97BlackAckCL
Elite Member
Those look cool, definitely unique with the larger openings, but I wonder how those screw holes would stand up. I definitely think you'd have more visibility through these vs most of what's out there
Molle Panels
- Thread starter Irish Mike
- Start date
Those look cool, definitely unique with the larger openings, but I wonder how those screw holes would stand up. I definitely think you'd have more visibility through these vs most of what's out there
mrbrenan
official vendor
I would NOT go with RAGO. Hardware issues for sure. I have had problems with their hardware and many others as well.
Here is another guy that called it out:
Rago Fab Hardware Problems | Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com]
I have recently installed the Finn Fab Panels (powergrids) first integrated power system in a MOLLE panel. They have been pretty kickass for running power and mounting gear. Much better hardware design over Rago. Also Rago uses too many brackets at the top when mounting to the 10mm coat hook point. Finn Fab uses one bracket which makes the install really simple. Finally Finn Fab has a Rivetnut system that is super rad.
Check them out on YotaMafia Website
DallasTRDPro
Member
I ordered the Alpha Foxtrot panels and shelf. Jake, the owner, was great at communicating. I liked that the shelf can be moved anywhere. I also liked that all the holes are tapped and you can use any 10-32 screws. Multiple shelves can be used if needed. The price was the best I could find and in stock. I will provide a review when I get them this week.
T4R INTERIOR STORAGE - SHELF – Alpha foxtrot designs
T4R INTERIOR STORAGE - SHELF – Alpha foxtrot designs
mrbrenan
official vendor
Yeah those look super nice, you can tell that one-piece bracket at the top is easier to install. I like how they hide the hardware on the backside as well. Super clean.
After taking a little hiatus from this forum for the last few months, I read this thread and somehow convinced myself that I now NEED a molle panel. Now I remember why I stopped checking this forum - it costs me money 
.
I just ordered the driver's side panel from Caliraised for 3rd row. [Hint, do some web searches to get the discount code]. They offer free shipping too. I just ordered over the weekend and today I got a nice little email...
"We wanted to take a second to thank you for your business, and your recent purchase from Cali Raised LED. We are excited to have you in our community."
I'll let you know if there are any issues, but they've already made me feel like a valued customer.
. I just ordered the driver's side panel from Caliraised for 3rd row. [Hint, do some web searches to get the discount code]. They offer free shipping too. I just ordered over the weekend and today I got a nice little email...
"We wanted to take a second to thank you for your business, and your recent purchase from Cali Raised LED. We are excited to have you in our community."
I'll let you know if there are any issues, but they've already made me feel like a valued customer.
jawkdna
New member
Those Finn Fabs look... terrible, no offense, they may work great but I wouldn't want them in my rig. Nor would I want the wiring for the Blue Sea port cut out just out there when I can easily just install it in the wheel hump or along the sidewall...
The reality is 80% of these in the wild are Rago and I've know only seen/heard these two complaints about the hardware. I would't let that steer you away from them.
I don't have Rago, I have Victory, but have various other Rago parts and have dealt with the customer service and found them easy to deal with.
The reality is 80% of these in the wild are Rago and I've know only seen/heard these two complaints about the hardware. I would't let that steer you away from them.
I don't have Rago, I have Victory, but have various other Rago parts and have dealt with the customer service and found them easy to deal with.
mrbrenan
official vendor
Man, that's crazy to hear, all I have heard is complaint after complaint from encounters with Rago... as of late. Maybe your experience was a long time ago, not sure. To each their own on the design front - I get it but their customer service has been suffering over the years. I know I am not the only one - there are many people on Instagram and all over the net who have had shit experiences with them. Some of their stuff is nice and some items not so much - I think their panels are garbage and I have seen LOTS of panels.
jawkdna
New member
To be fair my one experience can't compete with your own... and it was over a year ago. So in this current climate things very easily may have gone south for them.
Basically I'm saying the more recent and more researched is generally the more accurate... so I am more than likely wrong.
rageandlove
Member
In the past 12 months, I have bought a gas skid from rago, a driver side molle, a passenger side mole, then a new bracket for one of those molle that had a spot for a rock light. I also asked for some replacement bolts for the gas skid.
They have been friendly & helpful the whole time and answered any questions I had.
mrbrenan
official vendor
That's really good to hear man! It's nice to have had good experiences. I wish more people could say the same!
I recently contacted Rago for help installing one of their products which was most likely more of an issue with my specific setup than anything else, they were friendly, checked out my attached pictures and were able to get me going
It's not the first time I've had issues installing various vendors items on my 4runner.
Actually I placed an order with Rago last week and another this weekend so :rockon:
It's not the first time I've had issues installing various vendors items on my 4runner.
Actually I placed an order with Rago last week and another this weekend so :rockon:
DallasTRDPro
Member
I decided to go with the Alpha Foxtrot panels and shelf. Initially the price is what interested me. I also liked the fact that all the holes were tapped for #10-32 screws. One piece shelf. Ability to get my hand behind the panels to put bags on as well as use that space for storage. Then I contacted the owner Jake and he was awesome to deal with. Answered all my questions. Shipped the same day.
After needing to contact Jake for some install tips, the install went fairly smooth. Needed an extra pair of hands to put them on. I also felt these had the most area to mount stuff to. They are perfect for my needs. Whats also cool is you have enough space behind to mount other things. No rattles from the shelf or panels. I found my Maglite rattled if mounted vertically, but not horizontally. I guess the biggest downside is the loss of sight out the back. Being aluminum, the shelf flexes a little which my OCD is not fond of, but I've lived with a bouncing hood since I bought the 4R so I will get used to it.
My drivers panel has a Maglite, Fiskers saw, Molle pouch and Fiskers hatchet. Behind the panel and over the wheel well, I wedged my Helinox chair, bag of microfiber towels, shop towels and Exped mat. I would mount the Exped mat to the shelf, but it makes a swooshing noise like George Costanza's pants so I just strap to the said panel.
On the shelf, I have a soft shackle, my compressor, a tow strap, Go Treads in a BROG bag, my tool roll strapped down with a bungee cord and a breaker bar wedged and strapped down under the tool roll.
On the passenger side panel, I have my first aid kid, a cheap LED light that is actually perfect for cooking in back of my 4R and my Front Runner cooking utensil set. Works perfectly for my needs and didn’t break the bank. I wish the shelf didn’t flex, but there have to be some trade offs I think. No way to make a perfect yet affordable shelf.
T4R INTERIOR STORAGE - SHELF – Alpha foxtrot designs
After needing to contact Jake for some install tips, the install went fairly smooth. Needed an extra pair of hands to put them on. I also felt these had the most area to mount stuff to. They are perfect for my needs. Whats also cool is you have enough space behind to mount other things. No rattles from the shelf or panels. I found my Maglite rattled if mounted vertically, but not horizontally. I guess the biggest downside is the loss of sight out the back. Being aluminum, the shelf flexes a little which my OCD is not fond of, but I've lived with a bouncing hood since I bought the 4R so I will get used to it.
My drivers panel has a Maglite, Fiskers saw, Molle pouch and Fiskers hatchet. Behind the panel and over the wheel well, I wedged my Helinox chair, bag of microfiber towels, shop towels and Exped mat. I would mount the Exped mat to the shelf, but it makes a swooshing noise like George Costanza's pants so I just strap to the said panel.
On the shelf, I have a soft shackle, my compressor, a tow strap, Go Treads in a BROG bag, my tool roll strapped down with a bungee cord and a breaker bar wedged and strapped down under the tool roll.
On the passenger side panel, I have my first aid kid, a cheap LED light that is actually perfect for cooking in back of my 4R and my Front Runner cooking utensil set. Works perfectly for my needs and didn’t break the bank. I wish the shelf didn’t flex, but there have to be some trade offs I think. No way to make a perfect yet affordable shelf.
T4R INTERIOR STORAGE - SHELF – Alpha foxtrot designs
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Telemarker
New member
Rago and never again! I have over 30yrs installing accessories on motorcycles, ATVs, watercraft, snowmobiles and what ever else you can imagine. Not only do their instructions suck and are totally inadequate. Then they then forward you to their YouTube channel for installation tips. Try to find install instructions for the Gen5 shelf!
In addition the hardware is a joke and I finally gave up and went to the nearest marine store to get stainless hard ware to finish the install.
Wish I knew more about Alpha before making this purchase.
hwell:
In addition the hardware is a joke and I finally gave up and went to the nearest marine store to get stainless hard ware to finish the install.
Wish I knew more about Alpha before making this purchase.
hwell:
97BlackAckCL
Elite Member
Rago and never again! I have over 30yrs installing accessories on motorcycles, ATVs, watercraft, snowmobiles and what ever else you can imagine. Not only do their instructions suck and are totally inadequate. Then they then forward you to their YouTube channel for installation tips. Try to find install instructions for the Gen5 shelf!
In addition the hardware is a joke and I finally gave up and went to the nearest marine store to get stainless hard ware to finish the install.
Wish I knew more about Alpha before making this purchase.
After several bad experiences with their lack of customer service I've sworn off Rago products from now on. Plenty of better companies out there to support who treat people way better
DallasTRDPro
Member
I watched the Rago video and I remember him saying that not being able to get you hand behind the panel is just something we would have to deal with. And that its not like we will be moving or changing things around much. I've already moved things at least 20 times. I've even removed the shelf because of loss of headroom when sleeping and loss of vision out the back. I'm very happy with the panels, but the loss of vision with a shelf system was too much for me. All shelves will be the same or worse. With my Jeep, the shelf was mounted on the rollbar to the top of hardtop and didn't block my view. Its just part of the systems with the 4R. So if anyone in Dallas is going to buy the Alpha Foxtrot panels and wants a shelf for way cheaper, I have one sitting in my closet and I will sell you mine.
Weekend4Runner
New member
I purchased a full skid plate from RCI recently (January 2021) and the crossmember for the transfer case had a 1/4" gap from the rail. Contacted RCI and the first support person said to tighten the screw to compensate for this huge gap.
Then contacted them 1 more time and they acknowledged the gap. They said they would make shims and send them out on May 7th, still waiting.
Purchased the Molle panels and shelf from Rago and everything went pretty smoothly (there is the usual wait time). Except majority of the screws are short and they don't reach the nylon in the locking nuts.
Thinking USA made would be better then this with attention to detail and quality. If there was a knock off of these things, I would be interested to see how well they are built.
Then contacted them 1 more time and they acknowledged the gap. They said they would make shims and send them out on May 7th, still waiting.
Purchased the Molle panels and shelf from Rago and everything went pretty smoothly (there is the usual wait time). Except majority of the screws are short and they don't reach the nylon in the locking nuts.
Thinking USA made would be better then this with attention to detail and quality. If there was a knock off of these things, I would be interested to see how well they are built.
97BlackAckCL
Elite Member
Yeah, it's a giant pain to try and mount or move stuff on the panels, I've had to unscrew and take the whole panel down to rearrange stuff, it's rather frustrating
ragin_cajun
New member
Have purchased many things from Rago for both of my T4R. Never had any issues at all. Probably 4 shipments this year with no issues either.