Sleep In Your 4runner Without A Platform? Tip For More Space

[@CanadianGearhead]

Make sure to subscribe to this channel for more Toyota truck videos!

[@hamptonmcgrath3994]

Fun Fact: If you leave the rear sits folded up you can take the head rest off the driver and passenger seat and then fold them all the way down until they are level with the rear seats creating an extra large lounge chair in your 4Runner!

[@BillySAw951]

Do you know if this works with 5th gens

[@doughartwell5319]

@@BillySAw951 sadly it does not, I really wish it did

[@nonenone5023]

I do this with my Hilux Surf

[@justinjay9501]

what happens when the motor goes out on your seat?

[@brookeschell4634]

I can't believe I never thought of doing this!! I have had my Runner for 12 years and slept in it more times than I can count. The space cleared up by removing the seats will be perfect storage for my duffel bags. And I can just put my pillows over them. Easy access and they are no longer taking up sleeping space! THANK YOU SO MUCH for this idea!

[@troybabs]

I have the same 4runner as you. Four years ago I removed the rear seats and everything else and installed a 3/4 plywood sheet. Then laid industrial carpet on top of that... I love it, tons of room for sleeping or moving furniture or whatever. Best mod I did.

[@jameswatson6]

Dang. I'm might do that my man. Good idea ...

[@gerard2620]

Great idea ! Did you make the plywood sheet to be only the width of the wheel wells, or did you cut and shape the plywood to 'widen out' after going past the wheel wells ?? Thanks !!!

[@troybabs]

@@gerard2620 Yes Gerald, I cut to the shape of the inside wheel well molding. Was easy peasy. 👍

[@JoeBuck-uc3bl]

@@gerard2620 pros & cons. Much better top/down head room if you go between the wheel wells, but the negative is that it’s more narrow…if you build a platform to be level with the top of the wheel wells the advantages are you could do a wider ‘Full’ sized mattress, and also storage space under the raised platform…but the disadvantage is less head space above you.

[@glenn2595]

Put the bolts back into the holes so you don't lose them. Good video. Thanks for the tip!

[@lunamaria1048]

Hey this is super obvious, yet excellent advice lol.. I always misplace them.. Thanks!

[@AlanSideiron]

You know me too well man

[@solooverland3666]

👍🏼 Pulled my rear seats out completely, now have 72”x24” plank with 4” foam mattress. I’m 6’. It works great! (5th gen ‘Runner)

[@TyrantTiger85]

Sucks for taller people I'm 6'3" 🤦🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

[@chrisman3965]

I camped out in my 4th gen many times. Never removed anything, just laid the seats down, threw the air mattress in there, opened the sun roof and had a good night's sleep 👍

[@lunamaria1048]

He said "If you need extra leg room, you can remove the seats", then showed how.. He didn't say you HAVE to.. I don't have to, in my 2019 4Runner 5th gen... Key words are "If you need".. Some people are tall.

[@tracytaub]

I’ve used large, flat corrugate boxes and cut them to size to extend the sleeping space by about 10-12 inches. So long as the cardboard is thick and sturdy, it’s enough stability for me to avoid sagging pillows with added head room, as the body weight is not concentrated to these last few inches of space. Cheap, lightweight, insulating, and easy to remove. I use additional cardboard to level any non-level areas of the floor before setting up my mattress. It’s excellent.

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

Ice chest, sleeping bag, one storage bin, small bag of tools, one flashlight, one small shovel, that's all I need to get out and stay out for a long period of time!✌🏼🍻

[@515ventures3]

It’s called following the masses and not thinking for yourself. Sleeping inside the 4Runner is perfect!

[@dr.mattpavlic305]

Bought the V8 4th Gen after watching your videos. Can confirm you can sleep in the back without removing the back seats if you're 5'9" or under. I just having a moving blanket over the carpet, then some sleeping bags. If you wanted to get Gucci with some foam or plywood, maybe an air mattress, you definitely can.

[@connordun3345]

Started following you after I got my 4th gen a few months back. Love the content, and you saved me money with the tip about replacing the lights behind the climate control!

[@TN_HondaDad]

Canadians are so utilitarian, I love it.

[@joshrandall5297]

Air mattresses get really cold in the winter. I suggest a 4" memory foam mattress.

[@TheChubbyJB]

Just bought my 04 T4R Sport edition about a month ago and your channel has truly been a blessing! Have learned so much! Keep the vids rolling!

[@CanadianGearhead]

I appreciate that, make sure to check out my site too for lots more 4runner info!

[@joseazambada3547]

im in the market! do u regret not getting the 05+ vvti or 06+ facelift? im asking because im looking at a 03 v8 awd

[@SarasotaTim]

Yeah I know this tip. A WORLD of difference! Slept in my 21 4R several days traveling twice to Moab Utah last summer. I even idled my engine all night long on the second trip as the weather turned very warm barely use any gas and doesn’t harm the engine at all. For additional safety I picked up A carbon monoxide sensor that I kept next to me when idling. It’s all on my KZbin channel. 😎

[@lunamaria1048]

I went to the US for OverlandExpo this year, and Deepsleep Overland had a booth showing off their new self inflatable solo mattress shaped to fit perfectly in a 5th gen 4Runner rear, with wheel well contours etc.. They fit in an easy to store bag, when not in use.. I'm very happy I discovered them!.. When just going on a weekendlander and my husband is busy that weekend, i don't even need to bother with the trouble of installing our RT tent... I'm a 4ft10 Asian girl and weigh next to nothing lol, so I take up little space!... I highly recommend the Deepsleep Overland 5th gen 4Runner mattress to every 5th gen 4Runner owner who wants to overland without RT tents! Great video, thanks!.. Cheers from BC Edit: I just noticed this is a 4th gen lol... Well, I'm sure there is a a mattress for this one!

[@CanadianGearhead]

5th and 4th Gens are very close in terms of dimensions so I wouldn't be surprised if it fit this one too

[@lunamaria1048]

@@CanadianGearhead Oh cool!... My father had a 4th gen, years ago!.. I went from my FJ Cruiser (I have had since I was 16, so 11 years) to my current 2019 4Runner TRD Off Road, as my overland rig, but do have 2 friends who use the 4th gen as their overland recreation vehicle. Do you still have your 4th gen 4Runner now?.. Any modifications?.. I am into overlanding and cross country expeditions.. My 4Runner has crossed Canada (both ways) 4 times, been from BC to Utah (then all over the surrounding US desert states), from Vancouver to Yukon and Alaska, and back and still drives like it is new.. I love Toyota!

[@thisoldbag8336]

Very interesting how different it is to make a 4runner lay flat out vs a RAV4 which I have. The RAV4, all you do is tuck down the headrest of the rear seats and drop them down. If extra length is needed, move the front seats forward and add cooler or box to fill the gaps left. I was able the fit a twin memory foam pad and two people could fit or 1 person with pets (smaller-medium size dogs).

[@demisemedia]

Thanks you for sharing! I've slept in the back of a 1999 Ford Contour lol I was able to lay half of my body in the trunk area and the other half on the folded down back seat. Your 4runner looks like a mansion compared to the Contour.

[@CanadianGearhead]

That sounds like a brutal night!

[@kerosenemeca]

Thanks man! I’m looking to buy a 4Runner and the wife and I are high car campers. We use my Kia Sportage now but she’s an 08 and she’s seen her best days. 😂 We put a futon mattress in the back, and it sleeps very comfortably Can’t wait to get into a 4runner

[@OttoHusidic]

I got a new 2023 and you just helped me figure it out looks the same honestly. Planning on a trip down to New York from Colorado so this will be my hotel on the way there. Thank u

[@ToyotaandDodgeGarage]

Very good video! That also allows the rear vents too help cool and heat the rear. My dog will love that! I always leave my seats down anyway.

[@CanadianGearhead]

I never thought about that, good call!

[@mike9672]

Whaaaaat? Why didn’t I think of this. So much room for activities now! So glad I see this, thank you!

[@treasurethetime2463]

I've been down the complicated setup route. After years of camping and trying it all, I'm back to simplify. Buy a high density foam mattress and cut it to fit. Done. Love my 4runner. I also removed my passenger seat, but I'm kinda extreme like that.

[@otiswinters3674]

Glad I saw your video and thanks to you, I am now reconsidering purchasing a 4Runner again!

[@KPHVAC]

This is exactly the info I was looking for. I'm glad the seat bottoms are easy to remove if needed.

[@anthonyta4896]

Clean T4R! Thanks for the content!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good to know there is plenty of space for somebody that is 6' 3" the 3rd gens are alot tighter on space the 4th gens are definitely wider at that is awesome

[@roylappin4491]

If you take the headrests off the front seats, move the seat forward it will recline all the way down.

[@TNGUYEN415]

I use a tempurpedic to sleep on. It’s like sleeping on clouds!! And all you gear just put them in a Yakima skybox!

[@Jack-ne8vm]

I took out all the rear seat parts & replaced with a hinged plywood cover. Tools etc. go underneath. My bed is half the width of the 4runner. Beside my bed is storage area for food, stove, water...

[@AlanSideiron]

Wow thanks! Never thought to do this - and at 6 3” this is a game changer

[@lorlao1959]

Am I the only one that notices the Mr2 in the garage? Way cool

[@heavensplayer]

I see what you're trying to say but it does seem like a pain in the ass to take the seats off everytime, unless its a road trip w someone else I'd rather have my platform though to have storage underneath. This does work though it's great you shared your method.

[@mjv1967]

If you keep the seat as is there is 5.5ft of sleeping space. I l know I am 5'4". It is a HARD surface you need an air mattress really, no foam. Great for 24hr mtb racing.

[@4runner4ever83]

5th gen with 3rd row seat has a better 2nd row seat. You can move the 2nd row seat forward and its platform. You have a raised floor though which you can use as storage, just remove the 3rd row.

[@justeyFLY1]

That helps a lot I was trying to remove the seats completely but I didn't realize that will give me so much more room

[@jeremyking3986]

I’m 6’3 and was wondering if I can fit. Thanks for the video, just the info I was searching for.

[@user-rr6eb2wi2l]

Thanks, I car camp in my 4 Runner all the time. And thanks for the inflatable list too. 👍🏻

[@CanadianGearhead]

Thanks for watching!

[@theshyguitarist]

No shoe was harmed in the making of this docudrama. 🤣🤣

[@centroamericasvr3199]

Thank you very much for the lesson. I spent a long time looking for a video on how to flatten the chairs thanks

[@FullsendOffroad]

I plan on a 4Runner for a first car. I do want to camp and I think about doing this solo.

[@tangledline]

4 wheeled with alot of "roof toppers". It aint easy and they are usually the last ones packing. They NEVER use that rear ladder for ANYTHING-at least I havent seen them (collapsible ladders). Most of us used a simple tent that folds away in minutes. If I need a condo...I usually take my H2 ijs.

[@VikingsGarage]

Nice vídeo, haven’t done it yet but will one day sleep in my 4Runner. 👍🏻

[@Theyralltakenfu]

For cargo I'd get something to strap on the top racks and save my space inside.

[@jordancrofter6539]

Me and my partner use a full sized air mattress, before we got a roofbox we’d stuff our skis in the front and put the cooler under the truck. Good tip with the seats!

[@judyl.761]

Hi, What do you mean “under the truck?” I just got my 2008 a week ago.

[@mariac7069]

Very informative video! I know you posted this awhile ago, but do you know how many inches from the 'floor' surface to the 'ceiling'?

[@bayareababe]

The beauty of a Toyota forerunner, is that the front seats also lay down completely flat as well

[@amaurylora1016]

Badass man!! Thanks for sharing.

[@GiggidySquad]

Then gen4 looks like it has more space in the back compared to gen5. Also flatter. Gen5 has a annoying hump where the seats fold down

[@chazlyle41]

We have done 30 days straight in our 3rd Gen. the wife and I are looking for a 4th Gen now that we’re well over 300k miles on this one.

[@CanadianGearhead]

30 days is impressive!

[@chazlyle41]

@@CanadianGearhead 6,500 miles! :)

[@taliesinangling3564]

With the wife is even more impressive

[@chazlyle41]

@@taliesinangling3564 haha we have one of those rare marriages where we actually like each other! Works well! :D

[@Nostromo_1]

@@chazlyle41 I don't think it's the case of liking each other. I think it's more about your wife willing to sleep in the back of a truck for 4 weeks straight. She's a trooper... :)

[@JoeBuck-uc3bl]

Your head by the lift gate is where it’s at!!

[@chaseirish7438]

great video man, ive been considering a 4runner but the biggest concern is sleeping space. thanks for the video!

[@tylernewcomb6465]

I’m looking at some 4th gen 4Runners to use as an adventure vehicle. This will be helpful until I can get a nice platform built up :)

[@CanadianGearhead]

4th Gens are hard to beat for an adventure vehicle!

[@blackedelweiss601]

picking up a 3rd gen Hilux Surf tmro, I figured this would be the thing to do!

[@brandtall9639]

Thanks, I'm 6'2" and was wondering about it.

[@JohnWicksPencil14]

This is awesome, I was looking strictly at 5th gens because it seemed like that's where all the options were. I would love to save myself a hefty car payment and get a 4th gen, now that I can see there are options for them!

[@lunamaria1048]

Get a 5th gen!

[@JohnWicksPencil14]

@@lunamaria1048 I did, and I love it. Been adding mods pretty much once a week. Got my prinsu rack on last week, waiting on the smittybilt roof top tent now.

[@bhoutdoors507]

Plenty of options in 4th gens, plus the v8 option. Just picked one up last week and I love it so far

[@JoshForet]

yup sold my 5th gen for a V8 4th gen. No comparison imo@@bhoutdoors507

[@GoldThumbGardens]

I am missing my 2007 so bad but am loving my new 2022!

[@mochabunny511]

I have an ‘’03&’21 4Runner and instead of taking the seats out I just moved the front seats forward😉

[@bobpullTV]

this is what i looking for . wow thanks man !!

[@Jason4422Daddybear]

Thanks for mentioning you height. I'm 6'3" as well and I intend on getting an SUV so I don't have to get a tent.

[@davidstoyanoff]

Put those Dang bolts back into the holes so you don't lose them.

[@journeyman7189]

Slick mod. Thanks Nate

[@Liberty4Ever]

How about removing the 40% rear seat base and tossing it onto the 60% side, scooting all of the stuff that's in the back of the 4Runner to the 60% side of the cargo area and sleeping solo on the 40% side with plenty of room for all of your gear in the back with you?

[@andrewauman40]

I put my stuff on the roofrack and I sleep inside. Saved 3k on a heavy tent someone can steel and have a hitch mount for other items.

[@dennyj8650]

Nice, and similar to what I want to do! A bit jealous of your 4 runner setup, what year is it? Like the idea of taking the seat base only out. Great video!

[@CanadianGearhead]

It's a 2007

[@marcm8856]

Wow definetly helps and fixes the issue with my 4th gen thanks

[@kristiharman2843]

This is really helpful, thank you!

[@awesley]

Cool, can you please tell the width at the narrowest point?

[@joecassel5174]

Great vid. Did you chance take a measurement of sleep space. Im 5’8”?? Any additional info would be great

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good tips

[@brendenssj8494]

Keep it up dude, love the videos. I have a 2011 RAV4 and wanna get a 4th gen 4runner soon.

[@Theyralltakenfu]

If you decide to get a 4th Gen Runner, if you live in an area where they salt the roads, like here in Pa, then please check the Frame out very carefully. They tend to rust out, like the Tacoma's, but didn't receive the recall like the trucks. I don't know why, because I just replaced mine on my 4th Gen. with one from down South.

[@robertwasinger2286]

@@Theyralltakenfu I looked at my 1st 4runner loved it 5000.00 02 beautiful for some reason I decided to look underneath and bam rust. I almost bought it. I went to the internet and learned alot. It took me 3 months of alot runners finally got 04 limited 4x4. Perfect interior never been off road 204,000 lifted tent tires and brakes. New head gasket pump dry very dry. Undercarriage all redone Amazing. Very happy in Virginia beach

[@Theyralltakenfu]

@@robertwasinger2286 Thanks for the comment. I’m glad you were smart enough to look for the rust. You have no idea what that saved you from, because unfortunately I do. 😗. Head gaskets aren’t so much the issue anymore , esp if it’s maintained correctly. Now, if you decide to replace the trans fluid it’s recommended to just do a replacement and not a full flush on a high mileage Runner. Just ask your mechanic, he’ll tell you. Have fun at the beach, lucky guy. 👍

[@robertwasinger2286]

@@Theyralltakenfu Thank you sir! I'm heading to wash the 4runner. First time since I bought it 7 weeks ago. The weather turned for the worst. Coldest weeks this year and lots and lots of rain. Record month, consecutive days and daily and monthly totals. I'll put a picture here around night fall. Just got off work

[@robertwasinger2286]

3 hrs on my runner today. 1st wash 2nd detail inside. I still have conditioning to do on the seats. I knew I could get my runner back to life!!

[@ThisTall]

Any idea what the measurement is from the centre consul to the back hatch when closed? And the width between fender wells As well as the height from floor to ceiling?

[@TheTrento88]

Man, I wish I had known that when I had to sleep in my car for a concert. Kept thinking "If only I could move these seat bottoms!"

[@pinhsiyu4277]

Where can I buy the folding panels for the rear compartment?

[@hl6860]

If you're 5 foot 9 or under you don't have to remove the bottom part of the back seats lay flat on a mattress.

[@jotsingh8917]

Does not work with my 2016 4 runner limited 5th Gen. And third row seats unless you remove the second row seats completely.

[@paintflw]

Good instructional vid, nice Softtail

[@SarasotaTim]

Not only do I sleep in my 4Runner I idle my engine if it’s hot only a half a gallon per hour.

[@adelinenicholas922]

My 05 Ford Escape Hybrid and your gen of 4runner are about the same size.i could do this in my Escape.

[@JASmith-oy8db]

Thanks for the helpful video!

[@H.pylori]

Thanks for this tip. Wanted to know how to extend the sleeping surface, so that I can lay flat due to back arthritis. So there are no wire connectors to disconnect in the 5th Gen 4Runner for airbags?

[@CanadianGearhead]

I can't say for sure but there aren't any in the 4th Gens

[@H.pylori]

@@CanadianGearhead Thanks again. I guess that I have to make another visit to the dealer to check on this.

[@seymorefact4333]

🇺🇸 can a 6ft person sleep in the back without removing the base? Thanks!

[@gamallewis2123]

Whatsapp the length from behind the driver & passenger seat to the trunk. I would greatly appreciate the help considering a custom build

[@JonS671GU]

Man nice tips on your rig i also have a 0'7 runner aswell durable rigs big ups man👍🏽👍🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♂️🇬🇺🇬🇺🇬🇺

[@1laimmiss]

How tall are you? Can you fit in there with feet stretched out? Im 6.2 so wonderingbif i will fit length wise and not need to bend my knees

[@TheHuski]

I have a Nissan Pathfinder and the seats fold out in the same way. I have slept in the car once. The most uncomfortable sleep Ever. Why? Where the seats join there are supporting beams and hinges. Unless you have a mattress sleeping on the bare floor is a waste of your back.

[@jacquelineball477]

Thanks so much for the info

[@fizzie4049]

Do you know of anywhere that I could find info on how to make the back seat level on a 4th gen with the third row option?

[@pianogirl3870]

Just saw your great video. I am about ready to do the same on my 4Runner.....remove the bottom seat but keep the back rests for the back seats.....how stable is that when you lie down on it (the rest of the back seats that are folded down)? Do you have to get plywood to make a floor before lying on it? Thanks.

[@CanadianGearhead]

It's fairly solid, I haven't used any plywood

[@darthtyranus7683]

Dang it 5th gen why can't you have a cooler and the 4ths trash bag frame smh

[@hatersgotohell627]

How much height is in the back I'm 6 ft 2 will I have to bend my knees sleeping

[@abcdefghijklmnop0385]

Im wondering if you sleep with the aircon on???

[@gungfuriceboy]

4 RUNNER is the SIZE of a 'HOTEL ROOM'!! Stop 'Bragging'....LOL!!!......i sleep in my '99 Civic Hatchback!!...Check out DIY 'STEVE' on his 4-RUNNER!!...great vids Canadian Gear-head!...CHEERS!

[@eveningstar1]

THANK YOU!!

[@05RUNNA]

I always do this! The ladies love the feature of putting all the seats down if yk what I mean 🤣

[@Ez77-f9i]

That's how I have been camping in my 08 jeep grand cherokee. I don't do tents. This is way safer.

[@dkimbell12]

Anyone have camper set up ideas for a 4th Gen with the 3rd row option?

[@darthtyranus7683]

Ya no thanks roof tents just kill practicality if you use it even just 10x out of the year all your mpgs definitely go down too I took mine off last year

[@timothy7497]

Side sleeper, no problem .