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

[@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

[@tangocharlie9291]

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

[@lil----lil]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@plutoplatters]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@allenh7835]

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

[@ahyungrocks5509]

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

[@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.

[@moniquechristiansen6202]

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

[@naps3386]

I spent one night in the back of my 99 4Runner with a small chick, and slept horribly. Not enough leg room. But taking out the seats looks like you solved that problem. I solved the problem by dumping the chick and staying in a tent like I originally wanted to do.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

That was a good short story.

[@thetruejuanalto]

you know , the tent should have been big enough for both the chic and you....

[@naps3386]

Juan Alto It was “too cold” for her to sleep in a tent is what she said. I learned not to argue, just send them down the road if they don’t like to do what I like to do.

[@OspreyFlyer]

Okay, that's funny (and practical)! 👍😂

[@helenellsworth9556]

@@naps3386 you we're wrongly match

[@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!!👍👍👍

[@robertmcevoy24]

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

[@OspreyFlyer]

Thanks for the information! Great ideas! 👍

[@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.

[@welcometoboston9524]

Xplorer Steve has returned, and with the Under Armour shirt nonetheless! 👍

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

You're right. Under Armor. I have a couple.

[@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!

[@adventureswithgnomie6553]

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

[@karenmullen3210]

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

[@BADD400]

Very cool Steve

[@wolfsmith2865]

Great build! Save for the side compartments, we did the same for my buddy's jeep Cherokee. We built a hinged deck that lifted, allowing access to the footwells and rear seat mounting area. This gave him a platform to sleep on and lots of storage beneath.

[@ExpediteTravels]

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

[@ColinTonkasdad]

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

[@galacticom]

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

[@mani_r_29]

Great to see you back! Looking forward to the follow up video 👍

[@gsmotivate3378]

Wow that looks great!

[@stealthexpressvan8475]

Great idea and presentation, Steve.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

I like stealth too.

[@plutoplatters]

couldn't agree more with your first thing said... re:the floor being too high up... yep yep

[@Bk-uz3pk]

Great job. Love the simplicity and preciseness of the project

[@knockknockbusted]

Retired guys are awesome 👏.

[@SilverTurtle65]

Excellent video with great instructions

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Thanks ST65

[@nanchesca3950]

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

[@kellykelly7747]

LOVE the build and choice of vehicle! 👍❤

[@mcgintytom]

Excellent! As usual.

[@REMAX_CCA]

My build is also without platform, and with storage on one side. I love the extra headroom! My rig is a Hummer H3.

[@TomTomTom87]

Hummer? you joking or nah

[@scottthejeepguy7499]

Looks good

[@pandanuscreekfilms6841]

that was great and I liked the look of your setup, thanks very much

[@trailerparksupervisor7046]

Did you sell the explorer?

[@cinnamongmc5430]

How did you measure around the wheel wells? I wanted/needed to see that.

[@DrockGoBLUE]

11:12 Peaky Poo 🤣🤣

[@garyvk]

Hahahahaha!

[@triple_gem_shining]

very nice and simple :)

[@turningofthetide1000]

this is one of the very best conversion videos! One question - how did you secure the subfloor, or did I miss this? With some sort of glue? Thanks for posting

[@manzahalem8845]

turningofthetide1000 -deck screws

[@asphaltgypsy868]

Amazing, as always!

[@DriveLongRoad]

The simple things are the best things. Is the base plate firmly bolted to the vehicle, or just hung up?

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Base plate? If you're talking about the subfloor, it is attached.

[@DriveLongRoad]

@@XplorerSteveDIY Thanks. :)

[@TheNajSD]

Up next... Micro camper build in a Mini Cooper. Lol.

[@VintageSlide]

TheNajSD if traveling alone, you could remove all seats except the drivers. Plenty of space.

[@ChrisScales17]

I made a platform for my xterra that's only 5" tall to level everything and I have under bed storage bins that are very long for food and cooking storage. Worked like a charm

[@Myyt6908]

looking forward to part 2. Are you still going to camp in the camper van as well?

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Yes. Still have the van.

[@gonecamper3510]

Sleeping on top of a cooler or large crate is uncomfortable in minivans, too! With a lower height, you still have room to sit, like a couch.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Very true!

[@jamesharvey4817]

Nice.

[@texaslakebrokertt9639]

Excellent videos! Steve! I live in Dallas TX area and I have a old Chevy Van conversion, do you take 3rd party project? I like to see how you can make this van interior look more modern and useful. Appreciate you!

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Sorry, no but I hope you are encouraged to DIY by my vids.

[@kabot4878]

Looks good. Did I miss something? What about the Explorer camper?

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Still have it.

[@shinny123]

Steve do you have a video on how to retire early? I think you do.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Yes. It is back a ways in my timeline.

[@viajeIectrico]

7:50 thats a nice hidding place for your bong :)

[@RickRose]

Pert sweet.

[@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!

[@al-lr3yv]

Super job Steve! Man, I'm envious of your garage/shop. But I guess you heard that from me once or twice right? haha Take care guy.

[@Linescrew1Canada]

Kia ora!

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

uhhhh.

[@wayneleahy7245]

How many inches, could a 6'2" man ly down?

[@daveholte7658]

Great build video Micro style. What Model of Jackery do you use? Can this unit be charged while driving if the vehicle has a 120 volt receptacle built in? I don’t know if I want to install Solar yet. Thanks

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

I have the 230 and the 1000. I charge by 12vdc while driving and swap out to the solar when arrived. The 1000 handles my fridge, charging, laptop and all camera batteries. If you drive daily, you will top off quick.

[@daveholte7658]

@@XplorerSteveDIY Thank you. You have instilled in me the best car camping idea(s) of all. Simple easy comfortable and less costly. I am happy I found your videos. Well done and thanks for sharing. Be well

[@daveholte7658]

@@XplorerSteveDIY I especially like your videos the best Simple effective learning opportunities easy to hear great video shots and just common sense There is so many YT videos with all that crazy music. Fast forward action and don’t learn a thing. I don’t know how they stay in the YT business creating junk

[@erickreed1802]

How much would you charge to do this to my 05 4rumner?

[@ney7931]

Hi Steve awesome videos, i live in Vegas as well i was wondering if you could help me build my drawer system on my 1997 toyota 4runner?

[@kevinshea4776]

Why wouldn't you just stay in the Xplorer? Ok, I get it ...a nice alternative, but is the Xplorer hard to drive or was it an economical decision to take a smaller vehicle?

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

I will address this on the next video.

[@derek750]

Did he say peaky poo? lol 😂🤙🏼

[@vijaykumar-yq7sf]

Hello, can any one Help me. I need Air Conditioner In my car most of the time. So what can I do? like do i have to buy a portable AC and run it on Inverter generator. or i hve to use my car AC.. Please Guide me.

[@vijaykumar-yq7sf]

Jay W , thank u

[@hurricanemishawaka119]

such a quality work! do you live in California by any chance?

[@lindasue8719]

How do you find the 4runner? I was thinking of switching to that, but I hear it's got a rough ride.

[@HairyDirtMan]

do you actually have to remove the door panels to change out the mirror? Did one on my first gen Tacoma and I didn't need to, I thought it was the same for the runners

[@tamiboelter2833]

Peekie Poo !

[@Colorado4x4Van]

You didn't sell the Van....did you?...:)

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

I did not. Ha.

[@ThaGr8Cornman]

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

[@WoodlandCompanies]

Hey steve, love your designs, dont like that creepy cartoon guy at the beginning though.

[@monicathebeautiful6483]

I hate him passionately!

[@sparklecreations]

😂

[@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.

[@Atlbug138]

This build is awesome. I am doing my own rendition of this. Did you actually screw the frame down to the 4runner with self tapping screws? I’m trying to do the same build without drilling any holes. But if I have to, I will. If you did, did you use silicone to cost the screws and holes afterwards?

[@allenh7835]

I floated mine other than screws to end brace with a 1x2 added and one L brace screwed to transmission hump. edit Late reply but may help a new viewer. Video was almost 2 years old when i found it.

[@angelomma2155]

Steve join vegas4runner on fb bunch of great people are on there

[@leeeverett8109]

first

[@mrbottomfeeder]

SWEET

[@arnelagustin8837]

Glad to see you back yet with another project!

[@Therian_Lola_4.3]

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

[@lisah7304]

brilliant build Xplorer Steve, informative and fun to watch

[@daveevans8256]

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

[@gegazaidd]

Good to see video from you ,nice job

[@KB-ld7jw]

Great upload. Thanks

[@Asomesauc]

Bad ass Steve

[@RippSnortin]

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

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Hmmmmm...

[@HumbleRoad]

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

[@jayingram5279]

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

[@2terryp]

Great design and nice build! A question: What with the sub-frame, do you think 5/8" or even 1/2" plywood would work, to save weight and a few $$$?

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

It could work over the supported area but the lift lid and a portion of the base is unsupported and so the 3/4".

[@kenl.6857]

Welcome back, Steve. I hope your summer is off to a good start. Why the micro camper when you have the luxury on wheels, Xplorer? Are you not happy with it?

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

It's a travel vehicle/road tripper. I still have the Xplorer and like it very much.

[@ricks.1318]

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

[@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.

[@dososos]

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

[@cajun221]

Can you break down the cost & where you but the materials.. Like dollar panels, etc. Thank you!

[@Max-wd8ox]

good thinking!

[@barbarakuhn3239]

Please don't be offended but I thought that dummy was a real person when you 1st put him on the screen lol Gives a whole new meeting to the word blockhead

[@johnthomas5806]

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

[@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.

[@jasonpolski9966]

Steve could’ve done us a solid with sharing the measurements of the sub floor in the description lol