camping specific mods

Matt16 · 03-17-2008, 12:38 AM

I've camped a fair bit in the back of my 4Runner. Its not on par with a Volkswagen van, but it certainly holds it's own with those fodl down seats. Good work Toyota.

I've been thinking about several mods to improve the camping experience and here are some of my ideas:

daytime running lights cancel switch so I can leave my engine running to warm up the inside for winter camping and not have the lights blazing into someone elses camp
make a removeable tent-like apparatus for the inside to retain the heat (again I winter camp in Canada). the metal roof does a terrible job retaining heat.
a raised plywood floor so I can store stuff in compartments under the sleeping area- axe, pots, stove, shovel, Hi Lift, food, oil, fanbelts, tow strap etc.
upgraded dome light
aux. reverse light that can be turned on by switch from the rear (already done- they turn on when the tranny is in reverse, when the dash switch is thrown or when the rear switch it thrown.)

What have you done? Anyone have any cool ideas?

My mod ideas are mostly for winter camping in Canada, where it can get pretty damn cold at night, but if you have summer suited mods, I want to hear them too.

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stormin94 · 03-17-2008, 01:01 AM

Well, I've got a friend who works for a carpet place, so I get some odd length carpet pieces for free, I got a decent sized roll, and cut it out so It covers the back of my 4Runner with the seats folded down. Man does that carpet keep it warmer, and it's soft too. BTW, it's just regular carpet like you have in your house, and NO, I don't keep it in there all the time, just for camping.

I'm also planning on doing an auxilary heavy duty 12V outlet in the rear of my 4Runner, along with a 400/800peak watt power inverter. One of my favorite camping mods, is that I now have XM satellite radio connected, so even out in the middle of no where, I can still have decent music. The HD 12V outlet, I think would be best suited for like a 12 fan for stuffy summer nights, or 12v coffee maker, or what ever else you need 12v for in the back of the rig. It's going to be Heavy duty, because it will likely share the same wiring from the battery as the inverter, so it will be thick stuff.

Also, in the rear storage spaces, I keep a gallon of drinking water, along with 2 smaller bottles, just in case. I'm also thinking of stashing some food back there just in case of an emergency, or even if I just get hungry one night while I'm camping in my 4Runner.

tortis · 03-17-2008, 04:43 AM

carbon monoxide detector, in case you fall back a sleep with the engine running.

Brenjen · 03-17-2008, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tortis

carbon monoxide detector, in case you fall back a sleep with the engine running.

Ditto. Running the engine to warm up is just a bad idea. Invest in a dual battery set up, install a power converter & use an electric blanket. Then you don't have to worry about the indoor tent,daytime running lights or carbon monoxide death. A good sleeping pad & a quality sleeping bag mixed in with that & you'd be set.

Matt16 · 03-17-2008, 12:10 PM

Good idea on the carbon monoxide detector. Ever seen a CO detector for automotive use?

grant526 · 03-17-2008, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt16

Good idea on the carbon monoxide detector. Ever seen a CO detector for automotive use?

Ya, Check at your local RV Dealer/parts store.
And they do make 12V electric blankets. You just have to look. I think Cabela's probably has some.

In your runner, Do you still have the stock headliner? You might beable to pull it out and put some extra insulation behind it to keep it warmer. That will also help keep it a little cooler in the summer too. : )

Matt16 · 03-17-2008, 12:24 PM

I'll look into that. For anyone who tries insulating the head liner. Do NOT use pink fiberglass insulation. You will hate yourself bad if you do as it will get all over everywhere.

Jay351 · 03-17-2008, 12:51 PM

Hey Matt, you don't need a DL mod to keep the lights from comming on

Keep your e-brake on and they will not come on.
Even if its on only 1 click, just enough so it doesnt touch the button.

leebee · 03-17-2008, 01:08 PM

depending on how tall you make your platform/cargo area will determine interior dressing room height. ive held off making my platform for just that reason, im 5'11" and have to bend over to get dressed. we use a large piece of upholstery foam for our 'bed', its firm, warm and rolls up for transport.

i made up some screens shaped to fit the rear door windows that are held in place by strip magnets. if you have the rain guards for the windows it will allow you to have your windows open enough for decent ventilation during light rain. i wouldnt leave the windward window open in heavy or wind driven rain.

lee

Matt16 · 03-17-2008, 01:14 PM

I'll check, but my lights I think stay on when the parking brake is on as well. Maybe a sensor is busted.

Leebee: that's good to keep in mind, I think I will cover the platform in Rhino Liner but have a foam cut out to lay on top.

Matt16 · 03-19-2008, 12:21 PM

http://www.yotatech.com/f123/post-pi...03/index4.html

Riverboy · 03-19-2008, 06:18 PM

Hey I was asking about the cargo area question just the other day. Check out this set up. This member went all out and its for a 3rd gen but with a little measuring it would work. Good Luck

http://www.yotatech.com/f2/low-profi...rd-gen-126267/

Jay351 · 03-19-2008, 07:37 PM

If you start your engine with the e-brake enguaged the daytime running lights will not come on

Keep it on 1 click and they will stay off. I used to do this when I wanted to drive around with just the side markers on.

Matt16 · 03-19-2008, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riverboy

Hey I was asking about the cargo area question just the other day. Check out this set up. This member went all out and its for a 3rd gen but with a little measuring it would work. Good Luck

http://www.yotatech.com/f2/low-profi...rd-gen-126267/

I was looking to do that mod this week. The one thing is that I would have access doors that open up instead of a drawer. That looks really professional. I just have to make sure that the reduced headroom doesn't interfere with any nocturnal recreation.

Jay: my DRLs seem to have no connection to the parking brake, maybe they changed the wiring and the 1990 4Runner (built the year Canada mandated the implementation of DRLs) had a bit of a hack job for DRLs. On my truck, whenever the engine is running, the DRLs were on, until now.

NwRunner · 03-19-2008, 10:12 PM

for the brighter dome light, do an L.E.D. conversion. There should be a writeup here somewhere.

infiltrator · 03-19-2008, 10:16 PM

When I go camping I have a portable heater. Runs off batteries and can be recharged when the truck starts up the next morning.

I would think about some easy way to get in and out of the back of the 4runner. I mean if you think about it, when you roll up the window when you are inside, don't you have to crawl and do it? Or do you do it like me and crawn through the down backseats and close the door?

stormin94 · 03-19-2008, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infiltrator

When I go camping I have a portable heater. Runs off batteries and can be recharged when the truck starts up the next morning.

I would think about some easy way to get in and out of the back of the 4runner. I mean if you think about it, when you roll up the window when you are inside, don't you have to crawl and do it? Or do you do it like me and crawn through the down backseats and close the door?

You could rig up a remote to it, or a switch in the back, so you can open and close the back from inside the rig.

strykersd · 03-20-2008, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infiltrator

I would think about some easy way to get in and out of the back of the 4runner. I mean if you think about it, when you roll up the window when you are inside, don't you have to crawl and do it? Or do you do it like me and crawn through the down backseats and close the door?

I picked up an extra rear window switch from the junkyard which I plan on wiring directly to the battery (so that it will work when the car is off) then splicing into the existing window wiring to raise or lower the window. I'm planning on mounting it right by the light in the cargo area, hopefully things won't bump into it while I'm driving.

Matt16 · 03-20-2008, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strykersd

I picked up an extra rear window switch from the junkyard which I plan on wiring directly to the battery (so that it will work when the car is off) then splicing into the existing window wiring to raise or lower the window. I'm planning on mounting it right by the light in the cargo area, hopefully things won't bump into it while I'm driving.

Thats a good idea.

Wheelingnoob · 03-20-2008, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strykersd

I picked up an extra rear window switch from the junkyard which I plan on wiring directly to the battery (so that it will work when the car is off) then splicing into the existing window wiring to raise or lower the window. I'm planning on mounting it right by the light in the cargo area, hopefully things won't bump into it while I'm driving.

Let us know how that works, I was thinking of somthing along those lines last year.

Jeremy

Loucifer · 03-20-2008, 05:09 PM

Obviously not a mod, but check out Coleman's Catalytic Heater. It's safe to use inside. I would imagine you would want to crack a window a bit just to allow for some oxygen circulation.

Luvmeye22re · 03-20-2008, 06:08 PM

In my old FJ60 I built a frame that rested on the rear wheel wells and a futon mattress fit perfectly on top of it and gave me about a 5 inch drawer within the framing. Another good thing to do for the headliner is peel it off carefully and herculine/rhinoline/etc. the interior of the roof REALLY thick, the stuff actually works quite well for sound/heat insulation and you can put your own insulation over it and reinstall the headliner. Styrofoam home insulation works well under there too if you can find a local company to fab it thin enough to fit between the headliner and the roof. Another good one to use is that blue padding they use for Pergo flooring (fake hardwood). No itch, no mess, just use a little glue to hold it in until you get the headliner installed.

Matt16 · 03-20-2008, 10:05 PM

I had thought of making a fleece "tent" for the interior the velcro'd on the inside. Also, I want a cargo box for the bed.

nix4x4 · 03-20-2008, 10:22 PM

I'd love to get one of these:

It's called a Freedom Grill. The coolest part about it is it doesn't take up
any space in your truck bed or rear cargo area! You can grill with it still
attached to your truck, or set it up on a picnic table, etc...

n16ht5 · 03-20-2008, 10:29 PM

I really want to do a hot shower install. My friend had one on his Jeep, and it worked great.

right now I have a 1Kw inverter, sleeping bags, a small stove, and some water

03-17-2008, 01:01 AM	#2 (permalink)
stormin94 Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Lake County, CA/Sacramento Posts: 3,539	Well, I've got a friend who works for a carpet place, so I get some odd length carpet pieces for free, I got a decent sized roll, and cut it out so It covers the back of my 4Runner with the seats folded down. Man does that carpet keep it warmer, and it's soft too. BTW, it's just regular carpet like you have in your house, and NO, I don't keep it in there all the time, just for camping. I'm also planning on doing an auxilary heavy duty 12V outlet in the rear of my 4Runner, along with a 400/800peak watt power inverter. One of my favorite camping mods, is that I now have XM satellite radio connected, so even out in the middle of no where, I can still have decent music. The HD 12V outlet, I think would be best suited for like a 12 fan for stuffy summer nights, or 12v coffee maker, or what ever else you need 12v for in the back of the rig. It's going to be Heavy duty, because it will likely share the same wiring from the battery as the inverter, so it will be thick stuff. Also, in the rear storage spaces, I keep a gallon of drinking water, along with 2 smaller bottles, just in case. I'm also thinking of stashing some food back there just in case of an emergency, or even if I just get hungry one night while I'm camping in my 4Runner. __________________ 1994 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4X4 213,000 miles and counting 3.0 V6, 5 speed 10/15 MPG city/hwy(with 33's) Current Mods Headers, 2.5" Flowmaster custom exhaust, K&N FIPK KC Daylighter 100 Watt lights Ranchos x4, 2" Lift Downey coils 33-12.50 M/T's, 1" t-bar lift, 1" body lift Tow pkg w/ lighthookups Silverstar Headlights, Pioneer Deck w/XM Brushguard 250Watt JLAudio 8" W3 Sub Future Mods 12V Aux outlet-400/800peak inverter roof basket/lights Air locker 4.88 gears H.O. Alternator

03-17-2008, 04:43 AM	#3 (permalink)
tortis Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: shreveport, La Posts: 1,273	carbon monoxide detector, in case you fall back a sleep with the engine running. __________________ 89 Truck X-tra Cab LCE Timing Chain 31'' Maxxis Buckshot 4.88's built by ZUK(the mind reader) Aussie Locker Front and Rear 63'' Chevy Springs Marlin HD Clutch Bilstein HD Shocks 2.5" Exhaust W/Dynomax Muffler 2-50 Watt Backup Lights

03-17-2008, 12:51 PM	#8 (permalink)
Jay351 Contributing Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: maple ridge, British Columbia, Canada Posts: 8,640	Hey Matt, you don't need a DL mod to keep the lights from comming on Keep your e-brake on and they will not come on. Even if its on only 1 click, just enough so it doesnt touch the button. __________________ 91 Pickup - xcab - 5sp - 3.0 - SR5 - 4x4 - 250k \|2.25" catback w/ magnaflow cat + glasspack \| Weasy2k cams \| Aisin manual hubs \| Diff breather mod\| Marlin HD clutch \|3" BL \| es3000's \|2" AAL \|1.5" bj spacers \| ISR \| Alpine headunit \| 4" Infinity fronts/5" rears \| 4.88's \|Rear lockright \| 33x12.50" BFG M/T on 15x8" steelies \|Hella 500's \|4" reverse lights\| Grant GT \|idler arm brace\|hella E-codes\| Marlin armor \|SS IFS brace \| %100 Amsoil synthetic http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2572486

03-17-2008, 01:08 PM	#9 (permalink)
leebee Contributing Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: marlbank, canada Posts: 2,450	depending on how tall you make your platform/cargo area will determine interior dressing room height. ive held off making my platform for just that reason, im 5'11" and have to bend over to get dressed. we use a large piece of upholstery foam for our 'bed', its firm, warm and rolls up for transport. i made up some screens shaped to fit the rear door windows that are held in place by strip magnets. if you have the rain guards for the windows it will allow you to have your windows open enough for decent ventilation during light rain. i wouldnt leave the windward window open in heavy or wind driven rain. lee __________________ 93 sr5 v6 auto, 4x4 Photos http://s866.photobucket.com/albums/a...albumview=grid there are quite some attractive ladies on here with Toys. (compliments of ironmike) ifsc 3(.0) http://tlca.org www.of4wd.com www.sontt.com

03-19-2008, 06:18 PM	#12 (permalink)
Riverboy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Spokane Washington Posts: 49	Hey I was asking about the cargo area question just the other day. Check out this set up. This member went all out and its for a 3rd gen but with a little measuring it would work. Good Luck http://www.yotatech.com/f2/low-profi...rd-gen-126267/ __________________ 90 4runner, Yakima racks, K&N cone filter, stock suspension, Bfg all terrains, hidden hitch, H.K rear springs.

03-19-2008, 07:37 PM	#13 (permalink)
Jay351 Contributing Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: maple ridge, British Columbia, Canada Posts: 8,640	If you start your engine with the e-brake enguaged the daytime running lights will not come on Keep it on 1 click and they will stay off. I used to do this when I wanted to drive around with just the side markers on. __________________ 91 Pickup - xcab - 5sp - 3.0 - SR5 - 4x4 - 250k \|2.25" catback w/ magnaflow cat + glasspack \| Weasy2k cams \| Aisin manual hubs \| Diff breather mod\| Marlin HD clutch \|3" BL \| es3000's \|2" AAL \|1.5" bj spacers \| ISR \| Alpine headunit \| 4" Infinity fronts/5" rears \| 4.88's \|Rear lockright \| 33x12.50" BFG M/T on 15x8" steelies \|Hella 500's \|4" reverse lights\| Grant GT \|idler arm brace\|hella E-codes\| Marlin armor \|SS IFS brace \| %100 Amsoil synthetic http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2572486

03-19-2008, 10:12 PM	#15 (permalink)
NwRunner Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Snohomish, Washington Posts: 290	for the brighter dome light, do an L.E.D. conversion. There should be a writeup here somewhere. __________________ 1996 Tacoma SX... MT's! 1998 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0, 2.5 inch OME, Warn Bumpers, Shrockworks sliders 2003 Foes ZZ, Marzocchi 888, Chris King Hubs and Head. Ready for Whistler!

03-19-2008, 10:16 PM	#16 (permalink)
infiltrator Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Valencia, California Posts: 1,307	When I go camping I have a portable heater. Runs off batteries and can be recharged when the truck starts up the next morning. I would think about some easy way to get in and out of the back of the 4runner. I mean if you think about it, when you roll up the window when you are inside, don't you have to crawl and do it? Or do you do it like me and crawn through the down backseats and close the door? __________________ Old Rig: '95 4runner \| White \| ISR \| 193,000mi. \| Totalled.

03-20-2008, 05:09 PM	#21 (permalink)
Loucifer Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Upstate New York (Closer to Canada than NYC) Posts: 18	Obviously not a mod, but check out Coleman's Catalytic Heater. It's safe to use inside. I would imagine you would want to crack a window a bit just to allow for some oxygen circulation.

03-20-2008, 06:08 PM	#22 (permalink)
Luvmeye22re Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Ski town Colorado Posts: 455	In my old FJ60 I built a frame that rested on the rear wheel wells and a futon mattress fit perfectly on top of it and gave me about a 5 inch drawer within the framing. Another good thing to do for the headliner is peel it off carefully and herculine/rhinoline/etc. the interior of the roof REALLY thick, the stuff actually works quite well for sound/heat insulation and you can put your own insulation over it and reinstall the headliner. Styrofoam home insulation works well under there too if you can find a local company to fab it thin enough to fit between the headliner and the roof. Another good one to use is that blue padding they use for Pergo flooring (fake hardwood). No itch, no mess, just use a little glue to hold it in until you get the headliner installed. __________________ 86 Runner with rebuilt 22re and 5 speed swap

03-20-2008, 10:22 PM	#24 (permalink)
nix4x4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: I'm an Ohio boy! Posts: 1,212	I'd love to get one of these: It's called a Freedom Grill. The coolest part about it is it doesn't take up any space in your truck bed or rear cargo area! You can grill with it still attached to your truck, or set it up on a picnic table, etc... __________________ 1992 Xtra Cab 3.0/5-speed Work in progress..

03-20-2008, 10:29 PM	#25 (permalink)
n16ht5 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Bellevue, WA Posts: 257	I really want to do a hot shower install. My friend had one on his Jeep, and it worked great. right now I have a 1Kw inverter, sleeping bags, a small stove, and some water __________________ photos.chrisneibauer.com - Truck Photos chrisneibauer.com - My Photos Alpentalic

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