I like the idea, but visibility already sucks on the 4runner. So losing those windows is really tough especially when towing. Plus all that stuff will self destruct off roading or turn into missles. Again great idea, but not sure I like the reality of it.
...I didn't lose any visibility, but I also have the rear seats still in with the head rests. :shrug:
My passengers can. And they spot me when I’m towing. Turning my windows into maracas is low on my list.
I use my rear camera (and camera bypass) for that, but my situation is very different from yours. You can't see my trailer or boat out the back of my 4Runner without the camera anyway, and I do not have a rear mounted tire / bumper / swing gate / table / awesomeness on the back of my rig.
:wof:
I have the prototype panels from [MENTION=139789]RagoFabrication[/MENTION] (mine were done on the plasma cutter - not laser). I can tell you right now: they are worth every penny.
On the usability side of things, I never thought I would like these things until I helped Mario design them. Now that I have them, I use them far more than I could have imagined. Do I NEED them? No, but they are helpful and useful.
When I helped with development, I didn't realize how much work goes into something like this. We spent 2 days just measuring and designing, but the rest of the cost goes into materials an laser cutting time. This wasn't just thrown together. The time on the laser cutter for all the little details takes longer than you think - especially for the size of these things. ...and all of that costs money. Are they making a profit, of course! - they have to feed their kids.
If someone thinks they can make the same thing for themselves for less money, I say go for it. However, if you want to buy something that bolts up in under 5 minutes, is designed specifically for your truck, is well built, and is very sturdy; then I would suggest getting the [MENTION=139789]RagoFabrication[/MENTION] MSPs.