2015 4Runner Trail front license plate mount options

[brian0128]

What front plate options are out there? I did a search but couldn't find anything specific to the Trail. I saw a picture online that looked like there was a bracket but my dealer uses sheet metal screws. I asked them not to drill the bumper but they said I had to have a plate mounted.
Here is the pic that shows a mount.

 

[brian0128]

My dealer in MD doesn't use this mount. They had one on the lot with 2 holes in the bumper. Is this a part I can buy?

 

[Jetboy]

It should have come with that black plastic bracket on there. They are held on basically with sheet metal screws though. I'm sure you can get one. I'd bet that every 4runner that comes off the delivery truck has one of those with it and your dealer throws them away or something. Both of our Lexus cars we've bought in the last 5 years had similar front license plate brackets, but didn't come installed and it was up to the buyer whether to put on the front plate or not, but it does require new holes in the bumper cover. Once it's on, it's not easy to reverse without some body work.

 

[NoDak]

depends on the state on how much they enforce the front plate issue.

I know in California, dealers are adamant on a front plate mount. unless you order a front tow bar plate insert to replace the front mounting location, most dealer will drill the bumper.

too me its a mute issue, since 99% of the vehicles I buy/sell will have a front plate mount anyway and it wont impact the value of the vehicle.

now it I was selling/trading in this vehicle in a non front plate state that may cause concern.

 

[brian0128]

I'd prefer not to drill but I also don't want to block the airflow to the radiator. Most options I've seen mount it there.

Instead of sheet metal screws should I use bolts and nuts with washers?

 

[Jetboy]

I don't think it will matter. You'll put two holes in the bumper cover either way. The only way I can think of not to damage it would be to put the bracket on using double sided tape. 3m has some that's quite good. I put a spoiler on our IS350 with it and it was still stuck on when we sold it 4 years later because I didn't want to drill the trunk lid. Otherwise You might get away with some rare earth magnets? Could work. I've never tried it, but I think the right ones might do the trick. Just thinking outside the box with this one.

 

[brian0128]

I like the double sided tape idea. I may be moving to a state with no front plate laws.

 

[bpwwer]

Double sided foam tape works well for the license plate. That's what we did with our BMW and it's still holding fast after 3+ years. We saw it being used while traveling in Germany and it seemed like a much better solution than drilling holes.

Funny story. When it was last in for service at an independent repair shop, they stuck one of their plastic license plate frames over the front plate. My wife almost had a heart attack when she saw it because she thought they had used screws to attach it. But they used tape too, so it peeled right off.

 

[BigJones24]

My dealer in MD doesn't use this mount. They had one on the lot with 2 holes in the bumper. Is this a part I can buy?

Ohhhh that's what that is for? It came in the cargo area of my 4R I had no clue where it belonged lol.

 

[ic0517]

The real solution is no more front license plates.

If some states can live without out, why can't they all?

My bet is here in Illinois Mike Madigan has a buddy that owns a license plate factory. Even money. Any takers?

 

[mcarey86]

For the states that are mandatory, how do people get by with Teslas or other high end cars? They literally have no place to put one.

In UT, they are mandatory, provided there is a designated place to put it. With my Runner and my WRX, I skirted it by firmly requesting the dealer not to drill the bumper. Without the holes in the bumper, there is no place to mount the plate per factory design.

 

[brian0128]

I ended up buying a pep boys mount and put it behind the grill and put the screws through the plate into the frame sandwiching the grill.

 

[miguestner]

They are held on basically with sheet metal screws though.

 

[Runer4Life]

I am going to have to do the same thing that [MENTION=135395]NEExpo[/MENTION] & [MENTION=102046]Soundofmind[/MENTION] [MENTION=114796]brian0128[/MENTION] did. I am going to paint my front and rear bumper valance Midnight Black Metallic. :banana:

Well the inevitable finally had to happen. No way around it and I didn't want to mount the license plate mount to the bumper. Ended up putting 4 zip ties through the front plate and around the grille. The plate fits the lower grille opening perfectly. I kinda like it being there than in the center. Makes me feel different than others.

I didn't really like how the front plate looked. I was inspired by others' solutions to the problem. Here's my fix.

California state law requires a front license plate, so dealers are obligated to attach one prior to sale. If you can get to the dealer before they destroy your bumper, you won't be left with this after you remove the front plate mount:







Here's what you'll need:



I found this at my local O'Reilly Auto Parts. It is "Custom Accessories" brand model # 92651 and I think it cost all of 5 or 6 bucks. You could use any license bracket that is similar, but this model fits into the gap under the Toyota emblem PERFECTLY. "Almost like it was made to go there" kind of perfect.

Next, lace 4 zip ties through the outer corners of the plate bracket. Tighten each one little by little as you go around, making sure it is centered. You'll be left with something like this.




I know, I know.... Zip ties aren't always my favorite, but in this case they are ideal. The bracket is super snug and there is no permanent damage. I can remove it later and leave no scars.

Be careful that the 4 holes for the plate itself don't line up with the plastic grill behind. You want the screws to be able to pass through. The rectangular hole pattern didn't give me any problems.



Before and after pics:












It fits in there very well. I think I got a clean result.

 

[brian0128]

I am going to have to do the same thing that [MENTION=135395]NEExpo[/MENTION] & [MENTION=102046]Soundofmind[/MENTION] [MENTION=114796]brian0128[/MENTION] did. I am going to paint my front and rear bumper valance Midnight Black Metallic. :banana:

When I did mine, I went to pep boys and got a universal license plate mount bracket. I put the bracket behind the grill and my plate in front of it. I used the supplied screws to go through the plate, between the grill slats and into the universal plate mount. Sturdy and no zip ties, looks like the plate is floating.

 

[4Rager]

In UT, they are mandatory, provided there is a designated place to put it.

This is my understanding for NV as well, which is why I sanded my bumper and filled in the holes when I Plastdipped it. I wish I could have asked them not to drill it in the first place, but oh well.

I lived in CA for two years with no front plate and never was pulled over for it. However one time my car was parked in front of my apartment in SF and I was a running a little late that morning. It was about 15 min passed when the meters started when I headed out to leave for work, and I see a ticket on my windshield. I think to myself some douche cop must have been waiting for the metering to start and then wrote me up. Turns our the ticket was from 11pm the night before for "driving without a front license plate." I successfully fought it because the car was parked at the time and there's no proof that I technically drove without it (it could have been stolen overnight or many other reasons why it wasn't there), but it pissed me off all the same.

 

[Ohio_Steve]

Don't any of the aftermarket relocation brackets fit the Toyota tow hook thread? That's a popular product in the Subaru market, and what I was planning on doing. My order has "DO NOT DRILL FOR LICENSE BRACKET" on it.

That said, Ohio requires front plates, and I haven't had them on any of my three cars since 2002...

 

[1engineer]

Don't any of the aftermarket relocation brackets fit the Toyota tow hook thread? That's a popular product in the Subaru market, and what I was planning on doing. My order has "DO NOT DRILL FOR LICENSE BRACKET" on it.

That said, Ohio requires front plates, and I haven't had them on any of my three cars since 2002...

There is not a Toyota tow hook thread... there is a welded on recovery loop.

 

[Ohio_Steve]

There is not a Toyota tow hook thread... there is a welded on recovery loop.

Ah, OK. Something I'd find when my 4Runner arrives, but good to know ahead of time. Thanks!

 

[Pitbull410]

Check the law for yourself first but I am pretty sure MD has changed the law now that you don't have to use a front plate if the vehicle doesn't have a plate bracket. Meaning you don't need to drill through your bumper and devalue your vehicle

Like I said double check yourself first though