RAV4 Weekend Off-Road: MONACHE MEADOWS 4x4 TRAIL (Inyo National Forest)
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- In this video, you'll get a glimpse of some of the gear that I take with me camping as I pack for a weekend Overlanding trip with the AWDBOYS in the Inyo National Forest.
We caravaned through the Monache Meadows Jeep Trail where high clearance is recommended.
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2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure - Build List
Wheels/Tires
fifteen52 17”x8” (+38mm) Traverse MX
Toyo tires 245/70R17 Open Country AT3
Suspension
Eibach Pro-Truck Lift Kit
Lighting
Diode Dynamics SS3 Pro - SAE Fog (fog lights)
Diode Dynamics SS3 Pro - Flood (ditch lights)
Diode Dynamics SS42 Amber Light Bar
Diode Dynamics SSC2 Sport - Combo (chase lights)
Lasfit Auto Lighting T10 LED Side Marker Bulbs
Tigger Wireless Controller 4 Plus Wireless Accessory Trigger System
LP Aventure Ditch Light Brackets
Power train
Ultimate9 Performance Throttle Controller
Comms
Midland Radios Micromobile MXT-275 2-Way Radio
Midland Radios Micromobile MXTA25 3Db Ghost Antenna
Midland Radios X-Talker T71VP3 2-Way Radio
Kit:
Prinsu Modular Rack System
Dirt Complex Trail Swing Wheel Carrier
Pelican Vault V800 Hardcase
Roam Adventure Co. 5’ Awning
RNOFIT Fabrication R4 Ladder Version 1
LP Aventure Skid Plate
RRW Bolt-on Sliders
Cascadia4x4 VSS Solar Panel
SetPower USA AJ50 50qt 12v Fridge
Audio
JBL Club 3020 3.5” Tweeter
Aesthetics:
BuiltNKO RAV4 TRD Grille
BuiltNKO ‘16+ Tacoma Raptor Lights
AutoClover RAV4 Window Visor
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See more photos and content of my RAV4 Overland Build on blueyota4
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Want to contribute to the build, channel, or just buy me a coffee⁉️
You can donate funds via Venmo: @dannyrocksteady
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As one who has a 4×4 truck I'm always impressed by these type of vehicles out on the trails!👍👍👍💯
Wheeling and Overlanding is fun. We used our 2009 Escape Hybrid for many camping trips. It is being retired 180K miles. We just bought a Rav4 Hybrid. Will be taking it out to Utah this summer. The Escape was great, hope the Rav4 will be even better.
That is awesome!
I wanted a Crosstrek before I got my Rav4, but I was really impressed with the way that Crosstrek handled itself offroad! Awesome video man. Love your rig!
The trek definitely handles itself-check out his channel @thetrailtrek too!
Impressive. Good video. Sick whip
Thanks!
Nice video. We just started getting into Overlanding with our 08 RAV-4 TRD V-6 Limited. It's a real beast for a RAV 4 😁.
I thought the new rav4 only comes in 2.4L 4
@@aaront5410 older models have a v6.. and it is a beast.
I’m excited about this video after just seeing Vasquez Rocks in the last one I watched.
Thanks for checking out the videos! Completely forgot I even had a video with Vasquez Rock-time to update the thumbnail haha
Did you see a significant change in your MPG with your car lift and heavier tires??
This makes me want to get a Rav4 Adventure for myself man! I’m usually a Subaru Forester fanboy but maaaan not only the new Rav 4 has a more powerful engine, it has no CVT! Thank God!
dudeee im literally so crossed between getting the 2017+ forester xt and the newer rav4s. i know the subie is cheaper, faster BUT also least reliable with that turbo. rav4 seems like the way better option!
People talk crap about the new RAV4 trd offroad, I think they are capable for what they are.
What better for climbing the trail model of hybrid?
Thank you nice video and thank for explanation
Might want to double check all the wiring of your lights if the battery is draining that quick on you. I haven’t had any issues with mine sitting for days at a time. Sometimes accessories trickle a little bit too. Good recommendation on the jump starter just in case tho.
Jarred Fedor the trigger controller does say in their manual it will still draw the way I had it installed (where I can run the lights without the ACC on) but it should take weeks to kill the battery-so I definitely took that into consideration. The dealership ultimately swapped out my battery and I haven’t had any issues since.
@@DannyRocksteady Right on, Glad that got it situated for you.
I believe if you set your lights up to operate thru your phone that will cause the battery to drain.
That's a cool ladder.
Fantastic job. Getting one in Dec
Sick footage!!! 🤙💪
Not exactly the hardest over-landing. And each of those rigs could probably handle a little tougher terrain, but huge huge kudos to your guys for even taking those CUV’s off the beaten path. The blue RAV4 looks sick out there. Hopefully I can pick up a black adventure next year. Cheers!
Definitely not on the same level as rock crawling to get to your camping spot-but definitely shows the capabilities of this new generation of CUVs off the beaten path! Thanks for checking out the video!
What’s a CUV? I’ve heard of SUV, SUT, and Crossovers but not CUV.
@@travelinman482 Crossover Utility Vehicle = CUV for short. AKA Crossover lol
@@Soh90
Ok, I’ve never heard anyone say CUV. Only Crossover.
Great video, thanx for sharing your adventure 👍
Wonderful nice 👍 video
12:03 Is than JonDZ I hear?!? Your Rav4 looks awesome btw
Haha it is!
The wheels, oh no. Get some black steelies man. They’ll look good on your rig and are cheap too. I’m not Rav guy or even a Toyota guy, but I like the content in this video. I’m looking to get the new Bronco next year but either way you had some helpful tips in this video. Thumbs up! Subscribed!
Scott Watkins thanks you I appreciate the support 🙏🏻
My guess would be that you might want a high strength rally wheel that keeps the weight down. Steel is a bit much for the rav.
Aaron I’ve since swapped out my wheels to 17” Fifteen52 Traverse MX’s
Danny Rocksteady That’s a really nice looking wheel. Good choice
@@DannyRocksteady Did you have the RRW’s before? I’m looking at buying some similar wheels, what was behind your decision to change to the Fifteen52’s?
I wish you had filmed the water crossing. Nice setup
There should be at least 2 clips of the crossing in this video
Great video man! Loved the vibes and thanks for thoroughly spending the time to share about the things you took with you on the trip. It's super helpful for those who are curious to know what things have been helpful for you in these types of trips.
Gawwwd it seems like it's been forever since I've been out! Wish I was out there with y'all! 😁
Duuude the Rav handled it! 🙌 Good to see what that thing can do. Nice eyeglasses btw 😏
I guess Im randomly asking but does any of you know a trick to get back into an Instagram account..?
I was stupid lost my login password. I love any tips you can offer me.
@Jax Alec instablaster =)
@Simon Gage I really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and Im in the hacking process now.
I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.
@Simon Gage it did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D
Thank you so much you really help me out!
@Jax Alec No problem xD
Good thing you had your pod lights on. Cool car bro. Im thinking about getting one in the near future. Maybe crv again idk. Looks like it does ok off road though 👌 I mean I did struggle but it did it.
Did you have to modify your rav4? Such as adding suspension, etc?
Yes, there are details in the video description
How would you compare your car to the Foresters in your trips? I'm trying to decide between the two and like both. Both, 2 past RAV's have been great and wonder if the historical reliability will carry over with the new version and will the new awd system hold up compared to the Forester and it's historical cvt/head gasket issues since I need this purchase to last as trouble free past 100k miles. Thanks for any help and the great videos.
Where did you buy the roof accesories?
Great video. I am looking for a new vehicle and this video might've sold me on the Rav 4. I was also looking at the crosstrek or an old 4-Runner
Same here.
just curios why at the beginning all the cars had flashing lights going up the trail? 2:32
They’re called chase lights-when you’re on a dusty trail or a dark one visibility is low and it is unlikely you can easily see the tail/brake lights of the vehicle in front of you. These lights help you keep track of where the next vehicle is helping prevent accidents or mishaps.
@@DannyRocksteady makes sense, thanks!
Nice car and trip! Is your car lifted, if yes - what kit?
Plenty of answers for FAQs in the video description and channel
what model is yput toyota rav4? what tires do you have?What is the height from the ground??
My father used to take us up here all the time as kids. He hunted up there. D8 or 10x I believe.
Do you think my Camry would make it through? Obstacles look pretty tough
Nah bro, I dont think a Camry is enough.
@@___Karma__ I have a snorkle on it, I should be fine
This looks sick the first thing I want to do when I get my Rav4 is add interior lights all around and new tires and rims. And wait till I get my xse all the adventures I am going to have with it going off grid also I want to be able to sleep in my rav I need to find a way how to make it comfortable to do that or the tent thing on my roof. Your set up is so cool to go camping in. The guy in your video he uses a tent ontop of his car can the fav do that ? Also the rims and tires you have for this car are they good for all year ?
great videos, did you upgrade your wheels and tires? What kind of wheels and tires are you using
That information is all over the channel including each video description.
Dude, what do you expect your shade will cover when it actually rains??
Probably wouldn’t use it during the rain-I use the awning for shade not shelter
Good video, looks like the RAV4 handles very well off road. What lift and tires did you use?
Check out my Instagram for information on my build and the parts I use. instagram.com/blueyota4
@@DannyRocksteady
What’s with all of the "E" lights flashing while driving on the trails?
@@travelinman482 They're referred to as "chase lights". When you travel in a caravan you want to have chase lights because as you kick up dust on the trail, you can obscure the visibility of the drivers behind you and cause them to crash into you. Having forward facing ditch lights and light bars are important for the same reason for drivers coming the opposite direction. Your auxiliary lights allow help you to see out on the trail but more importantly TO BE SEEN out on the trail.
@@DannyRocksteady
1) Drivers on trails should be going slow as to not kick up a lot of dust.
2) You should use amber colored lights to cut through fog and the dust.
I love the rav4’s (all years) but the newer varieties are so damn slow on the highway, you can stomp the pedal and it’s like a 10 second delay😂 great dependable vehicle though, I kind of prefer the body style prior to this one though, but great ride either way.
A lot of that delay is probably due to the “drive by wire” systems in modern throttle bodies-as long as you leave it in “Sport” mode it’s takes up a lot of that delay
No delays!! don't know what you are talking about ...I have the same exact one on this video and trust me it goes!!
Unless if it's a Rav4 Prime... 💨🔥
No delays on ours but it is definitely tuned for more efficiently. Has 8 speed auto transmission and avg 30mpg for regular gasoline model.
Nice video. I never go off reading but I do like camping. Iam getting a rav 4 hybrid and would like to put thoese mud tires on and rims...can I put thoese tires on the OEM rims? The reason iam asking is because if I get nice rims and if I go off roading they are gonna get messed up like yours:(... did u lifted too? Does it ride nice in long trips on freeway with thoese mud tires, what about mpg? What model do you have, iam debating between the le and xle? Will this void my toyota warranty or extended warranty since iam modifying car?? Sorry for all the questions.
I live close to Bakersfield is that a private area where u went camping or u just found that place, will it be safe just to go with my family? Thank u
Good trip Man! I'm working on my rendition of a monache meadows youtube video, but I'm struggling incorporating 4 different trips into one video.
It was great having you out with us! I can’t wait to watch yours!
How did you plan your route? Any links or websites to plan a western national park trail ?
Woah what accessory is that ladder??
There’s a build list in the video description
@@DannyRocksteady gracias por favor
Awesome video! That RAV4 can hang! Lol
Brought my rav stock there did fine too!! Trip looking dope man, just wondering how's the lift?
theadventuresofMATH loving it, no complaints!
What is the lift?
TRD LIFESTYLE Eibach Pro-Lift Kit
@@DannyRocksteady can You send a link to a webstore or something?
Excellent video. Thinking of getting a 2019 RAV4, but my only hesitation is the approach angle. Are you rocking a 2-inch lift kit on yours? It looks like it performs well. What kind of wheels and tires?
SeethingGreen approx 1.5” lift with 1” taller tires (at the time of this trip)-I’ve since gone with a 245/70R17 (2” taller) tire giving me about a 2” total actual lift (since I’m using the Eibach kit and not a spacer) and about 10” of ground clearance.
Can you tell me what BFG tires you installed? Also, do you notice any additional noise running the BFGs? Thanks.
What size tires and rims are those? And is your Rav4 lifted? If so which life and by how many inches of lift? How’s MPG? Do you feel the need to take a rotopax?
Plenty of that info on this channel and my ig!
Lif 3” or 2.5”
Lifting a Rav4 2.5" or higher is asking for trouble with your CV axles.
Hey Danny great videos. I just got a 2019 rav4 trail Canada version of (adventure) how do you pull the rav4 out if you get stuck. There is no screw in hook attachment spot like in other vehicles.. What do you do ?
Best thing you can do is not to put yourself in that situation--I always do a lot of research before exploring any new trails. Bringing the right equipment is also key: make sure you have suitable tires for the terrain you are on as airing down your tires will be your first line of recovery. I also make sure I have plenty of self recovery tools: shovel, traction boards, straps, etc. Finally in the event I do get really stuck (which thankfully hasn't happened) I installed a tow hitch will provide a recovery point since as you stated the adventure/trail does not have from the factory.
Nice rav4 !
Nice care man I have the same one 2021 and I’m looking for the ladder can you give us the link
You can find parts lists and information on the gear I use on my Instagram instagram.com/blueyota4
Awesome video bro. Currently looking for tires on my XSE. What tires do you have on yours? Do you have a lift kit on your rav? Any issues with turning radius?
All the answers to these questions and a bunch of other FAQ’s can be found on my Instagram @blueyota4
Do you have any underbody protection on your rav? I’ve been looking online and can’t seem to find legit skid plates 😭
LP Aventure engine skid plate
Are those KO2?? How are they holding up so far
They were solid-but I did ditch them shortly after the trip for a lighter A/T tire the Toyo Open County ATIII’s
Can please gps coordinate to the trail. Thanks
Are the flashing lights a softroader thing?
If I had to stare at that on the whole trail I'd lose my mind.
It’s an off-road safety thing in general. They allow you to see where the car ahead of you is so you don’t run into them when dust and debris is instructing visibility
@@DannyRocksteady It makes perfect sense. I've just never seen flashing lights before. Most of us run a yellow light. Because that's the best way to cut through the dust. Some run red. But usually just a solid light. I don't often see flashing lights.
Personally I have epilepsy so I'd have just asked them to make it solid I imagine on their controller they have the option.
Overall I love the video though. The cinematography is good. I wish I took the time to record as much when I'm on a trip. I need to get a better camera my wife can hold so she can do more recording when we are driving. Or just remember to put the gopro out on the vehicle more.
@@adamtoepfer5565 my chase lights are simply yellow as well. The camera makes their lights seem so much more in your face in this video than in reality-but there have definitely been trails where I’ve had them dim the lights or change the flashing pattern because it was getting intense to watch/follow haha
do you have a spare tire?
Yes. It's clearly visible many times in the video.
Hi what kind of ditch light you have? And where did u buy your brackets, any specific name for that?
I have lighting information saved on my IG story highlights and an install video for the brackets th-cam.com/video/nJgfVSiEP58/w-d-xo.html
This is probably a stupid question but i never been off roading and i have been thinking about it but i have the 2020 rav4 LE model (base model) do you think itll do fine with off roading?
I’m a firm believer that the driver’s experience far outweighs the rigs capabilities-the LE would do fine on simple trails, but as a new driver to off-roading I would take the time to learn about the basics like choosing your line, airing down, recovery gear, etc.
@@DannyRocksteady appreciate the reply back! And that was the quickest response ive ever gotten! Lol youre getting a new subscriber 😂 and i got another question since i have the LE i am thinking about slowly modding it like getting a lift and new tires and all that stuff. I dont like in cali or anything but do you think with experience the LE would be able to do a trail like the one in the video?
@@whhhaattttt1647 check out my buddy @moonroveryota’s build on IG. He sends it in his FWD LE.
@@DannyRocksteady will do thank you very much!
What state do you live man?
California
White size tires do you have
Good~~~^^
Which model of the Rav4 do you have?
Are there people who go on such trips on a Rav4 hybrid?
Yes.
Hello were did you buy the rear ladder?
Did you have to get your tires aligned after this trail? Or ever before from a similarly difficult trail?
No, it shouldn’t be an issue unless you’re really beating up your suspension
@@DannyRocksteady Thanks for the reply! I took a handful of turns on a dirt/gravel road at speed, drifting off the road at times. I noticed my alignment was slightly off the next day. Not sure if it was my speed while going sideways that did it.
@@orionnineone it was probably the "drifting off road at times" that did it
If the rav4 came out with wheel/tire package like that from factory, I would take a strong look at it. Interesting they can’t offer what they did with their Tacoma TRD Pro to the Rav4
There is a TRD package available for the Adventure/Trail Rav4 from factory, I was trying to find one here locally but they are relatively hard to find right now. It comes factory with TRD wheels, Falken Wildpeaks and upgraded suspension as well as some metal skid plates vs the plastic that comes on the base Adventure/Trail although I hear the skidplates are fairly thin and you will likely replace them anyway. My local dealer had a base Trail come in in the Blue and I scooped that up, you can always add wheels/tires/skids aftermarket and for less than the price of the TRD upgrade which is around $3500CAD, it has some other things like upgraded stereo but I find the base stereo to be surprisingly good.
Looking to get this same car but wonder about recent issues with battery, rear diff, transmission. How is your reliability been? Need a reliable daily driver that can handle dirt mildly rough dirt roads Thx
It’s a Toyota-mine has been extremely reliable overall (considering what I do to it). All the issues I’ve seen online IMO are minor inconveniences that are easily addressed but people want to complain versus get it taken care of. I had a battery issue-Toyota replaced the battery and I haven’t had any issues since.
Did you end up getting the Rav4? You should just look into an actual 4x4 with a real 4hi 4lo transfercase for doing real offroading and rock climbing. I know the 4.0L in the 4Runner drinks gas but its kinda worth it. Lol
@@JDMEXforme I went with the subaru and it has fit my needs over the last year.
What size wheels and offset? And tire size?
What tire size?
Alright, so when you all camp out in bear/ mountain lion country, do you all just keep your food in your coolers inside the vehicle? I always worry about that...
EcBuddy123 yeah we typically put the cooler in the vehicle and make sure to clean up our area of any food and scraps before turning in for the night. Bringing personal protection always helps add to the peace of mind-whether it’s a firearm (depending on your local regulations) or bear spray like JonD had with him at our camp.
hey nice vid men ! do you have the trail or the TRD version of the Rav4?
Youssef Hallouly adventure/trail
@@DannyRocksteady great thanks im looking at the 2020 version of it, not sure if there is alot of difference with the 2019 version. Might as well look for the 2019 version to save some money
Youssef Hallouly only difference really is Android Auto (in the US anyway)
Danny Rocksteady Nice this isn’t an issue for me since i use apple products, do you have any problem with the transmission jerkiness ?
Youssef Hallouly I got the system reprogrammed at the dealership with the first oil change-and it’s gone. I drove a 6-speed prior to the rav and with most of the people who complain about the jerking it’s obvious they’ve never driven a MT and short shifted through gears. It’s not that big of a deal and it is quickly corrected at the dealership.
Nice video! I’m wondering what kind of mpg you get with your lifted RAV4?
YOUNG MC 24-25 mpg
Not as good as I thought but better than my T4R. Are you mostly city driving?
@@youngmc5040
Not good MPGs? That’s pretty dam good for a lifted vehicle. Bet, what’s a T4R?
@@travelinman482 my FJ Cruiser could get 21 but averaged 19. It was shaped like a brick and way more capable than this. I think I'd rather the FJ Cruiser and take the MPG hit.
As a fellow asian i wanted to get away from the Chinese Recreational Vehicle aka Honda CRV. So i got a rav 4. I really like your upgrades. Looks great. I might have to copy some of your ideas.
its kind of the same car no?
Will I be able to go overlanding with a Hybrid Rav4 AWD and a lift kit.
It ultimately depends on where you’re going and your off-road driving experience, but the hybrid RAV4 is very capable in its own right.
@@DannyRocksteady
i did a lot of research on Toyota's AWD-i
based on this review here
th-cam.com/video/nugffUwqYzc/w-d-xo.html
it seemed to handle sand and thats all i need.
You are the first Rav4 Overlander in TH-cam and I love your channel. Subscribed!
i have a 2020 rav4 xse hybrid... i was wondering the same thing. I'd like to create a build with mine to go off road but i wasn't sure if anyone does that with the hybrid versions or if it was a dumb idea to do to a hybrid lol
@@Sean-sf4ys imagine it as a FWD assisted by the rears and it will get you places!
@@Sean-sf4ys the hybrids are almost better offroad in my opinion. Instant torque from the rear electric motor and 20 more hp than gas models .
What brand rims on your rig?
is your rav4 lifted?
Yes.
th-cam.com/video/44BwsxxJ38k/w-d-xo.html
You’ve convinced me to snag these lift springs for my Rav4. I noticed more recently that you changed your rim setup. Did you change tires as well? Or are you running the same as before? Trying to figure out what size tires I can fit without having to do any trimming to the wheel wells.
Went larger with the tires and a different model. I sold the KO2s in favor of Toyo Open Countey AT3. They are plenty aggressive for the RAV4 and a fraction of the weight.
When he say optical i didn't see one at all..
Pretty much my 2008 rav4 v6 4wd can go tru all that like nothing.
Prove it.
My golf gti would of made it 😂
what kind of wheels are those? i'm looking to upgrade the one on my 2020 Rav4.
The ones in the video are 17” RRW RR5-S, I’ve since swapped them out. Check out my IG to see the latest set.
Like 🌹👍🔔🔔
I think too much unnecessary stuff
You don’t need to use it if you don’t want to but thanks for checking out the video 👍🏼
@@DannyRocksteady I just got for my mom brand new Rav4 and want to see how it does off road , thanks for showing. I'm a minimalist , so when I do go camping I got just neccessary things on me
Do you get any rubbing with the 245/65 17r tires? Does your build have a lift?
Check out the other videos on my channel.