Recent content by writchie

A few more pictures ... https://www.dropbox.com/s/bhbfcj69gnkkdqr/Photo%20May%2005%2C%2011%2008%2026%20PM.jpg https://www.dropbox.com/s/00bblluahmddrmv/Photo%20May%2005%2C%2011%2009%2030%20PM.jpg https://www.dropbox.com/s/tr9haekxn9izw9n/Photo%20May%2005%2C%2011%2009%2049%20PM.jpg

The Indiana Hillbilly Breakaway Kayak Load-Assist Thing-A-Ma-Bob I finally bought a kayak yesterday, but unfortunately it won't come in for a couple weeks. After studying all of the various load-assist racks, I decided to make one on my own. A short trip to Lowe's and about $50 later, this is...

Right ... I can definitely see where the Slipstream is better designed for a kayak. I don't have a kayak yet, but I'm planning on purchasing one soon. I think I'll try the Slipstream out with the factory cross bars first. If I don't get enough height to clear the shark fun, then I suppose I...

Thanks for the great pics! So are you basically saying that even with the Showboat's rear load assist roller pointed upward for kayaks, you still didn't have enough clearance to get over top of the shark fin antenna without having to add the second set of crossbars for additional height...

Quick update ... I actually did find the front tow hooks today!! They are hidden behind two plastic covers on the lower front spoiler. Thank God for the owner's manual, as I would have never found the tow hooks without it.

Thanks TONS, Randy! I never knew about the bow tie-down option for under the hood. That would solve a major problem ... greatly appreciated!

Thanks for your response, Mike. My travel trailer is actually a hard-sided pop up ... Trailmanor 2720. Expanded out, it is the size of a 27' long travel trailer with a height of 101.5". In the tow position, it collapses down to 20' length and height of 67.25". I just might (emphasis on...

mrvandelay, It is a bit hard to tell from your picture, but it looks to me as if you have a good, overall balance ... 4' ahead of the roof rack, 4' on the roof rack, and 4' behind the roof rack. (Give or take a few inches here or there) I guess my concern is that I'd have to have 7' ahead x...

Does anyone out there transport a 14' long kayak on their 4Runner roof rack? Thinking of getting a Jackson Big Tuna and considering the Thule Slipstream roof rack mount to mount to my factory roof rack & factory cross bars. Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions or pics for me in terms...

I just purchased a brand new 2012 Limited that had been sitting on the dealer lot for 120 days ... no trade-in, Shoreline Blue with running boards, 15 speaker premium sound, and all-weather mats. The MSRP was high $42k / low $43 as I recall ... I got them down to $38,750. I ended up ultimately...

So I have a new 2012 Ltd 4Runner & I've read the entire manual ... yes, I'm crazy like that! :). There's a couple questions that I cannot figure out, though. First question ... so I understand that the TRAC system is operating in H4F & H4L, but the manual says that the TRAC system shuts off...

I am glad that I'm not the only one who had a difficult time at first!! The mud doesn't bother me ... it's the pin-stripping that concerns me most! Oh, well ... I suppose it's inevitable anyway, so I might as well get the pain over with sooner rather than later. ;)

Just retired my 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer LT 4WD after 200,000+ good miles. Now a proud owner of a new 2012 4Runner Limited. The devil inside me wants to go test it out on some rough backwoods seasonal roads up in Michigan, however the 4Runner is just too dang pretty to take it out of the...