Micro Camper Build in a 96' 4 Runner Part 1.

[@ThaGr8Cornman]

Stellar build! Got off the tv into the phone just to comment... got some skills

[@peaceformula5830]

Loved you in the movie Rush Hour

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Not again...

[@digitalcamera3237]

Hello Steve, i've looked at dozens of overland vehicle builds specially suv's... i have to say the approach you've take with your 4runner makes a Lot of sense. have to say sleeping at floor level and having more head room is what ai find the Most appealing. Who needs less head room? Not me. Well done! Thank you for sharing, Frank

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Cool, thanks

[@brianjasinski]

I have to say I really enjoy Cosmo. Nice job

[@tangocharlie9291]

Liked as soon as I saw the bed on the floor. Dig it.

[@BADD400]

Very cool Steve

[@lisah7304]

brilliant build Xplorer Steve, informative and fun to watch

[@fallguy6558]

Wow... really nice mod...

[@scottthejeepguy7499]

Looks good

[@ricks.1318]

Steve .... You ARE "alive" ......... :) :) :) Been a while brotha ... We ALL missed ya !!!!

[@otiswinters3674]

Thank you Steve for showing and explaining the actual cargo space length of the 4Runner. I am slightly taller than you, so I now realize that unfortunately, the 4Runner does not provide enough space for my wife and I to camp in. Sleeping in between the wheel wells looks like its less than 48 inches and probably best suited for only one person. Looks like purchasing a teardrop and 4Runner is a better fit for us. Keep up the great work you do!

[@KB-ld7jw]

Great upload. Thanks

[@williamhuntington1397]

This really took me back! In 1987, I bought a brand-new 4-Runner that came STOCK WITHOUT THE BACK SEATS! It was a factory-made, carpeted deck from the tailgate to the back of the front seats. I built a narrow, elevated bed that had a 10-inch cavity underneath which I used to store my suitcase and other stuff when traveling. Sadly, I had to sell it a couple of years later. I have often looked, unsuccessfully, to see if Toyota still produced them with no back seats. Thanks for your great video!

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

My first Toyota was an 87 pickup. I got it without carpet, radio, or air conditioning. Can't do that anymore.

[@ReVideoGuy]

That was the Truck model. I had one, too. Wish I had it back.

[@williamhuntington1397]

T Mason, from Wikipedia: "During 1984 to 1986 many 4Runners were imported to the US without rear seats. With only two seats the vehicle could be classified as a truck (rather than a sport vehicle) and could skirt the higher customs duties placed upon sport and pleasure vehicles. Most had aftermarket seats and seat belts added by North American dealers after they were imported."

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Interesting...

[@johnthomas5806]

some of your ideas for outfitting your 4 runner will work for my Mazda CX-5...thanks

[@jimflanagan6029]

I’m eyeing up a 2021 4 runner TRD pro black on black . I’ll let u know . Hope your having a great Christmas XS.

[@Nomad1957]

I love it,I am working on converting a dodge durango into a micro camper and your ideas have helped me greatly. Thank you.

[@jayingram5279]

Awesome. Your knowledge and presentation style made me a subscriber three minutes in. Love the build and methodology.

[@whocares4464]

Just got my 99 4runner and I'm loving it!

[@moniquechristiansen6202]

You are so right about the storage. I love this!

[@allenh7835]

Steve is smarter than the average bear. Well planned design !

[@davidmanen5495]

Great video!

[@johnpossum556]

I like how you always take a slightly different well thought out twist on what others are doing. Can't wait for part two!

[@ahyungrocks5509]

Missed the crank windows. This build is awesome. I can definitely use many suggestions here onto a minivan for a solid platform/floor.

[@rafiyasmika7055]

Perfect idea for college kids nice

[@markreynolds3850]

Very nice job explaining things.

[@Pellefication]

Best micro conversion by far!

[@cpta03]

I really enjoyed your video and it brought back some good memories. Before starting a family , I did a similar build on my 1975 Datsun truck with an insulated camper shell. It was a lot of fun on long weekend camping trips. Now that I am retired, you’ve given me inspiration to make another one. Thanks and I look forward to your adventures with the 4 Runner camper!

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Thanks Steve.

[@redroadrunner1545]

Love it. I have a 97 toyota with a decent sleep and storage set. I only used one piece ply and some pine I had around. I'd like to get a shell and turn it into a trailer. I do have mine elevated over the wheel wells. Wife and I with a dog fine. Thanks for sharing

[@dalton-at-work]

i would absolutely pay money for plans on that flat floor setup! i agree that's way better than the elevated floor setups.

[@daveevans8256]

Great video thanks for sharing with us all. 👍🇬🇧

[@hapkijo9713]

Being a 3rd gen owner and all around Overland enthusiast, this build has wanting to do the same thing. Great job!

[@HumbleRoad]

Ahhhhhh! Reminds me of the good old days with Explorer Steve! Glad you're back with another project!

[@livindalife5356]

Very well made video. Good job, Steve!

[@plutoplatters]

rain guards...are the BEST. (along with the circular mirrors that go on mirrors so you can see EVERYTHING on your sides.)

[@VidVoyeur612]

It's my first time watching any of your videos and you know what I appreciate? You've avoided simulating your enthusiasm or excitement like many KZbinrs do. Looking forward to more project vids.

[@GatorLife57]

Great job...thumbs up ! Wolf from central Florida.

[@nikolasb6007]

probably the best setup for an SUV. great job!

[@darrencole2000]

I'm a big fan of flat roof trays, if you need the storage for outdoors gear then put it up on the roof, get a couple of space cases and strap that down. My overlander had a rooftop tent on a full length flat tray, it gave somewhere to store spare fuel outside of the vehicle which is really important if you've ever transported a jerry can of fuel anywhere. it also carried our water, some 60 litres of the stuff, absolutely vital to make the most of the space inside the SUV.

[@donwyates]

Nice build! Yeah, it seems like 99.99 % of people build a platform ABOVE storage to sleep on. If you're in a hightop van, or box truck, that might be okay. But in an SUV it doesn't make sense. I first saw the low bed idea on SUV RVing, and knew that was how mine would have to be. I've got a Honda Pilot, and will likely remove the 2nd & 3rd row seats to gain as much vertical room as possible. The rooftop rack is a must, no doubt.

[@jamescabaniss2760]

I love watching you fix stuff up, your repairs, and your upgrades. I wish I had your ingenuity (and your great tool supplies and garage, lol). Also it takes a unique individual willing to do all these upgrades. Great videos, nice camper van! Your urban stealth camping and your fix-ups are my favorite videos.

[@taeparkfilm]

I don't think I've ever left any comments on KZbin till now. This is amazing and you're doing an awesome job!

[@aquiconfeya]

I admire an intelligent man, cause it’s a great way of saving money. I owned a Subaru Forester and I like your platform idea. Greats videos of yours. Thank you 🙏

[@sues3177]

I'm going to do similar w my forester.🙏🙂😊

[@rosshuolihan]

I love this build I always felt so claustrophobic watching other builds where people sleep with their heads touching the roof

[@Jirk4]

There's not much other option when you need to sleep two people though.

[@donnerjacob567]

Thank you for this. Thumbs up and Subscribed. I would really, really like to do this in my 2015 RAV4. I'm trying to figure out how though, as I’m an older lady on disability with no tool skills (or tools for that matter!). But this is the way I’d like to do it. So thank you for giving me hope and a template. Best wishes.

[@allenh7835]

Late reply but put the word out with family and friends. Simple job for anybody with basic skills. Good luck !

[@tinabeane]

Really looking forward to the rest of this build out. I also don't like how those bed platforms are too high. The shelving on the side makes good use of the space. Looks like an Ikea build. Good job Steve!! :)

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

I thought so too. Too cramped.

[@gsmotivate3378]

Wow that looks great!

[@crownfoam]

Glad to see you back Steve! I look forward to seeing part 2 of this project. This is my favorite channel!

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Part 2 ought to finish it up. Then....road trip.

[@supercooled]

I forgot about this channel. Came back to the scene because I’m bhuyung my first 4x4 and this got recommended.

[@bambihargrove6499]

Looks nice so far.

[@jaksdh-u4t]

good thinking!

[@NoProGoPronto]

Ahh, when Xplorer Steve has another DIY project going, life on KZbin is great again. Nice to see you back Steve 👋🏽😃.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Hey NPGP You going to Camper-con this year?

[@NoProGoPronto]

No, I'll just keep watching all the fun from this side of the computer.

[@TheWwbartman354]

Happy to see you again! Nice work so far!

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Hey Bart.

[@Jessa8891]

Well most do the storage underneath and a bigger bed so it can sleep more than one person. Your conversation is great for just a single person.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Agreed. For more than me, I will just take the RV.

[@shiftintohigh5564]

Love the license plate!!! Great build!!! Looks great!!👍👍👍. **** I am glad you kept the original wheels, they add to the character and provenance of vehicle of that vintage and condition. I wondered what you had been up to, hadn’t seen a video, this explains it. Usual Explorer Steve quality and craftsmanship. Nicely done good sir.👍👍👍. This is as cool as the Dodge Explorer!!👍👍👍

[@billmcroberts6566]

Steve, your attention to detail always amazes me.

[@arnelagustin8837]

Glad to see you back yet with another project!

[@chrisgreene9147]

Great to see my favorite KZbinr back at it. I was thinking yesterday that it’s been a while since you had a video so nice surprise to wrap up the weekend. Good to see you again.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

I am not the most consistent YTer.

[@chrisgreene9147]

Xplorer Steve DIY true but once I stumbled onto your channel (via a harbor freight search lol) I was intrigued by the camper van and started from the beginning so for a while it felt like you were posting everyday. Always good to see what you’re working on next. 👍🏼

[@lawrenceconstantine7735]

Holy crap he lives and breathes nice, to see you put one up looks like all is well in Vegas world.

[@cyeugotswag]

Looking like a great build! Entertaining video too

[@Catman1798]

You are absolutely right on the money about the bed situation. I say the same thing when I see these people build platforms. It wouldn’t work in my Jeep renegade for sure. I wouldn’t be able to get in at all if it’s high. And how much storage does one need? I wouldn’t think it would be too much. I would keep very minimal.

[@kcajmortsnnew1488]

good , useful info also 5'11" and looking @ jeep , toy , etc. smaller rigs

[@nonope1774]

ZJ works well. I left one side of my split bench (3 seater). Fits a 6 ft ladder for work or me for overlanding.

[@alexanderweaver9182]

Incredible job, Steve! Thanks for sharing. Your videos offer several ideas I will try in my conversion, a '16 Jeep Compass.

[@robertmcevoy24]

I sold Toyota’s for years I must say great idea for a awesome vehicle great job !

[@dososos]

Wow looks great Steve, looking forward to seeing how you put in the cabinets.

[@cecilyt006]

From the build to the editing....nicely done!

[@RippSnortin]

Looks great. An ARB type awning is a good addition. Really ties it together.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Hmmmmm...

[@dabear7335]

I did something similar for the floor you made, but did raise it with a 2x4 so I could slide fishing rods in so they would be out of the way.

[@karenmullen3210]

Good idea about the Masonite and you reminded me I need hatches. You solved some issues for me. Thanks

[@ExpediteTravels]

Wow now that's thinking outside the box 😎👍👍 I love it

[@lil----lil]

You get it. Storage is ONLY 1/2 of the battle. The other 1/2 is accessibility. Equally crucial.

[@adventureswithgnomie6553]

Can't wait for part 2. Good use of space.

[@OspreyFlyer]

Thanks for the information! Great ideas! 👍

[@msafirimhehe]

Very good! Enjoy the camping experince..

[@AridersLifeYT]

great video, matured and straight to the point. thanks

[@dinoquintana4319]

Pretty smart man.nice simple very practical design.

[@waltschannel7465]

Super cool, Steve! I'll watch it later. No time now but saw this in my feed and had to "thumbs up". OK, watched on the evening of the 9th. Even more impressed with what you've done!

[@1987FX16]

Looks great, can't wait to see how you finish everything out. I like how well you planned and documented your setup. Love your videos.

[@stealthexpressvan8475]

Great idea and presentation, Steve.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

I like stealth too.

[@jeremyellmer3925]

Makes me miss my 98 expedition so much. I never got the chance to really convert it, but what I did do was comfortable and easy. And the second row seats came out with a simple release of a lever :(

[@TheBeastlyswagger]

just now seeing this for the first time and I've done something very similar a few months back! first time I've seen someone do the same thing as me!

[@mcgintytom]

Excellent! As usual.

[@PartyUpLive]

I would LOVE to try doing something like this. Even though I am very tall I saw another person who was close to my height(I'm 6' 9") who was able to make it work in his 5th Gen 4Runner. For me, as long as I can make a space to sleep in a pinch, I'll be happy. As far as doing a project like you have, unfortunately, I do not have any wood working tools and I am not sure I want to delicate myself to a project buying tools. I have seen people do it without building for temporary setups, which is what I would be using it for.

[@foxsmoulder]

Google "tool library" or "maker space" + your area. You may be able to pay for a months access to the tools and the space to build what you want. A lot of times you can find people with a little know how who may be willing to help you in those spaces too.

[@BuckeyeJoeG]

You can take the passenger front seat out for camping. I am ‘only’ 6’5” but I plan to take the passenger front seat out of my 4 door Jeep XJ Cherokee for enough room to stretch out. I like that approach over a center bed between the seats.

[@nanchesca3950]

Great video!! I agree with you, I prefer the headroom and it sure makes it easier getting in and out

[@gegazaidd]

Good to see video from you ,nice job

[@irishseaswimmer]

Great vid. Thanks for sharing.

[@galacticom]

thx Stevel.. I really like your design... that ceiling height is important.

[@WowWhatATrip]

Very Good Sir.

[@eldorado5686]

So this is what you've been up to ! Awesome, man!

[@ColinTonkasdad]

Always agreat watch, and attention to detail... excellent . Cheers from sunny UK.

[@Therian_Lola_4.3]

Good to see you back in action I was missing your content.

[@Mopjockey1234]

I really like this!!! Looking forward to more of this project. Thanks for sharing!!

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

It is fun to custom make something.

[@trufantom21]

Awesome video Steve.

[@DIYManiacJohnP]

Congrats on the new camper. Hope the Xplorer went to a good home

[@daleloope6521]

Steve... great idea for the bed!! I did the platform in an Xterra and it sucked

[@jamessherman8954]

Steve you do a lot of good work ... I'm look now for some kind of van not sure if full size or minivan... I might need you to help me build it ...... just kidding... (but it would be nice ) ... I live by Rainbow and Washington... but work by warm springs and Gilespie.... I thought I seen you few months ago in your Ram .... maybe it's was maybe not anyway you do great job at building things .... keep up the videos

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Thanks James.

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing this video, interesting build.

[@naruemonrorick6205]

You’re so amazing! You could fix things!!

[@beths9232]

Really like your build here. The reason I built mine on a platform is I'm sleeping two.

[@Asomesauc]

Bad ass Steve

[@SilverTurtle65]

Excellent video with great instructions

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Thanks ST65

[@Bk-uz3pk]

Great job. Love the simplicity and preciseness of the project