Cozy SUV Camper Conversion | 2+ Years on the Road | Modern 4Runner Overland Build
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- čas přidán 22. 05. 2024
- Calendar/Support - bio.site/alexarmitage
I've waited a long time to make this video and it is finally here. A detailed and complete tour of my 4Runner SUV conversion and how I've managed to live on the road for over 2 years. I planned on making this video a long time ago but just never felt quite right. After multiple years I can now confidently provide opinions and recommendations for the items I've been using and my thoughts behind every detail of the build. Keep in mind that a lot of the items and ideas within this build are based on overlanding or camping, but adapted to prolonged use.
While I do live in such a small space, there is still so much to cover in the shortest time I could make it. I've added chapters to each section so you can skip around to the section you might find the most useful for you. If you have any questions regarding the build, please let me know in the comments.
Yana (The Vanbuild Guru): / reckless.explorer
Nick Carver's 4Runner Build - • DIY SUV Bed Platform (...
Nathaniel Wise Build - • Unique SUV Camper Conv...
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Website: alexarmitage.com
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Old Video Camera: geni.us/FujiXT4Body
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Fridge: geni.us/campfridge
Power/Battery: geni.us/campbattery
USB Fan: geni.us/USBThinFan
Clothes Pack Cubes: geni.us/ClothesPackingCubes
Car Mirror: geni.us/CampingMirror
Toiletry Bag: geni.us/ToiletryBag
Sherpa Rack: geni.us/Sherpa4Runner
Roam Cases: geni.us/Roam95LCases
Cig Light Extension: geni.us/CigPowerExtension
Window Shades: geni.us/4RunnerWindowShades
4Runner Glove Divider: geni.us/4RunnerGloveDivider
Black Duct Tape: geni.us/BlackDuctTape
Window Nets: geni.us/WindowNets
Water Jug: geni.us/3Waterbrick
Water Jug Spigot: geni.us/WaterBrick3Spigot
27in Monitor Case: geni.us/27InchMonitorCase (Yes the 24inch One)
Black Hole Duffel: geni.us/BlackHoleDuffel
Electronic Organizer: geni.us/ElectronicOrganizer
Thermocell: geni.us/ThermoCell
Organizing Bag: geni.us/WaxOrganizerBag
40in Drawer Rails: geni.us/40InchDrawerRails
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Portable Speaker: geni.us/JBLPortableSpeaker
Portable Power Strip: geni.us/PortablePowerStrip
iPad Theater Holder: geni.us/iPadTheaterHolder
Sleep Mask: geni.us/ASleepMask
Winter Down Blanket: geni.us/DownComforter
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Camera Straps: geni.us/BigCameraStrap
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Jet Boil: geni.us/JetBoil
Hiking First Aid Kit: geni.us/HikingFirstAid
GPS: geni.us/GPS-Garmin66i
Binoculars: geni.us/VortexBinoculars
Walkie Talkies: geni.us/Motorola-T800
Aeropress: geni.us/AeroPressCamping
Osprey 24L: geni.us/OspreyStratos24
Mosquito Head Net: geni.us/MosquitoHeadNet
Firestarters: geni.us/CampingFireStarter
Portable Chair: geni.us/MoonliteChair
Hammock: geni.us/EnoDoubleHammock
Hammock Straps: geni.us/EnoStraps
Crampons: geni.us/YakTraxPro
Music (Typically) from Musicbed:
fm.pxf.io/c/3300666/1347628/1...
0:00 Intro
01:02 Design/Build
06:00 Driver Storage
08:20 Camera Gear / Glove Box
10:54 Clothes and Secret Storage
17:50 Fridge / Solar Panels / External Monitor
22:06 Roof Top Storage / Ansel Adams
25:57 Stove and Cooking Setup
30:17 Food and Storage
32:10 How to do Dishes
33:40 Bed / Staying Warm
36:42 Electronics Cabinet
41:02 Battery
42:07 Home Theater
I tried to link everything I possibly could in the description for your own needs but if I'm missing something, please let me know! Thanks for all your support, love, and comments
After two years on the road myself I love this! Biggest lesson I’ve learned has been not just throwing stuff around and making sure it all goes back to its spot haha
Yes or you'll lose it forever
With all that stuff, you need to install a kill switch that allows the starter to kick in but not allow the engine to start. That way, if someone does try to steal your vehicle, they'll just think that something's wrong because your truck will make a cranking sound but that's it.
I've looked into it and can't find anything made for the 4runner that is easy to install.
Get a Sherpa roof Rack and mount your solar panels securely there. It's one less thing cluttering the cabin. Get a BCDC charger (I have RedArc) - again huge gains in efficiency.
Main advantage of Switch from Jackery to under bonnet Aux Battery is freeing up real estate in the cabin. However the wiring for Aux battery can be complicated - took me 20 days to do!
One of the things I learned very early in manufacturing is "Everything has it's place and every place has it's thing". This is essential for organisation!! Love ya work Alex 👍
Thanks Marty!
The yoyo incident… 😂 I think this video is great! Thought about converting my SUV for weekend warrior-ing but ended up buying a custom teardrop trailer. Yeah, a trailer is more to manage, but more creature comforts as well. But I can see how limiting yourself to what you can accomplish with a 4Runner keeps you a lot more mobile and flexible. The level of organization you have is like ASMR-level pleasing.
I've thought about a trailer as well but it's just wildly impractical for moving around so much. Maybe something will change if I decide to stick to certain spots. But then I gotta worry about where to park the dang thing too. It makes so much more sense for weekend trips
smart move
I work as a Builder & a musician. Am in East Tennessee area. So I do long weekend trips fishing, camping, hiking, music. do it in a 2001- Durango R/T connected to a 6x 8 single axle tote trailer. Also has a shower - toilet - etc... - 😊sm cook area - most all gear is in hear. camp in Durango with my dog. à
I’m building out a new 4 runner as well. One thing I noticed is the fuel tank is located on the drivers side. With the fuel tank and driver on same side I would build the heavy shelving on opposite side to counter the weight.
A cute friend who has woodworking skills, dude, you are one lucky man! I'm getting laid off and want to travel the USA for a few months before finding my next job, this is the video I needed! Thank You!!!!
I laughed harder than I probably should have at "this is where things go to die" 😅 Thanks for the 4Runner tour, it was really cool to see how you live!
I still haven't seen things that have fallen down there. Thank you!!
Definitely well thought out! You might consider having emergency equipment like bear spray and the Element fire extinguisher in two or three locations for immediate accessibility and redundancy. Since you have a battery bank, you might be able to include an electric blanket if needed for those adverse thermal situations. This was really helpful.
The only other thing that comes to mind is that with the additional weight, you might look into upgrading your front brakes and ask a mechanic about re-gearing your differentials in order to relieve stress on the drivetrain. Thanks!
I definitely need to do something about the weight on the suspension eventually, that is if we keep going haha
I love your build & glad to find your channel! Your awesome!
Thanks for the tour and details, gives me lots of ideas for my 4Runner.
You're welcome!
RUSH sighting on the magazine under the bed!
Love the vid , great detail . Same truck , same color and almost the same layout in the back with the complete flat deck and draw system so I enjoy hearing others and their creativity!
Well done Alex, great items and organization of all your gear. Beautiful setup
You’re so very organized wow
Oh this is really cool! Amazing how much stuff you can get in there perfectly organized.
"perfectly organized" might be a stretch lol
Oh wow it is!
lol started writing before even watching it
Super cool I’m wanting to do the same set up to live out of when I go on my extended Colorado trips in any weather
Looks like you got almost all of your ideas from Nathaniels’ Sequoia build 👍🏼👏🏼 -looks good
Excellent video Alex. It’s interesting, the older I become the less stuff I really need on a daily basis. Thus I think I could transition to living on the road fairly easily given the right vehicle.
u real for showing that yoyo part
very comprehensive video about how you live on the road. keep up the good work
Thank you Patrick
I have been consuming this type of content for years and this video is now a top ten for overall execution. Thank you for making this! I love the ipad holder :)
Thanks for the kind words!
Alex, you have done a fantastic job with the conversion. I love the drawers and the boxes on top of the car. Brilliant use of space and task specific designs. I have been following you on your journe's. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much Boris!
Awesome video man. I watched the whole thing. Very thought out!
thanks man!
Nice expansion and cool style of the videos. Hope to see more of you with your car doing overlanding trips. Greetings from Sweden 🇸🇪
Already lots of videos! I just don't focus on overlanding :) Thanks for the kind words
Great video Alex, thanks for taking the time to walk all of these things through in that level of detail. Hoping to head out myself next year, starting with converting my Honda CRV.
Thank you!
I was initially looking at minivans for a camper conversion, but this looks like a really cool option too.
You can at least sit up in a van
Dang dude, you have a great set up!!! Im jealous
GREAT VIDEO! that yoyo incident was golden
Thank you for reminding me haha
I could listen to you for hours... very sympathic
ASMR channel when?
Great rig and very important advice… Thanks. 👍
Thanks for watching!
Very cool! I currently sleep in the back of my F150 now when camping. I wish I was still young enough and limber enough to get into your space. Cheers!
Thanks for the breakdown Alex. I have done the 12 day road trips and thought of the first aid kit but your extra comments on other safety supplies, extinguishers, extra powerpacks, solar panels and battery kit seems a must. 😊
Thanks for the kind words!
Seen you so many times on gavins channel...Now im looking at conversions and you pop up again... lol
Very interesting! If I could be your age again, I’d give it a try! Thanks for taking me along!
Thanks Randy :)
💪🏾 work! 43:59
Love this! We sell lots of those Black Hole Duffel bags at REI and of course a lot of other cool gear you featured.
Haha. I bought that BHD at an REI in my video last year :)!
@@AlexArmitage love it! 40 or 55 liters?
Bou, you come prepared. Very creative.
😊 thank you
That’s amazing how much stuff you can carry . Turtle shell anyone? I am gobsmacked at how much you pulled out of there. It is encouraging to see. I have been thinking about doing my Jimmy sort of like this but I was worried about getting all I need to carry aboard. I worry no more. Thanks for the valuable lessons!
You can fit a lot more than you think, and thankfully most stuff you need is pretty small. It's the big stuff you gotta shed. Thanks Rebecca!
This video is seriously underrated.
Excellent
Great video man
Appreciate it
Cheaper fridges break down if constantly left on. They also don't handle offroading use and get damaged if left switched on in bad road conditions.
Dometic fridges otoh run like a charm for ever. Mine has stayed on for over 32 days at a stretch when I did Route 66 one year.
I have a 25L Dometic and it's more than enough for 2 person use. Very compact too! You seem to have a 50L unit.
Haven't had any issues 3+ years so far!
I would go CRAZY if I couldn't sit up.....getting claustrophobic just looking at that lack of headroom.
It's a challenge for sure
Great video. You did an amazing job on your build. Consider ditching the Tide bottle and go with laundry strips from Lazy Coconuts or Tru Earth. Eco friendly and take up little space.
I've had that Tide bottle for almost 3 years at this point haha. I do laundry 6 times a year :P
After 12 months of tragedy and debilitation: Joining you, Alex! Moved into my 07 Highlander about 2.5weeks ago. Eerily, I am heading to Nevada next (where you mentioned you started!). Saw that you had some original inspirers- now YOU are an original inspirer! 😅 Could use some help tho, will try to reach out to ya. Thank you for the fantastic presentation
Goodluck!
Thanks!
Thank You!!
I really enjoyed watching how you've organized such a small space for full-time living. I've just had a breakup, and the cost of renting is consuming half of my wages. I've got my Nissan X-TRAIL 2011 that I'm going to be living in and working from in the next 2 weeks, for the next 12 months.
Thank you for the kind words. Goodluck out there. It won't be easy but it'll also be super rewarding.
I am not sure what you are doing with your electrical but you don't really need any switch mechanism or manually move around solar panels.
I have 2x100w solar panels mounted on the roof rack permanently which charges the "Home battery" (formerly Jackery portable in rear cabin now an Aux Battery under Bonnet). Both Batteries get fully charged in under 3 hours drive. Solar is useful to charge the batteries when I am not moving for 2/3 days at a time.
The fridge is always connected to the rear cabin Power supply and thus always on. No switch business at all!
Check out RedArc BCDC charger setup.
As a Tennessean, yeah that’s a bit true 🥲
Driven across the US. Tenn has the worst freeways I've experienced lol
Your setup looks like a moonshade would be good addition.
nice, very nice traveling tips :)
Thank you! 😃
It's yoyo time lol I lost it.... That sounds was perfect, hope you're alright buddy
We survived :)
Amazing set up you got there! I could not believe how much you took out of hiden little corners, loved it! The thing I wondered was.. where do you keep your water for bathing, cooking, etc
The water is in the door where the fridge is, maybe I forgot to talk about it? That being said its only for drinking/lil bit of cleaning. I don't bath with it!
BRAH - Thanks so much for sharing. How did you - just mechanically speaking - attach your mic to the roof? SO COOL. Hate to jinx it but that's your life. I hope you're still doing GREAT.
The mic just attaches to the cross bar I have that I also use the iPad on :)
@@AlexArmitage Oh yeah! Somehow I skipped over that minute. I'm a dozer. O;
I have a 4Runner and want to do this. So badly. Been doing my research. Hardest part is I have 2 cats. They don’t do harnesses (I’ve tried) so I am trying to work around giving them room when I park on BLM, etc. I don’t know if it’s going to work (don’t want them stuck for months only in my 4Runner). Other option is an Ekko. Or other RV. But prefer not to incur debt. Haha 😅. It’s a hot mess. This is great info. Thank you!
People ask themselves, how was it possible for English culture to spread around the world?
You can find the answer in this young man, that means that the most English people are so smart like this young man.. He's so smart and intelligent.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us.❤❤❤
Love your conversion looks very livable! Also I can’t stop thinking your Kip from Napoleon Dynamite…. Are you?
I'm amazed you remember where stuff is in your truck, certainly maximised use of space.......
No different than knowing where your stuff is in your house!
Electric blanket is my savior when camping in cold weather. I have 300 watts of solar on my roof and 400 watts of AGM batteries. And a 300 watt Jackery for backup.
Not a bad idea. I'd kill for permanent solar
@@AlexArmitage it's definitely worth it. I started with just a 100 watt panel and later upgraded
I love how organized you are! Some people who live on the road keep a dog or cat for company. Do you get very lonely?
Loneliness is the hardest thing about living on the road, personally.
Great setup, thanks for sharing in so much detail. Curious why don't you have an awning?
Just wouldn’t use it enough to justify it. It would be great here and there. But anywhere I typically want it for rain, it’s also real windy.
Great video! How do you have a death certificate? Great Tip on the extra storage drives. You definitely have everything you need in your 4 Runner. Well organized!
Hah, not my own. My parents because every now and then I need them.
Loved your video! Inspiring and I love the founder! How do you have enough wifi for movies etc? Hot spot?
Phone / Hotspot / Download over wifi. All depending on where I am. I have lots of service in the states most of the time.
Very nice set up. Where can I get a Hardcastle for my front seat?
That was a really interesting behind the scenes.. thanks for the tour! Did you choose the 4Runner for a reason (not that I understand much of cars)? 😅
I owned it before deciding to vanlife :) so not really haha
Kool..
Awesome video. At this point I think you just need to sneak Levy into every video
Maybe I should start clickbaiting as good as him as well!
Good morning Alex 🌈 Thank you for the tour of your home on wheels. I made my Ford escape into a temporary RV and lived on a beach in Mexico for a winter. I need to be able to use it as a regular car when not camping. I can convert it in about 1/2 hour. It's important for me to sit up in the back so my bed is on the floor. There's a shelf that goes across the back and sits on the things where the cargo screen would go. That's where I have plactic drawers for all my stuff. I sleep with my head at the back of the seat and my feet under one side of the shelf. There's more drawers beside my feet. My fridge is in the same place as yours. I keep my clothes in a duffle bag between the fridge and the shelf. I thought I would share what I have as ideas for the "weekend" dweller. I think of yours being a house and mine being a cottage 😊
Love this Linda. Email me some tour pics?!
@@AlexArmitage are you on Facebook?
Since you love Toyota vehicles, why not get a used Tundra with a shell? It would have twice the room and lots of Shell head/bed room that you are lacking in the 4runner for sleeping. Plus, a Tundra has a large tailgate you can sit on and open for dressing and to control temperate in the summer. Also, you have two separate secure areas to lock which are the shell and the cab. The mileage is not great in either, but a Tundra V8 could easily pull a small rig like a teardrop trailer if you wanted even more room. Something to think about, since it looks like you are already maxed out on room in the little 4runner.
I'd go popup if I moved to a tundra. And while I've thought about it, that's a lot of money/work at this point. Not sure what route ill head
Wow very nicely organised van
Some questions
Didn’t see your potty stuff
Do you carry only 3 gallons of water?
How about your bathing
I shower wherever I am and find bathrooms wherever I am. So nothing related to that in the car. Only 3 gallons, yup! if I need more I can buy jugs for periods where I might be out longer
Cool conversion of that car 👌. A diesel heater would be by far more efficient as heating the car by remote starting it 36:22. Offers Ford the possibility to add one as option?
no space or setup for something like that logistically. Can't have it in the cab
Cannot wait for iPhone 15 Pro RAW and 48MP HEIF comparison with Canon R5
Just finished this video but didn't do any 48mp heifs!
Is this Nathaniel wise set up? There’s a video where him and a friend gutted a forerunner or sequoia and made it very nice and livable the way he had his set up
Nice build !
Kinda, not nearly as complicated
Very detailed. How do u wash up lightly?
I don't really.
Great video! How’s the headroom when you’re on the bed? I have a 4Runner I’m looking to put a box in it. I’m worried it will be claustrophobic
there isn't much. You can see at the end how I sit up in the vehicle.
@@AlexArmitage how many inches of space is between the mattress and ceiling?
Hi from England, Alex! Can I ask how you cope with condensation? Any issues of mild from poor air circulation in the nooks crannies and closed spaces?
I assume you meant mold. No, zero. Well technically I had a little on the underside of the bed but that was because I had spent all my time in dry climate and when I got to Oregon in spring 2022, I wasn't propping up my bed everyday after I woke up. Thus a tiny little amount showeed up on the underside of my mattress. That said, once I realized I need to check under the bed every day in any area with moisture. I just prop it up with my pillows every day to air out. Hasn't been an issue since and only matters really when its cold out and in a wet area. For the rest of the vehicle, no issues.
Do those sherpa mounts for the roam cases secure the cases so they cant be stolen off your roof? Do the cases also lock? theft concerns?
Can't find a single lock that fits them. I just don't put stuff up there I can't live without. No issues so far and it's sat for months in public places. If people really want my dirty shoes, they can have them haha
❤
Hey Alex, how many miles have you put on the 4Runner so far? How long do you think you can reasonably keep it? What will you do when it's time to say good-bye?
All great questions. Only one I can definitely answer is just hit 66k miles. Roughly 25k miles per year being on the road full time. No idea when itll be time to say goodbye.
Ok I have one more question for you. Cute going on a 8 week vacation. How many extra batteries do u suggest. I’m thinking 2 plus one on cameras
3 batteries for 8 weeks? You can charge over USB C.
Did you do and written/drawn out plans for this with measurements?
Not really. Just measured how long we could get away with the base. Then filled in the 40inch drawers. Then used the rest for the clothes cubby.
Since it's just you, could you remove the pasenger seat for even more room?
yes technically but I have people sometimes!
Would it be worth adding a smoke detector and/or carbon monoxide detector?
Necessary for a van, not sure about here because I don't cook inside.
I was living out of my in modded 4Runner for a couple months but die to my height and overflow of things found it uncomfortable. I’m 6’3” and am curious how if anyone around my height has found success doing this or a similar build
what do you do for showering?
Find places to shower! not as hard as you'd think
You have done this before!
I have?! Where??
Where do you shower and use #2? Curious.
Show is a lot of places. Depends where i am. YMCA / Community centers / truck stops etc. Bathroom is anywhere I can find one when I need it
Where do you plan to winter? Not Canada I assume!
South. You know this
31:46
Is that a twin size bed?
I think it’s just a single?
I knew jana wasnt your partner hahahaha
13:54
Why didn't you put the opening to your stove on the other side so you can use your back door for an awning and keep you out of the elements ?
Because most camp stoves have the propane line on the other side of the stove. Also it allows me to cook with the 2nd drawer open a little more freely. The awning doesn't really keep out elements in any serious weather anywho.
Ahhhh I see
@@AlexArmitage I’m wanting to do the same thing just can’t decide between a 4Runner Build or a Tacoma build. Like the idea of having everything under one roof
I really want to see what you can do with the iPhone 15 pro max with it's new camera features please make this video 😭😭😭😭😭
It's finished. Releasing next week don't worry.
@@AlexArmitage 😭😭😭😭🙌🙌🙌🙌Thank you I can't wait to see what you can do with that proper 5x Lens
Gas
Don’t they get the worst gas? You have a great set up.
It ain't great
Pretty sure you have about 40 pairs of shoes!
I do in fact have more than I need. But when I got the last pair, I’ve always known if I need the room. I can mail stuff to my storage unit!
We need more yo yo content!
Noted :P
You keep your Death Certificate 😮😮😮 as well????