New 2015 TE - need advice on accessories

[canyonier]

Hi,
I have a 2015 Trail Edition (Super White color) with KDSS & Premium Nav. No other options.
Already there are a few things, mostly minor, I'd like to get and ask for your advice:

1. Body side moldings: I don't mind it getting "pin stripes" from brushing against ocotillo or cactus when driving in the desert. I do mind getting parking lot dings and would like to have some protection from them. I just did a Google Search and came up with an ad from "bodysidemoldings.com". For $150 they sell the following: Toyota 4Runner Side Body Molding will protect your 4Runner from door dings, scratches, and other possible road hazards. This set of 4 pre-measured side moldings are custom painted to match your factory OEM paint.
Sounds good to me. What do you folks say?

2. Extra key(s): The T4R came with 2 Master keys and 1 Valet key. (These are not the Smart Keys, they are sort of regular keys with lock, unlock, panic buttons). Considering that I am always searching for my car keys, I would like to have at least one extra key. I understand that I can order additional keys from the dealer but that they are expensive. Perhaps these keys can be purchased elsewhere, maybe not. Anyone know?

3. Front tow hooks: Right away when I was shopping for a new vehicle I noticed the 4Rs did not come with front tow hooks. I figured that surely there would be mounting holes for tow hooks and that Toyota saved a few bucks by not including the hooks with the vehicles. Now that I have the vehicle what can I do to have tow hooks? (We do a bit of off-roading in the local desert areas and, although I have never been towed out, I have pulled several other vehicles out of loose sand. For a pull from the rear I figure I can use the hitch receiver as a place to connect a tow strap.
Please comment.

4. Paint sealants (Teflon?): During the session with the dealer's finance guy I was offered several items; such as, Protective coatings for paint and fabric, extended warranties, a security system, etc. I said NO to all of them. However, I wonder if a paint sealant would be nice to have and if there are more inexpensive, but of equally good quality, sealants I could have applied?

I'm sure there will be more things I'll want, but this is it for now. I'm looking forward to your suggestions.
Glenn

 

[Swarty]

Tow hooks

Hi,
I have a 2015 Trail Edition (Super White color) with KDSS & Premium Nav. No other options.
Already there are a few things, mostly minor, I'd like to get and ask for your advice:

1. Body side moldings: I don't mind it getting "pin stripes" from brushing against ocotillo or cactus when driving in the desert. I do mind getting parking lot dings and would like to have some protection from them. I just did a Google Search and came up with an ad from "bodysidemoldings.com". For $150 they sell the following: Toyota 4Runner Side Body Molding will protect your 4Runner from door dings, scratches, and other possible road hazards. This set of 4 pre-measured side moldings are custom painted to match your factory OEM paint.
Sounds good to me. What do you folks say?

2. Extra key(s): The T4R came with 2 Master keys and 1 Valet key. (These are not the Smart Keys, they are sort of regular keys with lock, unlock, panic buttons). Considering that I am always searching for my car keys, I would like to have at least one extra key. I understand that I can order additional keys from the dealer but that they are expensive. Perhaps these keys can be purchased elsewhere, maybe not. Anyone know?

3. Front tow hooks: Right away when I was shopping for a new vehicle I noticed the 4Rs did not come with front tow hooks. I figured that surely there would be mounting holes for tow hooks and that Toyota saved a few bucks by not including the hooks with the vehicles. Now that I have the vehicle what can I do to have tow hooks? (We do a bit of off-roading in the local desert areas and, although I have never been towed out, I have pulled several other vehicles out of loose sand. For a pull from the rear I figure I can use the hitch receiver as a place to connect a tow strap.
Please comment.

4. Paint sealants (Teflon?): During the session with the dealer's finance guy I was offered several items; such as, Protective coatings for paint and fabric, extended warranties, a security system, etc. I said NO to all of them. However, I wonder if a paint sealant would be nice to have and if there are more inexpensive, but of equally good quality, sealants I could have applied?

I'm sure there will be more things I'll want, but this is it for now. I'm looking forward to your suggestions.
Glenn

Adding some of the nice forged tow hook is pretty straight forward, there are also several good bumper options such as this: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...rid-series-bumper-2014-sr5-trail-edition.html

 

[Cheers!]

in regards to #4 - paint sealants... That is just basically synthetic wax buffed on...

A lot of guys over on other forums more concerned with looks and show shine (s2000 forums, m3 forums) layer on waxes.

The popular choice is...

1.) wash your car with dawn/palmolive soad
2.) clay bar
3.) Sealant wax: Mcguiers M21 2.0 sealan wax (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002J854UC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
4.) layer on carnuba wax as the synthetic stuff has a solvent base that will dissolve regular waxes. (My favorite is P21S: Amazon.com: P21S Concours Carnauba Wax 6.2 ounce: Automotive)

asking which is the best waxes is like asking which micro brew beer is best.

If you are super pro and like to spend money you can get a porter cable random orbital with a 7" pad (PORTER-CABLE 7424XP 6-Inch Variable-Speed Polisher - Power Polishing Tools - Amazon.com)

 

[Stifler]

1. yuck
2. Dealer was the only one I could get to cut a key
3. Slimline bumper FTW
4. Don't waste your time/money. Just wash and wax

 

[roktoy]

Skip the paint sealant, just wax your vehicle.
You 4runner does have tow hooks in the front, just look under the bumper.

 

[Intruder]

3. Front tow hooks: Right away when I was shopping for a new vehicle I noticed the 4Rs did not come with front tow hooks. I figured that surely there would be mounting holes for tow hooks and that Toyota saved a few bucks by not including the hooks with the vehicles. Now that I have the vehicle what can I do to have tow hooks? (We do a bit of off-roading in the local desert areas and, although I have never been towed out, I have pulled several other vehicles out of loose sand. For a pull from the rear I figure I can use the hitch receiver as a place to connect a tow strap.
Please comment.

You have three factory recovery points - two front and one rear. Get on the ground and look underneath.

 

[NoDak]

well from what I remember, I was given 2 smart fobs. but then again I have a PTS system instead of keys.

the spare is hanging with all the other spares for backups.

14 4runner
14 rav4
12 taco
09 avenger

that's in case someone locks a key inside. someone else can go home and grab the spare.

gonna be a mute point once I get the drone mobile installed on the rav and 4runner soon.

1 app to rule them all

 

[canyonier]

I'll be darned. You folks are correct, there already are tow hooks (attachment points) in front. I've been dealing with tendonitis in a knee and unable to get down on the ground to take a look (well, I could probably get down but how to get back up?). After reading your replies I tied a mirror to a stick and took a look. Lo, and behold, attachment points. No more worrying about where to connect a tow strap if needed.
Now, thanks to all of you, I don't need to:
1. Worry about tow hooks.
2. Be concerned about a fancy paint sealant (just do a good wax job now and then)
3. Keys - go to the dealer if I really feel the need for xtras.

That leaves the body side molding question. Any suggestions about that or otherwise how to defend against parking lot dings.
Glenn

 

[BobsTrail]

Keys and side molding:

I have the molding from bodyside---- and they are a perfect color match and easy to install. They will protect if a front door that is straight and lines up, some won`t. Most rear doors are smaller with a longer section at the top, can`t protect from these other than park and walk a bit farther to keep away. But like I said, I have them.

Keys - You can make your own with Techstream, and a key from ebay for $21 but it`s a hassle. ACE Hardware stores and I`m sure others will make a clone key that does not need to be registered with the vehicle for. about $69. A dealer or locksmith will cost a lot more. I did mine the hard way for about $56 but had a hassle finding someone to cut it. Finally went to Pick a Part and found a key guy in front for $2

 

[CatskillsRunner]

extra keys

Even though they will not start the 4Runner, you can get spare keys from Home Depot or wherever and they will at least get you in.

I use these keys when I run, or when we have people shuttle the 4Runner from one place to another when we run rivers. I also keep one of these keys in my wallet in case I lock myself out.

 

[WTR N WDS]

?..or when we have people shuttle the 4Runner from one place to another when we run rivers. I also keep one of these keys in my wallet in case I lock myself out.

So what do you do with the key that starts the truck, lock it inside the vehicle?

Great tip. I need to get one of these made.

 

[CatskillsRunner]

Yep. Lock it inside.

 

[WTR N WDS]

Great idea. Perfect to keep the expensive "chip" key safe while I'm hunting, paddling, hiking, skiing, etc. Thanks for sharing that!

 

[Jack65]

Side moldings from SportWing

I have a 2016 TE with KDSS and Super White. Immediately put on Clear Bra and side moldings from SportWing--HATE door dings! And Clear Bra on my previous car (Volvo 850 Turbo) lasted 20 years. Also put on (self-easy) 5 Star Shine paint protecton--this stuff is incredible. Lasted 8 years before reapplication on my Volvo.