Micro Camper Build in a 96' 4 Runner Part II

[@sidiebnou4958]

loved the intro

[@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

[@johnthomas5806]

thanks again, more great info...

[@mikek.3965]

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

[@scottthejeepguy7499]

Thanks for sharing, a lot of good info.

[@warrentinsley5490]

Absolutely brilliant 👍👍

[@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.

[@shujakazmi5399]

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

[@Rainzz2010]

Probably the best build for what I want to do.

[@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!

[@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!

[@Yaboy81881]

I am going to do this to my 4runner!

[@jerelischable]

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

[@Punjabioverlander]

Amazing Bro Parfect setup 👍👌

[@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 😊

[@hikinggirlinlv1719]

Very smart design!

[@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 👍

[@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!

[@nStoomey86]

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

[@georgekerr8804]

Good ideas and carpentry.

[@BIGMANCERTIFIED]

Great Build. Working on a 07 Nissan Right now.

[@herniedog4641]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@geoknee]

You are the first person I’ve seen to put up a wind guard for the solar panel. I’ve always thought that would be a good idea! Brilliant!

[@leilal8053]

a lot of people do that....

[@allenh7835]

@@leilal8053 Maybe help other new viewers but a engineers website advised to also mount one at rear of panel at a steeper angle to prevent backdraft ??? or something.

[@markthomas4594]

Some excellent ideas thanks for sharing

[@MrX-lg8vi]

Very inspiring. I had one. I was just finalizing my similar dreams when a thief came in the night. I was gonna put storage drivers side only for view on the passenger side. Yours is fantastic. It’s the most efficient almost motorhome. You wanna get weird? Remove the passenger seat and put in a toilet 😁 Way to go Steve. I might just get another, and go for it.

[@GatorLife57]

Excellent Sir ! Thumbs up. Wolf from central Florida.

[@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.

[@mtnlayde01]

Great minimalist hacks. Good video 👍👍

[@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!

[@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.*

[@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.

[@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.

[@bonefishboards]

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

[@urflofit2010]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@bambihargrove6499]

Love your side shelves great storage for that space.👍

[@dha588]

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

[@robertkinney5826]

Hope you got some shrink wrap on your solar connectors.

[@cnnlag8448]

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

[@vagabond-yj8pn]

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

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Ha. Thanks. Just practical to my own needs.

[@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,

[@antonydavid2953]

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

[@patrickjobling8676]

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

[@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.

[@ikay2102]

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

[@dominiquestephenson195]

Thanks for your super informative video Steve! I like your ideas and they give me pause to re-think my plans. My 03 Sport V6 is great. For now I too love my XREAS suspension and only upgraded to 32’s to stay somewhat matched to the 4th Gens factory gearing and shift points. I’m in Minnesota so I haven’t needed more ground clearance yet. I’m moving to Colorado in September however so we will see. I may need a lift kit eventually. I’ve driven an 08 SR5 V8 recently and although the extra torque is wonderful I really noticed the extra weight (plus it had a steel plate ARB front bumper). It also had the regular suspension, smaller brakes and 16” wheels. I realized how much I loved the ride and nimbleness of my lighter 03 combined with XREAS and beefy brakes. So I’m lovin my V6 and focusing on keeping it a lightweight “weekender” build. I need more bed space for my wife and I so I will probably build a cabinet on one side only. I just need to figure out storage locations for my stove and kitchen supplies. One plus for under platform drawers are the very useful cooking & serving surfaces they make and although I could make shorter drawers that only accommodate the height of my stove the ideal height extended as “counter surface” is definitely higher like most platform designs are. Hmmm...lots to think about. Thanks for all of your ideas. If you haven’t already done so, a video after you have had a chance to camp and test out all of your stuff would be great! Have fun. 😎

[@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.

[@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.

[@markreynolds3850]

Really nice looking.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks,👍

[@cpta03]

A great build, keeping it simple and easily modified or removed, while meeting all of your needs. I look forward to a video of the 4Runner on a camping trip.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Soon.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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...!) 😃🙃👣

[@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. .

[@scubbarookie]

This is great design for someone who wants a weekender or grocery and home improvement supply getter! 👍

[@asphaltgypsy868]

Nice to see you back, Steve! You've definitely thought of everything! Of course, you do have such a methodical mind! I can't wait to see your next adventure! I have taken similar steps, though on a temp. basis, for my '93 Jeep Wrangler. So much easier than taking my 2000 LT sometimes! Lots of great tips here! Much appreciated! Off to watch Part I :)

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Thanks. It is hard to make everyone happy with a custom build as everyone has their preferences.

[@headchange4u]

I have 98 4runner and I built one of the platforms. I LOVE your build. Mine is a 4wd V6 manual transmission.

[@mikemysicka7717]

That should make a cool weekend rig that gets stellar gas mileage, thanks for taking us along.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

This one gets around 22.

[@chingon_grandpa]

What a great build..very well thought out..thanks now i have to reconfigure my entire set up!!🤦‍♂️

[@karstenschmalstieg7516]

Great and right Ideas and verry good Work :)

[@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.

[@martinreilly4845]

Very nice build Steve. Craftsmanship is excellent. You gave me a bunch of great ideas for my 99 Jeep Cherokee XJ. Hope you have many great adventures in it.

[@plutoplatters]

that stove is really nice...

[@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

[@scubbarookie]

This would be great for small fishing trips!

[@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.

[@macroibin324]

Fabulous way to travel, love it.

[@khunopie9159]

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

[@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 ....

[@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. :)

[@Kiwiwanderer]

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

[@Paeoniarosa]

I'm really enjoying your simple build. I agree about the headroom issue. At 8:48, could you please tell me what the ends are that the rod connects to? Thank you

[@fabmmoi]

Great build! Just completed a 6 months trip across Central America with a 96' 4Runner, and I'm looking for upgrade possibilities. Although I'm working with a rooftop tent, this looks like a super cool base setup to custom. Thanks for uploading!

[@brendanhurst2628]

Fabien Mmoi what’s your thoughts on a rooftop tent? I’ve being toying with the idea. Do u like it?

[@fabmmoi]

@@brendanhurst2628 love it so much that i shipped the whole thing back to Europe ;) much less warm than in a cockpit, i saw van owners get one too for hot weather

[@fabmmoi]

@@brendanhurst2628 perfect setup seems to be customs that copy the ursa minor design / westfalia style: allows space inside on top of sleeping, and hardtop is cool to close the tent in seconds (rather than 3-5 minutes)

[@brendanhurst2628]

Fabien Mmoi thanks mate!!! Much appreciated. I am really concerned about the heat in vans and tents so your feedback about it being cooler is great to hear. Thanks!

[@cmcpros7403]

I like his calm and relaxed tone voice.

[@AbsoluteScotch]

Now that you said it, Tesla Camper sounds right up your alley, Steve.

[@kellykelly7747]

I just love your taste and style...love of quality plus minimalism. Right up my alley. I have saved both videos to my favs. I hope to be able to hit the road and explore the US in a few years. 👍❤

[@OspreyFlyer]

Thanks for the information! Great ideas! 👍

[@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.

[@jeanariley7759]

Love the build and accessories. More so, love the forrunner. Perfect! 4 cyl and manual trans....low miles, too. Would love to get my hands on that as well.😃

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Ha. Crank windows too.

[@jeanariley7759]

@@XplorerSteveDIY I have a 1997 Suzuki Sidekick that I traded for about three years ago. It had 60,000 miles on it at the time. 4 cyl/5 speed. It was in very good shape but nowhere near as good of shape as your dad's car. And of course it's a Suzuki Sidekick -not a Toyota. However, I've had several of these cars- 2 door and 4 door and including the Chevy trackers which are the same as the Geo Tracker... just a newer model. I have a 2000 Dodge ram 1500 conversion van that I have made into a campervan. Now, like you I have been working on trying to make the sidekick a weekender or short-term camper vehicle. Much more limited space than your 4Runner. LOL mine comes complete with crank Windows too. Personally I prefer them to the electric- no motors to worry about going out! I have fans, solar (on ground + stands- no room on roof), roof rack w/ storage bag, swing away hitch basket w/storage box, pump shower, shower Cabana and homemade solar generator. Just added 12 volt fridge!

[@DiscoFang]

In a couple of years you'll see a lot more of this era Toyota coming into the country from Japan. If you can handle RHD! Although world-wide competition for the used cars in Japan may see the prices creep up. I own a Hiace van with what is essentially the 4Runner 4WD drivetrain.

[@jeanariley7759]

@@DiscoFang heard a lot of good things about the Hiace. Only seen pics. Look awesome

[@ExpediteTravels]

Awesome setup I can't wait for the SUV camping videos

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Coming.

[@datguy2730]

Thanks for taking the time and the effort me to share this! Planing to do something similar with my WK2...

[@camerondonner3489]

this is awesome, you truck is nice and the idea of this micro camper from a 4runner is cool,

[@marcusgrigsby446]

Nice ! - I like @ that you did your OWN thing.

[@jasonpolski9966]

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

[@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.

[@dwaynemeroin3101]

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

[@CurtisDavis89]

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

[@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.

[@MrBluoct]

As always... Well executed Clean, clean build And the keen aesthetic sensibility is on point - no surprise

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Thanks much.

[@tracir3072]

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

[@davidlinihan3626]

Watched p1and 2 and your road trip to Tahoe. Informative. Some ideas for us too. We’ve stayed in casino lots several times. Nice when it’s the ones with free coffee. I’m looking into a roof top shower water system. You can find videos on it.

[@LivingFree]

Great build Steve.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Hey the famous Living free. I will be out that way at the end of August. if you are still there.

[@LivingFree]

@@XplorerSteveDIY That would be very cool to meet up! Email me [e-mail] we can stay in contact! Say hello.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

@@LivingFree Okay dokay. Looks like you are moving on from MN but LV is close to the Desert Southwest.