I found your channel recently and I just have to say you and a few others just get it and that's refreshing. As someone just starting in this hobby you really nail and drive home to people that unlike crawlers or off-roaders where a stock rig isn't even recommended without risking significant damage just for beginner trails that for overlanding you do not need to check all these must haves to begin. I live in Pa and 99% of the cool scenic places people want to get to and have some fun you barely even need a lift. Most people get confused by the UA-camrs who have unlimited funds who just do their main goal of rock crawling and add in camping along these wild trails Which is great of course and not knocking them, but I've learned people see that and get truly confused and think that's the norm and what you need to see the cool stuff and it's simply not true.99% of overlanding and what most want to do you can easily start and just go and then there's 1% of areas you can branch off and find that require truly built vehicles and technical crawling. Of course you can add harder trails or areas where you need the lifts and 35s but you don't need to hit these expensive checklists before being able to start in this hobby. You would be better off looking up tent camping videos if you're new to it than a lot of the videos people push. What I'm trying to say is, for people who want to run outdoor parks kinda like AOAA here in Pa yes you will see people say you should save and do certain things initially before truly starting but with over landing you can see everyone on UA-cam like you who go to all these amazing accessible places in something like this older RAV4. This is why I like realistic channels like yours and it's highly appreciated.
Just found the channel and was amazed at what you did. I am on my second Rav4, a 96 and seeing what can be done has helped me tremendously. Thank you. 😊
My 98 5 speed is a riot to drive. It's a beast in the snow. Surprised you pulled the hitch, it provides a good jack lifting point so limited on unibody vehicles. Also gives a good attachment point for bike rack. I'm running 235 70 16 which seem perfect. Did have a front wells cut and bent over. I have a cargo carrier and 100 watt solar panel on the roof racks. It's way more fun than my 07 Taco and cheap fishing rig Cheers from Yukon
At least once or twice a month i search youtube for first gen rav 4 build videos and have just stumbled across your account. Absolutely love this build , just binged all of your videos and have just finished the aravaipa canyon video, love that you took the doggo with you. I have the same car as you and we have done the same thing as yourself and have taken the backseats out for the dog love the bed you built for him and will be giving building one of those in the summer hopefully. Great cars and look forward to seeing more adventure videos in the rav
I'm disappointed in myself. I was super stoked on your first video with the Rav. Commented how I've been drooling over a first gen for awhile now, and still am, and then didn't follow up and watch any of the videos on it from then on. I'm looking at Ravs again, so I thought I'd come and see what all you have done to yours. I want to get rid of my daily in favor of something that will actually be able to go somewhere, cuz offroading the Taurus SHO is far from ideal, but it's just hard to trade all that power and comfort. Maybe one of these days.
They have this strange appeal about them, I’m not sure what it is but I also caught the rav bug after looking at them for a while. I must say, they are quite comfy and a pleasure to drive but power is a lacking element!
@@Whitedogoverland I've always dreamed of a budget turbo Honda swap, and actually just learned that a company makes parts for swapping a Honda K24 in an Toyota MR2 which uses the same transmission apparently. I just do know if it'll work with the center diff of the Rav. I know the Toyota 3SGTE is a popular swap as well. I don't know why, but I just got on craigslist to see if there are any donors vehicles, and just found a motor + accessories for $460. Now the temptation of buying a Rav4.1 is that much greater. Why did I do this? haha
Man I wished I had a UA-cam video to show people what my stock rav4 goes through daily out here in Africa my road home is a trail drive😂😂😂 eg I've pulled a Massey Ferguson 275 about 3km with out a problem just a little stinky clutch.. a friend's mazdampv V6 about 5km which weighs about 2tons ..I've loaded 8×50kg cement bags in the back on stock springs it sure was sketch but it didn't complain , car engines parts ,tractor parts, diesel containers you name it my Rav done it that and it's still fresh enough to take a lady on a date though 😂😂😂😂..just need touch ups on the paint...when I see your rav I see a head turner for real 🙌🔥
Man I can only imagine what you put that rav through out there! It’s funny how every country in the world but the US runs these cars heavily. So under rated
I’m glad you said something. I cut this video way too short. I’m currently building a lighter, gusseted low profile recovery point utilizing the only tow package. I had to chop out that bulky muffler and replace it so it had to come off anyways
That's a sweet old RAV4! If you ever need help with repairs, check out my RAV4 restore playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PL1_JDBt1LSiImFCzG1QKxOTeZnzUG8uxj.html
Quite the honor to have you commenting on my channel. I’ve watched you restore your 4.1, practically every video. Your content has helped me out a ton on my journey with this car so I appreciate the work you’ve put in!
@@Whitedogoverland That's great! Thanks for watching them. I just watched your video from 7 months ago when you drove the RAV4 up the control road and went in a cave. As you were talking about guys who build up their car all fancy and only go out twice, I was thinking "that is me." Having watched my videos, you know my car was borderline not repairable. The unibody wasn't rotted out from rust, but everything else was. Based on my experience, I have a theory about old RAV4's: They want to be beater cars. If it's a POS, that's fine, only fix things that prevent it from moving. Once you open up that restoration can of worms, you'll be plagued by problems. Oh and don't add Autozone problems to it, try to keep it all Toyota. I have plans for adding a rooftop tent and going camping around 1 to 2 times (hehe), so I'll be watching your channel for advice. :)
@LabCoatPaul I have learned a ton about this car over the last 6 months and they sure don’t seem to quit often. Most seem to like to burn oil, mine isn’t bad but a 3sgte swap is calling my name when this tired engine goes. I do absolutely enjoy driving it. They’re pretty capable offroad, and a ton of fun to camp in. You’d be surprised what they can do in technical trails as well.
@@Whitedogoverland I'm considering doing a 2gr-fe swap in mine. That's the 3.5 liter V6 from the 3rd gen RAV4, or Sienna, or Highlander. The 2gr is rated at 269 hp, so that's a little more than the 3s-gte, also with better reliability and no turbo lag. As far as I know, nobody has done that swap in the first gen RAV4, but it's common in the MR2 world. I think the V6 would also be much better off road. From the 1 time I took my RAV4 off road, I noticed the engine stalls up steep hills. The 3sgte would not help in that situation but the 2gr-fe would.
I can buy a 2008 Sienna with 150K miles and a salvage title for about $4,000. Having a complete vehicle means I won't have to go searching for exhaust components, wiring, or the drive by wire gas pedal. It would also give me a platform for thoroughly testing the engine before I swap it. I could drive the van for 6 months and do only engine maintenance. I would send the oil to Blackstone Labs and hopefully be able to find any issues that would disqualify the engine from being good enough for the RAV4.
Just bought a 1997 2.7 toyota tacoma 4x4 with 20k on the odo. Collector owned. Had new bfg's installed and drove it home.....flawless!! Timmy C Arizona
I’m glad you said something. I cut this video way too short. I’m currently building a lighter, gusseted low profile recovery point utilizing the only tow package. I had to chop out that bulky muffler and replace it so it had to come off anyways
I debated a similar platform for my 99 but I was going to pull the rear side panels for more room. I HATE the way part of the rear seats doesn't fold down. How did you mount your lights on the front?
I agree, I may end up trying to pull those out. For the front lights, it sounds pretty silly but I just drilled holes straight through the plastic, need to back it with a plate but I’ve been too lazy
I found your channel recently and I just have to say you and a few others just get it and that's refreshing. As someone just starting in this hobby you really nail and drive home to people that unlike crawlers or off-roaders where a stock rig isn't even recommended without risking significant damage just for beginner trails that for overlanding you do not need to check all these must haves to begin. I live in Pa and 99% of the cool scenic places people want to get to and have some fun you barely even need a lift. Most people get confused by the UA-camrs who have unlimited funds who just do their main goal of rock crawling and add in camping along these wild trails Which is great of course and not knocking them, but I've learned people see that and get truly confused and think that's the norm and what you need to see the cool stuff and it's simply not true.99% of overlanding and what most want to do you can easily start and just go and then there's 1% of areas you can branch off and find that require truly built vehicles and technical crawling. Of course you can add harder trails or areas where you need the lifts and 35s but you don't need to hit these expensive checklists before being able to start in this hobby. You would be better off looking up tent camping videos if you're new to it than a lot of the videos people push. What I'm trying to say is, for people who want to run outdoor parks kinda like AOAA here in Pa yes you will see people say you should save and do certain things initially before truly starting but with over landing you can see everyone on UA-cam like you who go to all these amazing accessible places in something like this older RAV4. This is why I like realistic channels like yours and it's highly appreciated.
Just found the channel and was amazed at what you did. I am on my second Rav4, a 96 and seeing what can be done has helped me tremendously. Thank you. 😊
I’m glad I can help! Thank you
My 98 5 speed is a riot to drive. It's a beast in the snow. Surprised you pulled the hitch, it provides a good jack lifting point so limited on unibody vehicles. Also gives a good attachment point for bike rack.
I'm running 235 70 16 which seem perfect. Did have a front wells cut and bent over.
I have a cargo carrier and 100 watt solar panel on the roof racks. It's way more fun than my 07 Taco and cheap fishing rig
Cheers from Yukon
Awesome video man! I've got a Gen 3 rav and would love to start overlanding in it. These videos give me hope!
Thanks my man! Just break down the essentials for camping in your build and let her rip
At least once or twice a month i search youtube for first gen rav 4 build videos and have just stumbled across your account. Absolutely love this build , just binged all of your videos and have just finished the aravaipa canyon video, love that you took the doggo with you. I have the same car as you and we have done the same thing as yourself and have taken the backseats out for the dog love the bed you built for him and will be giving building one of those in the summer hopefully. Great cars and look forward to seeing more adventure videos in the rav
These cars are great, absolutely adore mine. Thanks for watching and glad you enjoy the videos!
Just found your channel today and it's awesome. Loved the Rav4 Buggy. Subscribed today
Welcome aboard!
I'm disappointed in myself. I was super stoked on your first video with the Rav. Commented how I've been drooling over a first gen for awhile now, and still am, and then didn't follow up and watch any of the videos on it from then on. I'm looking at Ravs again, so I thought I'd come and see what all you have done to yours. I want to get rid of my daily in favor of something that will actually be able to go somewhere, cuz offroading the Taurus SHO is far from ideal, but it's just hard to trade all that power and comfort. Maybe one of these days.
They have this strange appeal about them, I’m not sure what it is but I also caught the rav bug after looking at them for a while. I must say, they are quite comfy and a pleasure to drive but power is a lacking element!
@@Whitedogoverland I've always dreamed of a budget turbo Honda swap, and actually just learned that a company makes parts for swapping a Honda K24 in an Toyota MR2 which uses the same transmission apparently. I just do know if it'll work with the center diff of the Rav. I know the Toyota 3SGTE is a popular swap as well. I don't know why, but I just got on craigslist to see if there are any donors vehicles, and just found a motor + accessories for $460. Now the temptation of buying a Rav4.1 is that much greater. Why did I do this? haha
Man I wished I had a UA-cam video to show people what my stock rav4 goes through daily out here in Africa my road home is a trail drive😂😂😂 eg I've pulled a Massey Ferguson 275 about 3km with out a problem just a little stinky clutch.. a friend's mazdampv V6 about 5km which weighs about 2tons ..I've loaded 8×50kg cement bags in the back on stock springs it sure was sketch but it didn't complain , car engines parts ,tractor parts, diesel containers you name it my Rav done it that and it's still fresh enough to take a lady on a date though 😂😂😂😂..just need touch ups on the paint...when I see your rav I see a head turner for real 🙌🔥
Man I can only imagine what you put that rav through out there! It’s funny how every country in the world but the US runs these cars heavily. So under rated
Looks great! Can't wait to see how it does!
I’m taking her out tonight!
I would have left the hitch receiver and put a shackle in it as a rear recovery point. Other than that it's a very cool build
I’m glad you said something. I cut this video way too short. I’m currently building a lighter, gusseted low profile recovery point utilizing the only tow package. I had to chop out that bulky muffler and replace it so it had to come off anyways
That's awesome man I can't wait to see it
About to buy one of these with 280k a mechanics wife's car and am so excited.
You will enjoy a ton! Mine has its problems but they’re solid as hell
He says for the poors and he out here “fixin suspension and brakes” lmao. Great vids tho
Hell of a lot more broke when brake failure leads to rear ending someone lol
Your video is so attracting!! Could you shoot a video for our brand?
Thanks! What sort of brand?
Love it 👍🏻
what size tires did you end up going for?
235/70/16
i wouldn't have thought that it would be long enough to sleep in .
Just barely!
ive slept in mine a couple of times, definitely long enough.
what spray paint was used for the white??
Just rust oleum high gloss!
Update?
Will have one dropping as soon as I can get back out in it! Hard this time of year but cooler temps coming
Impressive bro!!
Thanks buddy!
brother you have 20k in tools. You are not poor
I have second hand husky/cobalt tools haha
Not even a minute in and dude fails the only objective of overlanding by going underground.
Haha please elaborate more
@Whitedogoverland goes overlanding, misunderstood directions, imeediately ends up underground.
That's a sweet old RAV4! If you ever need help with repairs, check out my RAV4 restore playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PL1_JDBt1LSiImFCzG1QKxOTeZnzUG8uxj.html
Quite the honor to have you commenting on my channel. I’ve watched you restore your 4.1, practically every video. Your content has helped me out a ton on my journey with this car so I appreciate the work you’ve put in!
@@Whitedogoverland That's great! Thanks for watching them.
I just watched your video from 7 months ago when you drove the RAV4 up the control road and went in a cave. As you were talking about guys who build up their car all fancy and only go out twice, I was thinking "that is me."
Having watched my videos, you know my car was borderline not repairable. The unibody wasn't rotted out from rust, but everything else was.
Based on my experience, I have a theory about old RAV4's: They want to be beater cars. If it's a POS, that's fine, only fix things that prevent it from moving. Once you open up that restoration can of worms, you'll be plagued by problems. Oh and don't add Autozone problems to it, try to keep it all Toyota.
I have plans for adding a rooftop tent and going camping around 1 to 2 times (hehe), so I'll be watching your channel for advice. :)
@LabCoatPaul I have learned a ton about this car over the last 6 months and they sure don’t seem to quit often. Most seem to like to burn oil, mine isn’t bad but a 3sgte swap is calling my name when this tired engine goes. I do absolutely enjoy driving it.
They’re pretty capable offroad, and a ton of fun to camp in. You’d be surprised what they can do in technical trails as well.
@@Whitedogoverland I'm considering doing a 2gr-fe swap in mine. That's the 3.5 liter V6 from the 3rd gen RAV4, or Sienna, or Highlander. The 2gr is rated at 269 hp, so that's a little more than the 3s-gte, also with better reliability and no turbo lag.
As far as I know, nobody has done that swap in the first gen RAV4, but it's common in the MR2 world. I think the V6 would also be much better off road.
From the 1 time I took my RAV4 off road, I noticed the engine stalls up steep hills. The 3sgte would not help in that situation but the 2gr-fe would.
I can buy a 2008 Sienna with 150K miles and a salvage title for about $4,000. Having a complete vehicle means I won't have to go searching for exhaust components, wiring, or the drive by wire gas pedal. It would also give me a platform for thoroughly testing the engine before I swap it.
I could drive the van for 6 months and do only engine maintenance. I would send the oil to Blackstone Labs and hopefully be able to find any issues that would disqualify the engine from being good enough for the RAV4.
As an old and ex Honda guy, you now have me dreaming of doing a K24 swap into an older CRV AWD.
Great work son. My truck is next...
I’d subscribe to this.
Historic Plates on a Rav 4, damn I must be getting old!
Just barely 25 years on it!
I have a similar build with my 2006 ford escape hybrid. 💪🏽
Bad ass!
Just bought a 1997 2.7 toyota tacoma 4x4 with 20k on the odo. Collector owned. Had new bfg's installed and drove it home.....flawless!! Timmy C Arizona
Holy cow that is a score!
What is the tire size?
235/70/16
@@Whitedogoverland thank you so much 🌹
Man that thing looks sweet now. I bet it performs like a million bucks...Well done
Thanks man haven’t had it on much dirt but we’re headed out this evening!
taking that tow bar off was a mistake if you get stuck it can be pulled out from the rear if need be now put that dam thing back on
I’m glad you said something. I cut this video way too short. I’m currently building a lighter, gusseted low profile recovery point utilizing the only tow package. I had to chop out that bulky muffler and replace it so it had to come off anyways
I debated a similar platform for my 99 but I was going to pull the rear side panels for more room. I HATE the way part of the rear seats doesn't fold down. How did you mount your lights on the front?
I agree, I may end up trying to pull those out. For the front lights, it sounds pretty silly but I just drilled holes straight through the plastic, need to back it with a plate but I’ve been too lazy
@@Whitedogoverland how bad do they bounce around? I have a pair of 4" Rigid pods but just not sire how I want to mount them
@@oldschool64bus it’s hard for me to really tell but I don’t think they do much. I don’t have any stress cracking… yet… so all seems to be okay