New 4runner

runnerguy

New member
Just got myself a new 06 4runner, sport. Awesome vehicle. Actually bought it for the wife, now I drive the Grand Cherokee. What a difference in these 2 vehicles.

Just a couple question about the audio system. I want to install a rear DVD system in the rear for the kids. The owners manual says there is one but on the Canadian and US web site there is no option for this.


Does anyone have a rear entertainment in there 4runners?

Any help or links is appreciated.

Thanks
 
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Comparison

Congratulations and welcome to the forum runnerguy. I think your wife (and you!) will be very happy with the 4Runner. I don't see many women driving 4Runners so it's nice to see the wider demographic appeal.

Not many here have purchased the factory entertainment systems but I think a few have installed aftermarket units. Hopefully they will chime in. One of the few disadvantages of the 4Runner is the low ceiling height. This should be considered if installing a ceiling mounted model due to decreased rear visibility.

I have opted for a portable 8" Audiovox unit that plugs into the 12V jack and plays over the vehicle's sound system. I also bought a "Kwik-Klip" mounting bracket that positions the unit in an ideal location between the front seats and enables our three kids to all watch. They can also use the wireless headphones that they use with the 4Runner's rear audio system Great for trips.

Here is a link to the $60 Kwik-Klip:

http://www.mitocorp.com/html/dvd_kwikklipbracket.htm#buick

What year and model is your Grand Cherokee? We would all be interested in your opinions and comparisons between the Jeep and Toyota. Perhaps you could post in the "Comparisons & Reviews" section of the forum.

Enjoy your 4Runner!
 
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Thanks for the welcome.

Hmm good advice on the ceiling mount. She has already removed the center head rest.

That clip idea works for me. It only lists it for the 03-04. Is it the same for the 06? I am not sure if I have the rear audio system? How do I tell? There are no controls back there. How do you get it to play over the factory sound system?

The Jeep is a 97 Grand Cherokee. I bought it new in 97. Overall it has been remarkable reliable but I am also a mechanic. The first thing I noticed is the ride quality. Night to day in the 4runner.

I only have driven the Toyota a few times so I will have to wait on the comparison review.

Thanks for the reply!!
 
Kwik Klip

runnerguy,

Yes, the "Klip" will work for all 4th generation 4Runners. The company just hasn't updated their website. It's a very easy install. Their is a small mounting bracket that attaches with four screws to the inside lip of the rear of the center console. Once installed, it's very inconspicuous. You can only see it when you open the console lid and look at the back surface. The Klip itself slides through the small space between the console lid and the rear fixed portion. Easy on and off only when needed.

The other mounting bracket fastens via double sided tape to the back of a DVD player (or it's battery pack). It then just slips over the Kwik-Klip. While my DVD player has an 8" screen, you can probably go a bit larger - perhaps 9" - depending upon the brand of player.

The Kwik-Klip is a much neater solution that the "player in bags" that must be fastened between the seat headrests and brackets and then tightened. I keep my Klip in the glovebox when not in use and the DVD player fits in the center console storage area.

Some DVD players like mine have the capability for wireless headphones. A nice feature for the parents! I am not sure if the new 06 Runners come with the rear audio system feature. If so, it includes a remote control and holder that are clipped to the rear of the front seat. There are no mounted rear audio controls, just an infrared remote detector that is integral with the second row ceiling/headliner light.

Some DVD players come with a power adaptor that has a built-in wireless FM modulator. This transmits the DVD's audio over the vehicle's radio. You usually have a choice of several low FM frequencies to tune to with the radio. I will say that while this sounds much, much better than the small DVD speaker, it will not have quite the clarity and sound quality as a built-in unit. My kids certainly enjoy ours though. Some people have much nicer and fancier set-ups with headrests screens, small DVD players mounted under the seats, and direct audio hook-ups.

This approach was adequate for my kids' needs. Its' portable and the player and Klip only costs me $300. I couldn't justify the $ for the factory entertainment system for the frequency of use it gets.

Another option is headrests with built-in screens. These are very sleek, albeit much more expensive than my simple set-up. I also worried about these being more theft prone due to their visibility.

Sorry I don't have any pics. I should get my lazy duff in gear and start taking pics and posting them. While my set-up is very simple and "cost effective", there are much nicer (and more expensive) alternatives. Do a search.
 
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Thanks for the helpful info Gromulus.

I was looking at DVD players today and I am going to go the same route you did. Plus the Canadian dealer doesn't even offer a rear DVD player.:bash:
 
Re: Comparison

Gromulus said:
I don't see many women driving 4Runners so it's nice to see the wider demographic appeal.
Its some kind of pre-requisite to being a hot girl in CO to have a 4Runner with a Roxy sticker and columbine "pretty flower" license plates. Go figure.
 
Thanks for the link matoolie. I did read your post already when I searched. The nav system is not available in Canada. Yet.


Anyway I ended up getting headrest mounted DVD player with a second screen. The wife went on a short trip this week and when the boy saw it he was smiling ear to ear. The price was right. I will be hard wiring them in when I get a chance.

275_Koss-MVS1854.jpg
 

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