Beginner Camping/Off-Road Build - suggestions?

[Kklose17]

I am trying to make a game plan for customizing my 25 4Runner to be able to take it off-road and camping occasionally (no real challenging terrain…yet). Does anybody have any suggestions on what I should start with? (Shocks/lift? Lights? Front bumper? …) I’m not sure budget yet so any input regardless of costs of parts is welcome. Thanks!

P.S. I realize this is subjective and no right/wrong answer. I’m just looking for a jump off point

Sponsored

 

[Mad Ghost]

If your starting with an off road... my say is Westcott Lift. it gives you a little extra height. then maybe some real skids like a TRD Pro front, Trailhunter under body/diff. Then unless you want to spend thousands on a roof tent. I would do something like a Yakima Roof Box or just a cargo rack on the rear hitch sorta like mine. I've used a Coleman Evanston tent for about 5 years now and really enjoyed it. An Exped Sleeping mat is life changing. Sleeping pad I do recommend sealing the seams of the tent as a just in case.

 

[Mad Ghost]

 

[Tarekith]

If you're just getting started you don't need to do anything to the 4Runner yet, it's one of the most capable off-road vehicles stock from the factory that you can buy. So while lifts, roof tents, lights, and bumper look cool, your 4Runner won't be keeping you from getting off-road right from day one if you don't have some of those. Get yourself a tent and some good sleeping bags/pads/quilts/cooking stove (assuming you don't have any) for now and put that money where it will go the farthest first.

If you REALLY want to start building the vehicle up, a skid plate of some sort or another would likely be my first choice. Even then, without one you're going to be just fine going on some pretty technical trails if you take your time and understand all the off-roading tech in the 4Runner.

 

[shine]

Suggest prioritizing skid plates and rock sliders. Hitting a rock the wrong way can quickly become very expensive without these.

Next, some basic recovery tools. Traction boards, a good shovel! snatch strap.

Edit: almost forgot - a set of Staun deflators to air down, and a good compressor to air back up. Airing down when off pavement will make your ride so much more comfortable for both you and your 4Runner!

 

[fur_runner]

I would second everyone else here and say you don't need to do anything serious if you're trying to go camping w some light offroading. I think the best you could do is go actually offroading with locals who can help you if you get in trouble. You'll see the limits of what your truck can do, and only you can decide if you want to do that kind of stuff to go camping

I started where you were, and I broke it into phases: phase 1 was basic recovery equipment, phase 2 was "overland shit", and phase 3 was the big stuff like lifts and tires. I got a truck full of maxtrax and recovery ropes, tools and jacks, and then hit the OHV trails. I hit trails WAY harder than I would want to do with my dogs in the car, let alone w a trunk full of tents and stuff - and the truck handled it with ease, never even put on the rear locker

I got home, removed all the recovery gear, and got all the camping gear I've ever wanted. The reality is that there are only two kinds of campsites in the park systems: ones a Prius can drive to, and ones you have to walk to. I keep the tools in my truck at all times, and I keep a rear recovery point in there just in case, but otherwise just go wild w the camping part, because your truck is already ready to go

The best money I spent on my truck was getting an EcoFlow battery. I use it for everything camping: electric blanket, air fryer, running the fridge, you name it. THAT kind of thing will make you use your truck offroad more than anything else. Also, get a bigger tent than you need - it isn't like you're hiking the Appalachain Trail, get something you stand up in and put a full sized air mattress in. You're way more likely to go outdoors if you're having fun and comfortable

 

[Roach011]

better tires.

Most likely this vehicle w/ better tires can do far more than you're willing to try.

 

[Jeff_DML]

better tires.

Most likely this vehicle w/ better tires can do far more than you're willing to try.

yeah, i have pretty minor mods on my 5th gen compared to most people and been wondering if I should of just gotten better OEM sized better tires only. I actually went pretty far on the crappy OEM AS tires before I changed anything(Coyote Flats in Eastern sierras is one example).

 

[Jeff_DML]

 

[Tarekith]

Great video from a great channel.

 

[ToYoDaMan]

Glad I watched this video before I got carried away with the mods! Thank you!

Sponsored