Tenting in my Runner.

Ok, so I have a little overlanding trip coming up and have NO INTENTIONS of getting a friggin RTT....I have a bus! Well we can't use the bus in this application so we will be camping on the Georgia Traverse for the weekend. I also can't justify spending easily 2k just in rack and RTT for a weekend.

My plan is to sleep in the back of the Runner with an air mattress but want to be able to keep the back open for air flow. Also don't want mosquitoes or animals. Every single SUV back ends tent is reliant on the back lift up hatch to hold it up. We 2nd Genners don't have that! I have a tailgate and roll down window.

So my question to any 2nd or 1st Genners that have slept inside their Runner, what did you use for airflow?

 

There was a thread on a another forum kinda similar to this. The GMC xuv envoy tents are an option. Theyre popular with first and second gen 4runners and tacomas with canopy's. They've been out of production for a little while so it maybe hard to find one. Maybe eBay?

 

Like this?

 

Yes! This is the actual envoy xuv tent

 

You can always jerry rig a tarp and then add some mosquito netting to keep the bugs out.

 

Yep, check your local surplus, army-navy store for mosquito netting. You can cut to fit your side and rear window . I have a few extra if you were closer I’d give you a setup.

 

I picked up some noseeum screening online. https://www.onlinefabricstore.net/hsearchresult.aspx?keyword=noseeum

Walmart has 1/2“ magnetic tape and sewed them in place. The magnetic tape is not very strong, so I add stronger magnets in the corners if it going to be windy.

 

Great idea.

 

You can buy these types of window shades that just slide over your rear doors. It's a fine enough mesh to keep the bugs out. You roll the rear windows down and you're good to go. Maybe add a strip of painters tape on the bottom if bugs are really trying to sneak in.

 

I have been in contact with several tent makers via eBay and they all have told me none of their SUV tents will work with my Gen 2 because I do not have a rear hatch to give the roof the needed support. What bullshit!

I do like your idea of getting screen and using magnetic tape sewn to it. Cheaper that a tent.

 

That's pretty cool. Do you have a link?

 

This is the one I have. Fits 5th gen 4runner rear doors/windows:

blomma ATK Essential Products Universal Car Window Sun Shade for Babies Premium Version -Easy Fit Breathable Mesh - Protect Kids/Pets from Sun Rays – 2 Pack

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BY6MOG6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

This thing gives me great airflow, it's manufactured by a company called Napier and it's universal. I used it on my old 2003 and my new 2018 4Runner.

 

I call bs on that too, I knew I should have saved the video on YouTube and I can’t find it now but he’s been running a decent roof top tent for awhile, actually has his 2nd Gen 4Runner set up really nice. I’m aiming to do the same thing as funds allow.

I don’t think, could be I’m not sure his rooftop is from eBay but he never says anything about issues supporting it. I’ll keep looking.