Micro Camper Build in a 96' 4 Runner Part II

[@mariajacqueline8574]

do you have more detail on how the curtain rod, do you have to drill anything to the interior panel of the car?

[@cam-bo11]

Yes, I'm also curious how you attached the curtain rods on back and side windows.

[@truckindawg1]

Why convert the 4Runner into a micro camper??? HELL, why not!!! Lol

[@Teknakill]

Now a private parking spot in NY seems affordable.

[@keeganrasmussen977]

I'd have sacrificed the extra 3 inches height and made a folding platform so I could still have the back seats

[@GSC727]

OK Steve, I have to thank you. Until seeing your build out of the 4Runner I was all set to buy an E250 in the next couple of weeks to convert. D'uh, I already have a 99 4Runner LTD in great condition. Have watched a LOT of other 4R conversions, most having the platform bed you speak of that I didn't feel afforded enough space, and a coffin-like feeling come bedtime. The long and the short of it is that at 6' 2" I'm going to do up my 4Runner up in a very similar fashion to yours, with a few changes of course. So, thanks again, your video likely saved me $15K, and THAT puts a smile on my face. Cheers mate!

[@bsimpson639]

One of many featuresI like about your build is that you didn’t design it to sleep on a platform. The idea of sleeping at the level of the windows in any place that isn’t remote really freaks me out, but that is the way most people do it. Really clean and simple build. Thank you for sharing!

[@robertkinney5826]

Hope you got some shrink wrap on your solar connectors.

[@dha588]

I like how you used the gray plastic boxes. This helps reduce HEAVY shelves made out of wood that can ruin your MPG.

[@clammi]

Nice build Steve, Thanks for the Vid, if you get a chance please check out my Truck Camping vids 😀

[@victoriasanchez1960]

Love it posers! Ha! take that!

[@dwaynemeroin3101]

I built boats with .25 inch plywood. It's quite strong and thinner.

[@vagabond-yj8pn]

Steve’s old school. He ain’t no stinking poser.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Ha. Thanks. Just practical to my own needs.

[@CrystalVanner]

*THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO! I started my van life journey out in a 2000 GMC Jimmy SUV I already had, back in 2015, I really wish I had this video back then to guide me. THIS BUILD ROCKS❤️!! I'm liking, sharing and subbing now.*

[@shujakazmi5399]

Great video. Appreciate the level of detail you provided. Lots of great ideas!

[@Edogawa1117]

Excellent job,Steve.Looks awesome.I bet your father would be proud of you for taking care of and prolonging the life of his old car.

[@markthomas4594]

Some excellent ideas thanks for sharing

[@BadDad420]

I'm stealing a bunch of your ideas. Would you like some pictures of my work

[@georgekerr8804]

Good ideas and carpentry.

[@LivingInAVan]

You da man! What a great build! Maybe you'll start a new trend of people Living In A Micro-Camper. :) Truly fantastic. Thanks for sharing!

[@cnnlag8448]

What a amazing speaker 😙😃😀keep good job up, man😃😄

[@StaticCamperVan]

Great build! You got all the necessities covered. Always fun to see your projects as you put a lot of thought into the design.

[@patrickjobling8676]

Stella .... i couldv been a contender..😎😁pip pips and carryon squadron leader

[@nealjohnson1461]

Great job on the 4Runner. I’ve been looking a lots of 4Runner conversions on You Tube and Your’s is the only one I’ve seen that makes sense to me. Hope we get to see some more videos on your trips in the Toyota

[@lyricwritertoo]

I found the same baskets in brown! They fit inside a 12 pack soda box. Was just a coincidence when BF was taking to trash. Cut off length a bit. . I stacked them 2 each and 2 across in two different cabinets of our trailer as drawers. Things already drawer shape held less and had too much space around. I didnt even stick them together. They dont move and if I want can put them 4 across and not stacked.

[@VanGogh1999]

I like your description of the posers. I see so many people with big pickup trucks that don't haul or pull anything. I also see a lot of jeeps and four wheel drive vehicle where I live and we don't get that much snow and we have very few 4 Wheel drive roads. Your 4Runner build now very practical and ingenious. Enjoy

[@sherrybradshaw6504]

Ive been doing research on power for my van. I noticed you have the solar panel and the Jackery only. No inverter. Please tell me how that works. I would be able to save some money if i can eliminate the inverter. Thank you, great video.

[@sonnydaguy617]

U should also get yourself a Bluetooth projector so you can watch movies against that back window since its white. My buddy has one that connects to his phone n we watch movies in his backyard. He just hang up a white bed sheet.

[@carlawalker4671]

This is absolutely amazing... Everything one would need to start in an SUV. I'm the owner of a 2008 Jeep Liberty and would like to hit the road with it. BTW, I love Toyota!!! Thank you for the time and attention you put into this build and the recording.

[@bonefishboards]

Great video! Looking to build something like this for chasing hurricane swells on the east coast.

[@BIGMANCERTIFIED]

Great Build. Working on a 07 Nissan Right now.

[@shadomane]

I like and agree with your reasoning on your 4 runner build. Some nice build ideas, I will be incorporating some of your theories into my Highlander build. Thanks for sharing. Enjoying your videos.

[@cindysears3130]

Looks fantastic! Love your ideas and this just seems like a perfect setup for spontaneous adventures. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and skills. Very inspiring.

[@Smitty_Tube]

Great job Steve! I just got the Jackery 240. Haven't used it yet but looking forward to it. Was surprised it didn't come with a cover for the 12v receptacle so I purchased on on Amazon for under $5.00. Fit's great and will keep dust and dirt out of that area. It's called a Dovewill Black Auto Cigarette Lighter Dust Cover.

[@greatpariscars]

If writing "1996" is undesirable and you'd like to shorten it to simply "96" and still let people know you're talking about a year, be sure t put the apostrophe IN FRONT of the two digits and not after the two digits. I thought for a moment that you were doing a camper build on a ninety-six-foot 4Runner. (4Runner is one word btw.)

[@dylconnaway9976]

I dunno about posers. It’s typically little man syndrome / insecurity- they want something that makes them feel bigger.

[@mikek.3965]

You sir are a wealth of knowledge and skills. Great build. Thx!

[@DrgnMage2536]

Love how you set up the blackout curtains. I want to start car camping. I usually have a tent, but sleeping on the ground is not a lot of fun as you get older.

[@MarkJohnson-cv5ew]

Just some friendly advice I would have window tinted those rear windows darker since you are using curtains that way you would still have some visibility looking outward

[@margiecallahan3009]

Steve, I'm always impressed by how you do things. I'm planning to head down to Quartzsite from Colorado in 6-8 weeks in my '97 4Runner (252,000 miles and running strong). I won't do any buildout because I'm only 5'2" and will sleep on one side with the right half of the back seat folded down. Will outfit the other side with a small set of plastic drawers, cooler, stove, etc. Also planning for some solar on top plus a set of suitcase solar. Thanks for the great tips that give me confidence that I can do this! Hope to meet you someday.

[@antonydavid2953]

At last, a build I can relate to : simple, practical and just what I need. Many thanks

[@adammateriale5469]

I dig your build. I am currently figuring out a situation for my 07 honda odyssey. Im a Dad of 3 kids of which is 16, 7 and 1. I cant completely overhaul it because i still need to get all the family around. So Im trying to figure out a quick in and out weekend setup to go camp and surf for a day here and there. You said your kids are out do you have any tips for those days they were in the house?

[@nStoomey86]

Steve, you're the man. Thanks for your "youness." You are no poser. Stay well.

[@nomsolo9935]

I’m working on my sleep deck build, inspired by your design and have a couple questions about your build: 1) on account of having a subfloor (furring strips + insulation), did you find that introduces a small gap below the rear edge of your deck about an inch or so floating above the rear sill? 2) how did you brace and connect the plywood walls around the foot well? Are those tied into the framework supporting the deck? Thanks in advance for any tips!

[@darrinsiberia]

you should try a thule cargo box hitch receiver because you don't get the drag from roof rack and you increase your storage capacity by like 100%.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Meh. I like the hatch to be accessible.

[@rvargas508]

That plywood you used looks thick. Do you think that was necessary?

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Standard 3/4". Some parts are not supported by the furring strips so it suits me. There are no rules in self build. I wanted a sturdy, non creaky, floor. I have it.

[@clifficus]

Steve, One of the best I’ve seen yet, brilliant job, flat bed, plenty of head room, and no rattling cupboard doors, really neat,

[@jerelischable]

So awesome, I have almost the exact same vehicle, rebuilt engine. Really amazing, will watch probably several times. Paint those PCVs man!

[@AnnieGill7]

This is truly amazing! I just turned my fifth GEN 2010 forerunner into an SUV RV, Tristan calls it! I would love to know how you attached the curtains to the inside of the car? THANKS!!!

[@darrinsiberia]

only step you skipped... before you build... close all widows and doors... spray with water and check for leaks in the cabin...

[@chuggy9345]

Great video, one of the best on KZbin. You gave me lots of ideas for my 2004 CR-V. Only thing I would do differently is put a safari rack on the roof and mount the solar panel, awning and still have plenty of cargo space left. Thanks for your great ideas.

[@garys58winch]

Ain't no poser! Lol. Inspired me to build my 2003 Santa Fe in a similar way. Gonna get started in a couple of weeks. Gary from Henderson. Thanks Steve 😊

[@RickMartinYouTube]

I wish I kept my 4Runner 2001 which I thought was an old vehicle when I let it go

[@firstnamelastname9661]

If you ever want to sell this 4runner please let me know. I'm looking for one with this setup. Thanks

[@hugoguerra7918]

I just got a 99 4Runner. I will be trying to convert it into a micro camper but don't have much money right now. These are very good ideas. Thanks for the videos!

[@tracir3072]

How's that, that enuf for ya?? Lol love you, love your show

[@karstenschmalstieg7516]

Great and right Ideas and verry good Work :)

[@nanchesca3950]

Love your ideas! An idea for additional storage for lightweight stuff would be a cargo net under the ceiling over the bottom of your bed since you really only need the headroom on the top half

[@UTeeNye]

I need a build like yours on my 4 runner but I dont have skills or tools how much do you charged for build

[@ikay2102]

U got me hooked on this idea. Now trick is convince my wife on extra fund releasement lol

[@CurtisDavis89]

Have you thought about magnets for the curtains? That will allow for a tighter seal with less light penetration.

[@carlosfajardo954]

I am from Las Vegas too and I would love to see your car. I would like for you to build one with me. It is one of the best builds I have ever seen. Please help me with it.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Sorry, busy with life butI I know you can do it.

[@Kiwiwanderer]

Every capable, financially secure woman over 30 needs a man like Steve. We need to clone him. Extremely clever budget conscious design.

[@HeliJim400]

Hey Steve, I’m currently building out my 4Runner to be pretty much exactly like yours, love the design. How is that mattress holding up? Would you still recommend it?

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Now I use a twin size 3 inch memory foam topper on top of some interlocking anti-fatigue mat cut to size. That does it for me.

[@HeliJim400]

@@XplorerSteveDIY Thanks for the quick response! I can’t wait until I get mine finished and out into the backcountry. So would you say that first mattress was overkill, or was there something specific you didn’t like about it? I’m not sure about using a topper, they all seem too soft. Any insight on this topic would be hugely appreciated.

[@ricks.1318]

WOW .... Your dad's 4 runner has come a "long way" there, Steve .... Like your design with all the handy storage compartments !!!! Well thought-out ..... Right down to your personal power needs with the Jackery and 50w solar panel !!! Impressive, sir ....

[@mtnlayde01]

Great minimalist hacks. Good video 👍👍

[@Debrasvantasticjourney]

As a smaller person (5’5”) I don’t need all that sleeping space.

[@SocksWithSandals]

Great SUV camper conversion. Well planned, documented and narrated.

[@jayjayjay4788]

Excellent video, lot's of good & practical ideas. Thanks, and Salaam to you and to all.

[@darrinsiberia]

oh damn he just dropped that... "can't do it in my TESLA" very sly there yuppie very sly... "TESLA" not car... TESLA... take notes ladies and gentlemen.

[@AntonioMargheriti1]

Have taken your videos to heart and started modeling my 5th gen with you as the primary motivation. The headroom is key. Thanks for all you have done for the community.

[@jasonpolski9966]

Came up on my suggested. Coincidence that I have an ‘02 4Runner? I think not! Great content man!

[@GatorLife57]

Excellent Sir ! Thumbs up. Wolf from central Florida.

[@mariajacqueline1140]

How do you attach the pvc pipe along the side of your car for the curtain rod?

[@Safestassets]

How is the paint on the reflectix holding up? Is it flaking off?

[@allenh7835]

Mine is perfect 2 years later. Cheap paint too. $1 a can from some Dollar Store.

[@OspreyFlyer]

Thanks for the information! Great ideas! 👍

[@aviev8896]

Genius.

[@redfonzie21]

Hey Steve. Love your totally practical guide, and I agree about not using a platform bed sleeping arrangement. I'm not claustrophobic, but I imagine I soon would become so if I tried to go that way! I have a sub-micro, 98 Honda CR-V, and it's a 4 cylinder automatic 4x4. I also have a 2wd 04 Dodge (non-grand) Caravan. Both have their pros and cons for the camping, but being 5'11" as I am I would have to REMOVE the front seat as well in the CR-V! I'm looking at the Caravan, now, for this. What I'd absolutely love, though, is one like your Dodge Explorer. I could probably live out of that one. Goals, goals, goals! Good luck with your Harbor Freight addiction! I hear that's a hard one to get away from!

[@idealrs1614]

Salute,, A wise n practical man, you've inspired me to built my disco series 1 like yours. Thanks n keep up the good work.

[@scottzreality3061]

That intro dude is kinda scary but thanks for some great ideas

[@robgindc1]

Very cool build! Always loved that generation of 4Runner, nice how you started with economical base SUV & built up. Thanks for a lot of usable ideas. :)

[@lorax1968]

Have you thought about a 12v refrigerator? Prices have come down substantially

[@bluecollarstudio8513]

I appreciate the thought process, patience, and build quality of your channel. I might have to do this w my high mileage 04 Mitsubishi Endeavor that got from my father.

[@slot-rw2tm]

The toy at beginning is so creepy

[@Sir_Chuckmyster]

Totally agree, each time I see it in a video I scroll down and read some comments and wait for it to disappear before I scroll up to watch the video 😃

[@khunopie9159]

Your ingenuity continues to astound Steve! Looking forward to a boondocking vid sometimes in the near future

[@alvashoemaker8536]

Good looking!! Finally, i realized MY self-made set-up. I admire all the woodwork projects I've seen...and, realized that ALL of them are beyond me. So, I'm just going to acquire some of those plastic chest of drawers that can be found everywhere; i WILL be SATIS FIED with those: they are extremely light -weight, & durable. It will be SO AMATEURISH, but...this WILL allow me to get out, & enjoy nature & such; (i WILL enjoy Mother Nature...& road trips...!) 😃🙃👣

[@stphns1737]

I am ready to install my 100 watt Renogy panel on my "new" 2011 Honda Pilot I converted to a micro-camper. I noticed in your video for the solar panel installation on the Xplorer you used VHB tape. For the 4Runner you screwed into the roof. Can you tell me why you did not use VHB tape on the roof of the 4Runner? And if you think screws are safer, any tips on how to avoid damaging your vehicle and what kind of screws to use? Thank you for the inspiration, btw!

[@allenh7835]

Late, but maybe helpful. I had doubts about vhb tape, but it's amazing how strong and reliable it is if installed correctly. Beats drilling through the roof anytime imo.

[@Punjabioverlander]

Amazing Bro Parfect setup 👍👌

[@ERios]

Hi Steve! Love your videos this far. I have a 94' 4Runner SR5 4x4 6 Cylinder. I'm really interested in your plan here and was wondering if you think this would work for my 2nd gen? Any advice is most welcome of course. Did you create plans for this project? I'm a total newbie of course but like the idea of making this project a reality.

[@mrbottomfeeder]

Why Steve why. Do this do that. How you know why most people are broke $$$$. Bad decisions. But Steve you need to do.

[@mrbottomfeeder]

@Bad Santa My comment is directed to the people telling Steve how to spend his money. Listen to the first of his video. I am out.

[@mrbottomfeeder]

@Bad Santa No problem. Did not want you to think i was questioning Steve judgment. Have a great week. Cheers

[@Rainzz2010]

Probably the best build for what I want to do.

[@herniedog4641]

Blue Ice on the bottom will refreeze the melting ice, always cool your content before hand. Yoooo!

[@ronpeted]

Nice job Steve. I bet you could sell that for a decent price. The CheapRVliving channel features similar builds so there must be market for these mini's .

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

It has a bit of sentimental value and so this may be it's resting place although they say old 4 runners never die.

[@jayingram5279]

I'm a bit surprised you left the plastic wall panels in the rear compartment (behind the shelves) unmodified. I would think there was lots of storage opportunities with them removed/modified. Great video, by the way.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Oh, I considered it. The benefits did not exceed the need for a few inches. The storage under the flip up floor board compartment in addition to the top box is more than ample. I haven't regretted anything yet.

[@burnhags2572]

38k Miles you could sell that at bat make a lot of money

[@matthewbenndotcom]

don't you just love it when people want to do the build for you? :D jokes apart, thanks for outside reflectix template idea 👍

[@urflofit2010]

I like how you do your videos -you state the facts and move on, not a lot of yammering-subbed

[@rhondacantua9795]

So you weren't completely upfront with your KZbin viewers you brought you bought a prerunner not a 4Runner and you don't want a 4Runner there's nothing wrong with that but be honest about what you bought

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

It’s a 96 4Runner.

[@OffGridInvestor]

My school principal in primary school bought a 1991 4 runner brand new. The thing was ridiculously high for a passenger vehicle and honestly I think they may be built off the toyota hilux chassis (toyota pickup trucks everywhere but the USA has). Why you'd want a lift kit for a 4 runner is beyond me but Americans seem obsessed with the things.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

I don’t understand it either. I see these old Toyotas running all over Afghanistan on the news. They seem to do fine with their bald tires and poor gas quality.

[@jvogler_art4708]

I’m always curious with these sleeper platforms and drawer systems, does stuff jostle around and shift a lot when you hit bumps?

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Well yeah. I use some non slip shelf liner on the bottom and sometimes between the bottles of propane. Keeps it to a minimum.

[@satarahmad9346]

Can u do a full tour now that everything is done ?? Thx

[@TrashPanda71]

Im building a gen1 mitsubishi montero into this. Im in a wheelchair and was thinking the same about the bed on the floor and shelves over the wheel wells. Note on that. You can remove the inner panels and gain about 4 more inches in depth from the outer body of the truck.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

I hear you on the panels but didn't feel it was worth the trade off. I like the storage under the platform where the rear footwell used to be for extra's. .

[@martywilsonlife]

'Been following you for a few years. I can understand why you're happy to have both setups. You've done an EXCELLENT job with this one! 'Lot's of great ideas. 'Stealth van camping for a few days here and there will work perfectly. 'Sometimes smaller is better.