Full Tour: How I camp in my 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner -- without any permanent builds.

I've had some requests to share a complete view of my setup, and I often get questions about 4Runner, and about my goals and reasons for setting it up like I do, for camping. Hopefully this video addresses all your burning questions! If I missed any, please feel free to post in the in the comments.
My Amazon storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/shoestrin...

[@501badgirl501]

I just discovered your channel less than 24 hours ago, and have been binge watching your videos. Thank you for them. They are amazing, and give me hope as I am less than skilled at woodworking or building much at all. I appreciate the simple, yet detailed part of your videos. Thanks again, Shoestring Martha ❤

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thanks for watching! "Learn by doing" has been the best approach for me. I mess up a lot and nothing's perfect, but I pick up a little bit of knowledge each time. 😉

[@lisamallard]

awesome setup, nice and neat, gunther is so cute

[@youngheart1065]

Very nice! You’ve got it dialed in nicely!

[@darleneanglin3651]

Luv your setup !

[@pjcruiser11]

Great set up

[@susano7587]

Thank you for this video! I have a 4Runner that I hope to camp in soon, and my son has a 4 Runner that he camps in now. You have helped us both!!

[@Treetopflyer777]

Wow. What an absolutely amazing video. There’s some excellent ideas!!!!

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thanks so much!

[@mikesparti828]

Awesome truck .... love your kitchen and coffee station...very cool. Love the way you organize all your gear. Great ideas.... Great video.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thanks so much!

[@BibiProvenceBBSmoothMusic]

Love your setup!

[@ChipChoc00]

This was super helpful! Thank you as I also have a Toyota 4Runner. 😄👍🏼

[@michaelbruchas6663]

I have always thought that your folding bed panel was a great idea. Everything fits so well - no need for a roof carrier or Thule box. (Still say that you need WeatherTech as a sponsor…)

[@ShoestringMartha]

Are you listening, WT?? 😆

[@waytogo2791]

Taylored to your personal needs, over many camps. So you know what works! 😊 And extra points for building most of the furniture diy-style💪👍 And I think the Cat would like to go camping too 🫠 Cheers from 🇨🇭🍻

[@ShoestringMartha]

Cheers! 🍻 I really wanted Douglas to be my adventure cat, but while he loves being in the 4Runner when it’s stationary, he hates it, once in motion. He cries his little head off 🥺

[@waytogo2791]

@Shoestring Martha Well, cats are what they are, mostly adorable furballs with a grain of mystery, don't you agree? Ours loves to ride in the car, but taking him on trips would probably end by having a major SAR operation to get him back😁 So he's safer doing this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZobQnJuQi8SkrtU 😉

[@ShoestringMartha]

That’s more of Doug’s speed! 😆

[@BalancedHuman]

Bug spray… bad people spray… 😂 Weird compliment but I thoroughly enjoy your brain! 🙂

[@anneli1735]

❤ I‘m hooked by all your vids I’ve seen up to now ❣️ New sub 😊

[@ShoestringMartha]

Welcome aboard! 🫡

[@cillaloves2fish688]

Very nice setup! I need to watch the video on your folding bed and kitchen, I like how they are an addition to your vehicle instead of being built into it. Very cool...

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thanks! ☺️

[@trailrunnah8886]

Excellent organization! I like some of the products that you have, I think I'm going to check them out. I also enjoy camping in my 4Runner, but I'm not nearly as organized as you. I just throw a cooler, a duffel bag and a few totes of crap in it before I leave lol. Your platform is clever, I use a long couch cushion for a bed, it's super comfy but takes up a good amount of space and has no storage underneath it.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Sometimes, simplicity is best!

[@LindsayHaven]

The reason I follow you is mostly for the car camping set up, though everything you do I also happen aspire to. Thanks for sharing your life with us. I really want to build a Chuck Box, but the wooden ones look so heavy! Take care!

[@ShoestringMartha]

You too! And it is a bit heavy. A lot of people open a beer when they get to camp. I get a workout in 😅 …and then a beer 😏

[@Earth_wind_dan_fire]

a roof cargo box is a must! great rig!

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thanks! If I did longer trips, I’d definitely go that route.

[@johnwebb2232]

nice setup, really thought that was a good idea with the corner window, I couldn't do that with mine due to a mollie rack system and a shelf. Couldn't ask for a better vehicle than the 4runner, love my 2016 4runner trail, be safe out there.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Yesss 4Runner fam! 🙌 Molle panels were the inspiration for this build. Love their functionality; I just wanted something cozier. I have plans for something similar yet different on the other window, and heck... maybe even a shelf in between. 🤔

[@LifeinThirdPlaces]

I'm still debating about the 4Runner but this may have done it. You basically replicated the setup I would've done in a minivan and you have a lot of the same gear that I already own. The only difference is my dog is the size of a small horse, though. 😂 Thanks for a great breakdown!

[@ShoestringMartha]

Sometimes Gunther *feels like* a small horse, but thankfully, he fits at the foot of the bed. I couldn't imagine camping with anyone bigger. Kudos to you! 👏👏👏

[@misslindalou6479]

Less is better. Thank you for reminding me.

[@tracker5849]

Thank you for answering my question about your cool table..I never got to ask. I have looked everywhere for one with that cool color pallet...I may get brave and try painting my old one before I ruin a new one

[@ShoestringMartha]

If you hate it, you can always paint it again!

[@tracker5849]

@@ShoestringMartha very true. Lol. I love yours. Thanks

[@mr.somebody1493]

Hey Martha, I've been cooking rice using the double boiler method using two backpacking pots that will fit one into the other. Boil rice for 5 minutes then double boil for 25 and rice comes out perfect. I'm using high quality Basmati rice. Done this way I get no sticking or burning on the bottom of the pot from using a small pocket rocket type butane burner. Works great for cooking a small amount of rice for one person. Your flameless heater video gave me the idea. Thanks.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Hey I happen to have a tiny double boiler!

[@yeya454]

You are super I admire you

[@user-gt7tb7ee4z]

Loving your videos a suggestion you tend to forget your egg try carrying a single serving of applesauce or a powder egg looking forward to your next

[@ShoestringMartha]

Excellent ideas!

[@DebraBarratt]

Nice set up. I’d like to know where you got that kitchen box. It looks great.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thanks! This one? amzn.to/48Q2hoo

[@TentandLantern]

Oh WOW! Could you please tell me about that pop up shade/tent on your hatch?

[@ShoestringMartha]

I think you mean the Sportzcove but I’m not sure, so here’s a video I did of a the options I use 😄 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpDUaH1pfbGYsM0si=P_UOYFH7b-lW46ms

[@tylerwilson7679]

Hello, loved the video. Just got a four runner and am planning on camping out of the back of it. I would love to possibly use a bed platform like yours. Could you link where you got it or who makes it?

[@ShoestringMartha]

I may know a thing or two about it 😀 kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5TWqZyunq6Hirssi=Eb9kTj0QKaej7K9I

[@BONNIE-zt5gy]

Hi! Just found you and loving your channel. Do you have a link for that crash pad you use? I checked Walmart’s site but can’t find it. Thanks!

[@ShoestringMartha]

Hi and welcome! Sorry to say, they no longer carry that pad :(

[@robertbehan9186]

Ilike your setup. I got a van to live in, but it's super long, one wheel drive, gets 10mpg, not off-road capable, and has issues. I was thinking about getting a Tundra, Sequoia, Tacoma, or 4Runner. I like your setup. What kind of mpg do you get? I'm ready to put most of my things in storage and see America. I'm disabled and can't work, and nature is supposed to be good for pain management. Thanks for the video. I'm getting motivated since spring has sprung. However, finding an off-roadable vehicle that hasn't been harshly used in Wyoming isn't easy. I may have to go back to California and buy a pavement princess 😆. Well m wish me luck. I need to get out of Wyoming. I miss tasty food 😂

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you! I want to say it’s gets 18mpg- as most of these trips are flat highways. Less, running around town and in mountainous areas. Best of luck and happy hunting! ☀️

[@milesandhikes]

Very interesting and gave me a few ideas that I may adopt, thank you! What do you line the pots with? (to prevent having to wash up)

[@ShoestringMartha]

Just foil 😊 I like the individual sheets, and I buy them from Dollar Tree.

[@milesandhikes]

@@ShoestringMartha thanks! Great idea, I might need to try that

[@freeinFL]

I love the crash pad bed cushion. Do you have a link from where you bought it?

[@ShoestringMartha]

It's from Walmar.com, but unfortunately, out of stock: www.walmart.com/ip/Urban-Shop-Printed-Soft-Portable-Crash-Pad-Blue-White/4768452

[@katmogstad1692]

I would love to know more about that heater.

[@ShoestringMartha]

As it so happens… Kovea Cupid butane heater review! Keep warm while winter camping in your SUV, truck, or minivan. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaHUgHqtgZh2jdE

[@ariannakeynejad1642]

you've inspired me to build out my 4runner! just to pick your brain... is there a reason you decided to do the bed platform on the drivers side?

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you! I chose the driver’s side to keep access to the cubbies on the passenger side open. But I can actually set it up on either side. 🙂

[@tjfm59]

i see you passed supervisor #1 pretrip inspection. have had somewhere between 2-3 to about a dozen felines while living in viriginia. i can say very hvy blue jeans do become your favorite wear item while inside making food. oh, yes how are the wood shavings working out? i do have to thank you, you got off my but in that i am doing version 2 in mine. & cut 3 shelf pieces the other day. 2 are 20 inchers that will fold up in the rear. than the other is a 8 incher at 51 inches. across the front for a full width shelf. want something like those side truck boxes. front & rear.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Wood shavings have been working great, which is awesome since I have a bale of the stuff!

[@susansobon]

Do you have an affiliate link to the packing cubes? I don't see them with the rest. I have a folding table similar to yours except mine folds in half. But I love your tablecloth. It shows that it's 50" is it really? All the other sizes are true " feet": 36", 60", etc. Except the 4 ft is 50"

[@ShoestringMartha]

I got the cubes from Clever Organizing Solutions! I’ll have to get back to you on the table. It’s stashed in the shed, www.cleverorganizingsolutions.com/collections/on-the-go-travel/products/packing-cubes-teal-fall-getaway-special-60-off

[@theunknownnomad]

I have a Gen 4. Where did you get the bed platform? Also the kitchen box

[@ShoestringMartha]

I built them both, and their videos are on my channel 🙂

[@GiMom19]

Just quick question What size Napier tent do you use? Also is there anything special you need to do to stop the battery from being drained while sleeping with the hatch open when using the tent ? Thanks 😉

[@ShoestringMartha]

I have to mid- to large size one. I just switched off all the lights, so they don’t illuminate when the doors are open. I still get a warning indicator on the dash that a door is open, but it doesn’t seem to affect the battery.

[@kriskabin]

Kim, invest in a deep cycle battery for your rig. These overlanding batteries are designed for charging external devices while your vehicle is off much better than standard car batteries. For your open back window or hatch door, stick a carabiner clip in the latch until the little arm clips around it. This tricks the vehicle into thinking the window or door is closed, & there won't be a drain on your vehicle's battery.

[@susansobon]

Is there a link to your camp kitchen? I was going to make one but ended up with drawers under my bed platform but i still like them.

[@ShoestringMartha]

There are two - this is the first part; Simple, Compact Camp Kitchen: Building the Box kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6Lck5uMmZ2ratk

[@hippieHawk]

Kitty looked like she wanted to go too. What kinda heater did you have and did you also have an electric blanket?

[@ShoestringMartha]

I WISH Dougie would go! I have an electric throw blanket from Target, but if I did it all over again, I'd get a 12v one. This is the heater I have: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaHUgHqtgZh2jdE

[@hippieHawk]

@@ShoestringMarthaI'm in the desert 🏜 and the nights can get a little nippy so the heater will be nice for the end of this year. I really want to prepare for the summer and get my cooling stuff ready, I'm a little irritable in the heat and don't want to be .I know it sounds absurd I want to go and enjoy the outdoors but still want my creature comforts, I think I can be inside looking outside when absolutely necessary and look at the great outdoors in comfort without horseflies,and those little biting flies. At night I can watch the great beautiful stars without mosquitos. I think I can achieve my goal. Thanks for your reply and your great videos ,really do enjoy them and your pets too.

[@kriskabin]

*Thick down comforter & a heavy wool blanket for cold nights. Also, a zero degree sleeping bag works great. Hooded sweatshirt pulled over ur head is critical to staying warm. This is what works for me; no heater needed. Fixing a cup of coffee on my propane stove in the chili mornings helps to warm up the rig's interior.

[@gemmahikes6861]

If you were to have removed the backseats would you have then had a level surface to build from? Also, how many additional inches would be gained from removing the seats?

[@ShoestringMartha]

From what I have seen, if you remove the bench part, you gain about 6” in *length*. If you also remove the seat backs, it doesn’t make the space level, you have a space that goes down to the floor. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone remove just the backs. I’m not sure it’s possible 🤔

[@gemmahikes6861]

Thanks, working out a configuration for my 5th generation, May try your platform build.

[@tjfm59]

@@ShoestringMartha what i have seen in other videos of folks who removed all of the back seats. they built a platform to make a level floor. with under side storage.

[@777sgiles]

Do you just leave everything out when you’re boondocking when you turn in for the night?

[@ShoestringMartha]

Pretty much. Before bed, I'll close and latch the kitchen shut, and tie up the trash and put it in the 4Runner. If there's a chance of rain, I'll tuck everything under the awning or SportzCove, or just drape a tarp over it all.

[@MultiOlive22]

What is the name of the little cot you used?

[@ShoestringMartha]

Gunther's little cot? It's this one: www.chewy.com/pet-gear-pet-cot-dog-bed/dp/368250

[@tracker5849]

Would a 4runner tow a 20 foot rv? Not just on flat land?

[@ShoestringMartha]

Short answer: maybe, but I wouldn't do it. 😂 Long answer: the max-rated towing capacity of a 5th gen 4Runner is 5,000lbs. The avg loaded weight of a 20' travel trailer is 2,500-4,500. So it might be pushing it, depending on how heavy your trailer is, and based on our recent experience, driving around Colorado, the 4Runner is pretty gutless on long or steep inclines, without even towing anything. 😑

[@tracker5849]

@ShoestringMartha thank you maam!! I have a 2017 RPOD 20 foot. I tow it now with a huge 2000 ford E150 econoline van triton V8. I want something smaller! I really wish I could not have rv and get a mini van. But life (husband) demands rv and big vehicle.....one day it will be me n my dog in a mini van. I can't wait. I'm 70..times running out

[@briandorsey6437]

@@tracker5849what a weird comment….

[@tracker5849]

@@briandorsey6437 What's weird? besides your comment.

[@tracker5849]

@ShoestringMartha THANK YOU MAAM FOR BOTH LONG AND SHORT VERSION. VERY INFORMATIVE. I like the 4Runner but might not be for me as i have to tow the rv. Appreciate your time

[@mastandstars5869]

Is there a video where you show the mini kitchen in more detail?

[@ShoestringMartha]

I show some of what’s inside in the Cracker Barrel and Vanlife Pride videos, but no dedicated video yet. There are a couple of things I’d like to add first.