TOP 5 ESSENTIAL MODS FOR OVERLAND BUILT 5TH GEN 4RUNNER IN 2024
When it comes to selecting the best vehicle for you when it needs to serve multiple functions one of the common vehicle selection's is the 5th generation Toyota 4Runner and for good reason. For many it's versatile as a daily driver, running errands, carrying dogs in the back, folding seats down and hauling bags of soil for the garden. It's basically a do it all platform. The Toyota 4Runner is one of our favorite overlanding vehicles because of all those versatile capabilities, so here are our recommendations to enhance the capabilities and also protect your swaggin family wagon on the trails!
Top 5 Essentials For Your 4Runner
1. Quality All Terrain or Mud Terrain Tires
Traction is something often overlooked but arguably one of the most important parts of your 4Runner when off-raoding or on an overland adventure. All-terrain tires are a game-changer for the 5th generation Toyota 4Runner, especially when it comes to overlanding and off-roading. These tires are designed to handle a wide range of surfaces—from muddy trails to rocky terrains.
The rugged tread design enhances grip and traction, which is crucial for maintaining control in unpredictable wilderness environments. Moreover, all-terrain tires generally feature a tougher sidewall to resist punctures and damage from sharp rocks, boosting durability. This durability, combined with improved traction, means that 4Runner owners can confidently tackle more challenging landscapes, ensuring an adventurous, yet safer off-road experience.
2. Rock Sliders
Protect those rocker panels! Not only are rock sliders an important ingredient for protecting your trail chariot, they're also useful as a pivoting tool or to use to slide off ledges or rocks when one of your wheels isn't exactly touching the ground. Having high quality steel sliders for your 4Runner will give you peace of mind when you hear those scrapes and bumps. They are also great for accessing gear on your roof rack. Which leads us to the next item in our top 5 essentials!
3. Roof Rack - For All The Activities
Ok, so we have solid tires to take on the terrain and ruts in the trail and add as much traction as possible, but where do you keep all your gear? Have a rooftop tent (RTT) that you want to sleep in at night? Well a strong versatile roof rack is going to help you mount and stow all that "necessary" overlanding gear you have. You can have your sky condo mounted securely while also having plenty of other mount points for an awning, shovel, rotopax or other accessories. When you're out in the wilderness, you never know what kind of weather you'll encounter. Rain, snow, hail – you name it. Luckily, a steel roof rack is built to weather the storm. Rust-resistant (due to quality powder coating) and tough as nails, steel can handle the elements without breaking a sweat. So go ahead, brave the elements and embrace the wild unknown with your trusty steel companion.
4. Light Up The Trail at Night!
If you have ever tried navigating rough terrain when it's close to dark or at night you know the struggle. If you are the one coming into camp after work and it's dark it can be challenging to see the drops, ledges, rocks and awkward terrain at night. Vision is important not only for safety but for avoiding potential damage to your 4Runner. A simple and cost effective option is to utilize the bar behind your grill to mount some yellow off road lights to your war wagon. Not only are good off road lights imperative for trail visibility but also to catch wildlife that may be running towards you. We offer a fantastic inexpensive solution with our custom "behind the grill" light mount and paired with some different lighting options you will be set to go without breaking the bank!
5. Recovery Gear
So you have your tires, rock sliders, and you can see but what happens when the inevitable happens and you get stuck? You need some ways to self recover and get yourself back on the trail to that next beautiful vista or campsite next to the stream. There are many different options for recovery gear but the most basic would be traction boards. There are many options and honestly anything is better than nothing. We recommend you at least have a spare full size wheel and tire, some basic tools, at least 2 recovery or traction boards, a shovel and recovery strap. A winch would be ideal but we are focused on essentials, and though this may not be considered a "mod" it's one we want to emphasize the importance of.
So go ahead and start planning those trips. There are so many amazing things to see that most people wont unless they take the time and have an off road capable vehicle. Reach out if you have any questions and we will help you get started on your journey!