RAV4 Overland Adventure in Utah | Pt. 1 Valley of the Gods Camping

Come with us on our Utah overland adventure, starting in Mojave desert and then making our way to Valley of the Gods.
This is a place with stunning views of red rock formations, similar to those in Monument Valley but without the crowd.
Gear:
GoPro Hero9: amzn.to/3gN27FU
Folding Table: amzn.to/3j3evDp
Tembo Tusk cooking system: amzn.to/3qhWseg
Luminoodle Light: amzn.to/3wNYAgj
Dometic Fridge: amzn.to/3gNF1z7
Dometic PLB40 Battery: amzn.to/3wQbLNR
Song at 00:00:50 is by Lawson Navarro:
/ lawson navarro - topic
⫸Instagram: / lunar_lander_xplor

[@g1rd4p]

This channel deserves more subscriber

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Thank you for your kind words! Glad you enjoyed our videos :)

[@rubenjleal]

RAV4 Goals for 2021!!! Such beautiful footage and awesome adventure.

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Thanks for watching! The RAV has definitely turned out to be a great adventure vehicle.

[@therootedprogress]

Truly killing it brother!! Keep it going man! Soooo epic and then the cooking!!! 😮 Makes me want a skottle!

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Thank you!! The skottle has been such a great piece of gear for our trips. Makes cooking so much more fun :)

[@supriyashanti9880]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful scenery. I love the camping set up too. You’re inspiring me to keep my Rav4 for traveling as I’ve been thinking about trading it in for a van.

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Thanks for watching! A van sounds fun too, but the RAV4 has been a great road trip & adventure vehicle.

[@lizliz4rd]

Amazing! I just got myself the same Rav 4. We live in FL, trying to find fun amazing cool things to do

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Nice! I bet there are trails out there to explore!

[@lisaolivera9270]

So amazing!! Also... steak AND chicken?! You guys are the best.

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Actually, that was also meal prep for next day😂 Thank you so much for watching. ♥️

[@leonotthelion]

Stayed in Valley of the Gods back in August of 2020. A M A Z I N G!!!

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Nice! That was just before we were there. Such an amazing place!

[@robbergstrom943]

Beautiful.

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Thanks for watching!

[@rafaellm9549]

Rav4, rooftent,... and flamenco! Olé!

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Olé! Thank you for watching!

[@Dark_Templar28]

You’re gonna convince me on the RAV4, stellar vlog.

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Thanks for watching! It has been a great vehicle so far. Definitely won't compete with the 4runner or Jeep Wrangler for serious offroading and rock crawling, but it handles great on dirt roads, and forest roads. Awesome road trip / camping car.

[@J0OBlE]

Rav 4 Lunar color + ikamper roof top tent + awesome awning + king charles cavalier = perpection :)

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Thanks! yes we love this combination :)

[@magus269]

Great video and love your camp setup. We're on the list to get a RAV4 Prime soon so this is giving us some great ideas

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Thanks! The RAV4 Prime sounds like a great vehicle. Definitely more powerful & efficient vs our TRD RAV4!

[@l33america]

Great video. Awesome camping spots!

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Thanks for watching! Definitely recommend getting out to Utah when you have a chance! I can share my routes & details with you

[@l33america]

@@LunarLanderXplor that would be great! i'll hit you up on IG :)

[@academiaengineering5136]

Love it

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Thank you!

[@academiaengineering5136]

Lunar Lander Xplor you welcome

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

BREATHTAKING BEAUTY COLORS VIEWS SCENERY VIDEO & WEATHER ! LOVE THAT YOU CAN DRIVE A NORMAL VEHICLES TO SOME OF THE PLACES OUT WEST WITHOUT AN OFF ROAD VEHICLE . BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! GOD BLESS YOU BOTH & THE PUP ALWAYS ON YOUR JOURNEYS ! THANK YOU ! ENJOYED !

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Thanks! Yea definitely a LOT to explore even without a huge 4x4 vehicle. We definitely needed our All Terrain tires and decent AWD system on a few occasions. Better ground clearance is also key, so not all of the roads we explored could be done in a sedan with street tires. Thanks for watching!! (the pup loves these adventures haha)

[@punktexas]

I didn't read your comment but I'm curious as why you type in all capitals?

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

@@punktexas EVERYONE HAS THEIR WAY ! BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT REST OF THE YEAR ! GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS ON YOUR JOURNEYS ! ENJOY 😉!

[@punktexas]

@@davidcolinstillman5585 Just a friendly tip. Typing in all capitals is considered shouting, irritating and/or rude.

[@kaigaku4220]

nice setup! i love it!

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Thanks!

[@thetwalkers]

great video enjoying it

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Thank you!

[@Xavior001]

Great videos so far! Keep it going and good luck! You’ve inspired me :). Please keep it honest and it’ll continue to be great. (this is from someone who rarely leaves comments on KZbin).

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Hey thanks so much! We hope to inspire viewers to get out and explore more. Hopefully show a few tips along the way on what works for us, and where we have explored. :)

[@23Sheldog]

Love your setup and man what a great trip. I was looking at the roof top tent for my RAV4 as well. Just curious, what kind of MPG loss do you get with it on?

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Thanks! Yea Utah was amazing. The iKamper mini has been great, didn't impact MPG too much, still getting 25 average. Definitely worth it

[@-emme-nguyen4404]

Very cool. I have a 2019 RAV4 and I want to get a rooftop tent like yours

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Nice! It is a great adventure vehicle :)

[@Ceehvee]

This is fantastic!! You guys have definitely inspired me to do this with my own rav4! Could you tell me what your awning dimensions are?

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Thanks so much! The RAV4 can definitely get you to some amazing places. Our awning is the ARB Touring 2000mm, which is about 6.5'. It is a great size for the RAV4.

[@chegekinya2454]

Luxury nice RAV4

[@LunarLanderXplor]

thanks! We love our RAV4 set up.

[@loneapple440]

Nice set up.

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Thanks!!

[@maraque]

Great videos! I was wondering if camping on top of your Rav4 places the fob close enough to the vehicle that someone could come along and unlock your car?

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Great question! That was our fear too but no, it's not close enough. We also bring the spare key just in case, and with both keys in the tent still no enough signal for someone to open the car.

[@l33america]

Lunar Lander Xplor I use a Faraday key fob case for mine, especially for camping (but also for parking lots and garages). Just an extra measure of security in case some sketchy character has some type of signal repeater. I think this paranoia comes from working in IT 😅😅

[@banugaria967]

Music choice is awesome

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Thank you! Trying our best! Its hard to find good music that is copyright compliant on KZbin.

[@banugaria967]

@@LunarLanderXplor yeah it's hard

[@thitruong2679]

what a great video, i was wondering what kind of cooking setup do you have?

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Thanks! Its called a Skottle by Tembo Tusk: tembotusk.com/collections/cooking-and-accessories

[@lindseygallagher2137]

What type of awning and screened in room is that? Curious for my own set up! Thanks!

[@LunarLanderXplor]

It is the ARB Touring 2000mm awning & ARB awning room attachment. Both have been great!

[@kensvoice]

Great trip! How’s the RAV4 performing off-road? I’m struggling between the RAV4 and the Crosstrek, any suggestions? I heard some reviews on the RAV4 not doing so well off-road.

[@LunarLanderXplor]

The RAV4 has been great! We don't do any crazy off road trails, but we have never had any issues with the RAV. From my understanding, the RAV is much bigger than the crosstrek, so if you plan on carrying gear or need more space, the RAV is a better choice.

[@shyaznboy]

Hi love your setup. What kind of mpg are you getting with the rooftop tent etc.? And your rav4 TRD is otherwise stock? Did you get a lift kit or anything?

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Hi! We get about 25MPG with the iKamper, roof rack, awning, gear, etc. The RAV is otherwise stock, though the TRD version did come with all-terrain tires which have been great so far. We just ordered a lift kit & stiffer rear coils that should be installed soon!

[@shyaznboy]

@@LunarLanderXplor sounds great, what kind of mpg did you get initially when it didn't have much add on equipment?

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Probably like 27ish? It hasn't had too much impact (totally worth it in our opinion)

[@heidicapriotti5732]

What cook stove set up is that? Very cool!

[@LunarLanderXplor]

It is a Tembo Tusk Skottle: tembotusk.com/

[@eloynunez5437]

I absolutely love your set up and videos. What roof top tent do you have?

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Thanks!! We have an iKamper Skykamp Mini rooftop tent. It's amazing

[@whoeverwonders9892]

the portable room idea is so fun. the bug problem and privacy problem solved. How large is it folded?

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Thanks! It's actually pretty big lol. One of the larger pieces of gear we carry. We don't bring it on all trips.

[@michaelj.mccall6530]

Currently working on modifying my 1999 Rav4 to overland

[@LunarLanderXplor]

nice!!

[@BerniersYT]

Do you worry about the weight capacity of the roof tent with two people in it? How does the weight capacity work with your RAV4 I want this set up but I’m nervous about the limits

[@LunarLanderXplor]

The weight rating while driving is only about ~180lbs on the roof, but when you are parked the vehicle can hold a lot more weight. Rooftop tents are very popular these days, and many RAV4 owners use them with no issues.

[@L0v3brittany]

lmao i was looking at that desert in the beginning and am like...'wow same shit different state' nope mojave national preserve, my backyard lol

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Mojave is pretty awesome! Was a good stopping point on the way to Southern Utah. :)

[@clydra2978]

Have you tested the RAV in sand yet? Im curious to see how the AWD does at the beach/lake compared to a more capable 4x4 system like in the Tacoma

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Hey! We have not tested in deep sand yet. Did some shallow sand in Joshua Tree and the RAV did great. We do follow some other RAV owners on IG that have done extensive sand testing and it seems to do pretty well. Probably not as good as a true 4x4, but overall we have been impressed by the AWD system.

[@clydra2978]

@@LunarLanderXplor Thanks! I'm in the market for a fun adventure vehicle and I've narrowed it down to the RAV4 and Tacoma. I just need it to get me up the mountains in the winter or down the beach in the summer, nothing Jeep territory extreme. If you really feel it's that capable I might start leaning towards a RAV!

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Yea the RAV is great for that kind of stuff. If you are doing any serious off-roading, rock crawling, etc., you'll definitely want the Tacoma as it has much better off-road capabilities (more clearance, true 4x4, lockers, low range transfer case, etc.). BUT if you need a car for mostly easy off-roading like we do, the RAV is an excellent choice. It has more "comfort" features, a nicer interior, better gas mileage, and is easy to maneuver around town. Either one would be a good choice, but ultimately we went with the RAV since we don't do any super challenging off-road trails.

[@BBB-nj9wq]

Did you do anything special on your iskycamp installed your roof top rack? I checked rav4's roof rack's weight limit is 103 pound. Thanks.

[@LunarLanderXplor]

We had a FrontRunner Slimline platform rack installed with a higher weight limit. The limit of the vehicle is about 180 lbs when moving, but much higher when stationary.

[@darwindichoso1898]

Hi what roof rack did you install to handle the roof tent?

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Frontrunner Slimline II platform rack.

[@anthonykresge1685]

What’s the brand of that stove. Love it

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Tembo Tusk Skottle. We also have the iKamper Disco which is slightly more versatile.

[@Swishh99]

Just got a rav4 2021 hybrid LE. What should I do to it to first to make it more off roadable

[@LunarLanderXplor]

I would suggest some all terrain tires, a lift, and some skid plates!

[@NRGRX]

Just curious, is this awd system better than hybrid awd Rav?

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Not sure if it is better, but the gas version at least has a mechanical drivetrain that connects the front & rear. The TRD also has torque vectoring, so it can send 100% of rear power to the left or right tire depending on where the power is needed. From my understanding, the hybrid has a separate electric engine in the rear with less power vs the gas version. However, the electric power is instant & accessible at lower torque compared to the gas engine that has to be at higher RPMs for max power. Overall we have been impressed with the AWD system and we have never gotten stuck.

[@zyzzuschrist3410]

What wheels and tires, new sub and been binge watching the channel lol

[@LunarLanderXplor]

When we filmed this, we still had not upgraded our wheels/ tires. Those were the Falken Wildpeak AT tires that came stock with the TRD Offroad model of the RAV4. They were great for stock, but we recently upgraded to much bigger & more aggressive tires, that give us more ground clearance and offroad capability.

[@florindagonzalez5700]

Your eyebrows are gorgeous!

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Haha Thank you :)

[@A_Son_Of_Yahuah]

Awesome Awesome video...Do you have a link to where you got the awning from❓💞

[@LunarLanderXplor]

The retailer where we got it no longer has the same awning available. However, the awning is the ARB Touring 2000mm. You should be able to find it online at some specialty offroad retailers!

[@A_Son_Of_Yahuah]

@@LunarLanderXplor Thanks!!!

[@4evryoung426]

I have a 2014 rav only FWD that hasn't gotten into trouble yet on dirt,sand,snow and light mud great car/camper I do have a 2.5 lift on it and at's

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Nice! Yes, having AT tires definitely makes a big difference. Knowing the limitations of your vehicle should keep you out of trouble.

[@4evryoung426]

@@LunarLanderXplor well I'm not going to be taking it rock crawling lol

[@kimandian9282]

What awning and roof rack are you guys using?

[@LunarLanderXplor]

ARB Touring awning (with the room attachment). Frontrunner rack ✌️

[@kimandian9282]

@@LunarLanderXplor Thanks!

[@luism5712]

This just is not camping... still really cool! What company is the attachment from?

[@LunarLanderXplor]

This is camping :) There are many different types of camping (backpacking, car camping, glamping, survivalist camping). This is overlanding, which is a sub-category of camping. We do a lot of backpacking and other types of camping as well, but overlanding allows for covering a lot more distance and exploring more locations. The awning room attachment is from ARB.

[@emilytorres5589]

@@LunarLanderXplor Hi! I wanted to ask what was the name/part number of the awning? I am looking to get an awning for my own RAV4 and am having an issue with finding one that will fit my car.

[@LunarLanderXplor]

@@emilytorres5589 We have the ARB Touring 2000mm awning. It is about 6.5' long, which fits great on the RAV. There are a few other companies that make awnings about the same size as well.

[@jessicafuller9170]

What type of awning do you have?

[@LunarLanderXplor]

ARB Touring

[@parkworldgtr]

What tent and yawning do you guys have??

[@LunarLanderXplor]

iKamper Skycamp Mini tent and ARB awning

[@parkworldgtr]

Lunar Lander Xplor thanks!

[@lgr30]

do you happen to know the total vehicle height at the top of the ikamper?

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Not 100% sure. We definitely don't fit in most parking garages anymore due to the lift, bigger tires, roof rack and ikamper

[@10usausa]

This is lovely; I considered doing something similar after my recent deployment, but I was set on buying a RAV4, and when I went to the dealer, they convinced me that the RAV4 was not right for me, so they switched me to a Camry, which I now despise after three weeks. Nothing against the vehicle; it gets great gas mileage and is a respectful vehicle; however, I am unable to go on any hiking trips or off-roading. And I'm thinking to myself that I should go back and invest more money that I don't have to get the RAV4 so that I can take a cross-country road trip until I'm redeployed.

[@LunarLanderXplor]

If you really despise your Camry, maybe see if the dealer will trade it back in for something else? You could consider a used SUV also.

[@10usausa]

@@LunarLanderXplor I’m actually working on it now, but they do not want to work with me, they want me to lost 1/2 of the price of my Camry and add more to get a used RAV4 with over 36k 😡

[@LunarLanderXplor]

That is frustrating! I hope you are able to work something out. If not, maybe see what you can do with the Camry! There are definitely plenty of campsites accessible by 2WD vehicles.

[@10usausa]

@@LunarLanderXplor I actually just finished visiting with a dealership in Minneapolis after 2 1/2 hours driving to them they told me oh sorry so we don’t have anyRav4s in stock🤬😡🤬😡 …. What do you know what I’m gonna stay with the Camry and I’m gonna pimp it up and if you know any accessories that available for me my car please just send them to me …. Again thanks for your time brother

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Oh man! Hey, I will say before we got the RAV4 we drove a Mazda 3 hatchback and had some amazing adventures in it. It is not the car that matters, but the driver & your sense of adventure. Just know the car's limits, be careful, and you can still get out there and have an amazing time.

[@JesusMartinezCreates]

what awning is that?

[@LunarLanderXplor]

ARB Touring 2000mm

[@FOBboob]

What kind of gas stove is that?

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Its called a Skottle, made by Tembo Tusk: tembotusk.com/collections/skottles/products/tembotusk-adjustable-leg-skottle-grill-kit

[@smithbryanw1]

What stove is that?!

[@LunarLanderXplor]

It is a skottle, made by Tembo Tusk: tembotusk.com/collections/skottles We love it! Been using it on every camping trip for over a year and it is a gamechanger.

[@sorrentollcfurniture7682]

Please tell me how to buy these tents, model name and link

[@LunarLanderXplor]

the rooftop tent is the iKamper SkyCamp Mini. The awning is the ARB Touring with the room attachment. You can find them easily online!

[@venusromero2829]

Is your wife a chef? Her cooking makes me hungry everytime

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Dijana is not a chef, but she is an excellent cook and loves to be creative with foods and test out new things! She never uses recipes, always comes up with something on the fly.

[@venusromero2829]

Could of fooled me! She's an excellent cook!

[@r-max4156]

how you guys sleep? you did not show

[@LunarLanderXplor]

We sleep in the iKamper rooftop tent with sleeping bags and comfy pillows

[@nathanpinnock9541]

@@LunarLanderXplor Is it big enough to close up your sleeping bags and pillows in the casing of the tent or do you have to pull them out when you pack up?

[@LunarLanderXplor]

We can fit 2 sleeping bags (very compressible ones made for backpacking), but not the pillows. The new iKamper 3.0 has a slightly larger interior space and is supposed to fit sleeping bags & pillows inside a bit better.

[@jerseyj2]

Did you just say you couldn’t tell the difference between the sun and the moon?

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Yes haha.

[@apocryphaltheism]

Should warn you - VOTG is a gateway drug :-) I've scouted so many similar(if not better) places. Get your hands on a good map and start exploring S.Utah!

[@LunarLanderXplor]

VOTG is amazing! Southern Utah has so much to explore :) This was just our first stop on a 9day roadtrip. In Part II and III of this series we go to Moab, Goblin Valley, Grand Staircase Escalante, and Cottonwood Canyon. Still so much more to see!

[@johnjamison4427]

Transporting a blood thirsty animal 🐶

[@LunarLanderXplor]

At least we had Charlie to protect us

[@ZMOA2006]

Dude you need real off road tires for your RAV4

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Yes we are definitely planning on upgrading this year. However the TRD RAV4 did come with Falken Wildpeak AT tires that have been pretty good! We have gone on plenty of rough terrain over the past year on the stock tires and they have been great.

[@berter893]

looks fun, but that Tent costs as much as my car. this is for people with MONEY!

[@LunarLanderXplor]

It is expensive... but we have spent over 40nights in it in the first 14 months of ownership and we plan to keep it for at least 5 years! We have already saved some money not staying in hotels on road trips also.

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Also, you can have a great time exploring in any vehicle, and a less expensive tent.

[@glenfdoss]

Who camps with a dress on?

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Not only camp, but also hike :)

[@davidwelty9763]

It’s so nice to see Millennial meat eaters.

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Haha so true. We enjoy all types of food!

[@jansturjillo9307]

Is your girlfriend Spanish?

[@LunarLanderXplor]

Wife is from Bosnia! Don't let the Spanish-style music in the video trick you :)

[@keithsim2914]

Nice car and sceneries but cooking needs some lessons to level up. Can really tell the food is unappetizing.

[@LunarLanderXplor]

The food was great actually.