Backpacking Commuter

Hello,
Recently made the switch from a 2016 Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 to a 2019 4Runner SR5 4x4.


My main hobbies are ultralight backpacking and photography, mainly in National Parks.

I loved my taco, but I needed something I could sleep in without having to set up camp for the late night drives on the way to backpack in those beautiful places.

Drove straight to the tire shop to get 275 KO2’s and I will be building a low profile sleeping platform and upgrading the suspension.


If anything, the switch was already a success due to having a cup holder that fits a Nalgene!



Some photography and gear lists can be found here: https://operationbalance.wordpress.com/

 

Check out a company in Colorado called Air Down Gear Up. They make a cool, albeit expensive, sleeping platform with optional pull-out drawers. It converts to a sleeping platform in a matter of seconds. I have no dog in this, I just think their product is pretty neat.

https://store.airdowngearup.com/collections/5th-gen-4runner/products/ss1-platform-5th-gen-4runner

 

That’s a sweet design! I did a ton of searching and never came across them. I have a desire to fabricate and design, so I’m creating my own!

 

Kings installed today. 2.5” front, 2” rear OME springs, Camburg UCA’s.
Putting some miles in before it’s first alignment in the morning.
The 275’s fit great. Was worried they’d look a little too small. Still might go up to 255/80’s.
Will definitely be adjusting the fronts up another 0.5” as they’ve already settled a little.
The ride is absolutely incredible compared to stock. Was skeptical how much it’d actually be improved, but couldn’t be happier.

 

Looks good! How many threads are showing above your upper spring collar on your front shocks?

 

6 are showing. In a few weeks I will be going up a little more, about 0.5” more.
It looks way better and higher in person. I also wanted to keep some rake.

 

Got the frame for the low profile sleeping platform, storage and seat delete complete.
Next step is wood and then carpet! Very pleased with how it came out.

 

Installed Rago guards today on the rear as well.

 

Low profile platform frame is painted and installed.



Installed the cooler tie down points as well.

 

Following. Good stuff man

 

Thanks!! Been a fun project so far.

 

Carpet finished. Messed up on one panel, going to have to redo it, but it was a learning curve.

 

Different views in some better light.

 

Swapped out the SR5 wheels with some OR wheels. Love them.

 

Finally getting around to cutting and mounting the plastic trim. Pictures do not do it justice, but it looks clean and really ties it together to make it look “factory”

 

Pics of the trim pieces and with the mattress setup.

 

Well done, looks great! Amazing how much room the seat delete freed up. I may have missed it, but how much would you guess the platform weighs?

 

Nice setup. I’d love to do this to my GX. Keep it up!

 

Looking good

 

Thank you! That’s tough to say. The frame only ended up being around 35lbs (guesstimate compared to one of my kettlebells)
The plywood is probably equally as heavy. All in all I think 70lbs would be pretty accurate

 

Do it!! It turned out great, I love it. There’s really no great aftermarket options, and I really didn’t want full plywood. Being able to sit up fully on the bed was a big reason for making it so low profile, you can’t do that with any other system or a drawer system. Let me know if you have any questions!

 

Thank you!!

 

My problem is my brain hurts thinking about building custom anything haha