My Adventure Rig

What’s up, my dudes! I’m sharing an overview of my 4Runner and the modifications I’ve made to it over the years. My rig is a 2015 Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition Premium, and after owning it for over five years, I can confidently say it’s been one of the best vehicles I’ve ever had. It’s reliable, capable, and just downright fun to drive.

Tires and Suspension

One of the first upgrades I made was swapping out the stock highway tires for all-terrain tires. I went with the BFG KO2s because of their solid reputation and aggressive look. They’ve been incredible for all my off-road adventures and have handled everything I’ve thrown at them. I’m currently on my second set of KO2s, and honestly, I can’t see myself using anything else in the future.

Next up was the suspension. I replaced the stock setup with Dobinson suspension, upgraded upper control arms, and rear sway bar links. This gave my 4Runner a two-inch lift all around, which not only improved the look but also significantly enhanced the ride quality. It handles dips, bumps, and off-road terrain way better than the stock suspension ever could.

That said, I did notice some bottoming out when hitting larger dips, so I swapped the stock bump stops for Duro bump stops. If you’re planning to lift your 4Runner, I highly recommend this upgrade—it’s a game-changer for preventing harsh impacts.

Lighting Upgrades

The stock halogen headlights weren’t cutting it for me, so I upgraded to Xenon Depot’s Xtreme LED Pro headlight bulbs. They’re sleek, bright, and provide a clean white light that dramatically improves visibility.

For the fog lights, I went with Diode Dynamics yellow SS3 sports. These have a fantastic wide spread and are easy on the eyes, especially since yellow lights don’t reflect off road signs and markers as harshly as white LEDs can. It’s a noticeable upgrade that I really appreciate on long drives.

Front End Protection and Utility

I outfitted the front of my 4Runner with a TRD skid plate and a C4 Fabrication Lo Pro bumper, which holds a Smittybilt X20 10K winch. The bumper install was surprisingly straightforward, though I was a bit nervous about cutting part of the factory bumper. Once I started, though, it wasn’t a big deal. The finished look is aggressive and functional, and having a winch gives me peace of mind when exploring off-grid.

Under the hood, I mounted a Smittybilt 2781 air compressor using a C4 battery tray. I got tired of my portable air compressor taking up precious cargo space, so moving it under the hood was a no-brainer. Onboard air is super convenient for airing up after hitting the trails.

Roof Rack, Awning, and Ladder

After extensive research, I settled on the Front Runner Slimline 2 roof rack. It checked all the boxes for me, and I love the variety of accessories they offer—it makes customization easy and hassle-free. To the rack, I’ve added a Roam Adventure awning on the passenger side, which is perfect for shade during breaks at camp.

I also installed a C4 Summit Hatch Ladder for easy access to the roof. Whether I’m grabbing gear, setting up camp, or just enjoying the view, the ladder makes climbing up quick and easy. I recently mounted a Weboost Drive Reach OTR on the ladder to improve my cell signal while out exploring. It’s been a great addition, noticeably boosting my signal in areas where reception is usually spotty.

Roof Top Tent: iKamper X-Cover 2.0 Mini

On top of the rack, I’ve got an iKamper X-Cover 2.0 Mini. This rooftop tent has been a game-changer for my camping trips. I chose the X-Cover 2.0 Mini because it strikes the perfect balance between size, weight, and functionality, making it ideal for solo adventures or trips with one other person.

Setting up the tent is quick and easy, taking less than a minute once you get the hang of it. The interior is surprisingly spacious for its compact size, with a comfortable memory foam mattress that makes it feel like I’m sleeping at home. I also appreciate the multiple windows and skylights, which allow for great ventilation and the chance to stargaze on clear nights. The durable construction of the tent has held up against strong winds, rain, and snow, so I feel confident taking it on any adventure.

Overall, the X-Cover 2.0 Mini is an awesome addition to my setup. It gives me the flexibility to camp anywhere while keeping things simple and efficient.

Drawer System/Sleeping Platform

To maximize storage and add versatility to my 4Runner, I built a custom drawer system and sleeping platform. This setup turned out awesome—it gives me plenty of organized storage for tools, gear, and camping equipment while still leaving space to sleep in the back if I want to. The platform is sturdy and comfortable, making it perfect for solo trips or when I just don’t feel like setting up the rooftop tent. Having all my essentials neatly tucked away in the drawers keeps the cargo area clutter-free and makes packing for adventures a breeze.

Final Thoughts

The 4Runner has been an amazing platform for building out an adventure rig. It’s simple, reliable, and ready to go wherever I want, whenever I want. Whether I’m tackling off-road trails, setting up camp under the stars, or just cruising down the highway, this rig handles it all.

If you’re thinking about modifying your 4Runner or starting an overland build, I hope this gives you some inspiration. Let me know if you have any questions or want more details about specific upgrades.