Leap of Faith

Hey Everyone,

I just recently purchased my first 4Runner. Went with a 2021 Venture. I'm completely knew to off-roading and this community so 100% armature here.

I'm reaching out for some feedback, help, and opinions to assist me in what I'm calling my Leap of Faith.

Pretense: I'm a 4 year Marine Vet seen some shit but not a lot got pretty lucky in that aspect. Have some health issues and about to quit my Government job to travel to every National park the U.S. has to offer this coming spring. Unless they give me the transfer I requested (fat chance at only 1 1/2 years into the gig). Single, no kids, and have about 25k in savings (depending on how much the gear list cost). I'll have roughly 1600 a month coming in while I do this too.

The Why: I've hated almost everything I've done since getting out and can count on one hand the times I've felt joy. Every time involves the outdoors. Flying a plane, sky diving, kayaking, and camping trips. The stress is making my health issues worse and at 32 I'm not getting younger. I feel like its now or never.

Motivation: Been considering something like this off and on for years. Now even though if I stop working its tight about 200-300 wiggle room a month (not taking away from savings) its tight. I'm pretty sure we can make this happen. I've watched my Mom deteriorate over the course of the last three months due to Chemo. This has really made me rethink my life and what I want.

Timeline: Looking between March 1st and April 1st depending on weather trends and starting from the state of Ohio moving west. I will be following this route http://www.randalolson.com/2016/07/...ouLMoRSJmr4RwARBPjIItMYl9nFmfNKf7S901PHX4SBvM

The Goal: To live my life some and enjoy it. I know not every day will be daisies, bunny rabbits, and sunshine. This trip will allow me to network (starting here) and find like minded people or a at least people who share the interest I do. I have internet access in the vehicle so I can apply on the road or look for some remote part time work in between. I will also be volunteering time at as many parks as I can.

I will apply for positions either outdoors related or in areas where when I get off work I can enjoy these things. If I can find somethin with a 50/50 split between days I don't enjoy/hate my position that's an improvement right now. Northern Ohio does have some nice parks. All are small scale though. It's also very crowded due to the population density.

Gear: I'm still working on my list but I have a camper I'm looking at for the top here
https://offroadtents.com/products/t...0bNb_T6m8YJpDgHri3TVtll082Nx7pj_oUd2fDp7-2n9E


Does anyone have any experience doing this?
What are your thoughts on the above camper and map plan?
Any other suggestions ex?
I'm creating a gear list over the next two weeks and would appreciate any feedback with brands to consider.

Also since its my fist 4Runner and I do plan on hitting up some trails with my hiking and camping any suggestions on that?

I look forward to any feedback you all have and when I start this adventure will keep you posted with picture and videos.

 

Welcome to the forum from another Marine Corps vet, living in Wisconsin. Thanx for your service, you have a good plan, what's wrong with a 'soul search' trip like your planning? Exactly.... nothing. You may find that every day is not daisies, bunny rabbits, and sunshine, but what you will find is some places on your trip will be better suited to see/find those things! Myself, I've found that the traveling throughout the world is great, but always seemed to find my 'comfort zone' where I grew up. My wife had breast cancer and it's hard, but now has been cancer free for almost 5 yrs., positive thoughts.... Yea.. positive. All I can tell you is; it gets better! I know this, and I know this when I look at my Grandkids, so hang in there, and keep us posted on your trip... Semper Fi !

 

That bass guy and a handful of others online have solid sleeping platform builds on their history, You could look into making the back of your truck your camper and have a sleeper space and some good storage solutions. Arb has a pretty good side awning with room thats been on my going to buy list for a bit. Sounds like you’re on the right track man, some time away can do wonders. Good luck man.

 

I think this is awesome and get after it and enjoy every minute! I’m a two time cancer survivor and I have come to appreciate a lot of the things you have mentioned above. Just got to get after it and while like you said, it’s not all bunny rabbits and daisies every day, but the days that are those things are amazing. Great looking rig! Safe travels!

 

Venture - I highly doubt anyone on this forum will recommend against this. I say go for it. You will never know where you belong until you find it. Go. Explore. Find your place and enjoy your life. Don't forget to keep us updated along the way.

 

Follow your heart, man. Sometimes it takes something like that help us realize what’s important in life and to reconnect with ourself.

 

I think it’s a great idea, i have had some close calls in my life. You never know what tomorrow is going to bring, enjoy while you have the opportunity.

 

Welcome from Alabama!

 

Do it, document and share your adventure so I can live vicariously through you. I would love to do what you are planning, but with a career, family, mortgage, etc. I’m limited to weekend trips at a time.

 

Welcome from Arizona! As a veteran from a not so popular war I suggest you follow that dream and get out and live!! You only get the chance to do this one time. Enjoy, live, learn. Best wishes.

 

welcome to the forum..thank you for your service....as former USAF vet, always enjoyed when others thank us for our service..we re a special breed..nothing wrong with your plan or goal..life is a crap shoot...go for it.

 

Thank you for your service.

Life is challenging that is just the reality. You have the bad days to appreciate the good ones. I have had some good jobs, some okay jobs, and great jobs. I have worked hard and stress came with everyone of them.

At 32 it is time to get some things figured out. Life is not the same for everyone. It is also not a always a party or great adventure. At least how you are approaching it.

If I died tomorrow I would die with a full heart.

 

Thanks for the support everyone. Its been an interesting week that for sure. I'm going to start in the southwest in Texas keep you posted as this progresses. Looks like a lot of that savings will be gone after gear and a wench/a few lights for the 4runner. Talked to voc rehab maybe after the trip I go back to school we'll see

 

Keep us posted!

 

I'm pushing the big 7-0. BFD. well, yeah it is...lol....most of my friends have passed on....and myself, don't have any plans to check out..I hope to hang on, as long as I can...and when my time is up, it's up...and overall, I had a great ride here..despite a few ups and downs..

 

Anyone know anything about water storage? I'm looking into this for my vehicle:

https://www.lifestraw.com/products/...UdSF3cwXDpg3sCIyifmwGjj1e4-39XzgaAnExEALw_wcB

I already have something more portable for when im hiking. I'll need water for up to 5 days for both me and my dog and was wondering if i could just use a cheaper 10 gallon jug to store water for about 3-4 days at a time. Just dumping it into here when its needed

 

Welcome, and Semper Fi, my brother. I did 10 years in the Corps, but a long time ago.
Your plan sounds great, I hope you have the greatest time of your life.

Whatever you decide to use for water storage, remember to clean it frequently. Algae and all sorts of other goodies love tanks of any kind. I would keep the size down to 5 gal per tank, to make cleaning and flushing easier. If you know a good welder, or can find one, have them fab you up a tank or two out of aluminum, or stainless. Heck, if you move your spare to the back of the truck, like a swing rack sort of thing, then you could have the tank(s) put where the spare was.
Just make sure there's a big drain so you can flush it now and then.

Good luck, and have fun, man!
Pat☺

 

Having been to 4 national parks (out West), you absolutely need to document things and take pictures. Start a new thread with your adventures. Most here will probably follow as you move around.
If you need advice on Glacier, that's a hard one to get to, but absolutely worth it.

 

Thank you for your Service! All Americans should be thankful and grateful! I have never done a camping adventure like that and still waiting for my first 4R. Myself I enjoy fishing in my spare time. Maybe try out some beautiful streams a long your trip for some trout. Just an idea if you have an interest. Thank you again for your service to our country.

 

Live for our brothers n sister I'd say
Eff the rest
Semper gumby
Phantom fury fallujah 1/3 Alpha Co.
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Tips trick n ideas reach out I'll help if I can
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Welcome and good luck homie

 

Much appreciation for your service that allows us the freedoms we all enjoy. Building and maintaining is is infinitely more rewarding and satisfying than tearing down. Good luck on your journey, a strong sense of purpose is bound to lead to happiness!

 

Welcome to a great forum.