Explain it like I'm 5 - port added(?) options

[nyvram]

I don't get this. I haven't bought a new car since going with my dad in the 1970s when he got a new Mercury Grand Marquis.

Back in the day, you had the factory build the car and then the dealer added a few 'doodads' like step rails, window tint, undercoating..nonsense like that to improve their margins.

The end.

Now I keep hearing "oh that black out package wouldn't be listed on the window sticker because its a PORT ADDED option". What does that mean? Is there a warehouse sitting outside the docks next to the containers and someone there peels the silver emblems off and replaces them? Do the Toyotas ship WITHOUT certain things and they are then added once they're here? I'm so confused and everyone talks about this like its a known thing but I don't understand 'who' is doing these modifications to the vehicles and where this 'mystery' location is or how it works.

TIA!

 

[mrblah]

I don't get this. I haven't bought a new car since going with my dad in the 1970s when he got a new Mercury Grand Marquis.

Back in the day, you had the factory build the car and then the dealer added a few 'doodads' like step rails, window tint, undercoating..nonsense like that to improve their margins.

The end.

Now I keep hearing "oh that black out package wouldn't be listed on the window sticker because its a PORT ADDED option". What does that mean? Is there a warehouse sitting outside the docks next to the containers and someone there peels the silver emblems off and replaces them? Do the Toyotas ship WITHOUT certain things and they are then added once they're here? I'm so confused and everyone talks about this like its a known thing but I don't understand 'who' is doing these modifications to the vehicles and where this 'mystery' location is or how it works.

TIA!

as the name implies, its parts added at the port by toyota USA.

 

[nyvram]

as the name implies, its parts added at the port by toyota USA.

i am still having trouble processing this mentally. so they have little warehouses at each port and as the vehicles come in they swap roof racks and wheels and emblems & junk? is this done at random so they all look different? is this done because people have ordered a certain vehicle a certain way so if one in that color and style shows up they just switch it all up?

is there a list somewhere that breaks down what is added at:

- factory only
- port only
- dealer only

do dealers ever rebadge vehicles or do the same things the port does or is that a NO-NO and only certain things are done at these port warehouse places and certain things are only done by dealer?

 

[2021nightshade4x4]

So yes, for our Manufactured-in-Japan 4Runners, there are THREE places at which a part can be added:

1.) Factory floor
2.) Port
3.) Dealer

Don’t let #2 confuse you. A union dockworker isn’t installing your Predator step bars.

There are separate private companies, such as Southeast Toyota, which handle certain vehicle prep tasks, that’s it.

Southeast Toyota Distributors • JM Family

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Mudhorn]

Think of port as the regional distribution center. Old verbiage that has never changed.

It might have changed recently, but port added items are covered under warranty by the region, dealer installed by the dealer, and factory by Toyota.

I bought my T4R in the Southeast region, and they put their “XP” package (x series) on majority of the vehicles. I have only seen this port installed option in this region.

 

[srsrogerissrs]

Just imagine this.... the trd pro comes off the boat with steelies, no roof rack, and no other trd branded accessories..... and then they all get added once they get off the boat.

 

[nyvram]

Wait what?? That's a raw TRD?? Damn it's plain.

 

[Jason P.]

Wait what?? That's a raw TRD?? Damn it's plain.

Doesn’t seem that special when you see it naked, now does it.

 

[rageandlove]

i am still having trouble processing this mentally. so they have little warehouses at each port and as the vehicles come in they swap roof racks and wheels and emblems & junk? is this done at random so they all look different? is this done because people have ordered a certain vehicle a certain way so if one in that color and style shows up they just switch it all up?

is there a list somewhere that breaks down what is added at:

- factory only
- port only
- dealer only

do dealers ever rebadge vehicles or do the same things the port does or is that a NO-NO and only certain things are done at these port warehouse places and certain things are only done by dealer?

No, it's one port (in the LA area) that adds crap.

Go to Toyota.com. Do the "build". Anything up to "packages" is Japan installed. Anything in "accessories" is port or dealer installed.

The only exception is the Pro Model - the suspension, wheels, and roof rack are port installed. All other models are put together in Japan.

 

[fkheath]

No, it's one port (in the LA area) that adds crap.

Go to Toyota.com. Do the "build". Anything up to "packages" is Japan installed. Anything in "accessories" is port or dealer installed.

The only exception is the Pro Model - the suspension, wheels, and roof rack are port installed. All other models are put together in Japan.

Good description of what takes place.

Another way to tell is the part number. On the Toyota web site, any accessories that have a part number starting with PT are port or dealer installed. You can order them on a new vehicle, but you pay through the nose. Better to buy them later and they will cost much less. If you are handy, most you can install yourself.

FYI -- the black out emblems are overlays; they do not remove the silver ones and replace them.

 

[1000MPH]

There was a guy who took some pics of the PRO getting finished out at the port awhile back.
I bookmarked the link below but if it doesn’t work, it starts around post #1161.
4runner TRD Pro

 

[nyvram]

Wow that thread is amazing! I had no idea. Crazy these things are shipped with "police wheels" and basic suspension then all the good stuff is added here.

 

[honda250xtitan]

Just imagine this.... the trd pro comes off the boat with steelies, no roof rack, and no other trd branded accessories..... and then they all get added once they get off the boat.

id buy it like that if i could. cheaper. i'm gonna add my own suspension, roof rack, and wheels/tires anyways.

 

[srsrogerissrs]

id buy it like that if i could. cheaper. i'm gonna add my own suspension, roof rack, and wheels/tires anyways.

aka trd offroad

 

[Sempre Nissart]

That video shows what's happening at the port

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pitTQ-ye24A" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[nyvram]

thats really cool. cant believe all this stuff is done by hand and not at the factory.

amazing.

 

[Humble Leader]

So yes, for our Manufactured-in-Japan 4Runners, there are THREE places at which a part can be added:

1.) Factory floor
2.) Port
3.) Dealer

Don’t let #2 confuse you. A union dockworker isn’t installing your Predator step bars.

There are separate private companies, such as Southeast Toyota, which handle certain vehicle prep tasks, that’s it.

Southeast Toyota Distributors • JM Family

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

as an idiot, I can confirm this post helped me understand the process better. thanks

 

[nyvram]

same here! stuff i would have never known.

thanks to this forum i can now speak intelligently about 80" wide vehicles requiring marking lights and what happens when 4Rs arrive in the states lol.

 

[honda250xtitan]

aka trd offroad

hahaha hey now my trail came with a stock rack, and not steel wheels, take it easy!

 

[srsrogerissrs]

hahaha hey now my trail came with a stock rack, and not steel wheels, take it easy!