Thanks for watching, and thanks to Kristin for sharing her rig! Be sure to check the video description to find links to all of the gear shown/mentioned in this video. Lots of good stuff there! -Tristan

@freedomdove

3 жыл бұрын

I just ordered that folding fire pit along with a digital multi-use gadget and some other items (mostly supplements) through your Amazon link. Thanks so much for showing that. I have seen another one that was similar but it was for grilling only and not made for wood fires.

@skylarperry169

Жыл бұрын

Some great gear links. Thanks. Which model Jackery power station do you use most often when camping in your own setup?

Hi everyone! I'm Kristin and this is my FJ!

@justlivelovelaughfrugally

3 жыл бұрын

Are you a full timer or part timer(travel on weekends)? Love the FJ

@Aaron-hg8jo

3 жыл бұрын

This is really cool, thanks (Kristin) for letting him (Tristan) show this off for us.

@saginawdan

3 жыл бұрын

Nice, well thought out rig! Thanks for sharing it.👍👍👍

@kristinblevins6842

3 жыл бұрын

@@justlivelovelaughfrugally I just do part time but I camp a lot. This setup is for easier camping all year in Idaho. I will be putting up a tent still in the hotter weather but thats about it. I have probably close to 30 days camping and traveling in it since January.

@kristinblevins6842

3 жыл бұрын

@@Aaron-hg8jo she 😉

What a terrific simple setup-- especially smart using backpacking gear. In our Trasheroo, we put the Self Reliance toilet, bag with toilet supplies and a privy tent. It's nice to have that all outside.

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

I like the idea of having all of the outside. Good tip!

I really enjoy seeing people's personal solutions. This one is simple yet well thought out. But, we all know it's always a work in progress, and that's half the fun. Thanks Kristin and Tristan

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

Well said! Thanks for watching.

It’s insane how much value these things hold. I been a fan since I was 8 years old.

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

I know, it's crazy. But I get it. They're super cool!

This is basically what I was thinking to do with me and my wife love this!!

Some cool gear ideas and setup, thanks!! That side storage area for the kitchen gear is sweet.

Super Smart setup!! Love it! All the essentials! ❤ thank you for Sharing!

Thanks for sharing this info. video of compact camping and on the go traveking. Looks like she's got the ideal setup!! Also, thanks for the links as to the gear and availability, Tristan..(thanks to Kristen as well)

Enjoyed the tour as always. Thanks

I was actually looking at vehicle upgrades, and this is on my list. Perfect timing! Thanks for uploading!!

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@kristinblevins6842

3 жыл бұрын

I'm happy to answer any questions you have. If you get one I did do a full rear seat delete and it was kinda pain but worth it.

@chanthechinook7830

3 жыл бұрын

@@kristinblevins6842 Yeah, I’m interested in how you overcame that weird bump where the back seats went. I have a 2007 FJ Cruiser and have been looking at simple builds.

@kristinblevins6842

3 жыл бұрын

@@chanthechinook7830 when you remove the back seats you can remove the plastic bump and it kinda levels out. There are a few bumps from how the body is designed but once you build over them it doesn't matter.

@chanthechinook7830

3 жыл бұрын

@@kristinblevins6842 Thx!

Great basic set-up. Thanks for linking all the compact gear. definitely worth checking a few of those out.

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching, Shalome!

Nice setup, thank you for sharing 👍

I like this setup. Seems like something most folks could put together. Very functional 👍

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed! Thanks for watching.

@kristinblevins6842

3 жыл бұрын

I tried to keep it as basic as possible but with some utility to it. Complicated is overrated.

I've had a 2007 FJ for the last 2 years. Love it! I use a similar sleep configuration. My only complaint is that for some reason Toyota designed the front seats in such a way that they don't slide forward very far and they won't fold very flat. I'm 6' tall and can barely sleep diagonally. A taller sleep platform can be used to go up and over the passenger seat but then you lose the head room. For this reason I am considering a rooftop tent. FJ's are bullet proof and hold value like gold. Gas mileage isn't great. I can get 20 mpg on the freeway if I keep my foot out of it. Very capable off road and fun to drive. My 2007 has 211,000 miles. Can't imagine ever selling it. Tristan I'm in NorCal. Love your channel!!!

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

They're super cool rigs, I agree. And 20 mpg is better than a lot of overlanding rigs out there! Thanks Rob.

@kristinblevins6842

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Rob! We are actually the same height. The adjustable platform and sliding the seats forward is how I get the space to sleep. Its a super easy build if you are interested.

@robbymacklin

3 жыл бұрын

@@kristinblevins6842 Thanks Kristin, I actually have built a couple in different vehicles over the years. My problem is that I usually like to fully recline the front passenger seat and then build my sleep platform over the top of it all the way to the front dashboard :) Which I realize is kind of excessive but then I can really stretch out. So that would work but since my FJ passenger seat really doesn't lay very flat I would have to build the platform too high and loose my head space. I may just remove the front passenger seat for road trips then I could keep the platform low. I love the head space! lol

This is the best set up i have seen for an FJ. I would love to see how the back latch was attached on the inside of the door!

Ok this person has really useful stuff. I want everything. Looking fwd to chkg out the links. Thank you for sharing!

Thanks for allowing Tristin to share Kristen - safe travels

SUV RVing, nice tour. To the clever lady who built out her FJ,,, good job! If it helps, I bought a Unisex Potty Urinal for Car. A little practice at home and it has saved my but more than once when the need arose in the middle of the night and you don’t want to get out of the vehicle. I made a little cloth bag to store mine in. Happy camping all.

Great setup!

I enjoyed your video. I like to see what others came up with for ideas to make life easier. I'm in the middle of revising my platform for my FJ Cruiser. You should tell Kristin that if she doesn't like the wire sticking out of the backdoor of her FJ, she can replace it with a piece of ( I believe 1/8") all thread. I too hate trying to climb over the seats. So I clamped a piece all thread on the rod. I purchased a replacement door knob. (like they have on old vehicles). It's probably an inch or so long. Just screw it on the all thread and now you have a nice button to push down. And if the vehicle is locked and the hatch window is open ( at least on mine) no one can open the door to get in. Thanks for the video. Will be looking for more.

Great video and great set up love it and thanks for sharing 👊🚘👊

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Great setup! Thanks for posting. What a surprise to see you are in Boise this morning! I watched some of your videos last night in fact to get ideas for car camping. We lived in Sandy UT in '80s and camped in Ogden area water-skiing on the lake in the canyon. Also camped in most all of the parks in Utah. We are nearly ready to head out to the sites again as a couple of 70+ yr olds after a year of remaining socially distanced. Basically trying to keep it simple and reuse items we already have while we explore more of Idaho, Wyoming, Oregon ...

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

I pass through Boise several times a year. I just passed through a bit over a week ago on my way back from Washington. Maybe I'll see you guys out on the road! Thanks for watching.

Awesome! I"m looking to do something similar to the 2008 FJ I just bought!!! Definitely going to get that lug wrench too!

At 6’4” 225 lbs this is out of the question for me but I love my FJ and will never part with it. I do enjoy seeing folks get the most out of their FJs, the longest lasting, most reliable, go anywhere adventure vehicles out there. There were items in this vehicle I’ve never seen before, thank you for posting.

@Bergo101

9 ай бұрын

I'm a year late with this comment but just wanted to say I'm also 6'4" and fit on the left side sleeping just fine! Very comfortable in fact. I also thought it would never work, until I tried. I have a simple base / false floor to make it level with the backseats down, left front seat all the way forward. I can stretch out completely! I just put a foam mattress down and it's great. Very comfy, protected and ready to sleep within a minute after arriving - if needed. Give it a try, you won't want to go back! :)

Awesome!

Love the video. I, too, have a rooftop tent on my FJ, but I'm looking at building something like this too within it. To give myself the versatility needed for all weather conditions.

Even though I'm happy with my truck, I still lust over FJs. Nice set up! - Thanks for sharing. 🌲👍🌲

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

I kind of do too!

This was great! I’ve also purchased an FJ and have it halfway built out. It’s similar to the one here with sleeping on the passenger side and majority storage on driver side but it’s mor built up and on a slightly higher platform. The passenger front seat will also be removed with the final build to accommodate a longer sleep platform and extra up front storage :)

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a great setup! Thanks for watching.

Good build out. I will likely be doing something similar on my FJ, except leaving enough room to get the jack out of the drivers side "storage" compartment out back.

Sick set up.

That fire pit is clutch!!!

I really like this! Especially love the yuko, I've been looking for a hibachi but I like this a lot better!

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

It's a super cool little fire pit. I was surprised by how compact it was.

Nice setup removing the rear seats makes it much easier as well as being able to open the back from the inside. I have a RTT but it would be nice to have a setup like this for a quick trip.

great videos. Keep it up. I love seeing other rigs and how they work it out. My class C is my studio apartment on wheels. Like your videos of your reviewing how things make it easier to live on the road..

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

A studio apartment on wheels-I like that! Thanks for watching.

@StarboardBow

3 жыл бұрын

@@SUVRVing some day I will get in one of those peak climbs. I am so jealous. Your very confident. I have always been afraid of heights but working on it.

This reminds me I need to update you on my 4Runner build, I think you'll like how it's looking...it's pretty much ready to camp in right now, but I've been thinking about making a slight modification to fit in a small 21qt Iceco GO20 12v dual zone refrigerator/freezer.

FJ's are just cool and good for just about everything!!

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

I agree! Super cool rigs. Thanks for watching.

Interesting video, thank you so much!

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Soooo cool, I’m gonna do that

Very creative. Good job.

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching, Samantha.

I'm in a Kia soul, my set up is similar. Except the right side is mini bathroom area/rear right side near the hatch mini kitchen area. Everything else is stored away very open. Yes I can sit up with head room also. Thank you for the video

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a great setup!

@FreeSpiritMom

3 жыл бұрын

I’m in my Kia Soul as well! I have been alternating between sleeping in the back with all seats completely down of just sleeping in the passenger side front seat. It’s comfortable any way.

Good set up like the platform, I have cubby's on the side in my rav4 ill be using those.

Cool

This is great.

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching, Linda!

Great ideas

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

I have that firepit and enjoy it. I use charcoal to cook then take the grill off (with welding gloves) and add a couple pieces of firewood. The case of mine got stuck to the firepit and I had to cut it off, so no case.

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

Seems like a nice little piece of gear to have. Glad it works well for you! Thanks Debbie.

Thank You!

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching, Laura.

I picked up a twin air mattress for my FJ. I can go from packed, inflate and deflate, and back in the bag in about 10 minutes. Pump runs off the inverter. Planning on building a similar system to get everything level and store some stuff.EDIT Air mattress is currently too big. Slept overnight in a rest area 800 miles from home on memory foam but not great. Thinking about a tent but that requires a campsite. I'm taller and have a dog traveling. Honestly I'd like to take out the front passenger seat and have room to stretch out! Wife is not a fan since she occasionally is a passenger not involved with the car camping.

i demand that collapsible fire pan for quality hot dog cooking in the wild. the candle fire tin won't cut it.

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

Your demand is my Amazon purchase ❤️

That is awesome. Do you by chance have schematics are dimensions for the wood build out?

Great video and an ingenious arrangement in Kristin’s vehicle. She should check out some of your earlier vids about the pop up privacy tent and folding chair with the hole cut out under which you arrange a plastic bag for a potty. Shouldn’t be too difficult to find space for them in her rig.

@willar1338

3 жыл бұрын

Better yet, she could view your video from Sept 19, 2020, as I just did. That is a great “stool stool” as someone said!

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

She's seen that video, actually! We chatted about it 😁

Hi just found your vid! How long is the rear cargo to the back of the front seat? Do you have to push the front seat all the way forward to get enough space? I was wondering if it is long enough for me to sleep flat and straight. Nice setup, FJs are just cool trucks!

I just want to know: when the front seats are fully forward how much length can you get for sleeping? What would the total length be? Also, when the seats are removed is the floor flat? I wasn’t sure if the platform was to create storage or to even out the floor, or both.

I do like the size of the opening that is afforded by the suicide doors.

Looks like she has everything she needs. 👍

i have the same set up in my FJ :)

Love your episodes. I'm getting ready to take my Ford Transit Connect on its first camping trip. I incorporated a few of your suggestions, where my sleeping platform is atop the folded-down 2nd-row and 3rd-row seats. I really like seeing your videos of campers that can be reverted to passenger cars in just a few minutes. This FJCruiser that you're showing is exactly that kind of camper. Very cool :) Question about it: The 2x4 sleeping platform looks like it sits atop the folded-down backseats. Is that true? I like the idea of not removing the backseats to prepare the car for camping. Thanks for your excellent videos :)

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

Correct. The back seats were not removed. Thanks for watching, John! EDIT: Actually, I think they were removed. Sorry!

I also have a fj cruiser camper

I didn't see any Reflectix type insulation for windows etc mentioned so I was wondering how well this car copes (insulation wise) on cold nights?? Really nice vehicle and great use of space, that small moveable platform with addition support shelves sure provides a lot of essential storage which could translate to just about any car with only minor modification due to size variation. Fantastic tour as usual!

@johnvargas4317

3 жыл бұрын

I think those are reflectix window covers packed on the front passenger seat. She has a really nice camper there :)

@kristinblevins6842

3 жыл бұрын

@Allie B I do have reflectix. Due to the space I shift things around and when not being used it goes up front. Thank you for the like!

@allieb1621

3 жыл бұрын

@@kristinblevins6842 Thanks for reply - good to know.

@allieb1621

3 жыл бұрын

@@johnvargas4317 Thank you I will rewatch and I agree ... great camper!

@skylarperry169

Жыл бұрын

Really great job of presenting. Awesome camping set up. Love the organization style. I have an FJ, and am in the process of outfitting it. Some great gear choices! Thanks for a great video!

Great rig! Looks like a well prepared camp & off road setup!

I did a similar job on my RAV4. Only I haven't taken the seats out. And my RAV4 has a nice storage well under the back part of her platform.

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

I don't believe Kristin removed the seats, either. Just folded them down. EDIT: Oops, nevermind, I think she did remove the seats.

@samshepperrd

3 жыл бұрын

@@SUVRVing those seats must fold down awfully low. I kept looking at every angle and saw nothing resembling a seat. I thought maybe she has a place to store them. Scotty Killer loves the PJ. Says it's the best all around off road vehicle.

@EMA-uk5ob

3 жыл бұрын

i removed the rear seats on my FJ and put in a custom-cut piece of 1/2" plywood. It fits snug on the sides and front/back. No wiggle room at all. I place 2x4 legs under the front two corners so it doesn't sag. They are not attached. That's it. This setup maximizes space and also leaves room under the front half, where the seats were, for things I rarely use. There is no room for anything under the rear half. This setup works great. When I to access stuff under it I just open the rear door and slide it back. No complete removal needed.

How long is the sleeping platform? I am thinking of downsizing from a first gen Sequoia to an FJ, 4Runner or a GX, I need something that I can sleep in at 6’1”.

👍👍

👍

How were the 2x4s joined at the corners? Pocket holes?

That's a pretty nice setup. Thanks for sharing this Tristan and Kristin. I'm kind of shy and probably wouldn't want to be in a video either.

@sherylmcneill7811

3 жыл бұрын

As a solo female traveler, I wouldn't either.

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

Being on video is an acquired taste, for sure!

@cindythecatwoman1601

3 жыл бұрын

@@SUVRVing I guess it is. I really enjoy watching it.

Cool where is the grill from ❓❓ 😀 I love the hidden set up

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

Check the video description for the link 👍

Go to Navigation Nowhere here on KZread. 7 months ago he featured an fj cruiser conversion that was pretty awesome

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

👍

Are there specs for the wood working aspect?

I don’t know if I missed it, but looking at the dimensions of the rear cargo area online and it seems like there is at most 63” of space back there, if the seats are all the way back. I assume the owner was short?

@kristinblevins6842

3 жыл бұрын

Thats where the adjustable platform comes in. Will first scoot the seats all the way forward. Then slide the front piece of the platform into place. After that I get about 6' of sleeping space which I need because I'm 6'.

@kristinblevins6842

3 жыл бұрын

I'm 6'. The sleeping platform is adjustable and that way I can fit in there comfortably.

What's the length for sleeping

Did she take her back seats out??

I had a 2012 FJ cruiser, but sold it as I could not sleep in it. I’m 6’2 and I could not get the passenger seat down in order to sleep in it comfortably. A big flaw in the seating of the FJ cruiser. People are better off owning the Subaru outback.

I like this set up, very simple but send like it will work well. I like how you can sit up in the back, I can't in my car and plan on changing that. Side note, I was thinking about messaging you, as I'll be in your area in about a month. So, email will follow!

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

Yep, definitely shoot me an email!

💯🉐👍

The problem I see with this rig - and many others - is that so much of the equipment is just sitting unsecured in any way. The plywood panels are also unsecured, no hinges or bolts. In an accident, the contents of the entire rear area of the vehicle will become airborne, flying around and smashing into the occupants. Even normal travel on rough roads will turn the back compartment into a mixer, equipment will slide around and break things. There is a reason real RV equipment has storage compartments secured to the frame with bolts, and locking doors - it is the only way to be safe.

@SUVRVing

3 жыл бұрын

Yep, that's the risk people take. The vast majority of the time and for the vast majority of people, it's not an issue. Thanks for watching.

@kristinblevins6842

3 жыл бұрын

Thats definitely a calculated risk i take in this situation. As a general rule of thumb i keep very few things actually free floating in the back to help prevent stuff from flying around. I go off road quiet a bit and they are very rough roads. Haven't had any problems yet.

@jwagnermail

3 жыл бұрын

You are understating the risk of being in an accident. Six million vehicular crashes that occur every year in the United States . 2 million drivers in car accidents experience permanent injuries every year. Unsecured equipment in the back of your vehicle is not safe, and it is irresponsible to pretend it is not.

@kristinblevins6842

3 жыл бұрын

@@jwagnermail I'm not understating the risk. I am in fact very aware of the risk. Simple fact is at this point in time this is my setup. You do not have to approve of it and that's okay. Have a great day.

Clothes?

@kristinblevins6842

3 жыл бұрын

I keep my clothes in backpack and packing cubes then pull them out as needed.

Tip: Don`t store your oil containers laying down flat.....

Proving once again, less is enough. The fire pit masquerading as a laptop 👍.

Too small for me I'm looking for a minivan

All I know is if anyone videoed me. I would have to destroy the evidence !

Just finished a bed platform and storage for a 2007 FJ Cruiser. I am uploading the pictures on pickuptruckcamping.net website to show how we built. (yes, even though an FJ is not a pickup) We also added the door unlock mechanism on the rear door.

@kristinblevins6842

3 жыл бұрын

I just had a chance to look at the build and that is a design I considered. My only issue with it is head room. Since I camp all year I wanted a space where I can comfortably sit up when I'm in there for extended periods do to poor weather.

@ExpressVanCamper

3 жыл бұрын

@@kristinblevins6842 Yes, completely understand that.