The Build

2013 Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition

Design Philosophy

Having learned from my first 4Runner build, I decided to take a different approach that would lead me to better results. The first thing I had to do was to really evaluate what I needed in an “overland” build, which was certainly a test of managing my ego. Was I going to be 4-wheelin, mudding, or rock-crawling? No. Was I going to be going on remote solo expeditions through the Central American rainforests or across the tundra above the Arctic Circle? Not likely. Was I going to be mainly doing on-road driving? Yes. Was I still mostly doing 2-3 day trips? Yes.

I settled that the purpose of my build was going to be to allow me to safely and comfortably take me to all of the places I like to hike, allow me to basecamp out of my car for a few nights at a time, pack in a lot of gear and keep it organized, and be able to cover long-distances via the highway.

I had 4 principles that guided this build:

• Build it fit-for-purpose not for desire

• Build it to last forever

• Make it easy to maintain myself

• I should be able to

The Platform

This whole project really started in 2010 when I purchased my dream car, a 2010 Toyota 4Runner Trail in Magnetic Gray. I had been following the release of the 5th generation 4Runner and as soon as I saw that a dealership had a Trail Edition I showed up ready to purchase. It was, as the salesman told me, the very first TE in Virginia, and the gentleman who was also there ready to purchase