Lightweight Trailer and Free Camping With a 2009 4Runner

[gfisher640]

So I’ve been researching this hobby and hav some questions. I have a 09 4runner as a tow vehicle so I’m looking for a recommendation for a trailer less than 3500 pounds dry. So for the people that have done this before, is it possible to stay at one of these free camping places for weeks or even a month or more? If I had skylink do you think I could work reliably,obviously I would have to resupply. Now a bit of back ground on me,I am a former infantry Marine,so I’m used to living a bit feral,lol. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[UTTransplant]

There are lots of different federal land managers for free camping, and they have different rules. USFS says you can stay in one spot for 14 days, then you need to move some (considerable) distance away. How far depends on the forest. BLM has some Long Term Visitor Areas primarily for winter visitors where you can stay 8 months. The ones I know of are in AZ and CA. Then there are Bureau of Reclamation and Fish and Wildlife Service areas. They all have different rules. So you need to figure out where you want to go first. Secondly, you will need a way to dump waste water, trash, and resupply water. The LTVAs have those services, and you can usually find services in towns near popular dispersed/free sites.

 

[Domo]

Something like a fiberglass egg; Scamp, Happier Camper, and many more might fit the bill. DW and I had a 16' scamp. Had a two burner stove, shower/toilet, two-way fridge (propane and AC), A/C was basically a window unit that I installed (or course you'd need to have a generator or shore power). We went cross country a few times pulling it with our Jeep Rubicon with no issues other than some sway which was cured by adding a sway bar to the hitch.

We only us my Vetran discounted T-mobile phone for Internet with great results and can stream to our smart TV, and computer pretty much everywhere. If was going to run a business, I'd go with a satellite service.

Regarding how long you can stay.. depends on the place - Find a farmer and do some chores for them... Public lands will restrict you to two weeks and require you to move from the general area before you come back. But, some folks will make multiple pseudo overlapping reservations and simply flit-back and forth for two weeks at a time which could fit with your need to re-supply.

Since you are young, energetic and probably physically capable you might look into workamping - where you might have to put in a few hours each day and get a site with water/electricity for free - but, you'll be dealing with campers and we can be a rowdy group (LOL).

 

[tlmgcamp1]

The 2009 4Runner came with V6 (5000lb tow capacity) and V8 (7000lb tow capacity). I had a 2022 tacoma with 6200lb tow capacity. The dry weight of my TT is almost 3800lb. The Tacoma did the job with just the wife and I but worked harder than I was comfortable with so I upgraded to a Tundra. Offering for comparison.

 

[Kirk]

for a trailer less than 3500 pounds dry.

Unless you don't plan to ever put anything into the trailer, ignore the dry weight and look at the gross weight (GVWR).

 

[Primerump]

Have a look at the Casita models.

 

[DutchmenSport]

You'll need to figure out how to get electricity. Batteries last only so long. A solar system "could" cost thousands and then still not deliver the energy you need. A good generator will still need fuel. Solar generators are simply a battery. Your camper should already have a battery. Attaching an inverter to your vehicle battery will be a lot easier and cheaper. But, you still need fuel for the vehicle.

Carefully consider how you will get "power" and then the camper will follow. No matter what you do, it will cost. Nothing is completely free.

 

[Scott353]

I don’t know what level of comfort you’re looking for but I have seen some pretty nice Enclosed Cargo Trailers that were converted to Camp Trailers. And you can be “Feral”.
Live like tent campers, poop in a hole, bath in creeks and streams and throw your dishwater in the Forest.
Good luck and let us know what you decide.