4runner camper [Archive] - Expedition Portal

4Rescue

12-29-2008, 01:09 AM

does anyone know if there is a camper made for the early 4runner bodys to replace the topperDude, I've been thinking and pondering that for quite awhile now... As far as I know...NO.

I've been thinking of just buying a second topper for my truck and modify it to work as a sort of camper topper. I would like to replace the far rear windows with outside accessible storage boxes and make a flip top tent like the XV-JP.

Honestly, I see ALOT of potential for things like this with these truck, with the removable top and the factory bolt on configuration it seems like it's be pretty easy to make something like what were looking for. You might have to remove the roll bar, but it already has a built in pass through of sorts. I personaly would not attempt to put a kitchen inside, but it'd be nice to have a tent top and the ability to keep your gear in the truck as well.

Cheers

Dave

CLynn85

12-29-2008, 01:22 AM

hinoranger

12-29-2008, 02:33 AM

I'm moving in that general direction with my '85. The body on on mine is a lost cause but if the plans work out maybe I can find one with a body worth saving.

toyotatruckjunkie

12-29-2008, 03:12 AM

I've be thinking about how to do the same to my '85 Runner. I mind-engineered it, drew it up, and did some research. I was planning on using the stock bolt holes so that it would be removable. Something along the lines of the Jeep based thing or old Sunrader's etc. w/ pop tops.

I have a wheeling buddy that owns a metal fab shop (and his own Runner). I discussed it with him. He was concerned that it would be way heavy, even in aluminum, and way expensive given the cost of alum right now. I contacted Four Wheel Camper to see if they ever did one, or knew anyone who did, and they didn't.

In my plans, I tried to fit in a head, a galley, sitting and sleeping areas into it. It's just too small for all that. You could keep the cooking functions outside, but most places I go/want to go have some wicked bugs. You could do an outside head/shower, but that sucks in the cold.

I haven't given up on the idea, and would be interested in brainstorming with others if they have attempted.

efuentes

12-29-2008, 03:33 AM

I have been going round and round on the same dilemma, first with my Toyo 2nd gen truck, then with a runner, I have finally settled on a CJ with TJ Unlimited dimensions.

I ditched the mini truck platform since I couldn't fit in.

4Rescue

12-29-2008, 04:03 AM

There was actually a buildup on an 89 4Runner sometime back, think the guys forum name was "RatherDiesel" that was attempting to graft a steel utility truck shell to create a camper body, and also incorporated a Merc Diesel swap. The last I remember seeing it on Pirate 4x4 though was that he'd abandoned the camper to focus on the diesel swap with a drivable 4x4.
Yeah that was a bad MMM build, but I haven't seen if he ever finished it. I heard he hadn't and that it fell by the wayside. That build was going to be about perfect in my book, I belive he was looking at the 1KZ-T for a powerplant :drool: Anyone have any info on what ever happened to this guy and his awsome ideas???

Cheers

Dave

rynosurf

12-29-2008, 05:14 AM

Is the bed in the 4runner the same size as a truck? If it is you could get a flipac or even a cabover callen, take out the front window, cut the crossmember out under the window, make a boot out of marine grade vinyl and you are set.

sami

12-29-2008, 07:52 PM

Is the bed in the 4runner the same size as a truck? If it is you could get a flipac

This is precisely what i've been thinking about

4Rescue

12-29-2008, 11:10 PM

I belive... and I may be wrong, but I belive that the 1st gen 4 Runner is dimensionaly identical to a standard cab short-bed p/u. I know that my Buddies 91 was literaly the EXACT same length overall as my 4Runner, now wether Flipac makes a canopy for that small a bed I do not know, but that would be an awesome idea if they did.

Cheers

Dave

Scenic WonderRunner

12-30-2008, 02:35 AM

I just measured my shell at the bottom as it sits along the bed rail.

76 3/4 Long X 59" Wide (at the back)

(Note that the top is more narrow than the bottom.)

.

Scott Brady

12-30-2008, 04:17 AM

Has anyone confirmed the size of the 4Wheel Camper Falcon?

http://www.fourwh.com/finch.htm

http://www.fourwh.com/finch.jpg

slosurfer

12-30-2008, 08:14 PM

NOt sure where everyone is located, but here are some free ones on the east coast you could play with.

http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=120307

sami

12-31-2008, 01:25 AM

NOt sure where everyone is located, but here are some free ones on the east coast you could play with.

http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=120307

This thread is about custom campers, not factory tops.

toyotatruckjunkie

12-31-2008, 02:41 AM

Was thinking that idea thru today.

Take a stock one, cut it around the edges, attach canvas walls to the top, and the sides, rig up a scissor lift setup, so that when lifted, the canvas is tight. Like so many pop-top campers. Not perfect, but interesting. Doesn't take advantage of cab-over area.

Or, maybe make the stock lid into a flip top like the Flip Pac. Hinge it towards the front. Could make a big bed area. With the right support, the stock 'glass top could probably support some weight.

Obviously, I'm thinking out loud.

Wish I has another spare stock top to play with here in East TX.....

slosurfer

12-31-2008, 11:48 PM

This thread is about custom campers, not factory tops.
:confused:
What a better way to have a custom camper made than to start with a factory top.

Even if a flippac or any of the others that fit a regular truck bed will fit the 4runner, you still have to worry about sealing the cabin or connecting the two to make a pass through.
:shakin:

Scenic WonderRunner

12-31-2008, 11:55 PM

Good idea's TTJ...

Could it hinge to the rear with proper support and offer a built in patio cover!??

You have no idea how many sleepless nights have been filled with dreams like such as these!:elkgrin:

.

Hey Slo....

It's OK! Your idea is Kewl...You are Kewl...and flip top 4Runners would be Super Kewl!:sombrero:

(I agree!)

.

toyotatruckjunkie

01-01-2009, 01:52 PM

Gotta tell everyone; it is so nice to hear from so many others that are kept up at night by the same ideas. It is really nice to have 'friends' that are as sick as you are.

The problem with using the stock 4runner cap as the starting point is the lack of width, if you really start taking a tape measure to it, it just isn't very wide. Especially at the gutter height. Most of the fatory made campers are wide body in the rear. For a reason.

I like the flip-top to the rear for a canopy idea, as long as the rig is lifted enough to stand under it. Mine is; 9.5" lift, 36's... but not all of them would be. Flipping forward solves that issue. And then you would also have the issue of the doorway. I was planning to the door in the rear wall; in place of the tailgate.

I was watching the Barrett-Jackson auction this morning when an original woodie wagon gave me the idea of building the whole camper section out of wood. W/ the right design and copious amounts of varnish, could look really cool and retro surf wagon. Anyone else see my vision on that one? Made with the right wood, could this be lighter than aluminum? I found this site;

http://dougsvintagetrailers.com/campotel

that gave me lots of ideas. Also made me realize that I am far the first guy to have the desire to build campers from out of the ordinary vehicles. What's old is new again. We need not reinvent the wheel.

sami

01-02-2009, 03:31 PM

It'd be nice to fit a Westfalia to the factory top, but like mentioned, i bet the factory top is too narrow at the top. I cut up a factory top last year to make a hard bikini top of sorts.. talk about nasty! First time messing with fiberglass, what a mess.

Grim Reaper

01-03-2009, 06:24 PM

I have been mulling this over for years. Even bought a spare top to start hacking on. The biggest thing that I hate about both my 4Runner and my Suburban is the tailgate. It is my bane and I hate them.

Nothing sucks like standing in the rain waiting for the damn window to go do so you can throw something in the back. That or trying to load something heavy over the gate. In the case of the suburban my wife cannot handle the gate without both hands. She has so much trouble with the gate that she loads groceries in the side door on the floor. I am actually on the hunt for a suburban to scavenge barn doors off and convert it.

So priority one is loose the gate and go to a door. Problem two is I do have kids. They like their windows. That limits side access doors. I could possibly get just a driver side door and lose the window. My youngest rides passenger side and the oldest (16 and living with her dad) hardly rides with me anymore.

These two complaints have me thinking that the factory top is not a good starting point except to get the factory mounting rails to start a build off of.

Now I am eyeing utility shells that I could put a RV windows in the side door for the kids. I may have one lined up. I need to measure it but a buisness next to one of our facility's has one that just might work sitting behind their building and has been there over a year. I have somebody checking with them. It is small enough to fit in my work van on its side. LOL I'm actually surprised it hasn't been stolen for the aluminum. One single large back door with a window and it should be easy to modify the top to fit the toy. Its aluminum the skin is pop riveted on and it would be easy to narrow it. Since the door is a little narrower then the the gate it will make mounting a swing out carrier for the spare easier.

Corey

01-03-2009, 11:13 PM

Modding a Flip Pack to a 4Runner shell would be cool.

http://www.bajataco.com/vikingvince/Vince_FlipPac/L_vikingvince02.jpg

http://www.bajataco.com/vikingvince/Vince_FlipPac/index.htm

Backwoods Rambler

01-21-2009, 06:23 PM

Very cool thread guys. Not a 4runner owner, but I defintely appreciate the passion for "working with what you have" and making your vehicle as "All purpose as possible".

I'll be watching this thread :costumed-smiley-007

toyotatruckjunkie

01-22-2009, 01:57 AM

Thanks for the kind words, but I've gotten nowhere. Just a bunch of pipe dreams right now. Not that I've given up on this idea, but I'm actually leaning towards making a new frame/suspension for a cheap used pop-up trailer now.

Flip-Pac on a Runner would be cool. Could be modified to fit/seal up tight. They replied to my inquiry, but are NOT interested in modifying their unit to fit a 1st gen Runner. Seems like a market opportunity to me. If I wasn't consumed with my existing business, I'd build something to fill this void, but I just don't have the time.

toyotatruckjunkie

01-24-2009, 01:40 PM

Yeah, someone should pick that up. I've got some ideas on how to adapt it to a Runner. I've seen them for $1000. I don't really know, but $2500 may be a little high to start cutting it up (to me anyways).

I agree, let's not let the thread die.

Kermit

01-24-2009, 04:59 PM

Don't forget about a Wildernest too. I picked mine up for $400. It wouldn't take too much effort to cut the front out of it, and devise a rubber boot between the camper and body interface. You might loose some structural integerity, but I am sure something can be done to reinforce it.

The lines are a little cleaner looking on the 'Nest too.

I have been thinking of removing the rear window and tail gate, and building a single door entry, like the one found on a Four Wheel Camper, to ease getting in an out of it.

http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/25089/2982958250093498191S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2982958250093498191YpNEUR)

http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/3565/2404590760093498191S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2404590760093498191SnJctI)

http://inlinethumb06.webshots.com/26821/2412702680093498191S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2412702680093498191XWKAkB)

Corey

01-24-2009, 05:06 PM

Looks great!
Surely someone could adapt one of these to a 1st gen 4Runner.
I would if I had one.

toyotatruckjunkie

01-26-2009, 02:14 AM

Interesting site for used Wildernests.

http://www.wildernestcamper.com/

One for $500. That I could justify cutting up to make work. Anyone local to that one?

Pest

08-11-2009, 02:28 AM

Probably a shot in the dark, but any progress made on the 4runner flippac idea? I also have an 85 4runner and have been thinking about something like that...

toyotatruckjunkie

08-11-2009, 03:28 AM

No progress on my side. I got distracted from this idea with the idea of converting a Ford Camper Van I bought to 4wd. It was a great plan, except for the lack of time, lack of fab space (and skills), and the ability to justify the additional investment of money into that thing.

I've since sold that project, and am now back to my idea of buying a cheap pop-up and building an off-road worthy frame for it.

I still like the idea, but I got off the Runner Flip-pac project based on concerns about space. I love my Runner, and it is already built for off-road, but the platform is just too small to make a useful camper IMO. The Earthroamer Jeep platform is what I had in mind to emulate, but it is really small. Too small for 2 adults and 2 dogs, and God willing, kids in the future.

I'm now thinking a trailer better fits my needs/wants. Could change tomorrow.

Good luck to you. And by ALL means, post pics if you make any progress.

Pest

08-13-2009, 10:10 PM

IMO. [...] The Earthroamer Jeep platform is what I had in mind to emulate, [...]

My thoughts precisely. True it is small, but extremely functional!

Funrover

08-13-2009, 10:22 PM

A buddy and I were talking a couple weeks ago about a flip pack on his runner. IMO you could get much better of a set up!

ADVbound

01-11-2011, 02:38 AM

Anyone ever see a 2nd gen 4runner/hilux surf with a pop top conversion, what would happen to the over all strength of the body?
Or... should I just get a "chaser" trailer, probably be cheaper...

offthebeatenpath

01-11-2011, 03:47 AM

Holy thread revival Batman!

I mean, uh, no- I've never seen the pop top conversion.

ADVbound

01-11-2011, 05:38 AM

Yeah, I googled pop-tops and ended up with this forum, so I added to it, didn't realize how old it was until I was done, but whatever! Hopefully I get some feedback for the top.

Ruined Adventures

01-11-2011, 03:16 PM

That would be really cool for sure...maybe if you could find a wrecked westfalia or other pop-top and try a transplant. Of course you'd have to hack up the 4runner's roof, there must be a way to reinforce the body after surgery (install a rollbar from a 1st gen 4R?). I'd be willing to bet you'd be the only 4runner out there with a pop top and you'd earn some serious :drool: points among this crowd.

Then again, it could look ridiculous if it wasn't done right, and then you'd have a ruined 2nd gen...I say try it! Maybe it could lead into another sportsmobile franchise! :sombrero:

ADVbound

01-11-2011, 03:43 PM

:I was thinking of heading to a camper conversion shop and asking, their always cutting the tops out of ford/chev/gmc vans, so how hard could it be? I was thinking of a chinook top from the old toyota 2wd, but I think it be too wide, also the 4runner has a slight curve to the roof, I think... plus the surf has a power sunroof so I can set it up to be powered, that way when I get sloshed I can push a button to go to sleep and not have to figure out hand-cranks, zippers, velcro, tabs, snaps or any other super confusing things that leave me outside and sleeping under the rear bumper.:victory:

NorthernWoodsman

01-11-2011, 04:15 PM

thebrassnuckles

01-11-2011, 04:30 PM

Anyone ever see a 2nd gen 4runner/hilux surf with a pop top conversion, what would happen to the over all strength of the body?
Or... should I just get a "chaser" trailer, probably be cheaper...

not on a 4runner... but look at it anyways, cause its cool.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54375&highlight=brothers

I would imagine it wouldnt be too hard, what you could do, is cut the hole, and then line the rim of the hole with som square tubing tied into the factory body bracing. it would greatly improve the strength. throw in some proper gusseting and you wold be good to go.

another option would be to do something like this...but with a 4runer, and pickup bedsides. not a 'burban/blazer

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff104/19rusty73/Blazurban3.jpg

I have a flippac that I plan on mounting on my 1st gen 4runner. I havent done... any work to it.. but I mean i have most the parts to do it...:sombrero:

ADVbound

01-11-2011, 05:03 PM

was thinking this...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh192/paulscape/20070608_1152502.jpg

But more like this... bottom of page.

http://www.delica.ca/forum/highroof-pop-top-int-ext-camper-conversions-list-3751-15.html

thebrassnuckles

01-11-2011, 05:11 PM

I forgot to add, put a flip pack on the back of the 4runner after you graft the truck bedrails to where you cut the top... but thats a load of work..

I know cause I'm in the process of doing the latter on a 4runner that already has bedrails...:Wow1:

4Rescue

01-11-2011, 09:03 PM

The first gen certainly has the benefit of having a mounting system already built in to base something off of... BUT, if they can make pop-tops out of Cruisers with full bodies like the 100 above (Love those conversions) then someone can DEFINATLY make something simillar out of the full-bodied 2nd Gen 4Runner.

Glad to see this thread rise from the ashes.

The 1st Gen 4Runner is a great platform for nearly any kind of 4Wheeling I just sleep in the back of mine as it is right now. I've got an old Double bed-sized Futon that I fold in half behind the front seats with the rear seat bottoms removed (basicly my truck is a pick-up with a pass through right now, no rear seats) and it works awesome for the GF and I caue we can get nearly anwhere you'd ever want to camp and once we get there, out come the action packers and the futon flips out to make the bed. I've even made a vestibule that mounts off my Roof-basket to cover the rear... Louie the 125lb Bernese Mt. Dog has his bed on the tailgate and sleeps like a baby untill morning when he climbs up and cuddles with us untill we wake up... As I said in my previous posts, I'm working on replacing the rear most windows with "storage boxes" like you'd find on a service body for all the stuff I don't need in the cab of the truck like recovery gear etc. Next up will be a drawer/sleeping platform build (this is all going slowly as I recover from my 2nd Neck Surgery...)

Personaly I think a stock top could easily be moded to make a flip over ala Flipac (Neat idea going backwards over the tail gate to make a covered area) my biggest concern is I run a basket rack and I don't think I could give it up. SO maybe just making something that could lift UP like a Sportsmobile???

Let's keep this thread alive. I'm still wondering what happened to Rather Diesel's truck. he'd made alot of headway for it to just go to the scrapper...

Cheers

Dave

toyotatruckjunkie

01-16-2011, 03:45 AM

Wow, it was nice to see this thread reborn.

I've moved onto doing an offroad conversion on my Casita trailer, but would love to see something come out of the 1st gen 4runner camper idea.

Another idea I had, what about all canvas top and sides, with aluminum bows like a boat top? My softtop uses these and a quality boat top shop could make something custom. Canvas may give you design flexibility that hard metal or fiberglass sides wouldn't. It may be pretty ugly from the inside in the folded down position.

I will be relocating back to SW FL in the next few months. There are tons of boat top guys down there. One of them may be interested in making some extr money. They are relatively few and far between here in East Texas. I may be able to look into this when I get settled down there.