ a colder region with better water access!

Is there a section or thread on this form that goes into how to do quick fixes and improvise recovery if let's say you don't have all of the gear on hand or you need to use what's available in nature to get you going. It's always a good thing to have a plan B and the more you learn and experience the less equipment you will tend to need. From what I read in your post you have a lot of experience and learn to get by with less and still enjoy the experience

 

[Mikeblack]

Icon difference is luxury

So I am hearing and it came and and I priced at 2. I'm looking at acquiring the vehicle next year when I have myself set and ready. After that using the stock ome vehicle and enjoying some little trips. Overtime acquiring stuff 2 enhance the experience but definitely not in all in one go, I somehow win the Powerball lottery. Then you'll see a lot of post here of videos and pictures showing off what can be in asking for people's wish lists of builds lOL.

 

[Wallygator]

No need to worry about going all out. Just want to make a list of parts build and use it as a template to build overtime unfortunately I don't have the cash like something to go out and buy everything all I wants it, but I can make small steps at a time to have a end goal in sight for the future. I know for a fact you don't need much to go out and enjoy the world. You don't need Chrome and shiny lights to appreciate the point of overlanding. I got a whole case of that experience being stationed in Germany for the Army. After the road and the gravel trails end it all we had was a grid coordinate and we moved our vehicles accordingly. First time under the midnight sky with all the stars, it was a pretty dope and we did not have the most modern cool guy gear. With that said what I'm doing with this list is making sure that i'm not getting stuff that makes me feel good to show off but is more practical and to avoid damage. A wonderful trip can be horribly ruined on your equipment broke down and all it took was a simple tool or gear to avoid it. Using the risk management Matrix as a thought process, old habits die hard

The suspension setup I listed had nothing to do with looks and everything to do with safety while carrying 500 pounds of weight in an SUV that had suspension capable of a mall run from the factory. Also chose parts on the basis of low maintenance and high reliability.

Regarding Icon...an this opinion is will not popular cuz a lot of people just don't know, but I will never support Icon due to their disgusting past. Icon used to be called Donahoe. YMMV.

 

[cdavis90]

Is there a section or thread on this form that goes into how to do quick fixes and improvise recovery if let's say you don't have all of the gear on hand or you need to use what's available in nature to get you going. It's always a good thing to have a plan B and the more you learn and experience the less equipment you will tend to need. From what I read in your post you have a lot of experience and learn to get by with less and still enjoy the experience

I have found both Ronny Dahl's Youtube Channel and the Overland bound channel to be full of useful info on recovery! I play it pretty safe when I go out as well. If I'm in an area where I don't know the trails, I stick to forest roads that I know I can drive safely. Arizona has a lot of them, and nature is always wonderful.

 

[Dilldog]

Legally speaking it doesnt matter what you do to your rig, the GVWR printed on the ID tag is the maximum weight that vehicle is legal to operate at on public roadways, period. You can be cited if it all goes wrong and you are found to be overweight, also you can be sued for negligence if you damage another's property or cause injuries, and some insurance companies have clauses that allow them to not pay out in cases of documented willful negligence.
Now that that is out of the way, when operated in a prudent manner nearly every vehicle is safe when overloaded by a few hundred pounds, you just need to not drive like an ass hat. Suspension and brakes are typically the biggest limiting factors, so if you know you will be running overweight invest in good increased capacity springs, and shocks (people like to forget how much shocks do for load carrying and stability in a suspension system), and get the best high performance brake pads you can find. It honestly sounds like youre on a good track, and listen to @smritte that guy knows whats up.

 

[Mikeblack]

I have found both Ronny Dahl's Youtube Channel and the Overland bound channel to be full of useful info on recovery! I play it pretty safe when I go out as well. If I'm in an area where I don't know the trails, I stick to forest roads that I know I can drive safely. Arizona has a lot of them, and nature is always wonderful.

I've seen a few of his videos recently. he has some great videos and content. thank you for the recommendation.

 

[Mikeblack]

The suspension setup I listed had nothing to do with looks and everything to do with safety while carrying 500 pounds of weight in an SUV that had suspension capable of a mall run from the factory. Also chose parts on the basis of low maintenance and high reliability.

Regarding Icon...an this opinion is will not popular cuz a lot of people just don't know, but I will never support Icon due to their disgusting past. Icon used to be called Donahoe. YMMV.

I was agreeing with you on your previous comment. but i'm not looking to max out the 4runner. but you made some great points for me to think about. Also i heard hear about some folks not liking icon, why is that? and the history of the company.

 

[Mikeblack]

Legally speaking it doesnt matter what you do to your rig, the GVWR printed on the ID tag is the maximum weight that vehicle is legal to operate at on public roadways, period. You can be cited if it all goes wrong and you are found to be overweight, also you can be sued for negligence if you damage another's property or cause injuries, and some insurance companies have clauses that allow them to not pay out in cases of documented willful negligence.
Now that that is out of the way, when operated in a prudent manner nearly every vehicle is safe when overloaded by a few hundred pounds, you just need to not drive like an ass hat. Suspension and brakes are typically the biggest limiting factors, so if you know you will be running overweight invest in good increased capacity springs, and shocks (people like to forget how much shocks do for load carrying and stability in a suspension system), and get the best high performance brake pads you can find. It honestly sounds like youre on a good track, and listen to @smritte that guy knows whats up.

Trust me i don't want to be on the other side of law. wanted to work out a rig that is balance.

 

[WrightRunner]

I was agreeing with you on your previous comment. but i'm not looking to max out the 4runner. but you made some great points for me to think about. Also i heard hear about some folks not liking icon, why is that? and the history of the company.

WHAT? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? PRICY YES BUT IN MY OPINION WORTH IT!!!!

 

[Mikeblack]

WHAT? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? PRICY YES BUT IN MY OPINION WORTH IT!!!!

thats good to hear. i was worried the company may have had some misgivings in the past that made some bad blood with the community. YES i saw those prices and they are high for sure lol

 

[Mikeblack]

this is what they sent me in a email. also they recommend to add the 700 LB spring in the ordering section but i like what i see but my wallet is a bit small for their stuff currently but a good starting point on what to look out for in the future.

 

[WrightRunner]

it is not for everyone's wallet, but nobody should knock it because they cant afford it. i believe having the icon stage 7 system on my 4runner is adding to the longevity of my 4runner. it is such a difference in my off road experience my wife loves to go out with me. i'm 59 and plan on having this for the rest of my life for exploring, fishing, hunting and anything in between!

 

[WrightRunner]

thats good to hear. i was worried the company may have had some misgivings in the past that made some bad blood with the community. YES i saw those prices and they are high for sure lol

you will always have haters on anything! people like to bitch!

 

[Wallygator]

I was agreeing with you on your previous comment. but i'm not looking to max out the 4runner. but you made some great points for me to think about. Also i heard hear about some folks not liking icon, why is that? and the history of the company.

I thought you were agreeing, I was just adding more thoughts. Icon used to be called Donahoe. The owner got busted for distributing child porn. After he got busted the name changed to Icon. He of course is no longer listed as being with the company but that doesn't mean he can't be a silent partner. I will never buy or own Icon products. Has nothing to do with price or anything about bitching. Everything to do with not supporting a disgusting POS....YMMV.

 

[WrightRunner]

I thought you were agreeing, I was just adding more thoughts. Icon used to be called Donahoe. The owner got busted for distributing child porn. After he got busted the name changed to Icon. He of course is no longer listed as being with the company but that doesn't mean he can't be a silent partner. I will never buy or own Icon products. Has nothing to do with price or anything about bitching. Everything to do with not supporting a disgusting POS....YMMV.

I know nothing about that! I would be sure of saying something like that before I posted it! Just like if someone's dad was a child molester the kids shouldn't be blamed for it!