2012 4Runner Build

[Tacopirate177]

Hey Everyone!

My wife and I have decided to make the move from a 99 Jeep Cherokee to our 2012 4Runner which is my wife's daily driver. We have started by moving the existing rear build out into the 4R as well as attaching our James Baroud rooftop tent onto the 4R. The first time we took the 4R out on a trip was last winter (2020-2021) for a week long excursion throughout KY/TN/NC. We ended up taking the 4R instead of the Jeep because of a shock mount being busted on the Jeep. This was the moment we knew that the 4R was for us! The Jeep has been amazing for us and a great starter vehicle to get into traveling off grid but once you take an 8 day trip filled with leather and cruise control it's hard to go back.

We had little time to prep the 4R before that first trip luckily for us our rear build out in the Jeep transferred nicley to the 4R and we rolled the dice on attaching the tent to the factory rails with yakima cross bars (lots of conflicting information on whether the factory rails will support the weight). Fortunately this all worked out great and our trip was a success.

Enough rambling, time for the build plans.

Vehicle: 2012 Toyota 4Runner, SR5, Leather Interior

Plans by priority (Some transferred from the Jeep)

Roof Rack-Front Runner Slimeline full length with quick release mounts
Tent-James Baroud EVO Explorer
Rear Build-Homemade platform with grill drawer
Fridge-Costway 32qt
Lighting-Wire the lighting that came with the used rack we bought
Suspension-OME is the plan but open to suggestions. Edit: just ordered Dobinson!
Rear Ladder-Leaning towards Front Runner but really like Victory 4X4. Any real world experience with them?
Sliders-Leaning towards Victory 4X4
Front and Rear Bumper-This isn't a "must have" but an "I want" so i know I will be getting them at some point. I want to get the rear tire from under the vehicle so the rear bumper will be higher priority than front.

I'll plan to update this as we continue to add to the build. My wife and I are buying a house soon so I doubt much will be getting done until we're through that process but who knows ?‍♂️.

Here are some photos most which are from the first trip we took it on before installing the new rack. I'll make another post for the roof rack install. Take a look and let me know what you all think!

 

[Tacopirate177]

The first order of business once we decided to use the 4R for camping was to get a roof rack. We didn't trust the factory rails and crossbars to support the weight. After lots of research and consideration for our situation we landed on the Front Runner Slimline 2 rack. We decided on this because of quality, reliability and the opportunity to use quick release mounts. The 4R will continue to be my wife's daily driver so we want the ability to take the tent off quickly and easily.

We knew which rack we wanted and the hardware needed to mount the tent to the rack now it was time to buy everything. Since getting into "overlanding" we have learned things that are worth spending money on new and things we can find used and thus at a bargain. This rack was one of those things we felt we could find second hand in good shape and we were right! It takes more effort and stalking of this website among others but when you find what you're looking for it is a boost of excitement. We found the rack with lights already mounted for sale on FB marketplace, found the quick release mounts and hardshell tent supports on Expedition Portal (not even used), and just needed to buy $10 worth of rivnuts to complete the project.

When it came to mounting the rack I am fortunate to have a buddy with a great work space and all the tools you would need. The rack was already put together so lot's of time saved there but then it was time to do the unthinkable, drill holes in the roof... Once this was done, pretty sure I blacked out during it, then we needed to set the rivnuts into the roof. After going to multiple stores and not finding the correct tools I found that there was a diy tool you could make so that's what we did. Boom, rivnuts set! Then it was as simple as lifting the rack onto the roof, loosening a few bolts on the rack and setting the feet in place and ratching all the bolts into place.

If you're interested in the quick release mounts I would recommend so far. They have been on my 4R for about a month with no issues. Front Runner does a great job with their instructions and makes it extremely easy to follow when installing.

Take a look at the photos below for the install!

 

[BennyGoodman]

Always scary to cut into your roof! Very nicely done. Looking forward to the build progression.

 

[Tacopirate177]

Finally got the lights hooked up and working properly! As mentioned before the rack was bought used with lights already mounted, I just needed to run the wiring to hook up to the 4Runner. I ended up opting for a switch controller called Voswitch. It has good reviews and seemed like a nice option to start with, if anyone has experience using this I would love to hear from you.

The wiring for the lights was already routed towards the back of the 4R so I ran it down through the taillight, and underneath the car to the engine bay. I mounted the Voswitch with double sided tape onto the fuse box and was able to keep everything looking clean imo. First trip with the lights is this weekend so I am looking forward to the chance to use them!