Family camping/hunting ideas

Hello

I’m a new owner and my family likes to hunt and camp. I don’t do any off roading but want the ability to get off the beaten path when needed. Any ideas on what I could do and the basics of making my 2021 SR5 fully capable?
Thank you in advance. RLTW!

 

I’d go for a nice set of AT tires (all 5). See where that takes you. After a while you may want to consider some other upgrades, but start with tires.

Good luck!
Mike

 

Thanks getting Cooper AT 4s tomorrow.
Thanks Sir

 

Once you get off maintained roads you’ll want real rock sliders ( not nerf nor predator bars).

The rocker panels are usually the first thing to take a hit.

Cheers
Mike

 

Depending on the terrain add some recovery boards to get un stuck. Sliders and skids depending on terrain and impacts too. Long list of recovery gear dependent on where your at and terrain.

 

With decent tires and pay attention to where you drive you'll be fine. Skids and sliders are a waste of money for a lot of people. Factory skids work and running boards are fine. Once you damage those then you have proved you are ready to upgrade skid plates or add sliders. A pair of traction boards for added confidence if you want to.

 

As mentioned above, a decent set of tires will make a huge difference.

Basic recovery gear is the next logical step. Traction boards and a shovel will usually get you out of a pickle. A come-along and some straps can also help a ton, provided you explore in areas with trees.

After that, armor if you play in the rocks.

 

Good point here! I didn't bother with armor until I trashed the factory skids.

Does the SR5 come with skids?

If so, the factory skids will hold up to some abuse. Once they're trashed, you can definitely justify getting some real skids.

 

Hey thanks for explaining this. I was a bit perturbed. Reading the title it sounded like you're looking for a spot to hunt families and then camp them; kill them repeatedly when they spawn.

But it makes more sense with your description.

 

If you buy a come along, make sure you can get it to function as intended at home.

When you are stuck in the forest with your family is not the right time.

Ask me how I know.

 

And actually use the recovery tools when you need them instead of trying more and more skinny pedal.
Ask me how I know.

 

Good AT tires are first upgrade anyone going off pavement should do as mentioned. Add a compressor so you can air down. Amazing the difference airing down makes.

Also have a jack that will work off pavement if you need to change tire. One option is blocks to boost height of OEM bottle jack if not interested in upgrading to better jack.

 

I know I might catch some flack here but the first thing I bought was a roof rack. With a family you will soon overwhelm the limited storage space in your 4runner and being able to stow tents and storage bags on top really helps. The 4runner is an amazingly capable rig as it comes. You will find it an amazing ride!

 

A hitch mounted cargo tray can come in handy. My son's first deer! Archery hunting!

 

Real tires. Suitable roof rack or basket. Water, food, tent. Good judgement.

Hit the road.

The stock 4Runner (yes, even SR5) is VERY capable and reliable.

I take my whole family (wife, young kids, dog) out into the deserts and wilds of CA, NV, OR, UT, MT for weeks every year.

ZERO VEHICLE RELATED ISSUES.

Jason

 

I’ll add one more thing @Jmdred Practice using it in increasingly extreme terrain so you’ll be ready to take it a little further off-road, should the need ever arise while getting to the hunting site. You just never know .

Also, that way you’ll use the armor you just bought. Bigger tires and a re-gear are helpful, but I suppose not technically necessary.

Have fun with your 4runner!

 

Thank everyone for the ideas! I did get some new tires Cooper Ats just in time for hunting season heading out in the morning.

 

Aww snap, a fellow Ranger! Welcome aboard brother.

 

Welcome brother from Arizona RLTW

 

My son is in his second week of Ranger School now. I was SF, but regretted not going the Ranger route first.

 

Be aware.. items on a rear cargo near exhaust exit can become extremely hot after driving. Hate to see you melt that tarp to your venison!

 

Very true, but only a short four mile drive on a cool evening!

 

driving in deep soft sand with ATs is not as good as the stock treads as the ATs tend to dig in more rather than float over the sand even when aired down. So terrain vs tires can be different, one size does not fit all.

 

My wife and I took our large-ish dogs to a cabin in WV last weekend and used our cargo tray for the first time. We have the Curt one, and wow did it make it easy to load/unload our stuff. Good recommendation.

PS - The Curt tray is raised and extended back a bit, so exhaust heat wasn't an issue. But there is still plenty of room to open the hatch.

 

Agreed deep soft sand is a different animal. Saw a YouTube where someone was stuck and solution was to pour some water for sand to get wet and clump together. Never thought of it but it did get the guy unstuck.