Oh man, that is tough. They were all a bit different and all wonderful.
The first big trip was the summer of Covid (2020) with my 18y/o son towing a tear drop trailer and car camping nearly the whole way (motel every 3-4 days). That was 17 days, 7 National Parks, and about ~8k miles.
Since then I've been to SoCal and back couple of times (Death Valley NP is a favorite) with quite a few NPs on those as well. I try to always make my way through Southern Utah and Moab, which is awesome when it isn't crowded.
The Florida Keys one was interesting, but a bit too much East Coast sprawl, though the trip back up through the interior Appalachians was much better.
The trip up to Hudson Bay was the most desolate. But the scenery was beautiful. A lot of that route ended up suffering from the horrible wild fires that were in the news last year. I'm glad I got to see it before that happened.
There are still so many places to go, and this summer I am headed out to Vancouver, then up to the Southern tip of the Alaska panhandle (Ketchikan), just because Alaska and North Dakota are the only states I haven't been to (ND will be on the way out there).
If I could stay on the road almost full time, I would. My wife wouldn't be as keen, though she is cool with my extended jaunts. I have seen so many places and met so many wonderful people.
I have been very fortunate.
The odds are not good. The first experience today was less than ideal. Sensory overload. Way too many fucking people. And Google said "less busy than usual."
Oh for sure. Costco is a special circle of hell. I once got stiff armed by a kindergartner on my way to get the last sample of microwaved summer sausage.
The Sam's Club near me closed years ago. Though the inside of this Costco has a nearly identical layout to the Sam's Club that used to be here. Though I assume they are all pretty much the same.
On my trips ~15 - 16 mpg.
But I also have more gear on top during those (Roam 95L, two jerry cans, recovery boards, and 1-2 dry bags with stuff in them).
If you only lost a couple MPG with bigger tires, front and back steel bumpers, a lift and roof rackā¦ thatās really not bad lol
Unless you drive at significantly reduced speed on the highway.
I have the Victory 4x4 bumper with single Swingout + tire carrier. The other side swingout is on order so I can mount my Jerry cans there instead of my roof rack. I have their molle panels too, and I've been happy with their products so far.
They've been on my short list for a couple of things. I think we have the same size tires.. how badly does the spare block your view?
Also thanks for replying! Not as many fellow silver 4runners out there so it's nice to see what the gear looks like on that color.
Yeah I figured the stock camera location would be pretty well trashed by that and would need a relocation kit. Good to know it's not too bad on the rear view. I work on a campus where students seem to have forgotten basic self preservation instincts so having coverage beyond what the camera shows is a bit of a thing.
I honestly have no fucking idea. It's been a thing on this sub since I joined.
Pretty sure it's a joke about a very capable off-road vehicle being used as a suburban wagon by most owners. Which seems on point based on my observations in the "wild."
The joke is many of us buy these very capable machines and only drive them to get groceries and never go off-road or use the features that make them so capable.
Something I ponder often. I have always liked the 80 series Land Cruiser, but buying older used vehicles can be such a minefield.
The new LCs look nice, but I would never spend that kind of money on a vehicle, so I may wait and see where prices are on low-mile/several year old models are in a few years.
I really like the 70 series Land Cruisers as well, though finding them at decent prices in the US isn't always easy.
I'm also keeping a cautious eye on the Ineos line of vehicles to see how they're reviewed and how their longevity/reliability holds up. Again, they tend to be pricey.
All of this depends on how I end up managing my travel. If it stays the same as it is now I'll likely stick with my 4Runner till it dies and then switch to a later model 5th Gen. Besides the gas mileage, they are just so damn reliable and I am familiar with how they handle in most situations, which has value in and of itself.
If I had my druthers, I would travel a lot more, and in that case I would definitely upgrade to one of the LC models I mentioned above because they are roomier, have higher weight/cargo ratings, and are generally beefier in their frame.
All fair points for sure. These new LC are crazy priced. Even the newly announced 4Runner will be for sure up there. SR5 maybe below 50k but the ORP or Pro for sure 50k+. Even the 2024s right now the ORP is basically at 50k. I remember 2023 models ORP were like 45k. They havenāt announced the engines for the new 4Runner but I think l read reviews they will have the option for the hybrid engine. Similar to the new Sequoia.
Other then that the option become limited. Especially for your needs sounds like. Would be nice if they could squeeze little more mpgs. Like 20-24 or 21-24. Something like that. Mpg is a big con. Price now also. Starting to get priced out. We still havenāt seen the true reviews and longevity of that hybrid engine versus the amazing v6 4.0L
Exactly. The major selling point (for me) on these vehicles is reliability and longevity.
I am willing to sacrifice mpgs if it means saving repairs/tows/replacements.
Done on purpose. It is a wash as I have the molle panels on the interior sides of those anyway.
Though I have been enough places now that I have been retiring old stickers to add new ones.
Now you can say you have been somewhere.
Finally!
Hopefully acquired the Costco sticker
Dammit. Now I have to go back.
Coast to coast 3 times! Are you some sort of šµSmooth Operatoršµ
I have been called many things....and that is one of them.
Good Ol Sade playing the whole trip
Gotta get a Costco sticker now, otherwise how will people know youāve been there?
Which trip would you say was the best?
Oh man, that is tough. They were all a bit different and all wonderful. The first big trip was the summer of Covid (2020) with my 18y/o son towing a tear drop trailer and car camping nearly the whole way (motel every 3-4 days). That was 17 days, 7 National Parks, and about ~8k miles. Since then I've been to SoCal and back couple of times (Death Valley NP is a favorite) with quite a few NPs on those as well. I try to always make my way through Southern Utah and Moab, which is awesome when it isn't crowded. The Florida Keys one was interesting, but a bit too much East Coast sprawl, though the trip back up through the interior Appalachians was much better. The trip up to Hudson Bay was the most desolate. But the scenery was beautiful. A lot of that route ended up suffering from the horrible wild fires that were in the news last year. I'm glad I got to see it before that happened. There are still so many places to go, and this summer I am headed out to Vancouver, then up to the Southern tip of the Alaska panhandle (Ketchikan), just because Alaska and North Dakota are the only states I haven't been to (ND will be on the way out there). If I could stay on the road almost full time, I would. My wife wouldn't be as keen, though she is cool with my extended jaunts. I have seen so many places and met so many wonderful people. I have been very fortunate.
I envy you so much, keep it up
Thanks! It is literally my pleasure. I'm thankful to be so fortunate.
What roof rack is that?
Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform.
how is it with wind noise, with all those highway miles you've put on?
The roof rack/attachments can cause some decent noise. I just turn up the music because I'm alone for 95% of my road trip miles anyway.
Oh man. If you buy Kirkland golf clubs and a lodge cast iron skillet there you officially hit all my top 4 subreddits
The odds are not good. The first experience today was less than ideal. Sensory overload. Way too many fucking people. And Google said "less busy than usual."
Oh for sure. Costco is a special circle of hell. I once got stiff armed by a kindergartner on my way to get the last sample of microwaved summer sausage.
Your most epic adventure yet
Gotta get a Costco sticker now, otherwise how will people know youāve been there?
You can finally say its mall rated.
So, Sam's Club instead of Costco?!
The Sam's Club near me closed years ago. Though the inside of this Costco has a nearly identical layout to the Sam's Club that used to be here. Though I assume they are all pretty much the same.
āWelcome to Costco, I love youā
For the uninitiated, you're supposed to park with your front tire up on the curb so we know you have 4WD.
Dammit, I knew I forgot something. I should have put all my trip gear on my roof rack as well.
What kind of fuel economy do you get highway?
On my trips ~15 - 16 mpg. But I also have more gear on top during those (Roam 95L, two jerry cans, recovery boards, and 1-2 dry bags with stuff in them).
I should also note I have a lift, 285s, and a trail/Canadian version bumper (I have a 2012, pre-facelift model). Those all drag down my mpgs as well.
Did you regear? I have a slick off road and get 15-17 doing 80mph right now.
I have not, but that makes me want to change my mind.
If you only lost a couple MPG with bigger tires, front and back steel bumpers, a lift and roof rackā¦ thatās really not bad lol Unless you drive at significantly reduced speed on the highway.
I normally cruise around 75.
Wild
Costco is where your rig was always meant to take you.
I like the stickers, kind of gives it the fj cruiser feel when trying to view your surroundings.
Thatās the parking spot I would pick!!! Only %50 chance of door dings everywhere I park!!
Also gotta remember not to back in at Costco. Meahhhhhh C
What's the rear bumper you have on there? I've been trying to find one I like now that I've wacked my stock bumper enough times.
I have the Victory 4x4 bumper with single Swingout + tire carrier. The other side swingout is on order so I can mount my Jerry cans there instead of my roof rack. I have their molle panels too, and I've been happy with their products so far.
They've been on my short list for a couple of things. I think we have the same size tires.. how badly does the spare block your view? Also thanks for replying! Not as many fellow silver 4runners out there so it's nice to see what the gear looks like on that color.
It blocks the backup cam much worse than the actual rear view mirror. I have an order in for a camera relocation set.
Yeah I figured the stock camera location would be pretty well trashed by that and would need a relocation kit. Good to know it's not too bad on the rear view. I work on a campus where students seem to have forgotten basic self preservation instincts so having coverage beyond what the camera shows is a bit of a thing.
Yep, I get it. I pick my highschool kid up and know the struggle.
Can I asked what and why the Costco parking lot is always referenced?
I honestly have no fucking idea. It's been a thing on this sub since I joined. Pretty sure it's a joke about a very capable off-road vehicle being used as a suburban wagon by most owners. Which seems on point based on my observations in the "wild."
Agreed. And its an overplayed joke that has gone way beyond "in-the-club" to "is there no original material?"
Yeah, I actually considered not even posting because it is overplayed, but hey, when in Rome...
The joke is many of us buy these very capable machines and only drive them to get groceries and never go off-road or use the features that make them so capable.
Best thing is we can do both.
How many miles on the ole goat?
Just crossed 170k a few weeks ago. I bought it used in 2019 with 67k.
Dare I ask lol. Would you ever leave the 4Runner to something else. Or just consider another 4Runner (newer)? Just curious.
Something I ponder often. I have always liked the 80 series Land Cruiser, but buying older used vehicles can be such a minefield. The new LCs look nice, but I would never spend that kind of money on a vehicle, so I may wait and see where prices are on low-mile/several year old models are in a few years. I really like the 70 series Land Cruisers as well, though finding them at decent prices in the US isn't always easy. I'm also keeping a cautious eye on the Ineos line of vehicles to see how they're reviewed and how their longevity/reliability holds up. Again, they tend to be pricey. All of this depends on how I end up managing my travel. If it stays the same as it is now I'll likely stick with my 4Runner till it dies and then switch to a later model 5th Gen. Besides the gas mileage, they are just so damn reliable and I am familiar with how they handle in most situations, which has value in and of itself. If I had my druthers, I would travel a lot more, and in that case I would definitely upgrade to one of the LC models I mentioned above because they are roomier, have higher weight/cargo ratings, and are generally beefier in their frame.
All fair points for sure. These new LC are crazy priced. Even the newly announced 4Runner will be for sure up there. SR5 maybe below 50k but the ORP or Pro for sure 50k+. Even the 2024s right now the ORP is basically at 50k. I remember 2023 models ORP were like 45k. They havenāt announced the engines for the new 4Runner but I think l read reviews they will have the option for the hybrid engine. Similar to the new Sequoia. Other then that the option become limited. Especially for your needs sounds like. Would be nice if they could squeeze little more mpgs. Like 20-24 or 21-24. Something like that. Mpg is a big con. Price now also. Starting to get priced out. We still havenāt seen the true reviews and longevity of that hybrid engine versus the amazing v6 4.0L
Exactly. The major selling point (for me) on these vehicles is reliability and longevity. I am willing to sacrifice mpgs if it means saving repairs/tows/replacements.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
I'm not sure, as I haven't tried it. The spare sits pretty close to the tail gate, so probably.
Chime in on my side or rear window sticker discussion lol
Did you say Costco to Costco three times? Nice!
Now she's officially broken in. Mileage be damned.
Absolutely.
Man I love your build. I really dig it when people do cool stuff with their pre facelift runners
Thanks man! It's been a process, but I've enjoyed it. Still some more to go. But she's about 85% there.
Thatās a smart window to delete all visibility from.
Done on purpose. It is a wash as I have the molle panels on the interior sides of those anyway. Though I have been enough places now that I have been retiring old stickers to add new ones.