3RD GEN 4RUNNER CAMPER CONVERSION: Dog friendly DIY storage/sleeping platform

[@flexapex9801]

You cannot go wrong with a third GEN 4RUNNER they’re amazing

[@kendellharbin]

Agreed

[@jly3442]

Came to see 4Runner, stayed for the good vibes. 🌎

[@shawngregory3631]

Are you still on the road. Been rebuilding my blazer for 6 months getting ready to do the same. Hopefully just 1 more week until I set off. Had some questions if you are still blowing with the wind.

[@roypaulcarter4654]

Love it. Really like the washer and pencil for tracing the contours of the vehicle.

[@kendellharbin]

Glad you like it!

[@alexiswilliams4966]

This has got to be the cleanest setup I've seen yet!! Please make some sort of tutorial i want to do this for my 4runner. Love these vids!

[@kendellharbin]

Thanks Alexis. Noted ;-)

[@felipealarotta]

@@kendellharbin Yes! best setup out there. Thanks for it! I'm planning to do this one, Any chance of having the measurements?

[@louisking119]

Great setup. Times get tuff old lady put me out I have absolutely no problem sleeping n my 3rd gen.

[@kendellharbin]

That's the spirit!

[@administrato1234]

Americans are so much better at woodwork than us in the UK, great video 👍

[@kendellharbin]

Well shucks I dont know if thats true. But thanks!

[@LSandLM]

For several years I've collected ideas for a 4runner box and I think this is the winner.

[@kendellharbin]

Hey thanks, that means a lot!

[@alancolquitt7214]

This was the easiest "Subscribe" of my short "camping-in-my-4Runner," "KZbin-watching-to-figure-it-all-out" career. I just bought a new 4Runner (5th Gen) and am in the planning stages. Love the arid, laid-back sense of humor, the whimsey and the incredibly useful tips (the washer tip and the rear hatch switch). I have slightly different needs (and phobias--coffin syndrome and being eaten by a bear to be specific) so will likely end up with different solutions, but it's always helpful to hear your rationale and thinking. One thing that occurred to me in watching you demo your front compartments is to line those with loose cloth bags/liners of some sort (pillow cases came to mind), maybe staple to edges of compartment, so smaller things don't find the far reaches of those compartments and disappear or slide out the sides. For what it's worth. Keep up the good work, have fun, and maybe I will see you on the road somewhere.

[@theartofflying3580]

I’m 2 mins into this video and already like holy shit this is def a channel I’m going to enjoy watching content from.

[@kendellharbin]

Glad to know it resonates :-)

[@timmusician5060]

I’m glad I skipped the cooler and went straight to getting a fridge/freezer. I can store meat in the freezer

[@UnfortunateDesert]

As a woodworking Goof, I like that youre using the carpentry terminology !...;)....

[@DanielleRootes]

The pencil and washer footage just blew my mind. Great video of your build. Those older forerunners are still great vehicles. Well done!

[@kendellharbin]

I actually quite like the concept of a fore runner. " Let's run, to the fore!" --- Thanks Danielle, truly.

[@tamasmaksza6450]

Fantastic, nicest version I've seen anywhere.

[@joshuabyrd4866]

Two minutes in and I’m already loving it.

[@kayleighdrouin6378]

I bought my 3rd gen with a very basic set up in the back. No drawers just the platform. Gonna be making some changes. Thank you so much! I've got 3 dogs. A German shepherd? A bulldogge and a husky mix

[@matthewrankin5027]

Best way to include the sleeper I’ve seen, especially in a 3rd Gen!

[@Neandertaler33]

More please....getting ready to buy a 4Runner and your build is the bomb

[@kendellharbin]

Aye aye captain

[@liuses5gaming205]

Commenting and liking for your youtube algorithm. awesome video, just bought a 3rd gen. I really hope you can reach lots of people and make a dime in the process. Keep it up!

[@kendellharbin]

Thank you much :-)

[@chrisariasnow]

3:05 🤣🤣🤣 Just bought a 3rd Gen 4Runner and I'm loving this conversion. Nice!

[@kendellharbin]

Welcome to the club :-)

[@veronicab.4200]

Love it!! U inspired me and my 02’🤙😎 good to see other girls into this! Nice work on the box!!! Freaking fantastic!! Best part when LB jumps on the box!! The way he slides in😂. Rock on! 🤙😁

[@kendellharbin]

So glad I could offer the inspiration. All about getting out there!

[@nathanlemin5222]

sooo dialed. love the build. just built out my Runner for my 2 big dogs n me. this gave me some ideas for future improvements

[@kendellharbin]

Glad it could offer some insights! 2 big dogs, oh boy!

[@notVeganjustRegan]

im going to be starting the same thing in my 3rd gen 4runner! wish you the best!!

[@TheDIDSBIAK]

Well engineered box, simple and smart! I also love the way of extension your floor.

[@kendellharbin]

Thanks!

[@johnoudin5646]

Very impressive box build!

[@AndreasHiker]

Some interesting pieces there. I converted my 2000 4Runner back in 2016. It's a bit different than any others I've seen and I keep thinking I should make a video tour of it.

[@EnriqueReyesJrREALTOR]

I have a 1997 4Runner, & my doggie looks very much like your doggie!

[@annlipsker]

Waiting to see full set up of your kitchen and already saved this one for the design! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@kendellharbin]

Sweet! FYI the 'full kitchen setup' is at the bottom of my list, but the kitchen gear video is live!

[@isaiahmoya9742]

You are such a bad ass! I camp with my husky and ride with her so much! I do have a family that depends on my but do look forward to doing some camping together in the future!!!! Keep going, it pays off when you’re older they say.

[@kendellharbin]

Hey thanks - hope you and your fam can get out there together!

[@DeemMalicious]

This is THE video I've been looking for! I have a 2001 SR5 FWD that I'm thinking into converting. Thank you so much for uploading this.

[@kendellharbin]

Glad I could help!

[@jeremyking3986]

I watched the excessive videos and 18 months ago I bought a 2005 Sienna. Spent 2 summers out west visiting 6 states and a dozen national parks. However I’m at the point where there are some areas I couldn’t get too in a minivan, so I’m looking at 4Runners now for the 4wd and extra ground clearance.

[@kendellharbin]

Right on! The Sienna really offers so much, aside from that backroad access. I've got my eye on the new land cruiser these days... a pipe dream I cant afford, but still fun!

[@gianivision]

Nice rig and video. I would like to recommend that people interested in the platform bed rig something quick and cheap to try before the big investment. As someone who has been sleeping an average of 35 nights a year in a Gen 3 for the last 3 years I found it miserable. It is difficult to climb in and out of especially from the side doors and the lack of headroom is really clostriphobic. I went back to a little more gear on the roof and sleep between the wheels. I can still climb over the front seat and in bed without getting out of truck if necessary.

[@kendellharbin]

I think this is an excellent point!

[@yeeeeyee]

This is an awesome design! I also am building out storage revolving around big dog in my 3rd gen

[@kendellharbin]

Hey thanks Trey! I just released plans for this design in another video. If you are interested, maybe it can help you with your build?

[@k.jacksonethier9958]

Currently doing the mod for the back window from the same video. Your friend helping with the overall build out is such a stinking win. Lol

[@RaggedRoadsMoto]

Already loving this video thanks to the honesty regarding dogs, drones, and click bait. That cracked me up 😂 Looking forward to the rest of this and for ideas on how to convert my own 3rd Gen 4-Runner.

[@kendellharbin]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@FoolWhip1]

Cheers! Great to hear your thought flow and see the build. I'm preparing my fore runner to house two large brindley boys (and myself) and haven't been seeing a lot of video's taking them into account!

[@kendellharbin]

TWO DOGS! Woof - good luck to you

[@Letti11]

The awning idea/installation would be cool to add to my 2000 4runner. Can't wait to see it

[@kendellharbin]

Awning update has been posted!

[@summerhiggins4272]

such perfect timing to stumble upon this video! started my build for my 3rd gen over the past couple weekends and today was a bit stumped on how to effectively get the curvature of the interior sides, that washer trick is excellent!! that lil clip prob just saved me 2 hours of slowly cutting down edges and it likely not lining up correct. #blessed Overall stoked for you, this build is great!! happy adventuring :)

[@heavilymexicated]

This is GREAT!!! Thank you for sharing! Just got a 4th gen 4Runner and have been dreaming of doing something similar! Looking forward to more videos!

[@kendellharbin]

Hey thanks. And good luck! Given that I am responding a year later... hopefully by now you've already got something built!

[@contentofcharacter]

Great video. Please make more soon. I’d love to see some videos about trips you’ve taken/favorite places so far.

[@kendellharbin]

More to come!

[@iownafordprobe]

Incredible! So stoked to see your Magical Non-Linear Thinking For President sticker!!

[@iownafordprobe]

@@kendellharbin Let me know if you make it to the bay. I'm still seeking a way for you to spend some time at BAVC

[@MarroktheWarrior]

Awesome! Thank you for actually showing a human and large dog IN the vehicle. It give a much better idea of how they fit! How deep are the drawers?

[@studydude]

You are a very intelligent and interesting person, you have great potential to be a very popular youtuber someday.

[@kendellharbin]

Well shux thank you

[@julesjohnson7127]

Wow! Love this video & your SUV conversion! I have a Toyota Highlander and want to do this! Thank you! Can’t wait to see all your videos! 👏💕

[@Adeline9418]

I'd love to camp in my 05 Ford Escape Hybrid but at 63 I'm too hesitant. I love watching videos like this however. New sub!!

[@kendellharbin]

I say its never too late! But then again, I'm only 31 so what do I know?! Maybe a camper with more standing room would suit you?

[@edwardvillate2112]

USEFUL VIDEO !!! it's and ELABORATE DETAILED BILTE, Los of PLANING and REASHERGE most have gotten in to it, but THANKS 👍 , looking forward to see the rest of your GEAR , that you Carrie with you !!!👌

[@MisterDivineAdVenture]

You guys are so talented! Thanks and I hope for all that you need.

[@_0zymandias_]

I'm so excited to this in the next few years! Going to be interesting with my dogs tho 🤣 Rottweiler, malinois x Labrador, and toy poodle plus me and they're all going to have kennels too 😭🤣 My plan is a van, mini van, or suv but I'm so so excited for this to happen! I'm going to be living in it full time and it's going to be interesting to say the least :D

[@jaysonc2102]

Really loving this design & build! I have been trying to figure out how to do a sleep platform,while having a space for my 95 pound German Shepherd in my 4Runner. I’m going to build a very similar setup.That washer trick for following the contours was awesome.Thank you for sharing your build & happy travels!

[@kristinsevert4039]

Loved the video. Cool and informative. Nice build and thanks for sharing.

[@kendellharbin]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@bricetetrick1457]

That's really cool, good job!

[@djrixxard]

The small details really make this build! Love it!

[@kendellharbin]

WHy thank you Richard!

[@bwitt7978]

Very nice! I will be using some of your ideas in the buildout of my 02 4Runner!

[@kendellharbin]

Right on!

[@sky1watcher243]

So much Fancier than my DYI 94 Toyota 4X pick up I traveled in the back of for years (a long time ago)

[@Couture013]

I love you why did this make me cry?? must be the pro editing

[@kendellharbin]

I've always loved a Hollywood tear jerker

[@leilal8053]

Very nicely done......I know I've watched this B4, but worth a 2nd look.😊

[@sarajoy6748]

I love it!!! Awesome job ❤

[@Lumberjackmattz]

Got me an 06 4Runner and thank ima do the same

[@monicawilson896]

Great job, well thought out and well executed design.

[@kendellharbin]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Stubby1031]

Holy moly! I thought this was linnea from akela and linnea! 😱😱😱

[@kendellharbin]

I had to google what you were referencing here... sounded like maybe a disney movie? But now I see, a traveler and a dog! Thanks for turning me on to their channel.

[@Chubbydippin]

Clever use of space and ease of getting to all your things. I doubt you leave it unattended for too long but when you do, how do you secure/protect your bike from theft when not around? Love your positive energy and free spirit. Thanks for sharing.

[@kendellharbin]

Thanks! - RE Bike: I added a metal U-bolt (using a drill, some nuts/bolts, and some JB weld) to the bike rack that I use to run a very heavy chain through. And you are right, I try not to leave it unattended. But the chain provides some nice security.

[@Chubbydippin]

@@kendellharbin Thankyou. I hope to one day do something similar and follow in your footsteps. To channel my inner Yoda, "Inspiring You Are". Do me a favor. Don't ever change.

[@brandonknight7240]

Im impressed. I love my 99

[@HeyElliott]

I loved this video, your personality, the creativity, and just the whole thing.. great job and thanks for sharing! Cheers!

[@kendellharbin]

Right on Cory, thanks!

[@saintstevantv3661]

Great intro 🙌🏻

[@bluejeans8001]

Nice build. Innovative how you created the area for RB/storage. Looking forward to more vids

[@bluejeans8001]

@@kendellharbin Do sledding is An absolute blast. My last trip we traversed the entire Boundary Waters Canoe Area from East to West. Five days of travel by some great dogs and camping in the wild. Highly recommended 👍

[@bluejeans8001]

@@kendellharbin I would recommend White Wildernesses Adventures , www.whitewilderness.com. They offer several options. They offer a 5 day trip across the BWCA and you drive your sled and team. Guides do the heavy work but it is a hardcore trip. Sleep in tents in the snow. Awesome adventure and highly recommended. Best of luck and hope to see a dogsledding video from you.

[@chansformer]

Awesome setup, I'm actually building something similar for my jeep wrangler. Thanks for sharing!

[@kendellharbin]

Right on! I hope some of this can translate. Enjoy!

[@nisi6295]

Bless! I have not been able to figure out something for the space where I took my seats out, to have as flat surface but still be able to access underneath. I have had a big hinge with plywood, but it's not very sturdy. Going to use your idea of the panels!! 🙌

[@kendellharbin]

Glad I could help inspire a new idea!

[@nate-beard]

Very interested to see more videos! Love the editing style and content. I also have an 02 and just outfitted it this Fall. (nowhere near as clever as your set up, but I love it!) I'm 6'6'' so it's a little different fit, lol. Keep up the good work and enjoy the adventures of 2021!

[@sanjaychanda10]

Very well done and even nicely explained

[@kendellharbin]

Thank you kindly!

[@thejamnasium6447]

"good luck finding a 4 Runner" - yep, and this is the reason I ended up buying an 07 model a couple of years ago. these things hold up WELL. and also retain the hell out of their value. there's a reason 4 Runners have a cult-like following.

[@kendellharbin]

That you for appreciating that bit :-) They are just so indestructible

[@iamCairn]

Awesome build! Do you ever wish you had more height on top of the sleeping platform to be able to comfortably sit up?

[@kendellharbin]

always - but I'd never trade that for all the storage space in the drawers. I only sleep in it when I cant for whatever reason just pitch a tent

[@WisdomInTheWoods]

Nice set up

[@ney7931]

Nice set up especially the drawer system you have. Can i have the dimension and measurements of every piece? I really like how simple and convenient it is and I've been wanting the same sleeping flatform would like to make my drawer system the same exact like yours

[@kendellharbin]

Well here I am a year later, replying to this message, in true snail form. The answer is yes, I've just released plans for this build. Check out my newest video.

[@kendellharbin]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h37cg5yhicSnkKs&ab_channel=EarthAllNight

[@eriksoderlund5499]

what about slider drawers from the center of the vehicle?with two levels?

[@ceciliabryane5894]

Awesome design, so functional.

[@kendellharbin]

Thank you! 😊

[@noahlindenlaub546]

Cool and informative! 👍

[@AndyShepard]

Sick ride!

[@dennyj8650]

Lovely and professional build! Love the washer trick. I need a little different setup, need to sit up and paint at a small easel, so the bed will have to convert to a chair. Love the side storage compartments and the 2 lids with the washer. Excellent design and woodworking! Happy travels to you! Is your 4 runner a full size or midsize? It seems a little wider.

[@kendellharbin]

Hey Thanks - 4runner is whatever size they come in 2002? Pretty sure there was just the one size...

[@nsot8]

Awesome build! I'm planning to do something similar in my '03 this spring so this is super helpful :)

[@trevinmorgan9310]

444 subscribers 🥰 more videos I will binge your channel all day

[@kendellharbin]

Woo! Brace yourself for video 3 :-) It's in the pipeline

[@SEEKANDDESTROY717]

Great video and vehicle choice! I had the exact same year and color 4Runner before getting my Land Cruiser! Enjoy!

[@kendellharbin]

Thanks. And oooooohhhh, tell me more about this land cruiser. I am slightly jealous... it's kind of the only car I lust after that is not a 4runner.

[@SEEKANDDESTROY717]

@@kendellharbin 😂 I suffered from the same LandCruiser lust when I had my PhoRunna, so I got me a 95 FZJ80

[@jad21964]

Nice conversion. Maybe I missed it, but why is the storage platform behind the driver's seat lower than the drawers? Seems like it would make it easier to have your bed ready to go and give you a little more room for storage.

[@seaneppers6508]

Well done!

[@viveviveka2651]

Good video. Thank you. I have something very similar. Decided to try a cargo carrier (18 cubic feet) on top, in order to keep more interior space. Haven't mounted it yet, but I'm going to give it a try and see how it goes. Also just got a bike rack that plugs into the hitch receptacle.

[@kendellharbin]

I also have a hitch mounted biker rack, and it works great! It swings down at the hitch which makes the tailgate easy to open. As for the cargo carrier, sounds like a good idea to me! Tho I do wonder how it will effect your gas mileage.

[@christophervela5447]

I was kinda curious about the Canopy and what looks like your water source as well

[@kendellharbin]

New video that addresses the canopy aka awning has been posted!

[@overlandvoyager2780]

Alll I coan say is AWESOME

[@joshuabullock5694]

Great job!!!

[@calprinicus]

Amazing! love the box setup.

[@WayawayAdventures]

2 years later.. still happy with it? Really well thought out, BTW

[@kendellharbin]

Love this question, and the answer is yes! Two big reasons why it's still kicking: 1.) The hardwood edgebanding does a TON to protect a high traffice edge on the plywood. 2.) Since my dog enjoys the extra space, I rock this setup 24/7 (not just when camping) and the drawers always come in hand. I can often convert it to 'bed mode' and it finuctions more or less just like a pickup.

[@WayawayAdventures]

@@kendellharbin VERY COOL! I just did my first trip with my dog (there is a video) and really enjoyed it. My 4Runner does not have a setup like yours, just fold the seats down and go. Have fun out there!

[@deanharris2240]

Cool magnetic lights! Can you provide a link?

[@kendellharbin]

KZbin recently deleted a bunch of my comments, so not sure if I already replied to this, but here you go! amzn.to/3cLHuYT

[@davidavi8554]

First time I come across your channel... Love it... And I thought you guys sounded like you were from Mizzery.

[@Swimdeep]

Loved it😊 This goes on my “This is my model build” playlist. Subbed. Please post more videos of your build and adventures.🌿

[@kendellharbin]

Thank you! Will do, next video is in the works ;-)

[@Swimdeep]

@@kendellharbin Really would enjoy your outside set-up i.e., tarp, shower, roof rack, whatever is outside of your 4R. Thanks for considering. This is a too oft overlooked area in build/tour videos.🌿

[@AnnieGill7]

Fantastic!! Well designed and thought out. Cheers!! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼❤️❤️❤️🐾🐾🐾

[@kendellharbin]

Thanks Annie!

[@Amit_Kumar_Trivedi]

Well built. 👍

[@kendellharbin]

Thank you kindly!

[@jatorresrv]

AWESOME! Lots of well thought out and great ideas. Thanks for sharing.

[@kendellharbin]

Thanks for watching :-)

[@maxieadler]

I can't find your video showing how to do the rear seat delete -- is that posted anywhere? Thank you

[@kendellharbin]

I have not made a video about this - but I recall it being fairly intuitive and only requiring one wrench/socket size and less than 15 bolts overall

[@ErisFive]

Love it!!! Question: Are there any things that you added and then removed because you realized that you personally wouldn't use them? I can imagine, if I was designing a rig like yours, I would design with my ambitions, not my actual needs, and then end up cutting back later. Like how I always bring a book when I visit my family but never read...

[@kendellharbin]

Hi Ariel, responding to this one again since it looks like youtube deleted my last comment. the answer is, yes sort of... The solar shower has thus far been the least used components. It's been pretty easy to find showers along the road. BUT -- I have not removed it because I think it will come in handy the next time my dog rolls in something smelly, as he is want to do.

[@pabstube1]

Hi Kendell. I love the design. I am planing to drive my 4runner to South America next year. I have Reserch a lot online. Your design is exactly what I would like to build. I do not want to build a full platform because I need to have some space to seat inside the truck. Is there any way I could get the plans for your design?. I would really appreciate any help and guidance to build something like that. Thank you so much!

[@kendellharbin]

Hi Don, Thanks! There is a link in the description where I sell the design. Though I haven't tested this, I think an easy modification to this design that would allow you to keep the back seats is to shorten the length of everything by about 6-10 inches. Maybe pull a few measurements and give it a go?

[@pabstube1]

Thanks Kendall for the quick response. I missed that link. Could you please tell me the with, length and height of the main storage box (without the side covers). My back seats have been out of the truck for the last 10 years. I need to make sure this design would work in a 1 st gen 4 runner (it has a roll bar that I would rather not remove) . what is the aprox cost of the build considering all hardware and wood needed. Thank you so much !!!

[@Environmenthrall]

Very nice build.

[@gustohorne876]

one of my fav rigs ngl thanks for the inspo

[@kendellharbin]

Thanks Gusto :-)

[@trevinmorgan9310]

Moving into my 4th gen in June, thank you for the inspiration! :)