How to live out of your car// FJ Cruiser Overland Rig Walk Around

We traveled 44 states and 45,000 miles across the United States in the vehicle. We hope this helps you build your vehicle so you can enjoy the adventure as much as we have. All the gear we used is linked below. If you have any questions feel free to shot us a comment or DM on instagram @backroadpurpose
THE GEAR!!!
Smittybilt Rooftop Tent- amzn.to/2AAUpcN
Smittybilt Awning- amzn.to/2C8x6qv
Smittybilt Fridge/Freezer- amzn.to/2CV8BPj
Smittybilt Bumper- amzn.to/2C7tEMY
Smittybilt Winch- amzn.to/2CUL9Sj
Smittybilt Winch Synthetic- amzn.to/2M0FPQg
Warrior Roofrack-amzn.to/2C6UpAV
Jerry Can- amzn.to/2ACiXBU
Smittybilt Jerry Can Mount- amzn.to/2CVQf0u
Water Tank- amzn.to/2AACkvk
LED Pods- amzn.to/2LVusJe
Rear LED Light Bar- amzn.to/2RG9L9G
BFG All-Terrain Tires- amzn.to/2LTUJHK
Old Man Emu Lift- amzn.to/2ABta1I
CB Radio- amzn.to/2LWBm0L
Rock Sliders- amzn.to/2SCLC0B
The BEST Flashlight- amzn.to/2CboGi2
JBL Speaker- amzn.to/2CW1SEL
Battery Bank/Cell Phone Charger- amzn.to/2SJ8v2v
USB Tent Fan- amzn.to/2LXohEH
Buddy Heater- amzn.to/2RBOwFR
X2 Power Battery-www.batteriesplus.com/product...
Coleman Grill- amzn.to/2CVRgFQ
Percolator- amzn.to/2VyZmeW
Iron Skillets- amzn.to/2LTU0Gw
Hatchet- amzn.to/2RAqNpj
Quick Dry Towels- amzn.to/2CXqME5
Motion Sensor Light- amzn.to/2VBgOzx

[@primafacie6442]

My voodoo 2011 is my most beloved car of all time as it feels special, is totally reliable, great fun, super practical, and very smooth to drive. Brilliant ownership experience for people who value such things.

[@danmartin5504]

I have a 2007 FJ. Thanks for the vid! Extremely well thought out.

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thank you! We defiantly took our time trying to plan this out and It worked out just the way we intended it to

[@BoilerBloodline]

I’ve had my Voodoo Blue 2007 FJ for...sheesh...12 years. I will never get rid of it. It is such a great vehicle for many needs.

[@BackroadPurpose]

Ah. Yes they are fantastic. We will truly miss ours. It just sold Thursday but it is the best for our future. We can't wait to get another one someday.

[@BoilerBloodline]

Backroad Purpose No way in hades will ever get rid of her. She has become a part of who I am.

[@BackroadPurpose]

@@BoilerBloodline we totally understand.

[@9013kota]

2022 now, Wow‼ awesome set up🤗 you guys are geniuses

[@GXPedition460]

I think one of the first videos I have seen about living in an FJ, I think it's very informative. Awesome.

[@BackroadPurpose]

Lol yeah it was a bit difficult trying to find examples when building the car but I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@chrisb765]

Awesome walk around. Great ideas. I’m making a off-road trailer to carry my tent, should be fun. Fj forever

[@BackroadPurpose]

Very cool! Overland Trailers are rad. And make it so much easier to get out of town fast.

[@melaniesimpson6322]

Wow!!! That was awesome!!! What a great set-up...very well thought out! I'll check out the link for the sensors and some of the other items for my rooftop.

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thank you!! Glad we could help. If you have any questions definitely shoot us a message!

[@Wopbobaloobop]

Enjoy your stuff. Very infirmative

[@corkydavis5688]

Thanks so much for sharing your rig and all the links to your build. We have been talking about getting the roof top tent more so now, and there are many more ideas I am looking at thanks to your video. Much appreciated

[@BackroadPurpose]

Very cool! We loved our RTT. Glad we could help! Let us know if you need any help with figuring things out. We have so much knowledge about this stuff now

[@ast0nmart1n1]

Really liked the motion sensor light idea, especially after whacking my shin on my 08 FJC's hitch ball mount while fumbling around in the trunk at night.

[@BackroadPurpose]

Ugh! Thats the worst feeling ever! It just hurts so bad! but thanks glad we could shed some light (lol) on giving you a solution. There's a link in the description on the one we have.

[@JMEtheredge]

Love that WRV sticker. Great build, great info, THANKS!

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thanks man! And I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. Be good!

[@johndiaz7240]

Thanks ,we also have a FJ we pull a small camp trailer but we like your set up .

[@BackroadPurpose]

Very cool! We're considering a small teardrop now that we have little Milo with us

[@msheehandub]

This looks amazing. Beautiful rig and well thought out customization! Getting my 2014 TT on Monday and you are a great inspiration to me. Cheers!

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thank you very much! Yeah we really enjoyed this build. It did a great job for us. We sure do miss this rig. Congratulations on the new FJ!

[@cliftonsnider1520]

Whole crap boy! After seeing what you two did to live out of the FJ I can hardly wait to see the neat ideas and solutions you come up with for the bus. 👍🏻

[@BackroadPurpose]

Haha thanks man! Yeah the FJ turned out to be super practical and functional for us. We used a lot of the knowledge we gained from the FJ in planning for the bus

[@nikstone2420]

Nice build, gave me some insight on my explorer setup. Thank you. Be safe my friend. Happy trails.

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thanks man! If theres anything else I can do let me know!

[@robertblack4162]

Great VEDIO production! TRUCK,TENT,GEAR, PLACEMENT OF EVERYTHING, Editing very nice job Thanks for your time.

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thanks for taking the time to send us some kinds words!!

[@jimmybonifacio6734]

THanks fellow FJ...cruisers got a lot of ideas from your set-up & nice precise vid! Wellness to you and your fam!

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thanks my guy! Definitely glad you enjoyed the video!

[@victorprogers]

Awesome. Some great ideas I will look to include in my FJ. Thanks.

[@BackroadPurpose]

Very cool! Thanks for watching. Definitely shoot me a message if you have any questions or ideas

[@raindropraindrop]

Your rooftop tent is beautiful and looks cosy!

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thank you! We really enjoyed it. Crazy to think we slept almost 300 night up there.

[@gemstoneplayzz5837]

Awesome rig! Great video and set up!

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thanks allot friend!

[@NickDevlinPhoto]

Great build and thanks for the video.

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Craqthump]

Good job mate, Kudos from Australia, love our Orange Clay FJ (Magma) & took a few idea's away from this, good work pal living the dream, be safe & best wishes to you & your family

[@BackroadPurpose]

Glad we could help! Australia is definitely part of our list! Thanks for following the journey and taking the time to comment!

[@JustinLewisWeb]

Great video man! Love it :D

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thanks a bunch friend!!

[@simisonicblack]

Awesome video man! I love the idea of the motion sensor lights!

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thanks! It was so simple and cheap and did exactly what we needed it do to.

[@brandonjavier9137]

This was awesome brother🤙🏾❗️ Great job with the video, very informative.

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thanks my guy!

[@trancepower1205]

Such a cool video man all the different locations with your FJ is priceless! well done! Ive got one and i love it!

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thank you, my friend! It was one heck of a trip. We will sure miss that rig.

[@reinhardtesterhuysen2919]

Absolutely amazing, thanks for the video👍👍👍

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thank you very much and you are welcome!

[@GeeDunkin]

Great build guys, you really work out what gear you need when you travel for long periods...minimal and practical is key. I've spent the last 5 years taking gear out and putting gear in and finally feel my FJ is setup the way we like it. I love your storage setup in the back too, very similar to mine with everything accessible easily. Oh I'm going to check out the buddy heater too, looks like a winner. Liked and subbed, looking forward to more content!!

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. There's always something that would do or do not need. I have a good rule of thumb that it either needs to serve 1 very important purpose, or at least 3 different purposes. If you think hard enough, you can usually make things multi functional.

[@amandamode3008]

Excellent video. Thank you for sharing all you have done. I'm considering buying an FJ and this has been incredible to view and consider my options. I am in Australia, and so our camping can be remote. This looks like it ticks all the boxes. You tip with the battery is appreciated. Thank you.

[@BackroadPurpose]

oh very cool! thank you so much for watching and commenting. If I can help in any other way let me know!!

[@jcchannel7304]

Very informative video! Thank you for posting!

[@BackroadPurpose]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@melvinmoo590]

Hey, dude I'm from pagosa springs!!! Greatest place in Colorado!!!

[@BackroadPurpose]

Dude it was epic! We loved it. Wish we were there later in the year though. Can't wait to go back

[@heycis99]

OMG....... just perfect, kuddos from MIAMI

[@BackroadPurpose]

Miami is awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@OverlandUncharted]

Nice setup man! Great video!

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thanks a lot! We sure enjoyed it!!

[@psalm11823]

Love your set up bro! The motion sensor lights are a brilliant idea! Were they solar or wired in? Have the model number? thx man!

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thanks!! They're actually battery powered but i have the link in the description!!

[@overlandczech9704]

Good work;) thank you for inspiration

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thank you for watching! Glad we could help!

[@bimdynamics6406]

Cool set up.

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thank you! We loved it.

[@daved7024]

Nice setup for sure😊👍

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thank you so much!

[@vividblack01]

Really awesome job! Great video - thank you! Oh & congrats on your baby!

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thank you so much! He's been a joy to have around. Now he's actually a big brother!

[@vividblack01]

@@BackroadPurpose Awesome! God Bless your family!

[@pdooley9570]

This was an Awesome video!!

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@pdooley9570]

Watched this video a few times now. Love the FJ and have been wanting to buy one even more since watching this!

[@BackroadPurpose]

Aw how awesome! Thanks for watching. Not to get you too excited yet but ours MIGHT be for sale soon. Still trying to figure everything out.

[@pdooley9570]

Backroad Purpose how many miles are on it now? You guys went everywhere!! Lol

[@BackroadPurpose]

@@pdooley9570 lol we really did. It's a 2010 with 138k. We bought it at 45K

[@pdooley9570]

Backroad Purpose shoot that’s not bad on mileage actually! Especially for the year. Give me a shout when you decide. I’m in Oklahoma and looking somewhere in the end of the year to buy one. No rush! Hah

[@goldrushupdates3400]

Bro this is so cool

[@sheilabishop5873]

LOVE the roof top tent! wonder where your cook station is...

[@BackroadPurpose]

We had a 20"x2' table that we could set up and set our coleman two burner stove on!

[@coddiwomple5074]

Very nice video! Keep them coming please

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thanks a lot! I've got one coming this week!

[@bluecruiser2019]

That is a sweet setup😃

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thank you very much sir. It was a lot of planning but it worked out well.

[@kitten103083]

Great music! Big up

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thank you!

[@andrewvancil6193]

I use my suicide doors for changing too I love my fj!

[@BackroadPurpose]

Its so practical!!

[@abdullahalzamil7598]

Thank you,

[@timothylavelua8320]

My wife and I are expecting and this is totally why I want a fj cruiser. Cant wait for more camping trips! Seeing that there alot of room for baby in the back has sealed this decision. Thank you man.

[@BackroadPurpose]

Congratulations! There is definitely enough room for the two of you plus a little one. I made another video about putting the carseat in the FJ if you want to watch it for size references kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6HFonWIoc-Jiq8

[@timothylavelua8320]

@@BackroadPurpose thank you so much! You guys are an awesome couple and that is one epic fj!

[@BackroadPurpose]

@@timothylavelua8320 Totally glad to help! Thanks for watching our videos!

[@Rickyfyied]

The fuckin footage this guy got and the edits made is INSANE! Phenomenal artist!

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thanks brother! I really appreciate the kind words!!

[@markhopper4600]

Great Video!

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thank you!

[@whatdaheck32]

CONGRATS ON BEING DAD AND MOM. LUCK KID MAN! BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPEN. I KNOW BECAUSE I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE CALLED DAD BY TWO BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN. THANK GOODNESS THAT THEY TOOK AFTER THEIR MUM.

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thank you so much! It has been such treat so far having this dude in our lives and we are so excited to watch him grow into a little man.

[@SHWELL11]

nicely done

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thank you much

[@hisoutdoornation2768]

I love watching y’alls videos! I have a 2010 fj, just purchased a RTT would it be safe to mount to factory rack for the first few trips and work up to purchase a different rack system in your experience? We are super excited to camp as a family off trails!

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoy them! I need to get another 4X4 so we can go on some good trips again. I would do it. I think using the factory rack is plenty good but I would focus on getting a new rack as soon as possible. The OEM rack has a curve to it and I've heard it could bend the RTT overtime. But I think using is a few times wouldnt hurt.

[@gevorgnazaryan8720]

Nice setup bro. 10 months is amazing dude. I have to beg my wife to do a 2 day camping trip with me :) I still love her though :)

[@BackroadPurpose]

Haha my wife definitely has a couple standards that need to be met when we go but this was actually her idea for the trip.

[@binali2775]

Nice set up man

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thank you!!

[@joemurphy5769]

Love the graphics! Did you store your routes in any app?

[@OutbackTouring]

Cool set up 🔥🔥👀🔥🔥

[@BackroadPurpose]

thanks mate!!

[@jackinatlantarobinson8980]

Great review thanX

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thanks for watching!

[@davis9685]

Love this!!! I'm on the fence with the Tundra or FJ Cruiser

[@BackroadPurpose]

Those are pretty different of course. Depends of you want something bigger and need a truck or if you want something a little more urban friendly and with a little better resale value.

[@SpottedXtreme]

Backroad Purpose Yes I know it’s hard to find those FJs we have one near me but it’s $31k 2014 90k milles on it!! All white

[@BackroadPurpose]

@@SpottedXtreme sounds like your average deal. It took us 6 months to find the right one for us.

[@bkl8804]

Two wildly different vehicles, brah. Tundra with a camper would be nice tho.

[@oldchicago3216]

Very cool, man.

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thank you!!

[@donernon4308]

You guys amazing :D

[@BackroadPurpose]

Haha thank you!!!

[@bluduc]

How did you mount the refrigerator slider to the cargo hold? Oh, awesome!

[@BackroadPurpose]

The fridge is actually sitting on basically a huge tray. I can tag you in some picture on Instagram if you send me a DM.

[@bramick]

Great setup! Subscribing

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thank you!!

[@iForgive7x70]

I love it

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thank you! I miss this thing!

[@matthewchandler2470]

The home depot lights were something I thought about too

[@BackroadPurpose]

So much cheaper then a remote car system

[@eriksoriano9928]

Hi, this video just pumped me up to set up my FJ, I am new to the FJ world! One question, how do you locate spots to sleep at like the one you just showed?

[@BackroadPurpose]

Dude! thanks for watching. Congrats on the fj. That rig changed our lives. Heres a video I made about that topic actually. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5LMgKyNnJJgqMk

[@davidmscott4409]

Good Video

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thanks friend!

[@minhster714]

OMG! That wireless motion spotlight is kind of tacky but pure genius I'm so doing it!!

[@BackroadPurpose]

Lol definitely tacky. We take it off when driving but so much cheaper!

[@minhster714]

@@BackroadPurpose Super cool what you guys are doing! I sent you a pm on ig.

[@supertanker9681]

Great video.on the fence between the fj an a 4 runner.hows the fj holding up with all the added weight?

[@BackroadPurpose]

totally understand the debate! We love our FJ and I think it best falls down to, do you need or want 4 doors? They're both very similar on driving and offroad but the 4runner is more roomy. The FJ did great with all the extra wait. honestly, after taking everything off, we never really noticed a difference.

[@johnnguyen6388]

Wow. Simply amazing. Question: Did your X2 battery keep your fridge powered through the night?

[@BackroadPurpose]

It did! the vehicle was self sufficient for about 2 days and 2 nights before the fridge went into reserve mode. That includes us charging our phones, cameras, and running our LED lights at night.

[@jamestaylor2607]

Really nice rig and set-up. One question I have is related to the FJs stock fuel economy, which is poor (IMHO) so did all that extra weight take it down even more?

[@BackroadPurpose]

Honestly. With everything we did and the stages we did it in with adding the gear but also with taking it off. I honestly believe that the poor MPG in our case is 100% because of the tires. After taking all of the stuff off and all of the stuff out of it. All that is left is the winch, bumper, roof rack, and tires. We get the same MPG now as we did when it was loaded down.

[@bradmullaerialphotography]

Wow nice set up, I've held off putting a roof top tent on top as I think it is too much of a wind brake. I do have to ask thou, with the fuel can soo close to the tent window, do you get fumes inside the tent?

[@BackroadPurpose]

I thought it would be too and its really not a big difference with or withoutthe RTT. And that fuel tank it air tight so nothing escapes. Plus we only had fuel in it when we were doing a pretty large trip.

[@johnkaper1129]

Great video, incredibly interesting and full of information. The Toyota FJ cruiser is a very good vehicle, why did you choose the FJ vs the Toyota 4Runner? I am consider getting a new off road vehicle and have been considering the FJ Cruiser and the 4Runner. Which of the two vehicles would you recommend and why? Thank you and really enjoyed your vide. Thanks for sharing .

[@BackroadPurpose]

My wife originally wanted a wrangler unlimited and I wanted a 4runner so we compromised on the FJ. Now that we have Milo the FJ is doable but the 4runner would be a bit nicer to have with the seperate doors.

[@Kiwiadventurerandoverlander]

Or maybe get a trailer and put the tent on top. That will give you mobility and also free up valuable roof space for storage etc. Great build none the less 👍

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thanks! We thought about it but didn't want the hassle or a trailer driving and parking in bigger cities

[@jacksonstandley555]

Yeah that song by splashed at the start.

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thanks for watching!

[@cpilat07]

Do you think you’ll ever do a video about the rooftop tent? Pros? Cons? You seems super innovative and I’d love to know more of your thoughts on the tent. Great video!

[@BackroadPurpose]

I think we will. Maybe we will try to do that soon! We don't have the FJ anymore but I still have a ton of footage from the trip. Keep an eye out and we will get one posted for you.

[@Chicanoverland]

Nice build dude!! Haven't regretted the FJ one bit

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thanks sir! It worked out pretty well for us. Hope this brings you some value!

[@ammatapierron7740]

Over landing looks so much fun. Especially during this shitty pandemic

[@BackroadPurpose]

Facts! We sure do miss exploring!

[@wbowser1]

Great video. I am in the process of setting up my FJ for camping. I was intrigued by your battery setup. The battery in your link is Group 31, does is fit in the stock Toyota battery tray or did you have to replace? Good luck with your family.

[@BackroadPurpose]

It fits in directly to the stock battery tray! It had worked out great for us!

[@wbowser1]

Backroad Purpose Thanks for the prompt reply!!

[@TracyPGlova]

Hey, great video. Quick question: does this system change at all when you're sleeping in bear country? My boyfriend and I are primarily backpackers, so we're used to hanging up all of our stuff in bear bags.

[@BackroadPurpose]

the only thing we did different was put trash up in a tree about 20 yards away instead of next to or in the FJ. the idea was to distract them a bit but I've heard bears are wicked smart.

[@ovrlxnd]

I have a few tips on setting up the awning. The first step of an easy setup actually starts as the last step of packing it away. When packing it away, only minimally collapse the arms and leave legs as they are so everything is almost already fully extended to where you need it when you setup next time. Now, on to setup: After you open the cover and undo the straps, unroll the awning just enough to set it on top of the cover, maybe two or three wraps. While the roll is sitting on top of the cover, fold the arms out in a slight V pattern, just wide enough apart to unroll the awning between them - rather than on top of them. (This will make your vehicle look like it's trying to give you a hug. Awww!) Proceed to unroll the rest of the awning and allow the legs to fold down. They should be nearly the correct height already. Holding the leg assembly vertical, start the arm from one side into its hole. It doesn't have to be perfect, just lined up enough for you to work the other side. On the other side, fully seat and adjust the pole, then do the same for the first side. It took a year or so of frequent use before I figured this out.

[@BackroadPurpose]

dude yes! that seems like a much smarter way of doing it. we've always left the legs the same length but to unroll is partially and then underneath the rails is a much smarter way of doing it. we'll definitely try it that way next!

[@bramick]

Need a video!

[@noelvillaroman]

are those the old man emu nitrochargers or bp51?

[@adrianfernandez2463]

Hey man awesome video! My question for you (sorry if you addressed this in another vid) is where do you sleep when in a city? Do you always have to drive out to the nearest camp site? Or do you set up your roof top tents at Walmart or rest stops as well?

[@BackroadPurpose]

We actually never set it up in the city. Kind of creeped us out to be honest. We budgeted for a few hotels throughout the trip so we started in those when we wanted to explore bigger inner cities.

[@adrianfernandez2463]

@@BackroadPurpose Thank for the response!

[@MrGflan]

Awesome job!! Can you tell me if there is a way to attach kayaks to the truck also? Can the tent come off and can kayaks be attached on top of the roof? I’m a off-road newbie so I have no idea. Our xterra has a roof rack but I’m looking to get an FJ soon thanks

[@BackroadPurpose]

They have a bunch of different kayak mounts weve seen on other vehicles. The tent is only held on by 4 U-bolts so it's not too much work taking it off

[@MrGflan]

Backroad Purpose oh good to know! So I would really have to leave the tent at home if kayaking? I guess what I’m also asking is, if the tent is off the truck, is there a rack on yours that kayaks can be attached to?

[@BackroadPurpose]

@@MrGflan I'm not 100% sure. I would assume you might be able to play around with your roof space like we did to make it fit.

[@MrGflan]

Backroad Purpose awesome!! We are moving to NC soon. I have a few cars I may sell and plan to get an FJ when I get out there. I may need to pick your brain a bit when the time comes. Thanks for your help!! That bumper looks so awesome with the winch. Terrific setup with all this and the drawers. Good stuff. This will help me get my photography to a new level for the birds and landscapes.

[@chadtilghman255]

I could easily live out of my Nissan Armada. I have a Tuff Stuff Trailhead rooftop tent with awning, 53qt refrigerator, Renogy 200 watt solar power system with dual batteries, water system, shower, awning, Camp chef stove and oven combo, and tons of food. And just to add more to it, I also have a teardrop camper.

[@SimonNewbound]

Outstanding Guys! Great video with some fabulous tips. I have to ask with all the extra weight what fuel consumption? Loved the light sensor can you give more details on make and power supply of the trigger? Do you have a lift if yes did you add sway bar relocation mod and differential lowering kit? If you didn't add these mods did you experience any mechanical probs? Well done guys keep Adventuring and sharing. Yours Adventurously Simon :)

[@BackroadPurpose]

Hey Simon! Glad you enjoyed the video! The sensor is linked in the description. It's just a battery powered light you can get at Home Depot. The FJ is lifted 3"s but we did not do anything else like swaybars, or contral arms or diff drop. We had no issue with it what so ever. actually drove pretty similar to factory. With all the weight, believe it or not we actually didn't lose any MPG. We did lose MPG when we put the tires on. The stuff on the rough did nothing to improve our MPG when we took it off. Still getting 14mpg with just the bumper, roof rack, and tires on the FJ.

[@SimonNewbound]

Really!! That is interesting ref fuel consumption I guess it is so thirsty to begin with and not so air dynamic. So damage done from the start. Now you said that, I might now invest in a roof tent and awning. Also interesting to hear with all that extra weight and a lift you didn't swap out differential and sway bar. I'm fitting bilsteinnext week then heading into the Sahara desert If your ever near southern Spain look me up my home is yours Simon www.simonnewbound.com for pics of my Desert Shuttle :)

[@BackroadPurpose]

@@SimonNewbound Yeah thats my thoughts exactly. I mean, how much worse could it actually get lol. I was really hoping taking everything off would improve the MPG but once everything was off it really made no difference. Thank you so much. We'll make our way out there someday for sure! Loved the site. very clean and interesting. If you get sometime check out our new company. weamplifyyou.com

[@minhokwon5673]

nice, you & car

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thanks friend!

[@nicholasglover5707]

What kind of rack do you have for your roof top tent? I'm looking for a rack for my FJ .

[@BackroadPurpose]

Its a Warrior Platform Rack and we love it! It makes our FJ so much more useful

[@matthewchandler2470]

Excellent setup, not perfect, butbi like it alot

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thanks! It worked out well for us

[@matthewchandler2470]

@@BackroadPurpose it's down to earth and realistic. I especially like the battery

[@snavarro228]

Great video. Very informative. But some constructive critique. Two words. Video stabilization. Cheers!

[@thewrongguy]

Subbed

[@BackroadPurpose]

Thanks guy!

[@arefeshghi]

Nice video. About those motion sensor lights, it is a good idea. But if the range of the sensors are that limited that you have to be very close for them to detect you, then they are not that useful!

[@BackroadPurpose]

True statement. In the video is was not very dark out but when it's solid night time they have about a 60ft detection radius.

[@arefeshghi]

@@BackroadPurpose Thanks :)

[@chriskachenko3009]

Love the build. How did having a car seat in the back work out for you guys? Was it tight?

[@BackroadPurpose]

It did work but I dont think it would work out well if we were taller. We're only 5'8" and the seat would not scoot back any further... Thanks for watching!

[@jasp432]

I’m 6”5 with a car seat. Right now it’s on the passenger side and we can’t move the seat all the way back. I noticed yours was center. Did that allow you to move the front seat all the way back?

[@Ryan-dc6lj]

Shout-out for the Buc-ee's sticker.

[@BackroadPurpose]

Yes!! Buc-ees is epic!!! The nation need more of them

[@Ryan-dc6lj]

@@BackroadPurpose Alabama got one! I'd love to see a few between Dallas and Denver :p

[@edaldredge845]

The tent seems to add quite a bit to the height of the vehicle. Wondering how much noise was added and what sort of range you got on that 19 gallon tank. Did you track your mileage before and after the conversion? These things aren't known for their economy, I know. If you did it again, would you consider an overland trailer in tow or stick with the rooftop tent? What were your main complaints about the tent?

[@BackroadPurpose]

The RTT is about 12 inches tall so it does add some height. with the 3inch lift and the 33's we were right at 9ft. We could not fit in most parking garages but we could still go through most drive thrus and never had an issue with bridges. I tracked MPG almost every tank.. Im weird. before we did the mods we got about 17mpg. with all the gear we got about 12-13mg and with the rtt off and cabinet out we got about 13mpg. I think the loss in MPG was entirely because of the tires. I loved our set up. If we ever do a build again I will most likely do it this way. If this was my DD and I had to drive to work 5 days a week, I would get a trailer... idk maybe not. Driving this tank around and always have what you need is awesome. This set up truly was perfect for everything. Trails, Snow, Desert, Downtowns, small backroads, suburban areas. It really was just like driving a regular car... The matress sucked. I wish we would have upgraded the 3inch mattress topped way earlier. We go ours from Target for $150 and it was awesome!

[@kingmike40]

I have been looking for a FJ for a while and all I can find have high miles and cost 8000 to 15000. What is your opinion on mileage. They seem to hold up and I could probably fix most things although fixing stuff is what I like to do.

[@BackroadPurpose]

I guess for me it all depends on the price. I'd buy one with 190k miles for 8 grand. I wouldn't by one with 240k miles. We sold ours with 140k for $20k.

[@elitenmr8242]

Hey man, I'm thinking of purchasing the same roof rack and roof tent for my Fj cruiser. Is the Warrior roof rack compatible with the OEM roof rack bolts? Does the warrior roof rack align to holes on the roof of the FJ? Or do I need to make other adjustments? Thanks!

[@BackroadPurpose]

Hey man! It's a direct bolt in. You use the factory rack holes. No drilling or anything. Just make sure you silicone the bolts so that they don't leak.

[@elitenmr8242]

@@BackroadPurpose Got it!! Greetings to your beautiful family man.

[@BackroadPurpose]

@@elitenmr8242 thank you so much!!

[@JasonWh]

Hi, I am picking up a very low mileage 2012 FJ this week and am planning the changes/upgrades I'd like to start with as everyone does I imagine. I would really like to spend some time picking your brain related to what to look for, where to start, etc. Would this be possible? Really enjoyed the video, it was quite helpful. Thank you.

[@BackroadPurpose]

Of course it is. How can we help?

[@JasonWh]

@@BackroadPurpose Initially, I suspect the on and off-road split will be 80/20 mostly on-road. I'm looking to the upgrades I can do that will add the most safety as a novice off-roader without negatively impacting the on-road performance. Thoughts?

[@BackroadPurpose]

@@JasonWh Honestly this set up was perfect for that. We drove 45k miles on this set up and did about 8,000 offroad. It drove perfect. very smooth. nice and quiet. Old Man Emu Lift Kit was a perfect choice. not too pricey but still did everything great on and off-road. We went with their "Heavy" set up so I would suggest the medium if you are not loading it all the way down.

[@mattk205]

Hey can someone help me understand sliders with steps that stick out below the actual sliders? Feels counterintuitive??

[@BackroadPurpose]

Definitely is. Not to much "sliding" with those big junks of metal right there. But we were never intended to do much rocking crawling. We mainly just wanted protection if we dropped off a rock or fallin tree or something. Plus, we're both short and needed the steps to reach the roof.

[@ironhorsegladiator5034]

What kind of warranty the pop up tent comes with? I know they cost over $2k.

[@BackroadPurpose]

We had the smittybilt which was actually only $800. Some do cost upwards for $1000 and up to $3500 from what I've seen. I'm it sure about the warranties though.