SUV Micro Camper Urban Lander 4Runner 1 Year Review
Вставка
- Опубліковано 9 лип 2024
- Here I review my 1996 Toyota Runner Micro-Camper Overlander or Urban Lander as I call it. after one year. I go over the importance of planning ahead when building one from scratch and share my likes and dislikes.
Buy Folding Bamboo Table here: amzn.to/3fh4sFb
Buy Jackery 240 Solar Generator here: amzn.to/2leJssr
Buy Renogy 50w solar panel mono here: amzn.to/2jNKICu
Buy Reflectix here: amzn.to/2laCwfM
Buy Twin Mattress here: amzn.to/2lfIoEH
Buy Portable RV shower here: amzn.to/2lh06aX
Buy Ozark Trails 26 Qrt Cooler here: amzn.to/2jLH7or
Buy Gas One camp stove here: amzn.to/2ldJFMo
Buy Olimpiafit Bath towels here: amzn.to/2lgmzVz
Buy Trainiac 1/2 gal jug here: amzn.to/2lh0Vk3
Buy MC4 to 8mm for Jackery 240 solar: amzn.to/2jMZRDX
Buy Mini Evaporative cooler here: amzn.to/2jLPkZP
Buy 12vdc fan here: amzn.to/2jLPY9H
Buy USB light here: amzn.to/2leKGnx
Buy Lunatec washcloth here: camzn.to/2XJFLbH
Buy Shower cabana here: amzn.to/2leLQPV
Buy Collapsible camp chair here: amzn.to/2jLMWCj
Buy Clothes storage zipper bags here: amzn.to/2leMKMj
Buy 7gal Aquatainer by Reliance waterjug: amzn.to/2leN6m7 - Навчання та стиль
Here is a correction The tires and wheels are 265/70R16. 16" wheels.
You mentioned the change of actual speed vs of the speedometer with the bigger wheels. My '99 2.7l automatic 4x4 has stock tire size and the spedometer shows 2-3mph faster than Google maps GPS speed. In order to show 65mph on my phone my speedometer will be at 67+. Did you compare your speedometer to GPS before you switched the wheels?
great video, does the new wheels need any left for it to fit?
Extremely genuine and practical. So refreshing after seeing nothing but $100,000 van builds by Instagram influencers.
This man was throwing shade at absolutely everybody at some point in this video 😂
The best part lol
Loving your “this is my way” and not following the crowd approach. You talk a lot of sense Great set up
It's on the internet, so it must work.
This is the way
I love this set-up, As a 68 year old woman, I could use this happily. Thank you!
Your Toyota fills your niche quite nicely. You don’t need a diff lock or 4wd. Life is too short. Enjoy - you have a good thing going.
I am in the process of building out my SUV into a camper to live in full-time. I couldn't agree more about not going the platform route. If it is rainy or cold out, and you want to just relax in the vehicle, being able to sit upright is essential. Unless you want to just spend your time in the driver seat or laying down. I used your build more than any other as inspiration for my own.
I know "practical" is a matter of opinion, but this build lines up EXACTLY with what I've had in mind for building out my Suburban! This is by far the most practical build I've seen for my purposes. Especially with the head space, claustrophobia always looked like a problem in other builds. Great video, even better build!
Glad you like your design. But to your readers, don't count out the platform approach. As a disclaimer, I didn't outfit an SUV. Both of mine were pickup trucks with cab level caps. Spent tons of nights in my trucks. Probably equally split between primitive camp grounds and steal camping. Most weekends April through October, and many week long trips over 13 years. Heavy use. Very comfortable. Easily sleep 2 people. Tons of gear underneath. Importantly, water runs down hill. Much of my travel was for water sports. Wet stuff on the bottom, dry stuff, including me, on top. Set up my deck in segments. Highly configurable. All segments were liftalbe to access gear underneath. If it was just me, I used an "L" shaped deck. Biggest problem was cold. Wired up a second battery. Charged the second battery off the alternator while running but separate from the truck's electrical system when parked so that my camping use didn't threaten the starter battery. 12V heated mattress pad was very toasty. (If you go that direction, might want a professional to wire in the second battery.)
"5 speed which means you have to shift for you kids" Love it! I was taught on manual transmission and so were my kids . Just in case of emergency they knew how to drive. 4Runner looks great! Love the upgrades!
Camping for a few days and walk to the beach. That sounds like a dream.
Thanks for an alternative perspective to the traditional platform build. Definitely nice to have sitting-up headroom. Based on another video I’m trying to figure out how to incorporate a hinged section of the rear deck that can be raised as a backrest. Happy trails!
That is what we would like to do as well - we saw that sort of a thing with good hardware in this video: ua-cam.com/video/0zA76yDXBUo/v-deo.html&feature=share
This is exactly what I was looking for!
I kept having the same thoughts when seeing the other typical platform builds like, "but what if I need something that's stored underneath my bed, while I'm already on it for the night?" and agreed on wanting to not only lay down but to sit, and don't want to feel like I'm in a coffin.
THANK YOU! 😩
Subscribed. ✅
100% the right way to go. The raised platforms are ridiculous, especially in smaller SUV's and cars. One crucial benefit, is being able to kneel up, and have a pee, without having to leave the car. Especially important for older campers.
50k Miles, not even broken in yet!
my mouth dropped open when he said that.
I was laughing too hard at the "DevilsButt Crack" because I have a friend that just came back talking about how he did Devil's Staircase
Me too! Glad you have confirmed, Steve, that you are not one of *those guys.
Ive been doing this for 3 months in my ford falcon wagon, put the bed in middle and everything on the sides I can get anything whenever. This in my opinion is a better way, never followed the crowd.
This is by far the setup that resonates with me most.
You’ve got ALOT of life left in your runner. I’ve got a 99 with 378k miles on it and it’s still my daily driver. I love these vehicles
Finally. been looking for a video of this conversion type for hours
Nice! I fell into the trap of thinking there’s only one way to build a sleeper set-up. Thanks for the save! Nice design.
50,000 miles! that runner is basically brand new. great build for your lifestyle, nothing you dont need
your 'Approach'...makes SO MUCH SENSE! Thank You for 'sharing'!!
That thing is ridiculously clean. What a time capsule.
Too many people forget they can store stuff in the passenger seat. I don't know why so many people are deluded in making a 2 person bed when most people are traveling by themselves. Nice build.
I really like how you think: genuine and original. Your design is the best I've seen on Ytube so far! Way to go, bro.
Salaam to you and to all.
Urbanlander! I love it. That's my style too. You've done a great job w this rig, Steve. 👌
Your build makes so much sense. Thanks for sharing.
thx for vids, Indiana, retired shop teacher (wish I had your shop), 60 yrs now, drove 98
tacoma for 20 yrs, 05 crv past couple/few yrs...love your
middle-bed/storage-on-sides design.
Always enjoy your content.
most informative video I've seen on small camper set up so far! thank you for all the ideas.
I bought a 1984 1/2 (that's what they called it) Toyota 4Runner, a two door with a removable rear roof. It had fuel injection so it made 114 hp. The carbureted version made 98 hp. Both had plenty of power for cruising around. Now everyone wants to tow a boat. In 1986 my Toyota SR5 pickup had a turbocharger -- the only year that Toyota put a turbocharger on their pickups. It made a whopping 135 hp. God bless your dad for how he took care of that 4Runner.
Love your approach to your vehicle and life, enjoyed the video, thanks!
The way you put your bed is the best solution ! Really nice video, thanks a lot !
Brilliant! This is exactly what I needed to see. I live in Hawaii and am planning an extended trip to the mainland to hike the National Parks and visit some cities. Your set up is perfect for what I have planned.
Perfect! I fully agree! Platforms take up too much space and look claustrophobic. Thanks for the alternative idea. I’m following your plan for my 4Runner!
Great to hear how it has worked out for you. I'm in a SUV and it's so easy to stealth camp anywhere. Those wheels were a good find.
thanks steve. probably the third time I’m watching this video. I’m a recently retired law enforcement officer with mobility issues. so urban landing is more my speed. I just can’t do hills or sand anymore. except for you, there is really not much out there on urban landing. currently building out my 2011 tahoe and stealing most of your ideas for my build. hope you don’t mind. best wishes.
So glad I saw your video. This build makes better sense. Its always good to view various builds. I would love to be able to sit up, move about, remove and change clothes, eat and cook inside, etc. Great build. Enjoyed your video. Safe travels. Namaste.
I have a Lexus ES 300.......1996. Just turned 63,000 original miles. I bought from my siblings when my Mom passed in 2005. It had 28,500 miles in 2005. Toyota makes them to last. I also built out my 2006 Four Runner. It is fabulous in extreme cold weather. Hard to sleep in the Texas heat but I have a Zero Breeze Gen 1 that works for about 3 hours. I am working on a mount for it now. Amazing what you can do with a Four Runner. Stay Safe!
Very nice!
I am SO glad i found this video! I have the same issue with car camping, im planning my build and want to do it your way but everyone seems to do the platform way. I love the way you've done it, super inspiration :)
Good luck!!
Well done. Finally someone has made an SUV camper that makes sense. Excellent video. Clear, concise and not full of unnecessary awful music. I’m subscribed 👍👍😀
It's fine the way it is! Perfect for urban camping. You can knock out all 48 states easy! Thank you for the videos.
I LOVEE YOUR SETUP!
Nicely done. Appropriate tech is better than high tech. Yours fits you perfectly. AND you are out there enjoying it!
Thank you for sharing this.
When I first considered car camping, I thought of using my Prius due to mileage and, being able to run it for warmth or cooling.
We had rain during a tournament and I thought I’d take a nap in it. It was hell. Kudos to anyone who can and is doing it.
So, currently my Toy Rav4 is my go-to and no bed build-out. Like you, I need head-room.
I like your side storage. Something I need to explore. Thank you for sharing your adventures.
yeah, this is the way you can tell if people REALLY camp in these things or not. Real campers have some screen arrangements and spend most of their time talking about their attempts to ventilate better. Clownshow #vanlife people spend their time talking about solar panels and lithium batteries (and trying to sell you some).
Too funny~ I have the same truck, and doing the same build. Oversize tires didnt dial in my speedo~ it still reads about 5% fast.
328k on the clock~ but what's *REALLY* sweet about this base model is I get nearly 29 mpg!
I like this build. I did something similar and can't wait to go explore and try it out!
Yes! This is exactly what I want to do. It always surprises me how many law’s California has. 🤷🏻♂️ Anyway, great build!
Thank you, I have been looking at ways to build a platform bed, too much work and materials. Too much drama, love it. You saved me a lot of work and time.
Thanks for the update! As always, your thoughts very detailed.
I just discovered your channel and the content is great. Thank you! I tried an elevated system in my “urban lander”...aka a Chevy Tahoe. I came to the same conclusion you did. Don’t build up.
Thanks for doing this type of vid on setting up a suv mid size for camping or just basic traveling around. I am a 65 yo ReSingled guy. And still working my business as a Builder in the east Tenn. area. Most of my use wlll be for fishing camping music or craft festivals or for hauling my drumset to a gig. You have done a good job n layout and trying out the different ways of using the rig. Keep up the good work. God Bless
I love your build! I personally prefer a bed on the floor. I feel cozy like you said! Thank you so much for bringing the problem of the platform bed. I’ve always said, “Have fun in a rain storm guys” or a list of other problems of this build.
I just found this channel. You have a stunning 4runner. I have a 99 I am in the process of building out. I did that platform. You are right. That's a terrible idea. I am now taking all that wood from that and building the side shelves. Thanks for the great video.
I love your build, I did go with a platform as I travel with my girlfriend. Our platform is 5" tall and fits underbed storage containers, we use a 3" memory foam mattress so we lose 8" of headroom. Not a total loss as we are both under average height
Anywyas, love the build! For sure it's the best way for a single person to travel!
That is one of the better builds I have ever saw.
Thanks for the share.
Just bought a new 2024 TRD Offroad Premium and want to do a build.
Haha Steve! I love all of your videos and your subtle humor!💯👍
Love your build very well done
You've inspired me to do a really similar build in 2007 4runner, thanks for making the video!
I like your style. You know your travel needs and can make your own repairs.
new wheels, tires and suspension looks great !!!!!
This is great ! around minute 5- the way you "showed" the room- It reminded me of an Airline attendent- Love the design !
Excellent video and a very practically equipped vehicle. I done basically the same thing in my 94 Chevy Blazer but my experience at that time was driven my necessity ( homelessness after job loss ). Since then I have become a big fan of SUV camping for the enjoyment of it. Like you I just like the easily accessible areas I have no desire to climb rocks. I like places a tow truck can still come and assist me if necessary ( I’m just say 🤷🏽♂️ ).
I wish you success with your UA-cam endeavors , thanks for the videos. 👍🏽🙏🏽
Great thought process! I prefer sleeping in my vehicle. I use a trifold mattress in the back, a fridge, fan, and I'm a happy camper 😁
In addition to my van I also have a 2000 3rd gen 4Runner (5-speed manual also) that I've owned for 16 years now. I've bought and sold five other vehicles during that time and the 4Runner is the only one I have never considered selling. These are pretty well known to be one of the best vehicles ever made. Nice job on the micro camper conversion.
Hahahaha , “dreams of being buried alive” you said a mouthful there! That’s the message, plain and simple. Think about the end result. I also decided to avoid the “platform bed, with storage underneath” concept for my situation. Clearly the platform bed works great for some builds (with enough headroom), but for many the lack of headroom is claustrophobic for sleeping. Thanks for this video. Good ideas and well illustrated. For me personally, I still sleep in the front “captain’s chair”. Still more comfortable than any bed I have attempted to devise in the back. But that’s just me. Will watch more of your video. Thanks!!
This does make a lot of sense. I think the benefit of the bed platforms is many of them allow for the rear seats to remain in the vehicle. This is a really cool build. Thanks for sharing!
🏔🚐💨
Fun watching your build and what I did on mine .. I think I’m on my third build. I keep getting ideas from folks like you.
Very accessible and looks really comfortable. Nice looking rig!
This is great! Thanks for the inspiration. Looking to do something like this for my Landcruiser.
I'm glad that I found your channel .I plan to buy a cargo van to convert to camper but it is too expensive for me to finish the project then I realize that my Ford explorer can do that too.Thanks for all inspiration .
Awesome vehicle! Great job. I love your work, man!
Simple and useful. Safe travels to you sir.
Here for ideas for my sequoia . great video man
Wow I really love your setup there it's been the nkcest I've seen so far.
I like this build. I’m doing mine the same way except diagonally for extra foot room.
Thanks Steve, this has helped me much to figure out how to build my own SUV.
Bless you brother. Proof of wisdom.
This is perfect this is exactly how I want to do my 4 runner
Thanks for the update. You did a great job on the conversion. I’ve never heard the term Urban Lander, so you may have designed a new vehicle class.
Love the Lounge chair my guy!
Epic content! Sooooooo true about that coffin sleeping being unrealistic ⚰️ 👌🏻
Excellent.
Smart.
Neat.
The mattress moves easily for other uses.
Great attitude.
Great attitude.
I have a 2004 Chevy Trailblazer RWD (at almost 200K miles) and a 2021 Tacoma 4x4 off-road. For years before I got my Tacoma, I went off-road with my trailblazer all the time, camped out in the forest inside my blazer, and I've gone through a few snowstorms. I never had a problem, and never got stuck or hydroplaned. it honestly all depends on your driving skills and knowing your vehicle's capacity & limits then you are good to go with any 2WD or 4WD. Don't get me wrong, my Tacoma is awesome but I kept my Trailblazer just because it's really great, still run so good, (it has seat heaters, Tacoma don't so it is a must for wintertime lol!) and it is one of the best older vehicles out there. It is nice to be able to switch between two-decade models, I just love that old truck feeling. Also, it is good to not always rely on the 4x4 because what if your 4H & 4L won't work, what would you do? it is helpful when you have some experience in driving off-road with RWD, it is good for in case of emergency.
Haven't seen you in awhile... good to see again.. I used to live in Vegas but moved in December.. like your videos...
Great video. The platform feels like im back on the ship. I actually had to slerp on thw top because i had nightmares on the bottom. I have been searching for different ways for about 6 months. This fits my needs I have a dog so this works out great. I have a 99 crv that in overlanding. Ill check out your build. God speed brother
This design does make more sense. I watched your previous videos. Awesome carpenter skill
I really like your design, well thought out for your needs. Always under radar and very stealth....nice beach trip story.
I like your reasoning on the platform, and that you acknowledge your choice won't work for everyone. The 4runner looks great and I applaud your restraint, getting out there is more important. I do think an Eaton true trac limited slip might be a nice option
100% agree that sitting up is crucial and the platform setup isn’t ideal. Fellow 4Runner camper 👍
Thank you for the video! Great information!😁❤️
What a good guy. Much Love
I like your approach. The drawers at the bottom and the minimal space looks claustrophobic. Thanks for sharing your ideas. I think I might go with your suggestion. Maybe even only do storage on one side for more room for a 2 sleeper. 4Runners are like the perfect size, not too big not too small yet reliable. Good job.
Awesome, no nonsense, no corporate BS, upselling kit, etc. Bravo! Happy trails... Looking forward to a review of Devil’s Buttcrack Trail
This really saved me from making the platform decision, very thoughtful!
Love your material!
I really like your set up. I need to watch your build video.
Like the new style wheels. Great set up !
Excellent video and information mate