Mistakes We've Made On Our 4Runner Build+ Likes & Dislikes
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- Опубликовано: 17 июл 2024
- What we've done wrong and right on our 4Runner overland build. What we would do different, pros and cons of modifications we've made, weight issues, and future plans on how to build an overland vehicle. We definitely have likes and dislikes with our overland vehicle modifications. In this video we spell out our mistakes in detail.
Just about all we modifications we discuss have their own video in our Toyota 5th Gen 4Runner Overland Build playlist; here: • 4Runner Overland Build 
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As a 70 year old, I really appreciate your videos. While you're a long way from my age, it's still refreshing to get advice and insights from people who are careful choosing and using their equipment. I'm not knocking the younger crowd at all, but their views and perspective tend to focus on the interests of their peers while overlooking the limitations older people face. Thank you for sharing your experiences and adventures.
I think we all sometimes get sidetracked by the "bling-bling" and peer pressure. We've fallen for it time to time. But experience seams to limit the "miss-steps". Thanks for watching!
As a 50yo who has done this 20+ years, I totally agree. Also, my Mom is 77yo and I find practicality and ease of use rule the day in our choices on her T4R
How would you expect "the younger crowd" to have an appreciation for your considerations, Fred? This is a great opportunity for you to open the eyes of those who have yet to walk in our shoes.
Hey Fred - Im in my early 20s and I tend to agree with your viewpoint. Hope you are well.
Just one consideration on aluminum. While steel is definitely the way to go for rock crawling, a significant advantage of aluminum besides weight is lifetime maintenance. I tend to keep my trucks for decades and I live in the PNW so having a material that doesn't rust is a HUGE benefit for me. I find I have to repaint alot of my steel every 1-3 years.
The rigid light bars was a regret but saved us running out of the woods one night from a tornado. Logs into amazon and clicks buy now.
You’re kidding right? My rigid has lasted over 6 years and never burnt even a single bulb out… Amazon light bars might last you 6 months…
Thanks for sharing your experience guys - we don’t have the 4Runner anymore in South Australia but now have the ute-based Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Isuzu Imux - I had Subarus for many years but now building up a 2010 Hilux Auto Diesel with Aluminium Tray and free standing Aluminium canopy - I went for the ute (Utility) so I have use of the Aluminium Tray for gardening and other domestic tasks and simply lower the canopy on to it - good to see you using our Adelaide built reliable Redarc system 👍🏻 - yes important to manage your rear weight for lowest centre of gravity and prevent your front wheels from lifting - safe travels John in SA
I have this same 4Runner 2020.
I use it for hunting, fishing, hiking in the Rockies.
Love it!
Great info and very useful as I’m just starting a 2021 4Runner build. My focus is functional needs over what’s popular, and light weight while still protecting my rig. Your videos have inspired a lot of what I have planned for my build. Thank you!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Good Morning! My wife and I just bought a 2021 4Runner and we can't be more excited. I love your video and i am now a new subscriber. Thank you for sharing!!
Awesome! Thank you!
I agree with your comments about the mud collection in the CBI rear bumper. It's an awesome bumper but that part is maddening. I mounted the 2.5 gal air tank after seeing your video, but decided to go with the ARB dual compressor. I feel like it somewhat refills the tank just in the time between switching from tire to tire. If I'm moving quickly I would say I'm down to just running off the compressor by the last tire. I've used it on runs with friends and done 12 tires and it wasn't bad. The other thing I liked about the ARB compressor is it just runs until setpoint and shuts off, you don't need the pressure switch in the tank feeding back to the relay and all of that. You really only need power and a wire to your switch as far as electrical. Your videos are always helpful, even if I decide to do things a little differently!
Would be awesome if you could put links to the recommended products in the description. Thanks for sharing your real world experiences.
I always love watching the two of you and hopefully run into you on the trail....well, not literally. I have a 2017 TRD 4Runner Off Road and have yet to get it out there. Thank you for the mention about the air tank you installed. I was thinking of doing this exact thing. You have saved me much time and money. My design on building the rear drawer system is real close to what you have designed. I can see yours in how it works.
That is great to hear!!!
Thanks for the look at/walk through. Extra fridge space is just that much more room for good craft beer! I have a Viair 400 and I think I take about 20 minutes to air up all four from 18 to highway, which by the way for anyone wondering, bigger heavier tires is your worst suction of fuel mileage. From stock p rated to 265/70R 17's to 285/70R 17 E rated, I dropped 2 mpg instantly. But it does what I need so I expected that.
Fun video to watch. It's always nice to hear a practical take on modifications I appreciate your install videos as I've used them several times & direct people there - particularly for the diff breather
Thanks 👍
I really enjoyed the candid review. I think we all have things we like and things we would have done differently on our builds. Good stuff. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
I appreciate you sharing all the work you’ve done and your honest opinions. Based in part on your RUclips channel I purchased a new 2019 4Runner Off Road. So far the only modifications have been the same skid plates you installed and replacing lights with LEDs. As time, and money, afford I’ll be doing more work. Thank you.
Thank you Dana for watching!
Great video, guys. Always good to see people admit to things they would have done differently. As a Tacoma driver, I've found the similarities to the 4Runner quite helpful and I've been able to use your how-to's to fit out a number of things on my truck. Additionally, most of the vendors who manufacture products for the 4Runner also support the Tacoma, so I've been using your experiences to find the products that best fit our needs. Keep up the amazing work!
Thanks Patrick!!!
I think Mark turned about same color as 4runner when he caught himself getting ready to critique tacomas!! Haha
Sometimes I head down a path I probably shouldn't go. Thankfully Merri is there to redirect me!
That's the alcohol.
I noticed that too and actually replayed it just to make sure I wasn't imagining that. It's all a matter of what fits for what you want or need.
you mean Barcelona Red ?
This is fantastic. I really enjoy watching you guys and this sort of honest feedback is super helpful!
Glad you enjoyed it!
This was one of my favorite videos you guys have made. I really appreciate the likes and dislikes from your build because I am just now beginning to outfit my 4runner. Thank you for all of the great information and how to videos 👍👍👍
Awesome! Thank you!
Really like your setup! I just used your anytime backup camera tutorial yesterday to install mine.
Glad we could help!
Thank you to the both of you. You have helped me in my 2021 Venture build. Saved me from making a ton of mistakes :-)
Great to hear!
I love your no nonsense approach to what you need and use for over landing. Considering how much experience your opinions are based on, they carry a lot of weight. This entire video (with one exception) makes my choice of the Rivian R1S a great overlanding choice. The Rivian has a built in air compressor, it has a built in 130kwh “Jackery” to run fridges and inductive cooktops. It has a ton of extra storage in the “engine compartment” and in the “gas tank” compartment. It’s insanely efficient and road comfortable. It has built in rock guards and over 15” of ground clearance with 34” AT tires. All 3 rows go complete flat, making it a great great to sleep (with climate control running all night if needed). It only has 2 downsides that I can see: 1) I can only travel within a 300 mile round trip from a charger (i.e. RV camper spot with electric hookup) and the SUV doesn’t do great in slick mud inclines due it’s weight. I’ll take the 2 limitations to have all the other pluses and be able to use it as a daily driver. Most of my destinations are for mountain biking, so getting “off the beaten path” to car camp is all I need.
Hey thanks for explaining all of the options that Yall have done ! Thanks for sharing 👍
Our pleasure!
Great point about the skid plates and COG
Great video. For those considering 4Runner mods, your perspectives based on your experiences are very valuable. Thanks!
Glad you like them!
Thanks for sharing your experiences from the build. There’s nothing like reviews based on real life, battle testing of the gear. I have a 2018 4Runner, and I’ve only added a Hefty Fabworks aluminum bumper (60 lbs extra weight, and as strong as steel at 1/3 of the weight), winch (another 50-ish lbs), roof rack, aluminum skid plates, and a few other items. I have an order in for a Hefty Fabworks rear aluminum bumper, and that will add a little more weight, but less than a steel bumper. I keep most of my gear in a trailer, that weighs about 2,400 lbs fully loaded. Interestingly, the added accessories and even towing the trailer doesn’t seem to affect the fuel consumption much. Maybe by about 1 mpg, which I find acceptable.
Great to see the care and thought you are giving to isolating your house power from starting and the choice to make an extensible and maintainable bus system for accessories. I'm a long time sailboat owner and that's how a boat would be wired to spec. I bought a '22 4Runner and was researching how people wire a winch into the 4R. I was shocked to learn that it is industry practice to wire directly to the battery without fuse/breaker or disconnect. That's totally unacceptable in the marine world! People would be wise to model your choices, offroad is not a lot different than offshore if you value self-reliance.
a nice list of all the upgrades with links would be nice. Love the idea you guys have for powering the fridge.
It's almost like you were speaking right to my ears! Thank You!!
Glad it was helpful!
thanks for your video. I have a '00 Sunfire red Runner and you guys inspire me to go out on road trip cross country.
That is awesome!
My 4Runner is as built as yours but I have a lot of the same feelings. I have a similar bumper set up and love the look, but in reality I don’t use it well. I really only got it because I got rear ended and insurance paid a chunk of it. Take a look at the C4 fabrication fuel tank skid. Solid design. I got it after my factory skid took damage like yours after a trip to Moab.
Thanks for the videos. I have used them to prepare for some of my modifications and they have been helpful.
I bought RSG DOM 90 degree sliders after watching the slider install. Rear kickout is perfect for kids to enter and exit the back seats. Amazing Quality.
I want them too. I despise those Predator bars as they tend to catch people in the shins and scrape them up. It's happened a dozen times already.
Yea I had a 4 runner great vehicle moved up to a tundra I just love the power of the v8 it's such a bullet prove engine. Downside in too wide for some of the trails. I learned that from the shafer trail in canyonland. Talk about bare knuckle driving
Really enjoy you guys channel! I got a 2017 TRD Sport Tacoma myself... love it! Love you guys channel and I’ve copied a few of your upgrades with the next two being the sway links when they’re in stock and the BCDC1225 Redarc dual charger👍👍
Awesome! Thank you!
Great, informative video! luv you guys! Keep wandering!
Thank you! Will do!
Another great video! Thanks for the insight!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video guys! Thanks for the info. Hope to see you on the Cindy and Jacqueline great adventure in May!
Fingers crossed!
I subscribe to your channel and I've watched many of your videos. How in the world did I miss this?! Thank you very much for the frank advice and insight.
You're very welcome. And thanks for watching!
Very useful info.thanks !
4.0 engine and 5 speed transmission is bulletproof
One of my fave 4WD channels.
Wow, thanks!
Hi there loving the videos . It’s nice that your prepared for what ever happens . Hope you invested some time in a first aid course too go with those great looking kits.
Thanks for watching Mike! Yes, we both have extensive training in first-aid.
Love the forerunner looks great, thanks for the video!
Glad you like it!
@@WanderlostOverland I see you're still sporting the covid haircut! LOL
@@williamkennedy2069 it’s shorter now. 😁
Im converting my 4Runner at the moment. I’m doing a very basic build to start and I’m sure I’ll be adding as I feel the need. I hope i will get tips from this channel so just subscribed. Thank you.
Thanks! We will do our best to make you not regret subscribing. :)
Thank you folks - you honestly and frankness is appreciated -stay safe and stay adventurous. Oh one thing, is there a list of places and trails that you two have been, enjoyed or recommend for 4x4 camping adventures? Thanks again you two
Nice video. You really got me thinking about the weight difference on the skid plates. I just installed an aluminum trans plate from RCI. I was about to order the engine one but now, I might just go with the steel one. Thanks for the info
Stick with aluminum, it is half the weight of the steel and it won't rust so doesn't even need to be painted. I have the Victory4x4 gas tank skid and it's 30lbs lighter than the steel version and more than tough enough. I hit and drug mine on a rock ledge and it didn't even dent. As you add more plates the weight savings becomes significant.
We've enjoyed your videos of all the mods y'all have done. Especially the dual battery and electrical panel. Those will be very useful when we get to that part of our mods to JACK. Cheers J&C!!
Thanks 👍 We're setting up a plan to do another dual battery system, for the FJ this time. This one we're going to try to keep as simple as possible.
@@WanderlostOverland Looking forward to your FJ dual battery install. That’s next on my list. Keep up with the great transfer of your experiences with all of us.
Just wanted to let you guys know your videos helped me with a couple of things. 1) the bumper install video solidified my choice to get one of similar design and winch. 2) make reservations to White Rim campsites! (reservations open up this week).
Great to hear!
Great episode y’all!!!!
Thanks!
Awesome as always!
Thank you! Cheers!
Thanks for another great video.
Thanks for watching!
Thanks again you guys. Great video.
Glad you enjoyed it
Miss you guys having adventure videos. Hopefully you travel a little more. Good luck
Us too!
Thanks for the info on the 2.5g air tank, I was going to plumb one but I think I'll skip it - Lifestyle Overland said they haven't found theirs usefull either and a buddy of mine with one on his truck is taking it out as well. Perhaps you can put some spare fuel & water underneath there and get that weight off the rear bumper. I highy recommend the Hydroblu Jerry if you are looking for something portable.
nice video! thanks for your perspective
Glad you liked it!
Great video. Thank you!
Glad you liked it!
Great info, thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Rago fab has a center console i put in my 4runner mounts everything low its Awesome i also have their rear shelf which i love
Still driving my 04 SR5 every day, no need to upgrade to a more current model. I’m fine and happy.
I would say the same about my '00 Highlaner/Sport trim, but Minnesota winters and 273k miles haven't been kind to it (rust). I test drove a '21 yesterday and it was nice, and just a slow as my 3.4l! 😁
Ha, loved the video, I know it’s a bit older but it hit home. My wife’s TRD Pro T4r empty is @5300 lbs or so, loaded down @5800? My LC200 currently is 6800 lbs. with a full tank of gas and nothing else 😳🤔
Thanks. Very informative
Glad it was helpful!
Having the light bar that ONE time you needed it to “escape a tornado” makes it worth it to me 😎
I just bought a brand new a Tacoma trd offroad and I have to agree, the bed is tiny and not that functional stock, fortunately it does have many bed-rack options. My biggest complaint is I get 15mpg completely bone stock. To hear your getting 15mpg with 33's and all that extra weight is slightly frustrating to hear because I slightly regret not going with a 4runner build. I have 2.5 King suspension and 33's coming along with steel bumpers and skid plates, I hope it doesn't make my fuel consumption much worse. I should add that it is a manual Tacoma which I didn't know at the time of purchase is the worst of the bunch for fuel economy. You live and you learn! Thanks for video I actually took in a lot of good information!
Thanks for watching Chris! WOW 15mpg stock! But, it's all about smiles per gallon!
Thank, good info for my project.
Glad it was helpful!
Try the DDM Tuning Sabre 50W LED Highs - they work fantastic. While it's a pain to get in there, consider changing your LED bar to amber & you might find it then has other purposes for you. I've found the amber to not only be good for dust but it's also great in heavy snow and as an added bonus, it doesn't bother others as much if you have to drive by other campers at night. I even have a buddy who can run a brow bar while driving behind me and I don't find it bothersome whereas we could never do that when it was white. Finally, as the eye ages, it does better with warmer light (not commenting on your age, but.....), both my Mom, myself and another friend have noticed the difference - it was recommended to us by an Opthamologist buddy of mine.
I am VERY happy with my BudBuilt skid plates and sliders... They have been abused and have handled everything we have thrown at it. Excellent gas tank skid and sliders.
I'll take a closer look at their tank skid, thanks!
Great video as per usual. Bud built makes a fuel tank skid for your 4runner. I have their entire system on my 16' LC and have bashed it plenty at windrock! Bud built also lets you choose the thickness and type of material. I went with aluminum for my fuel skid.
Thanks for the info!
Great video Supwr informative
It's great info. Interesting about the air accumulator. The truck vs wagon a huge disccussion. People whom wanted to have RTT and roof rack for the staff is truck best solution, with wagon it's either RTT or boxes and staff. Also the famuly and dog is truck bed only solution I been there with Grand Cherokee.
Tires size, maybe use one size down for the spare . Very good silution to me
255/80/17 would also be a good tire size. The same height if not a little taller than the 285/70s they have, but narrower so it'll tuck up better underneath.
Also, supposedly they fit without a lift. I was so close to put in that size on my stock suspension 4Runner, but I didn't want to run a heavy E Rated Tire. Unfortunately the 255's are only available in load range E.
You might want to get an aluminum bumper from hefty fabwork. Saves about 100 lbs, put a water tank where the spare used to be and you might consider element fire Extingusher when your current ones expire. Great video btw
Thanks for the tips!
Just traded my built Overland Gladiator for 4Runner liked the JT but this is going to work better
You guys are great. Especially when you saved yourself talking about the Tacoma! Lol.
That said; 1200 pounds?!!!! OMG! You have to much "stuff". Fully outfitted I added 290 pounds of unsprung weight to my Tacoma. Then my gear, including 140 pounds for my rooftop tent is 360 pounds for a total of 790 pounds. And I'm still shaving that down a bit each trip.
I've always said .... I understand why people have so much recovery gear. Because with all the "stuff" they bring their vehicle sinks through a blacktop road on a hot day! Hahaha.
Good stuff thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it
Love watching y’all’s videos. Have you ever ran the Kentucky Adventure Trail?
Thanks for watching! We've done parts of it over the years but never the whole thing at once.
Thank you, cool couple!
Thanks for watching!
Awesome video.
Glad you enjoyed it
Ooh! I want to see the dead cow on the roof rack!!
Great info
Glad you think so!
You can use a rv back up cam system that can show fir cam, comes with the screen, and you can full screen to one.
I have a 2020 TRD off road. I have done nothing as far as upgrades. We do 3 or 4 days worth of trips. It is our DD. I always worry about weight. So far, for us, the stock rig has done just fine. A few of your upgrades I want is the second battery, DC to DC, and inboard air. Possibly a better roof rack. Eventually I will do a level level kit and possibly a size up in tire. But for now, we love our 4 runner.
Thank you for the video and pros/cons.
I think you have a good solid plan there. The more you change a Toyota, the less reliable it becomes.
@@WanderlostOverland so far it has done everything we have asked it to (I have not had to use the locker yet, dang it lol)
WOW Impressive video. 👍🏻
Thank you! Cheers!
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it
They make spare tire holder that works with your roof rack. I know the down sides, but it does take a considerable amount of weight of the back.
PS: my wife and I love your videos. We have a 2014 FJ and a 1794 Tundra.
We considered that as an option early on but decided it wasn't practical for our application. Thanks for watching!
Congratulations on the grandson, you two!!!
Thank you so much 😀
I love my dual ARB compressor runs my ARB air lockers my truck came with a factory center lock diff also I did a completely separate battery bank in the back with 200ah of service and a 100 watt solar panel I also have a rooftop tent and ARB awning I also did upgraded starting battery that's also deep cycle and a 340amp alternator because I run some serious light Baja designs all the way
Great info! What storage box will you go with?
So I noticed you have nitto rt. Tires. They make a 295-70-17. They call it a 34 inch. That's what I went with only milestar brand. I'm glad I did. It doesn't sound like much but on our FJ it made a big difference when rock crawling. However I did need a regear after I put the 34s on. 4.56 did the trick. I even got back some gas mileage. 34s are worth it to me. Thanks for all that info.
Thanks for watching Steve!
Amazed you get 15mpg. I get 13 if I’m lucky. With a lot less weight on my 21
I like your train horn idea! 💡 haha
Glad you like it!
You should get the front LED bar tinted yellow so youre able to use it more often
How thick is the steel for the skid plate? Great stuff!!!
If you aren't improving, you aren't learning.
PS: Great Video/Idea.. Enjoyed it!!
Hey Kiss Kiss, how are you? Staying warm? It’s soooo cold here in Illinois right now. 🥶 Thanks for watching
@@WanderlostOverland Hey Kids!!! Nice to hear from you two. Yes, have definitely tried to keep warm. As it has been in the teens to about the low 20s overnight..
But, It sounds like you guys are colder over there!!! stay warm safe, and out of trouble.
PS: Congrats on the Grandson, did not know this tid bit of info.
You know; I've watched your videos since you had the FJ, then with the 4Runner, over the years, but recently I've begun to watch your video starting with this. One question, and I'm sure you have your own reasons why, is "Why haven't you gone to a separate power supply system, like a Jackery, or a Yeti to power your camping items; i.e. Refrigerator, lights, etc.
First, THANKS FOR WATCHING! For our power we wanted a complete hands-off, built in equipment that we never have to fumble with. However, we do have a portable power pack coming soon that we'll be doing some extensive testing on. STAY TUNED!
Wire the front bumper lightbar to your brights. That’s what I do. That way you can just flip them on with the left stalk. You’ll love it.
Would absolutely enjoy meeting the both of you and leaving my 11 runner with you two for…. Two months and a load of cash.
I wish bumper designers would look back to the 1980's. I bought a tube rear bumper for my 1981 Toyota pickup. It didn't snag on the ground or be a dirt scoop. It would easily slide along the ground.
Be aware that the X-REAS suspension system can fail. The replacement cost is roughly $4000 as of 2022. My 2014 4Runner (50k miles) had one leaking strut, requiring all 4 struts and the control unit to be replaced. I looked the issue up on a couple Toyota forums and failure rates are moderate to high. If you don't have an extended warranty, most users are swapping out the expensive components for standard struts. I had the extended warranty and got the system replaced and 2 days rental for no charge. But if this concerns you, buy the extended warranty.
I’d like to recommend you to re-gear to 4.88, and re-map de ecu, I had the same issue on MPG due to all the accessories, and after those two mods I went back to 18 average mpg on my 2018 SR5 premium with steel bumpers, tire carrier, 12000lbs winch, 295 65 20, roof rack, lifted between 4.5 and 5 inches, with the RC 6 inch kit but 3.5 Dobinson’s front shocks and OME HD springs, and in the rear HD springs with the 6 inches shock from RC
Thanks for sharing.
Hey another great video!!! Have you guys ever considered a stand alone transmission cooler? I know you off road allot, and as you said all that extra weight does your trans heat up? I have a 2018 and plan to start towing quite a bit.and was considering one.
We have thought about a trans cooler. It's on our list!
Great video, I enjoyed hearing your opinions on your mods. Also enjoyed your appearance on Rich's podcast recently.
My #1 regret, at least every time I approach a hill, is getting a 4Runner in the first place, lol. It's getting on my last nerve, I'll have to check out one of those Sprint boosters.
For the mileage, crazy how bad these can be on fuel. I think Sub Overland gets about the same mileage with their 6.0L 3/4 ton Suburban haha. (And 37gal fuel tank in those badboys!).
I just put SL load range stock sized all-terrains (General ATX) on my 13 TE and lost a solid 2 MPG. There goes my 400 mile range :(
I'm also running the same skids and sliders as you, I don't really ever get a chance to off-road, but I really do love the sliders, the kick out is so convenient as a step for roof access.
Thanks for watching! You think the 4Runner gets bad mileage. Our FJ, with stuff on the roof, gets about 14mpg highway.
@@WanderlostOverland The FJ has a smaller tank than the 4Runner, doesn't it? That must be annoying, having a relatively short-range. I love having a long-range, we once rented a Suburban and drove it from SLC to Moab, then drove it around Moab hauling our mountain bikes for almost a week before we needed to put fuel in it, haha.
Super video thanks a lot will help me in my 2021 T4R Venture Build. If you have time, one regret is the location of the switches behind the sifter... Where else would you install those 6 switches.
Thanks for watching! I think we would have placed them overhead or maybe made a spot to the left of the steeringwheel.