Just a tip that I found for my fridge, if you keep it closer to full on trips it doesn't have to work as hard because there is less dead air space. Fill it with beers!
The more you open the unit, the more cold air gets out. It will take longer to get to temp at first, but if you get the things cold before the trip, it is a good idea.
I’ve seen someone put a sheet (cut to fit like an inner lid) of Reflectix over the contents. Extra layer of insulation. Bob Wells on Cheap RV Living has a video on making a Reflectix “case" for refrigerators. Using silver tape to join the edges.
I have always felt the same on front passenger seats for any camp rig. Traveling solo, it's wasted space. Simple to reinstall if needed. Planning a easily removed "slide in" box for the camper part.
Fridge will be more efficient running on strait 12 volts from your jackery instead of having to convert to ac. nice job with the platform. I've had a platform in my 4runner second row for a few years now.
Likewise, I've been converting a 2005 4Runner myself...really like the 4th Gen 4Runners. These videos on his 3rd Gen conversion got me to consider something other than a platform build, pretty pleased with how the bed/deck I've built has turned out in the back of my 4Runner.
Nice video! The cover will privide a barrier mostly from convection heat. The dark color absorbs radiation heat, even with that, it will certanly shield the fridge from radiation heat coming from direct sunlight.
I was inspired by this video to finally take out my front seat in my Class B to make more room. I put it off for a long time for various unfounded reasons, there are wires going to it, but no electronics as far as i know (maybe a air bag sensor?). Anyway, now i have a lot more room, and will start to build a low level platform, and something to be able to attach hooks to to secure items.
Just be careful those two 100 watt panels don't spontaneously evolve legs. You are getting a good double duty use out of the windshield solar panel assuming it is keeping the interior cooler. All in all, that little setup keeps getting better and better!
I’ve been watching all your 4Runner videos for ideas and just saw in this one you’re a Sooner fan by that phone background. No wonder your videos are so awesome! Boomer!
Awesome video! Thank you. Side note: I have that exact same Unisaw setup (circa 1997) and love it! It’s an absolute beast! Keep up the great work and thank you for sharing.
I had always wondered why you didn’t have a 12 volt cooler. I’m glad you got one. I’d be interested in a 6 month review of the Joy Tutus. I had a Costway brand that died within a year.
i would have gone ecoflow delta, they are tanks. Plus you can pretty much fully recharge it at someone's house in under 2 hours. Hell even some restaurants don't mind if you use their outlets
Nice upgrade to your rig. I've got a '93 4Runner that I've partially setup for fast and short overnight trips so this just gives me a couple of more ideas. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Steve. I pulled my front seat out a few months ago because my Tribute is a bit small and I wanted more room. Big difference now in terms of storage. I will build a platform over the seat area and see if I want the fridge there or in the back. Your mods are very helpful. I went with storage on the side because I wanted to be able to sit up in the back. It makes life so much more enjoyble. Cheers.
Do you have the "Lemme Out" kit for your rear hatch? I know you utilize the rear passenger door to get in and out, but just a thought. The kit would allow you to open the rear hatch from inside and it is made especially for the 3rd gen 4runner.
Thanks for the great articles. Perfect timing. Been planning all this for my 4Runner since summer. Now with Covid, I definitely need a hangout spot at the ski resort away from covid! We must be twins with similar vehicles! (I have a 4x4 Pleasure Way Excel TS). Bought the 26qt JoyTutus. Would be nice to have bigger but that means... bigger/heavier! Glad to see another resourceful outdoor Asian guy.
Nice build. Will you be adding some kind of security measure to prevent a "smash and grab" theft of the new Jackery or other smaller high value items? Nothing will be bullet proof but anything that makes the thief stick around longer to grab your stuff might be helpful.
I git a Jackery 300 a month ago and it’s great! I just got my 1000 yesterday and No Joke!, It runs my espresso machine! I am so stoked!!! I have 2 of my own 125 watt solar panels but they work great!
That is awesome! If I had the real estate to get some hardwired on top I would ,but it is nice to park in the shade and put the panels out in the sun on hot days.
@@XplorerSteveDIY , I agree!, The solar saga panels do work great! My sister has the same setup as you and she loves it. I may spring for 2 of the solar saga’s so I can park in the shade and set them out in the sun. (I have a 2007 Toyota Sequoia) 😃
Thanks for the video Steve! I've had that same fridge for about a month and love it. Very low power use, I have the Jackery 300 and got 42 1/2 hours out of it.
Nice set up! I’ve been thinking about upgrading my jackery 240 to the 1000 version so this is good confirmation that it can charge your bike battery using two 100 watt panels. Before making a selection, I’m curious if you checked out the iCooler by ICECO? It can hold 44.3 qts and can also function as an ice cooler to extend the use. I like your fridge selection however. Cheers!
I recently purchased a Jackery 1000 I love it I have a small dorm type frig that works great with the Jackery but sucks up lots of power. I’m researching 12 volt refrigerators now as well, lots of them on the market today. Thanks enjoyed the video.
Really cool videos man! Thanks for all the awesome content. I’m definitely glad i stumbled across your bed layout! I’m gonna have to check out the rest of your videos now lol. That fridge looks pretty sweet too. I’m loving your whole setup.
I am considering a similar camper- build in my 1999 4Runner. However, I dont want to get rid of my front passenger seat. Can you recommend where the next reasonable location for the cooler, in the back area? Maybe behind the driver seat and your initial Jackery setup? Some place that doesnt interfere too much with the sleep area.
Love all your toys. You are a smart shopper. Please make a video on how you weave through the jungle of fridges to come up with you selection. There are lots we can learn from your experience.
I have the same fridge and find that the temperature it shows on the panel is off by as much as 7°, depending on where the unit is in its cycle. What is your experience and what settings do you use?. Thank you for the great videos!
Thanks for the video. You were lucky in one respect...no electric wires under the front passenger seat. I want to do a similar project in my 2016 Jeep Wrangler. Able to loosen the bolts, but then three separate wired connectors to disengage. Then all sorts of lights on the dash (seat belt, airbag) stay on. It is unfortunate that there is no easy way to control the black box computer to turn off the dash lights. I understand that the dealer may do it for $100+, but some will not due to safety issues.
Another loaded informative video! Thank you! I just bought a SNUGMAX VICKERS 200 and the PACKCESS 60W Solar panel to go with it. The SnugMax has great reviews and much cheaper than the Jackery. I picked them on Prime Day. We are trying the new toys out now in our Eurovan watching for the Orionid Meteor Showers in Desert Hot Springs. If you see post in time, you should check out the meteor shower! One of the best sky show of the year! I'll wait for your review on the fridge again. It looks really nice. I'm slowly outfitting our Eurovan. Can't wait to take it out on a long trip like Yellowknife, for some incredible Northern Lights. Thanks again for another awesome video!
another great informative video, I was going to ask why you chose that particular brand 12 volt fridge and I read all your comments and read why you did.. thank you
Great video Steve... You will really enjoy the fridge setup you. Makes things much easier. Oh ....went to Harbor Freight today. On the central coast of California. And I got a cart.. 🇺🇸🙏👏👍
Another great video....Very informative...wonder if you leave the lid open on the fridge if it would act like an air conditioner.....hmmmm....lol...Thanks..
@@XplorerSteveDIY I would like to still have portable panels. But yeah I am looking at 175 watt small size panel. So I can use my 20 foot extension to put the panel anywhere I want to then store it in my Van. But I am still looking. Cheers.
Very inspirational build ideas. My FJ Cruiser will be getting a few of these modifications. Have you explored the idea of a tankless water heater for showers on the go? If so, can you point me to your video on that?
Very COOL idea, (removing the front passenger seat), .... It really did open up the space for the new fridge !!! Are you liking the E-bike ...?? it seems fairly rugged for trail terrain use ....
You shouldn't paint over the reflectix other than black. It defeats the purpose. Black turned out absorbs heat when in cold weather. And in the heat, the silver reflectix should be turned out to reflect the heat and keep it cooler. Check it out. I don't understand why people don't get that.
Reflectix, per manufacturer instructions, is designed to be installed within walls. As such, the color does not matter. Reflectix works by reflecting heat like a barrier. This is done by the material used and the design of the honeycomb pockets of Reflectix, not the color. Silver, as a color reflects light but can attract heat as in the case of a chrome bumper. I hope this helps.
What people do to their vehicles is interesting... but I myself don't get excited when I see vids about "The greatest van build of all time!" and stuff... Because I know that whenever hardware/plumbing/things are permanently screwed down, it's only a tradeoff for what the vehicle could be used for... Namely hauling stuff.... or in this case, having a passenger.... I would be impressed if the things that people add to their vehicles was all modular.... i.e. easily switchable/removable.
