RAV4 TRD Camping Weekend: Exploring Stanislaus National Forest

This was a quick, 2 night camping trip to scout out new campsites and trails in Stanislaus National Forest. We ended up finding a breathtaking hike and a secret river campsite. Oh yea, we also cooked some excellent camp food on the Tembo Tusk.

Пікірлер: 104

  • @Artem-xb2jj
    @Artem-xb2jj Жыл бұрын

    Nice car, I have the same. Greetings from Russia!

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    Жыл бұрын

    Nice! Greetings from California!

  • @donalddday7741
    @donalddday77416 ай бұрын

    go up to the heliport nice views and especially late at night

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    6 ай бұрын

    Have not been there, next time we'll check it out!

  • @tandycalifornia
    @tandycalifornia4 жыл бұрын

    Hi, thank you for the amazing video! I know it takes alot of time to edit. My wife and I are starting our setup on a rav4 also to do alot of fishing, car camping at Crowley Lake and the Eastern Sierra.

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching! Definitely does take time to edit and we are not video professionals so we are learning as we go. The RAV4 is a great vehicle for exploration. Most forest roads do not require a huge 4x4 and the RAV is efficient and easy to drive around town also. Eastern Sierras are amazing! We were just up there last weekend exploring the hot springs and abandoned mines.

  • @Chrisrosas
    @Chrisrosas3 жыл бұрын

    Hey guys I just found your videos while searching through Reddit and I just want to say they're great please don't give up and keep making them

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much! Its a lot of work but the end result is worth it. We will definitely continue making videos, we have a few we are working on now 😀

  • @suzyt3088
    @suzyt30883 жыл бұрын

    Love this vid! just moved to California, Stanislaus is about 2hrs from me and I am setting up my Rav4 for camping and exploring.

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    3 жыл бұрын

    Nice! So much to explore out there! Lots of easy trails that the RAV can handle :)

  • @donalddday7741
    @donalddday77416 ай бұрын

    use to camp all over the area from above Strawberry over to hwy 395 tons of 4 wheeling and camping and found a Bigfoot bes with foot prints and smelly dark hair so be on the look out

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    6 ай бұрын

    So many great trails to explore out there

  • @qra130
    @qra1303 жыл бұрын

    Just stumbled across your vids. Loving the rav4. Awesome video, subbed. 😁👍🏻

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    3 жыл бұрын

    Awesome! So glad you enjoyed. We are just getting started with KZread and video editing, so it is all new for us! Learning as we go. Thanks for watching!

  • @donalddday7741
    @donalddday77416 ай бұрын

    funny how so many of these off roading videos turn into cooking shows

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    6 ай бұрын

    Haha for real. I mean cooking is the best part of camping, right?

  • @l33america
    @l33america4 жыл бұрын

    Another great video. Whatever equipment you use - 🤙🏽👍🏽 🔥

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching! Still trying to figure out the best gear for the job on each video. Slowly getting faster at editing but it still takes a while haha.

  • @dubbstron
    @dubbstron3 жыл бұрын

    Fresh video! We love the fake meat too! Beyond over Impossible for sure. We’re actually headed to that area in a couple weeks... Sonora, Tuolumne, Pinecrest, etc.

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching! Beyond all the way for sure! That area is amazing, there is so much to explore. We will definitely be going back soon

  • @vitocarlone61
    @vitocarlone613 жыл бұрын

    Good cook , very talented ,

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! Nothing beats cooking out in nature.

  • @MR-zn4rj
    @MR-zn4rj4 жыл бұрын

    Nicely done!

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! Cheers!

  • @RelProjects3
    @RelProjects33 жыл бұрын

    Great video!!! Can't wait for front runner to release the mounts for the roof rack. Would you be able to make a video of your setup and the things you bring when you overland?

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hey, thanks for watching! The FrontRunner rack has been amazing, but I totally agree a mount specific for the TRD/ Adventure would be best. The grab-on system we are using has been solid though, no issues in the past few months we have been using it with our rooftop tent and awning! We will definitely make a video of our setup, and gear soon!

  • @user-xk5ud3be6f
    @user-xk5ud3be6f Жыл бұрын

    아름다운 영상 감사합니다.

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    Жыл бұрын

    thanks for watching :)

  • @DylanPankow
    @DylanPankow4 жыл бұрын

    Really good visual story telling!!! How long have you had your FAA Part 107?

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! I did the basic FAA certificate for hobby flying back in 2018.

  • @mikebarbera254
    @mikebarbera2542 ай бұрын

    what time of year did you go and how was the temperature? looks beautiful

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    2 ай бұрын

    I believe this was late June 2020. Temperature was great that time of year. Probably still snow up there right now I would assume, given how much snow the mountains got this year. Its probably getting warmer up there already though. Awesome place, lots of easy trails to explore.

  • @gilbertogonzalez8274
    @gilbertogonzalez82742 жыл бұрын

    Hello ,en esa tienda de coche no entra nada de polvo? Por cierto quiero comprar ese coche y veo que buen 4x4

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    2 жыл бұрын

    Lo siento, no hablo español. pero el RAV4 es un buen vehículo de aventura. No es un verdadero 4x4 como un jeep o un 4runner, pero es ideal para senderos todoterreno más fáciles.

  • @dans1676
    @dans16763 жыл бұрын

    Great video, how capable have you found the RAV4 to be off road? I am in Colorado and want to be able to get most trails, but also need an affordable "family" around town car.

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching! It has been pretty good! Certainly not a rock crawler, but most trails we find are not that challenging and the RAV has done really well! It is my daily driver, and does well on road, and off-road. Check out some of our other videos to see the kinds of trails the RAV can do! (also you can make it more capable with AT tires, a lift, skid plates, etc.)

  • @kathygonzalez7929
    @kathygonzalez79293 жыл бұрын

    I wanted to ask if you can share the spot you guys discover for camping

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hit us up on IG @lunar_lander_xplor and we may be able to share some locations. Some places we have to keep secret though ;)

  • @kellymurphey1
    @kellymurphey1 Жыл бұрын

    Love your setup! I just purchased the FrontRunner Slimline + iKamper Mini 3.0 for my RAV4. What mounting hardware did you use for your ARB awning?

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks! & Congrats on the new rack & tent! You will love it. We used the Easy-Out Awning Brackets by Front Runner to mount the awning. Pretty easy installation & has help up well for he past few years of use.

  • @kellymurphey1

    @kellymurphey1

    Жыл бұрын

    @@LunarLanderXplor Thanks so much! What size awning do you have?

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    Жыл бұрын

    We have the ARB Touring 2000mm, its about 6.5' long. Perfect size for the RAV4.

  • @ABSVabeautifulsunsetvlog
    @ABSVabeautifulsunsetvlog4 жыл бұрын

    Dude, you are way too talented and good at this video thing to not see your channel rewarded with immense growth....I’m hooked on your channel and will be picking your brain about everything you guys have, from the fridge for the food, to the tent, to the deflating tool....lol. Awesome job man. Also I’d Love to link up with you guys one day and maybe collaborate. Wanting to do more things like this but my wife is hesitant. I showed her your video and she’s like “wow, their food looks amazing and that looks like so much fun!!!” Thanks man✌🏽😃 If you don’t have an IG, start one and plug your channel on it. Really helps to give your channel more visibility and introduce it to a wider audience. Just post pics from your travels and include the videos in the bio of your IG. Sorry if I’m being annoying, but I Love helping people and I want everyone to see your videos. You guys are great.

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    4 жыл бұрын

    Dude thank you again for watching and the feedback! Where are you located? We are in the Bay Area in CA. Definitely looking for people to meet up with for trail runs & to share knowledge. If you are on IG hit us up @lunar_lander_xplor . Definitely happy to share our experience on the gear we use and what we learn along the way!

  • @ABSVabeautifulsunsetvlog

    @ABSVabeautifulsunsetvlog

    4 жыл бұрын

    Lunar Lander Xplor Sup man, thanks for replying back. I’m actually in Arizona but maybe one day we could plan something (maybe meet in Nevada or somewhere halfway or something). I know that sometimes people collaborate and or do meetups. Never done it personally but maybe an idea for down the road. And I did follow you guys yesterday on IG. I actually started a page yesterday devoted to my RAV (@RAVlyfe) and my main page is @absvlife so definitely feel free to hit me up. So glad I ran across your channel as I was just telling my wife that I see tons of channels devoted to over landing but those are usually jeep guys or subie guys but I never see a community of RAV4 owners who are interested in making upgrades and putting theirs on the trails so I’m glad I ran across you guys. I did a review on mine when I got it if you’re interested in checking it out on my channel. I’ll tell you that my cinematography is nowhere near yours so hopefully that’s not a deterrent to wanting to maybe work together at some point. And I also haven’t had the same level of focus in regards to the channels direction so the videos are kinda all over the place (hahahha) but just a heads up in order to kinda guide your expectations 😂😂😂. But yeah man, definitely hit me up on IG and I look forward to talking to you. Have an awesome day ✌🏽😃

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@ABSVabeautifulsunsetvlog For sure man! We'll definitely be doing some longer trips later this year once things settle down. I'll check out your channel (I've seen your RAV review but that is it so far)!

  • @takingrisks7538
    @takingrisks7538 Жыл бұрын

    Love the video! Where exactly were you guys at? I’d love to visit this area. Thanks

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching! The hike was at Trail of the Gargoyles, we first camped near there, and there are a bunch of easy off road trails in the area to explore, with campsites tucked off the roads. The 2nd night, we crossed the highway near Bumblebee and found a spot near the water. Awesome area to explore! So much to see!

  • @coblaze1
    @coblaze13 жыл бұрын

    Amazing! Is your RAV4 TRD stock? I'm wondering if I'd need to modify a RAV4 to go off-road camping like you did.

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! Yes the RAV4 is currently stock (in terms of suspension, tires, etc.). We do have the TRD version that came with all-terrain tires which I would say is very important for off-road camping. We just ordered a lift kit & some new stiffer rear coils to help with ground clearance, but all of our videos so far have been on the stock RAV4.

  • @coblaze1

    @coblaze1

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@LunarLanderXplor Wonderful, thanks! How do you find trails that are appropriate for your car? [In California]

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    3 жыл бұрын

    We use Gaia GPS to review the Forest Road ratings, but really we just have to scope it out when we get there.

  • @jlj209
    @jlj2092 жыл бұрын

    I grew up camping in the Stanislaus National Forrest with my grandparents. I don't recall seeing those cliffs in the beginning of the video though. where exactly was that?

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    2 жыл бұрын

    Those cliffs are accessible via Trail of the Gargoyles. Its a very short hike, but stunning views.

  • @vincentwu1773
    @vincentwu17733 жыл бұрын

    How does your RAV4 perform mpg wise with the rooftop tent on? How much mpg do you loose on highway driving. Thanks

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    3 жыл бұрын

    It has had surprisingly little impact on MPG. I was getting about 27-28 on the highway before, and still getting about the same most of the time. If it has had an impact, it might be 1-2MPG. I have not noticed much impact on driving dynamic or anything either. Definitely one of the advantages of a hard-shell, aerodynamic rooftop tent vs the softshell tents that are completely flat in the front.

  • @bonle3771
    @bonle377110 ай бұрын

    Anyone knows how would a 2wd do on this trail?

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    10 ай бұрын

    Many of these forest road trails are accessible by 2wd, just gotta know your vehicles limitations and be cautious

  • @Jubagel41
    @Jubagel413 жыл бұрын

    what was the fridge you used in the back of your car? Link?

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    3 жыл бұрын

    Dometic CFX50. We talk a bit about it (and our battery/solar setup) in our Bowman Lake video: kzread.info/dash/bejne/fnuB28dul9Cfibg.html Here is a link to the fridge : adventure-ready.com/store/dometic-cfx-50-fridge-freezer/ They do have a newer version out with some additional features, and they have multiple sizes available.

  • @niteranger6376
    @niteranger6376 Жыл бұрын

    Where was this? It looks beautiful and would love to hit some of the trails out there

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    Жыл бұрын

    This is all in Stanislaus National Forest. Check out Trail Of the Gargoyles, which is in our video. There are a bunch of forest roads & off road trails around there!

  • @ronalddelacruz7029
    @ronalddelacruz70292 жыл бұрын

    RAV4 owner here. What rooftop rack are you using for your tent? I’m looking for recommendations. Something sturdy that will not make my vehicle shake and have a smooth drive.

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hey there! I would suggest the Prinsu rack, or Frontrunner rack, depending on which RAV4 model you have. They are both great options.

  • @michaelptm2269
    @michaelptm22693 ай бұрын

    Would a stock RAV4 with a TRD package hold an ikamper tent?

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    3 ай бұрын

    Yup! Our RAV4 TRD was stock for a long time with the iKamper tent. We have since added a lift, skid plate, bigger tires, and a few other things, but the iKamper was the first upgrade (after a roof platform from Frontrunner).

  • @michaelptm2269

    @michaelptm2269

    3 ай бұрын

    @@LunarLanderXplor thank you! Love the channel. Do you know what the weight limit is for the rack and roof? (For example if I look at a bigger tent? I’m wanting to have a similar setup for my small family of three.

  • @user-pd4yp4iv7w
    @user-pd4yp4iv7w3 жыл бұрын

    What kind of drone are you using ? Also I'm curious how did you learn to edit and how long it takes lol

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    3 жыл бұрын

    We are using a Mavic 2 Zoom. In terms of video editing, we are still pretty new to it, using KZread tutorials and learning as we go! We are getting faster at it, but it still takes probably 5-10 hours to edit a video.

  • @sambonilla416
    @sambonilla4162 жыл бұрын

    How can I find trails to drive then camp in my area? I live in Northern California… Bayarea

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    2 жыл бұрын

    We are also in the Bay Area. Most of our videos are filmed at locations within driving distance to the Bay. Generally the National Forests are good places to dispersed camp, and they have networks of forest roads that are usually open to the public. You can use apps like Gaia GPS to see what areas are public vs private land.

  • @sambonilla416

    @sambonilla416

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@LunarLanderXplor Thanks for the information about that App. Downloaded, now just getting familiar with it. Now need to buy a vehicle 🚗.

  • @RobOutdoors623
    @RobOutdoors6233 жыл бұрын

    Link to the tire inflator please?

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    3 жыл бұрын

    Sure thing! amzn.to/3x23KoY

  • @futbol1972
    @futbol19723 жыл бұрын

    Iam debating between the le and xle hybrid model. I will put mud tires too:) do I need to lift it or I don't have too?

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    3 жыл бұрын

    The lift is not needed for some larger tires, but helps more with ground clearance and approach angles.

  • @starhmai_7295
    @starhmai_7295 Жыл бұрын

    Hello, May i know what exact location on this trail? Thanks

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    Жыл бұрын

    The trail we hiked is Trail of the Gargoyles near Pinecrest CA. The other spots we drove & camped were in that area too.

  • @suedelacruz
    @suedelacruz3 жыл бұрын

    What’s the height of Rav4 with the ikamper on? I’m worried about getting it into my garage and other garages. Thanks!

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    3 жыл бұрын

    I havn't measured the height since getting the lift, but it is pretty tall... I avoid going into parking garages now after scraping the ikamper inside a garage. Now I only street park haha.

  • @claudiufloroiu7957
    @claudiufloroiu79572 жыл бұрын

    What drone do you use in this video??

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    2 жыл бұрын

    We use a DJI Mavic 2 Zoom! It has been great.

  • @whitelabellt
    @whitelabellt3 жыл бұрын

    Which Dometic cooler do you have?

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    3 жыл бұрын

    Dometic CFX50, it is great. Our most recent video talks a bit more about the refrigerator and battery set up, if you are interested.

  • @Carlos-jh5tb
    @Carlos-jh5tb3 жыл бұрын

    Hey I'm in the bay area and camp a lot. Do you know the forest routes you took to get to that campsite?

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hey Carlos, we took the Beardsley Reservoir Road to Hells Half Acre Road from Bumblebee, CA down to where it crosses the river. There are a bunch of roads to explore, and several places to camp around there!

  • @Carlos-jh5tb

    @Carlos-jh5tb

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@LunarLanderXplor thankssss. Ive been around those routes before. But there are so many it's great to get tips on even more places to see

  • @velocity800
    @velocity8002 жыл бұрын

    hi, can you post the exact location of your trip, planning to be there on june, im coming from walnut creek ca. and are there fees i need to pay or do i need to reserve?

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    2 жыл бұрын

    The place with the cliffs where we hiked is the Trail of the Gargoyles. Really awesome place! We were able to find dispersed camping nearby (which does not require reservations, and does not have any services available. no water, no toilets, no trash cans - so you have to be more prepared). It is mostly national forest land near there, with dispersed camping allowed, but check the national forest website for stanislaus and review current regulations / alerts before heading up there. We usually just drive around public lands until we find a good camp site.

  • @neilviegas6646
    @neilviegas66463 жыл бұрын

    Sweet rig, where is this amazing spot? If you want to trade it for my serect spot let me know!

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! Willing to trade GPS for secret spots! haha. Hit me up on IG: @lunar_lander_xplor

  • @alkohol1
    @alkohol12 жыл бұрын

    Hi! What size of tires do you have?

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hi! We are still on the stock tires that came with the TRD Offroad version of the RAV4. They are 225/60/18. We are going to upgrade to larger and more aggressive tires soon now that we have a lift.

  • @velocity800
    @velocity8002 жыл бұрын

    is you vehicle 4wd?

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    2 жыл бұрын

    It is all wheel drive ✌️

  • @pault4908
    @pault49084 жыл бұрын

    What’s the BBQ sauce brand?

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    4 жыл бұрын

    It is from a company called We Love Jam, based out of the Bay Area in CA. www.welovejam.com/ We buy their ketchup & BBQ sauce, and they are delicious!

  • @ammoguy3021

    @ammoguy3021

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@LunarLanderXplor who does your music?

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@ammoguy3021 Some of it I get online (artlist.io/) and some of it I make myself :)

  • @ammoguy3021

    @ammoguy3021

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank You very much. Good Work and Good Luck !

  • @ammoguy3021

    @ammoguy3021

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank You.. Keep Up The Good Work !

  • @sportaviation2401
    @sportaviation2401 Жыл бұрын

    Can you tell me what tires you installed? Also, do you notice any more road noise compared to the OEM tires?

  • @LunarLanderXplor

    @LunarLanderXplor

    Жыл бұрын

    In this video, we were still on our stock tires that came with the TRD RAV4. In our more recent videos, you'll see we have bigger tires & a lift kit installed. The new tires are Falken WIldpeak AT3W in 245/70/17. Perhaps slightly more noisy than stock, but totally worth it for the better offroad capability & awesome looks.

  • @sportaviation2401

    @sportaviation2401

    Жыл бұрын

    @@LunarLanderXplor Ahhh...yeah, I forgot the TRD has heftier tires. Thanks for the reply.