5th Gen 4Runner Dash Plate

So quick review:

The Rago plate is legit. I'm pretty happy with it.

Pros:
1. easy to install with the video provided by rago. If you choose to ignore the video and go on your own and suffer, by all means do so.

2. low profile. The dash plate sits flush with the top of the dash. Even with the ram balls sticking up, it is no higher than drilling ram mounts into your dash.

3. NUTS.... The use of those allen screw nuts is a great idea. No more messing with bolts, washers, sockets, wrenches or whatever tool that will scratch the crap out of your dash. Just hand tighten and if you want to lock it down, just use a allen wrench borrowed from your ikea furniture set.

4. strong and sturdy: its bolted down at 4 points. It isn't going anywhere.

5. great fitment: My fitment was pretty spot on. Using the video, i was able to get everything flush by mounting the fasteners in sequence as in the video.

6. optional mounts/slidng rail: The RAM mounts dropped right in. There is also a sliiding rail behind the nuts, or you can use the nuts. You can also use magnetic mounts. I use all 3 options in the pictures below. If you don't want hard fixed mounts, you can use the sliding rail to position your dancing baby yoda.

7. Price: its the cheapest option of all the other dash kits out there. If you still want to cry about it, then don't buy it. Stop buying starbucks coffees for a month and not only will you save some money, you will prevent diabetes and your ever expanding waistline.

8. low profile and adjustable mic/phone mounts. Yes this is a big deal. While I love my previous DIY RAM mount, its not low profile and is either too long or too short due to the RAM extensions. With Rago's setup, you can move the mic mounts forward and backwards, so you can use ram mounts or magnetic mounts. In the pic below, i use both. the GMRS mic is on a magnetic mount, and the sat nav is on a ram mount. Obviously, you can magnetic mount your phone if you wanted to, and since the mount pivots back and forth (not up and down), to give you more flexibility.

9. unused ram mounts serve as a great place to hang your face diapers when not in use.




Compromises:

1. Drilling. Not really a con because there is no non-drilling solution to any of the dash kits. Compromises have to be made somewhere. It's easier to cry about it on the internet than come up with your own solutions. Until then, I'll buy it from Rago.

2. semi blocks the clock. You can definitely still see it if you are a midget. As for me, I have to tilt my head down to see the clock, not a big deal for me. Also, better than some of the solutions where the clock no longer is viewable.

3. Reaching the clock button. You can't anymore with your scrawny fingers. I have to use a pen or pencil head to reach it. Again, compromises are required to make this dash kit to sit flush with the top of the dash.

4. new solutions create new problems (not really a con). Having this awesome dash kit, and all the information you need at your fingertips when you are looking for the mall, means you will have a wiring mess to power all your cool guy gear. Luckily for me, i have a grandpa dash mat, so I tuck all my wires under there.

On to the pictures:
 

Attachments

  • dash empty.jpg
    dash empty.jpg
    25.5 KB · Views: 641
  • dash full.jpg
    dash full.jpg
    25.8 KB · Views: 863
Last edited:
Mr. Blah - the with and with out accessories pics are great. Puts into perspective how clean the install looks when daily driving and how it can be kitted out for trips with Coms, Nav etc.
 
Anyone try mounting on the sides with 3m tape and not drilling? Maybe some threaded rubber feet under the top?

Just thinking of a no drill option.


I have one coming tomorrow (woot) and will most likely drill but was curious.
 
Anyone try mounting on the sides with 3m tape and not drilling? Maybe some threaded rubber feet under the top?

Just thinking of a no drill option.


I have one coming tomorrow (woot) and will most likely drill but was curious.

i probably wouldn't try mounting it with double sided tape and removable feet.

The kit itself is heavy. If it should fall off, its going to damage everything, and probably destroy whatever is mounted on it.

Only recommendation is watch the video posted by rago, and have some needle nose pliers handy. If you do it exactly how they do it in the exact order on which holes/screws to drill first. the reason you do it exactly how they do it, is they use the screws and the original drill holes as a way to make sure everything is flush,

If you don't, its gonna be difficult. Since i followed the video or had it playing while i was installing, it literally took me the same amount of time as the video.
 
Anyone try mounting on the sides with 3m tape and not drilling? Maybe some threaded rubber feet under the top?

Just thinking of a no drill option.


I have one coming tomorrow (woot) and will most likely drill but was curious.

There isn't even room for 3M VHB tape on the sides. The mount is extremely form fitting, you have to slide it over the center stack carefully.

Frankly - Let's look at this realistically. If you are the type of user that needs this for GPS, Radio, Phone, Tablet, Camera etc - You already have or will be drilling plenty of other holes somewhere along the line.
 
Not something you want to try to hold in place with tape. I installed mine last weekend (had ordered a few months ago but waited for warmer weather). Definitely agree with the other posters ... follow Rago’s video EXACTLY and you won’t have a problem. Don’t do shortcuts. It’s a solid piece and looks great with my CB mike mounted to it. I’m 5’8” and it doesn’t block my view of the clock (seat adjustment all the way down). Even if it did, there’s a second clock in the radio display, so there’s that ...


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
Thanks for all the replies.

Makes sense, I was just curious (more for others that didn’t want to drill).

Now I just need UPS man to show up so I can get this thing mounted!

And yes I’ve watched the install a few times, but appreciate all the tips [emoji1303]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
278,310
Messages
3,554,080
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top