u/CopyNo414

Hey everyone! I'm Elise, and I haven't named the Fj yet but I'm obsessed

I’m new here, just picked up a 2014 FJ Cruiser. I’m excited to slowly build it out for camping, road trips, light trails, and eventually more overland-style adventures.

Before the full buildout is done, I’d still love to camp in it and start using it for weekend trips. Right now I’m looking at mattress options for the back and trying to decide between a tri-fold mattress or one of those SUV air mattress setups. Which one have you tried?

I’m also trying to figure out what to do about my driver’s seat. It seems like the inside cushion may be dry rotted, and the metal bar in the back of the seat really hurts my back. I have degenerative disc issues from ankylosing spondylitis, so support matters a lot for me. I added a memory foam pad, which helps a little, but it makes me sit way too tall and it slides around. Help!

Would you replace the seat, rebuild the cushion, swap cushions from another FJ, or use a better seat/back support setup? I’d love recommendations from anyone who has dealt with uncomfortable or worn-out FJ seats.

I’d love to make this build practical, capable, and still comfortable enough for longer trips with my dog. I’m starting with the basics and learning as I go, so I’d love to hear your favorite overland upgrades, must-have gear, storage setups, roof rack/tent recommendations, recovery gear, mattress recommendations, seat comfort fixes, or anything you wish you had done first.

Drop your FJ overland suggestions, beginner tips, and favorite mods!

https://preview.redd.it/jvh284v9i25h1.png?width=1710&format=png&auto=webp&s=837206bcc804034a929c24442fa3dcf42aad62ea