Thanks for watching! Here are the time stamps if you want to jump straight to a section: 0:00 Intro 0:42 How I Use It 1:42 The Car Itself 5:23 Sleeping Platform 11:02 Beds & Bedding 13:52 Window Coverings 21:09 Power, Solar & Electronics 25:44 Fridge, Food, Water & Cooking 31:43 Showering, Toilets & Toiletries 36:40 Stuff on the Roof 40:16 Emergency & Recovery Gear 43:03 Fans & Lights 49:28 Everything Else And check the description for all of the links to gear and other videos that I mention. -Tristan
Hi Tristan. How about a video comparing your overall likes and dislikes between the Landcruiser and Tahoe. How they handled off road and such. How long do you think you would have kept the Tahoe if it wasn't totaled? Excellent videos!
Without the slightest intention (or opportunity) to go camping, I’m still glued to the screen, watching how you thought all this through. Love your systematical work, as well as the didactics of your presentation. Great job!
Your videos made me decide to transform my SUV. I'm now travelling since May with my dog through Europe, and I'm so grateful, never thought it could be done. Thanks for all the work and content.
Yes, I did sit through the entire 58 minutes and even re-watched some parts. Thanks for an excellent presentation and for giving me some great ideas for my build. I know a SUV may seem small as compared to a van but when you hung up that fan it made it feel like a nice, comfortable room. Cheers.
Thanks for watching! I figured I might as well do it all as one long video instead of half a dozen shorter ones. It's nice to have everything in one place 😁
Y'know, I really like this idea! Much more simple. Works well for smaller SUV's (as opposed to trucks and vans). Only change I would suggest? Split the top, so you're not trying to lift that entire lid...
Thanks for the detailed tour. My 86 year-old dad has been driving his 1999 Landcruiser for about 24 years now. I remember how bad he wanted it before he finally got it - he was so happy 🧡. I hope dad is with us for many more years... once he's gone to heaven though, I'm getting the Landcruiser and I may do something like what you've done. :)
Great video! I really like that your build is a non-destructive build. If you ever wanted to sell or use the vehicle as a normal suv you can return it to it’s original state. I also like that you use mostly inexpensive equipment that works.
I’m really impressed with your overall meticulous functional build. You’re providing newbies with many wonderful tips and useful/necessary gadget ideas. 👏
To avoid an electrical short: fuse the solar panel nearest the panel. If you are rear ended the routing of the solar power cable may cause the the insulation to get cut on both leads resulting in a potential short/hot wires/ fire.
As soon as Tristan said "I'm doing a tour of my new vehicle", I got my notebook. Really excellent, well organized video. This is really a nice SUV for camping. Well done, Tristan! I can't wait to see all of this put into action!
The fabulous Toyota Land Cruiser. The ultimate SUV decades before they were popular. Used around the world from safaris to mountain climbing. Excellent choice.
I used to have a 1992 Landcruiser and loved it! It’s such an awesome rig and it had those great rounded lines. The back windows had screens and it was sliding window, so airflow was great. When you drive that, you feel so protected cuz it’s such a heavy, well built rig. I drove a Honda Pilot currently and before that a 202 Toyota Highland. You can’t go wrong with the Toyota for its reliability. The Landcruiser’s gages are super easy to use. I got rid of it around 2014 with 260k miles and never had any really big problems with it.
For rear hatch magnetic mosquito mesh for doors would work perfectly amazon have kits, it's closes itself because of magnets and it's easy to open or reach through it to get stuff.
You are just the BEST!! Congrats on a well earned 150K. Three thoughts: Since the Jackery has a handle you may consider locking it up, perhaps to something under the seat. Smash and grabbers probably don't carry bolt cutters. You still might get the smash but maybe not the grab. (loved that you included locks on the bed) Check to make sure the jackery in the back isn't drawing down power off your starter battery while the engine is off. Also I have found fans to be really effective against mosquitos and other bugs, since you have them you can use them if you need to cook outside or sit outside for any reason. Enjoy your new rig, and I'll enjoy your new videos.😃
I actually have locked up the Jackery in my previous vehicles. I have a cable lock that I can wrap through the handle and then around the metal on the underside of the seat. Haven't gotten around to getting another lock for the Land Cruiser, though. And the Land Cruiser 12-volt outlets are off when the car is off. Thanks for watching!
For a rear hatch curtain that is bug proof, I installed Ikea Lill Ikea Mesh Lace Curtains, 110 Inch By 98 Inch, 1 Pair, White. Sold at Amazon as well as Ikea. Attach to rear hatch opening using mini binder clip that clip over the gasket. The clips can be left in place and hatch closes with clip in place. The fabric can be cut to size without hemming. At present I just have one piece of curtain covering the hatch opening, but I may consider making 2 panels that attach in the middle with magnets or other fastner. This may be better when accessing the cooler and other gear. It also gives privacy - you can not really see into vehicle if hatch is open.
As Land Cruiser (2009) owner myself, i eagerly anticipated this video, and I wasn't disappointed! I love the simplicity and functionality of your bed platform.
I think is good that you have that type of vehicle, because you carry plenty of necessary emergency gear, that is so important! I'm learning... thank you!
Suggestion for rear screen? Big box stores sell garage doors screens with center magnetic closures. I picked mine up for under $15 each for an 8’ wide single roll up door. Then, remove your weatherstripping a section at a time. Most are held on with tension over a pinch weld. Place the screen under, reinstall weatherstrip and trim excess. I’ve been using 2 on my Sorinter side and rear doors for 3 years. Those sell for $300-$500 on Van websites. If your weather stripping doesn’t easily come off you could use larger binder clips like your gold clips, magnets or Velcro. It’s just handy to be able to close door and leave in place if possible. Run it to the floor to keep bugs out when you use tailgate.
I purchased SUVring...long ago after viewing some of your Adventures. Still in SUV, as I am only a different one. Form Follows Function. You apparently nailed this, with Eric's help. That skill set with a sewing machine is a great one too! A great call on vehicle too. I mentioned before, cost per thousand miles is how fleets used to determine cost effective. You'll have fewer repairs with this unit. That'll offset fuel I think. I just mounted a basket style on my rig, I had to build them...and I Stuff to mount on it. So this video is inspiring. Change is the First Universal Law and we must embrace it, eh?
Thanks for such a great build video. I just acquired a stock 2005 LX470 with 87k miles and am pouring over ideas on how to make it camper ready. DIY builds are so much more interesting than all the crazy expensive overlanding manufactured stuff.
Not sure If removing the bulbs from your doors will save your battery. I removed my rear hatch bulb on my Hyundai so I could sleep with the hatch open and the battery was dead in the morning and it’s a brand new battery. Now I use a small screwdriver to engage the latch so the light turns off. Check the users manual to see if there is a fuse solely dedicated to the door lights. Love the new build btw 🤘🏼
You've come up or implimented some fantastic ideas. I too have a bed box in my Subaru and gett annoyed by the rattle of the lids. Your idea of using a keyed cam lock solves this issue and also solves one I hadn't thought of...securing our camera/drone gear! I will definitely take on this project in the near future.
That Land Cruiser was a great find. Very nice rig. It's cool to see how you keep refining your setup, so now, it is about perfect for you. Thanks for sharing the build. Can't wait to see your next adventure.
I’ve had a 2004 LC for 16 years and over the past 12 years I’ve converted it to a micro camper for my needs. Regarding your curtains I’ve done the same way but slide them sideways to open and close like at home. Recommend practicing changing the tires because the wheel sits on a metal ring that can get rusty and difficult to remove. I carry an ax in the car for chopping wood that I can use to bang the wheels loose from the back using its blunt end. A heavy hammer does it too. I get 12 MPG driving uphill or over 80 mph and 17 on paved flat roads. Your cargo carrier is costing you a lot of mpg I think or the 2004 engine is more efficient. Enjoy your new rig. You’re going to love it.
I know it took a lot of time to produce, so thanks Tristan. I'm getting ready to get a camper shell for my F-150 and armed with a more minimalist approach to things and using things, this information is timely. First thing I did was hit the jungle store and spend a little money... didn't overdo it, but got a few things.
I have commented on a few other channels on RU-vid that they might find your channel helpful in regards to sleeping in their cars… because SUV RV “wrote the book on it!” I would expect your build to be well thought out and it accounts for everything you and any one living in a vehicle to have for every need to be comfortable for eating drinking, sleeping and pooping. A considered decision for everything you need or don’t in one well thought out vehicle to take a person or two on adventures. Bravo!
This is probably the most simplistic and affordable set up I’ve seen so far on RU-vid. I’m reluctant to build anything permanent in my suv/crossover. This might be a good solution for my future application. Thanks for sharing your design.
Yes! You built the platform with locks, so the doors will not fly open in a rollover (which you almost did once). I know you also anchored the platform frame down to the van floor, so it will be secured in a wreck (although I would have liked to have seen you mention that in this walk through). So many other videos on YT show the platform unsecured, with heavy storage boxes and power station just thrown into the back. All of that stuff could turn into a flying tornado of death, aimed at the backs of the driver and passenger (because in a wreck things will fly to the front). And the electrical systems some people build will be destroyed and spark and catch fire in a wreck. Not mentioned in this walk-though - your belongings will be so much better secured in the locked platform. Sure, someone can still break a window and try to pry the doors open, but the average theft is a grab and go - they don't have the time to do that. I would also like to see the stuff in the foot well on the passenger side secured - but you have already made the best conversion for camping I have ever seen, so think about that for the future.
Yeah, I forgot to mention that the platform is indeed bolted down In the front, it's bolted to the bolts that hold in the the second row of seats. In the back, it's anchored to these metal D-ring anchors that are built-in. I did mention in the video that my things in the locked platform will be secure if I leave the vehicle 👍 The things in the front passenger foot well can be secured pretty easily. In the past I've used a cable lock to lock the Jackery to the seat. The water jug can at least be bungee'd somewhere. Thanks for watching!
WOW!WOW!WOW! Love that you have designed (what looks to be) the perfect suv rving set-up, Tristan. So many great ideas as well as both inexpensive and a few pricier options for some items. I know that I will refer back to this video more than once as I continually modify my own suvrv. I seldom feel envious but today, well, I am. Well done!
Very thorough and informative. Excellent choice in rigs too. We drive old Toyota SUVs also for the same reasons. I love that you utilize equipment that can be purchased reasonably and not sponsor-driven ‘artificial loyalty’. Keep up the great content!
Very nice, simple set up. I like how your bed platform isn't very tall. You can fit a lot in there, but every item is useful, practical, and affordable. Thank you for this video and I hope you slept well and your throat recovered by morning. 😊
You are living the dream… you make it happen! Thank you for always giving very COMPLETE information on everything, I know that your audience appreciates the fact that you are so thorough!
I LOVE your set up. Your bed is what I had in mind but I love all the other info as well. It doesn't seem like your typical camping SUV with clamshell and larger cooking set up but would also be a fabulous bugout vehicle.
You do such a great job with your videos, and it's obvious you put a lot of effort into editing, as well as linking all the products (in order) and making sure everyone can find what they need. Best follow on RU-vid. Thank you, and keep up the great work!
You are so organized. Great job on the build! I had never thought about to build out a SUV until I started watching you a year or so ago. I love how you have set everything up. I may do this one day.
Thanks for sharing. You have put a lot of thought into this project and it was really nice to see how it all came together. I like how you personalized it to fit your needs rather than the typical hide things in cubbies and containers layouts. I especially like how the back is split in half and you can access an entire section at the same time. Great job!
I have a 2015 Lexus LX 570 just put 34.5” tires with 17 inch rims, it has the ability to lift 3 inches if needed. Got a descent off road back bumper and a spare tire carrier. That will let me add another 25 gallons of gas tank. Took out third row. Trying to decide on removing back seats. I am planning on trying to use the back with the seats all the way up and carry a tent. Planning a trip for this June
Tristan, very nice video! You did a great job and very informative. I'm definitely going to get some of these products from Amazon. Thank you for all the info.
You will love LC and it will takes you to places with confidence and freedom 👍I love my 2020 HE LC. I already made 2 trips to the west and planning a big trips to Artic Ocean and Alaska in 2024.
Love the curtain set up. I've been van camping and I have blacked out all the back windows, but I don't like not being able to see out. I'm gonna try this set up.
Great detail. Very comprehensive and well thought out. Really impressed. I have a 2007 Highlander I am thinking of converting to a camp vehicle. It's not the alpha SUV that the Land Cruiser is, but this still gave me some great ideas. Thanks, this was a lot of work. 👍🙏☮🏞
Aww. It reminds me of my old '92 Land Cruiser I had for years and years. I regretted allowing my husband to talk me into getting rid of it , so I love my Yukon, aka The Beast, and am getting it ready to go camping by myself. It will be my last car and I thank you for all you share. I am an old lady trying to make things easy for myself and you have been a wealth of information.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING WITH US!!! You really put a lot of thought and effort into getting your veh and equipment acquired and tested out for yourself. To share your hard earned success with us is truly noteworthy. Yes, it was time consuming to take this much time to share it with us but I for one am very thankful and I learned a lot so I can put it forth to build my own setup now!!
A well done build & video! 🏆 While I like the storage in the platform I think I'd like it on just one side or maybe not at all & have a sitting area on the other for solo camping. I like making my 1st AM 🔆 coffee ☕ without getting out of my SUV so a setup to reach items would be key for me.
So glad you made this video. I have a 2000 Land Cruiser and was just thinking about doing exactly the same thing so I can go across the country visiting places. I learned new things about the Land Cruiser that I did not even know before. Thanks!
You've come a long way from when I first starting watching , well not a long way but have enjoyed how you have refined the art of setting up your vehicles for your needs to tour ......great stuff mate
Wow--that was an incredibly thorough video! Watched the whole thing. I've been through several builds on the interior of my 4Runner (which I live out of for up to a month at a time) and there were some interesting ideas in there. I'm absolutely floored that you managed to fit a floor jack in there!!!
I really appreciate you taking the extra time to go over all of this. It is amazing how much you got into it! My build is in a 4d Jeep Wrangler and the lack of space is a real thing!
You'd think a 4-door Wrangler would be just as big, but I remember filming a guy's camping setup in one and he had to sleep diagonally to fit! And he wasn't especially tall.
NICE SETUP..... In my Forester I have 2 eggcrate mattress's that I put together flat side to flat side inside an army mattress cover, then a padded mattress cover on top, sleeps great... in the winter I put a reflective emergency blanket on the floor under the mattress, toasty warm.... I have to make window screens yet.. my mattress/bed on one side, 2 17 gal. totes and 1 5 gal. tote, a 50 quart cooler, 5 gal jug of water plus plus plus LOL oh yeah and my .5 gal sprayer I bought at Harbor Freight (travel shower)
I enjoyed this video and even replayed it while I was doing something else . I have two things I want to say when I have a full moment to make a decent argument. ..... in the meantime, during cocktail hour, take a shot every time you hear Amazon.
I have the Land Cruiser Prada (2004 Lexus Gx470). Side by side they're pretty much identical. Love what you've done with yours and got some great ideas, especially the platform that covers wheel wells. Happy travels 😊 🚙 🏞
Your curtain idea is definitely the best I’ve seen. I’ll be looking into this for my blazer. I want something that is not permanently attached, and will be easily removed when I get done camping.
