SUV Micro Camper Urban Lander 4Runner 1 Year Review
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- Опубликовано: 30 июл 2024
- Here I review my 1996 Toyota Runner Micro-Camper Overlander or Urban Lander as I call it. after one year. I go over the importance of planning ahead when building one from scratch and share my likes and dislikes.
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Хобби
Here is a correction The tires and wheels are 265/70R16. 16" wheels.
You mentioned the change of actual speed vs of the speedometer with the bigger wheels. My '99 2.7l automatic 4x4 has stock tire size and the spedometer shows 2-3mph faster than Google maps GPS speed. In order to show 65mph on my phone my speedometer will be at 67+. Did you compare your speedometer to GPS before you switched the wheels?
great video, does the new wheels need any left for it to fit?
Extremely genuine and practical. So refreshing after seeing nothing but $100,000 van builds by Instagram influencers.
This man was throwing shade at absolutely everybody at some point in this video 😂
The best part lol
Loving your “this is my way” and not following the crowd approach. You talk a lot of sense Great set up
It's on the internet, so it must work.
This is the way
Your Toyota fills your niche quite nicely. You don’t need a diff lock or 4wd. Life is too short. Enjoy - you have a good thing going.
I love this set-up, As a 68 year old woman, I could use this happily. Thank you!
I am in the process of building out my SUV into a camper to live in full-time. I couldn't agree more about not going the platform route. If it is rainy or cold out, and you want to just relax in the vehicle, being able to sit upright is essential. Unless you want to just spend your time in the driver seat or laying down. I used your build more than any other as inspiration for my own.
"5 speed which means you have to shift for you kids" Love it! I was taught on manual transmission and so were my kids . Just in case of emergency they knew how to drive. 4Runner looks great! Love the upgrades!
50k Miles, not even broken in yet!
my mouth dropped open when he said that.
I was laughing too hard at the "DevilsButt Crack" because I have a friend that just came back talking about how he did Devil's Staircase
Me too! Glad you have confirmed, Steve, that you are not one of *those guys.
Camping for a few days and walk to the beach. That sounds like a dream.
Thanks for an alternative perspective to the traditional platform build. Definitely nice to have sitting-up headroom. Based on another video I’m trying to figure out how to incorporate a hinged section of the rear deck that can be raised as a backrest. Happy trails!
That is what we would like to do as well - we saw that sort of a thing with good hardware in this video: ruclips.net/video/0zA76yDXBUo/видео.html&feature=share
I know "practical" is a matter of opinion, but this build lines up EXACTLY with what I've had in mind for building out my Suburban! This is by far the most practical build I've seen for my purposes. Especially with the head space, claustrophobia always looked like a problem in other builds. Great video, even better build!
Glad you like your design. But to your readers, don't count out the platform approach. As a disclaimer, I didn't outfit an SUV. Both of mine were pickup trucks with cab level caps. Spent tons of nights in my trucks. Probably equally split between primitive camp grounds and steal camping. Most weekends April through October, and many week long trips over 13 years. Heavy use. Very comfortable. Easily sleep 2 people. Tons of gear underneath. Importantly, water runs down hill. Much of my travel was for water sports. Wet stuff on the bottom, dry stuff, including me, on top. Set up my deck in segments. Highly configurable. All segments were liftalbe to access gear underneath. If it was just me, I used an "L" shaped deck. Biggest problem was cold. Wired up a second battery. Charged the second battery off the alternator while running but separate from the truck's electrical system when parked so that my camping use didn't threaten the starter battery. 12V heated mattress pad was very toasty. (If you go that direction, might want a professional to wire in the second battery.)
I really like how you think: genuine and original. Your design is the best I've seen on Ytube so far! Way to go, bro.
Salaam to you and to all.
Finally. been looking for a video of this conversion type for hours
Urbanlander! I love it. That's my style too. You've done a great job w this rig, Steve. 👌
Ive been doing this for 3 months in my ford falcon wagon, put the bed in middle and everything on the sides I can get anything whenever. This in my opinion is a better way, never followed the crowd.
This is by far the setup that resonates with me most.
your 'Approach'...makes SO MUCH SENSE! Thank You for 'sharing'!!
Always enjoy your content.
Great to hear how it has worked out for you. I'm in a SUV and it's so easy to stealth camp anywhere. Those wheels were a good find.
Thanks for the update. You did a great job on the conversion. I’ve never heard the term Urban Lander, so you may have designed a new vehicle class.
Fun watching your build and what I did on mine .. I think I’m on my third build. I keep getting ideas from folks like you.
Nice! I fell into the trap of thinking there’s only one way to build a sleeper set-up. Thanks for the save! Nice design.
I just discovered your channel and the content is great. Thank you! I tried an elevated system in my “urban lander”...aka a Chevy Tahoe. I came to the same conclusion you did. Don’t build up.
You’ve got ALOT of life left in your runner. I’ve got a 99 with 378k miles on it and it’s still my daily driver. I love these vehicles
Well done. Finally someone has made an SUV camper that makes sense. Excellent video. Clear, concise and not full of unnecessary awful music. I’m subscribed 👍👍😀
I am SO glad i found this video! I have the same issue with car camping, im planning my build and want to do it your way but everyone seems to do the platform way. I love the way you've done it, super inspiration :)
Good luck!!
Brilliant! This is exactly what I needed to see. I live in Hawaii and am planning an extended trip to the mainland to hike the National Parks and visit some cities. Your set up is perfect for what I have planned.
Thanks for the update! As always, your thoughts very detailed.
This is great ! around minute 5- the way you "showed" the room- It reminded me of an Airline attendent- Love the design !
So glad I saw your video. This build makes better sense. Its always good to view various builds. I would love to be able to sit up, move about, remove and change clothes, eat and cook inside, etc. Great build. Enjoyed your video. Safe travels. Namaste.
It's fine the way it is! Perfect for urban camping. You can knock out all 48 states easy! Thank you for the videos.
Perfect! I fully agree! Platforms take up too much space and look claustrophobic. Thanks for the alternative idea. I’m following your plan for my 4Runner!
Your build makes so much sense. Thanks for sharing.
You've inspired me to do a really similar build in 2007 4runner, thanks for making the video!
I love your build, I did go with a platform as I travel with my girlfriend. Our platform is 5" tall and fits underbed storage containers, we use a 3" memory foam mattress so we lose 8" of headroom. Not a total loss as we are both under average height
Anywyas, love the build! For sure it's the best way for a single person to travel!
I like your style. You know your travel needs and can make your own repairs.
Haha Steve! I love all of your videos and your subtle humor!💯👍
This is exactly what I was looking for!
I kept having the same thoughts when seeing the other typical platform builds like, "but what if I need something that's stored underneath my bed, while I'm already on it for the night?" and agreed on wanting to not only lay down but to sit, and don't want to feel like I'm in a coffin.
THANK YOU! 😩
Subscribed. ✅
In addition to my van I also have a 2000 3rd gen 4Runner (5-speed manual also) that I've owned for 16 years now. I've bought and sold five other vehicles during that time and the 4Runner is the only one I have never considered selling. These are pretty well known to be one of the best vehicles ever made. Nice job on the micro camper conversion.
I really like your design, well thought out for your needs. Always under radar and very stealth....nice beach trip story.
Thank you, I have been looking at ways to build a platform bed, too much work and materials. Too much drama, love it. You saved me a lot of work and time.
Very accessible and looks really comfortable. Nice looking rig!
most informative video I've seen on small camper set up so far! thank you for all the ideas.
Hahahaha , “dreams of being buried alive” you said a mouthful there! That’s the message, plain and simple. Think about the end result. I also decided to avoid the “platform bed, with storage underneath” concept for my situation. Clearly the platform bed works great for some builds (with enough headroom), but for many the lack of headroom is claustrophobic for sleeping. Thanks for this video. Good ideas and well illustrated. For me personally, I still sleep in the front “captain’s chair”. Still more comfortable than any bed I have attempted to devise in the back. But that’s just me. Will watch more of your video. Thanks!!
Haven't seen you in awhile... good to see again.. I used to live in Vegas but moved in December.. like your videos...
The way you put your bed is the best solution ! Really nice video, thanks a lot !
Love your approach to your vehicle and life, enjoyed the video, thanks!
Like the new style wheels. Great set up !
I like this build. I did something similar and can't wait to go explore and try it out!
This design does make more sense. I watched your previous videos. Awesome carpenter skill
This does make a lot of sense. I think the benefit of the bed platforms is many of them allow for the rear seats to remain in the vehicle. This is a really cool build. Thanks for sharing!
🏔🚐💨
100% agree. I had my crv done with a platform but i changed it after a couple of trips to be much lower down. It was so claustrophobic
Nicely done. Appropriate tech is better than high tech. Yours fits you perfectly. AND you are out there enjoying it!
I'm glad that I found your channel .I plan to buy a cargo van to convert to camper but it is too expensive for me to finish the project then I realize that my Ford explorer can do that too.Thanks for all inspiration .
Nice to see it again. I forgot how well thought it is .
Awesome, no nonsense, no corporate BS, upselling kit, etc. Bravo! Happy trails... Looking forward to a review of Devil’s Buttcrack Trail
The devil's buttcrack really had me going 😂🤣 watching your videos are really therapeutic thanks for the upload Steve!!
LOOL devils butt crack, you're hilarious! Love the build man it's so practical and it inspires me. Some people can't fathom that 4x4 is not needed for light camping and city exploration
thx for vids, Indiana, retired shop teacher (wish I had your shop), 60 yrs now, drove 98
tacoma for 20 yrs, 05 crv past couple/few yrs...love your
middle-bed/storage-on-sides design.
Thanks Steve, this has helped me much to figure out how to build my own SUV.
thanks steve. probably the third time I’m watching this video. I’m a recently retired law enforcement officer with mobility issues. so urban landing is more my speed. I just can’t do hills or sand anymore. except for you, there is really not much out there on urban landing. currently building out my 2011 tahoe and stealing most of your ideas for my build. hope you don’t mind. best wishes.
Great ideas! I’ve hesitated doing the platform bed for the same reason you mentioned.
This is a great set up I was always wondering why people did the platform style setups and disregarded the capabilities of the roof rack. Keep it up 🤙🤙
Awesome vehicle! Great job. I love your work, man!
This is great! Thanks for the inspiration. Looking to do something like this for my Landcruiser.
I did a similar build in a 98 Mazda MPV All Sport. Having the headroom is priceless imo. Additionally, vehicle choice is paramount for stealth camping. Vehicles like 4Runners don't look out of place in pretty much any neighborhood in the US.
Btw, Overland Bound defines Overlanding as vehicle dependent (extended) travel (driving out to a local park for the night isn't overlanding). It's more WHAT you do vs vehicle and/or route. I think you qualify.
Thank you for sharing this.
When I first considered car camping, I thought of using my Prius due to mileage and, being able to run it for warmth or cooling.
We had rain during a tournament and I thought I’d take a nap in it. It was hell. Kudos to anyone who can and is doing it.
So, currently my Toy Rav4 is my go-to and no bed build-out. Like you, I need head-room.
I like your side storage. Something I need to explore. Thank you for sharing your adventures.
yeah, this is the way you can tell if people REALLY camp in these things or not. Real campers have some screen arrangements and spend most of their time talking about their attempts to ventilate better. Clownshow #vanlife people spend their time talking about solar panels and lithium batteries (and trying to sell you some).
Great video and a cool ride! I have to agree with Jesse, lol, we're avoiding cities until further notice, but I like the idea. There are a lot of cool cities to visit out there!
Good point!
You have a point sir, thanks for sharing! I really appreciate every opinion since I’m about to buy my first SUV to convert
I had a 2wd 4runner, sold it bought a 4wd and never used 4wd. 2wd has better gas mileage and more reliable
Yeah but...it’s 2wd which definitely won’t work in Idaho or anywhere else I want to camp out west. I use low range year round including last week which was mid September
If you have a 4Runner and never need 4wd.. you ain’t livin right
@@skylertaylor1154 heh, Nah I see it as a tool not a toy, but you do you.
I use my 4x4 fairly often, because I camp 4 seasons and explore a bit. Nothing crazy, but 4x4 has saved me more than once.
@@skylertaylor1154 Have 2 3rd gen 4Runners neither is a Mall crawling pavement princess lol . Besides 4Runners need 4wd how else those jeeps getting pulled out ? Lol
I LOVEE YOUR SETUP!
Cool 4runner setup. It is good camping weather and this video gave me good ideas for setting up my rig too.
Great to hear!
I like this build. I’m doing mine the same way except diagonally for extra foot room.
Thanks for doing this type of vid on setting up a suv mid size for camping or just basic traveling around. I am a 65 yo ReSingled guy. And still working my business as a Builder in the east Tenn. area. Most of my use wlll be for fishing camping music or craft festivals or for hauling my drumset to a gig. You have done a good job n layout and trying out the different ways of using the rig. Keep up the good work. God Bless
50,000 miles! that runner is basically brand new. great build for your lifestyle, nothing you dont need
I just found this channel. You have a stunning 4runner. I have a 99 I am in the process of building out. I did that platform. You are right. That's a terrible idea. I am now taking all that wood from that and building the side shelves. Thanks for the great video.
Love your build very well done
Excellent.
Smart.
Neat.
The mattress moves easily for other uses.
Great attitude.
Great attitude.
That is one of the better builds I have ever saw.
Thanks for the share.
Just bought a new 2024 TRD Offroad Premium and want to do a build.
For an older vehicle it is in beautiful condition just like your camper a credit to you!
Excellent video and a very practically equipped vehicle. I done basically the same thing in my 94 Chevy Blazer but my experience at that time was driven my necessity ( homelessness after job loss ). Since then I have become a big fan of SUV camping for the enjoyment of it. Like you I just like the easily accessible areas I have no desire to climb rocks. I like places a tow truck can still come and assist me if necessary ( I’m just say 🤷🏽♂️ ).
I wish you success with your RUclips endeavors , thanks for the videos. 👍🏽🙏🏽
Great update video. But I really do miss your stealth camping videos as well. They were fun to watch.
The virus makes staying at home suck. I will wait it out. They will be back. Can't wait.
A very nice vehicle Steve, I owned a 1996 Toyota Tacoma 4wd with the 2.7 engine automatic. I put236,000 before I sold it. Still had plenty a life in it. Thanks for sharing this video.
Steve, your a cool cat. Your ideas and content are super smart.
First time seeing your content and that’s because I recently got and used older explorer just because it was in the family and I got a great deal didn’t need it but I could and I am a hunter and outdoors guy and enjoy doing things alone nowadays. Im 42 years old and I agree with everything you said and your thought process before doing things even about selling the two wheel drive and buy a four wheel drive instead of taking in a bigger project like that especially if your not really into mechanic stuff. I do think if I was younger I wouldn’t think it over and would have dove right into a taller platform. Thanks for the idea that’s the part I am not to good at the ideas. If I see it I can run with it and maybe set it up for my needs and wants. Awesome job and thanks again for your time and efforts it takes and then to share.
Old Xplorer? Whatcha got? And thanks. If anything I do can help another person it’s well worth it.
I agree with you. The bed is the most important item in a car camper. And being able to have space to seat down comfortably is also very important. The rest can be fitted in several different ways.
Thank you for the video! Great information!😁❤️
Love the Lounge chair my guy!
I like your reasoning on the platform, and that you acknowledge your choice won't work for everyone. The 4runner looks great and I applaud your restraint, getting out there is more important. I do think an Eaton true trac limited slip might be a nice option
Wow. Was just about to build the platform version...thankkkk youuuu
Great video. The platform feels like im back on the ship. I actually had to slerp on thw top because i had nightmares on the bottom. I have been searching for different ways for about 6 months. This fits my needs I have a dog so this works out great. I have a 99 crv that in overlanding. Ill check out your build. God speed brother
Love your dry humor. "Dreams of being buried alive". That's awesome! I'm gonna look into your approach. Only problem is we're 2 and the bed needs to be wider.
4th gen 4runner or even a sequoia may be better for a couple
new wheels, tires and suspension looks great !!!!!
Great explanation. I built a 2005 4X4 Suburban for photography trips and went the platform route, though I did consider this method as well. I even tested it with a rental Sante Fe on a trip once. I considered head height, but traded that off to not have a topper/turtle top and due to the larger size of a Suburban, I have a ton of room in the second row area. Even with the bed behind it. I took the second and third row seats out and can easily get in (my footwells are clear), change, set up a chair (pointed aft) and use the platform as a desk, etc. Now, If I could get my passenger chair to spin backwards like in conversion vans, it would be even better. One other odd thing I considered is that I wanted to be high enough to see out the front and back windows when in remote areas and have airflow. In practice, not that big of deal. If I was I were to go with a smaller SUV, I would probably go this route.
Love your material!
I love your build! I personally prefer a bed on the floor. I feel cozy like you said! Thank you so much for bringing the problem of the platform bed. I’ve always said, “Have fun in a rain storm guys” or a list of other problems of this build.
Simple and useful. Safe travels to you sir.