Off Market Auto Mirror Folding System?

[cherrywanzi]

I've driving 4Runner for more than 15 years, went through Gen3, Gen 4, now own a 2011 Gen 5, but thinking about changing it to a 2014 model. The only feature I really love to have is the mirror folding button (my hubby's Sequoia has it), since we have two SUVs in a small garage, I have to manually fold my mirrors everyday in order to park in the garage without scratching his Sequoia, and sometimes I forgot to fold it back in the morning only to realize it when I'm already on high way.......yet 2014 model still doesn't have this magic button I really need.

Does anybody know if there's any off market product I can install on my future 4 runner fold the mirror for me automatically? or at least just a button push?

Thanks!
Cherry

 

[Canazes9]

Sorry, not much help - only thing I saw.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/132111-gx-power-folding-mirrors.html

David

 

[cherrywanzi]

Thanks David

for the quick response. How come Toyota just doesn't want to add this feature in 4Runner! it shouldn't be that hard for them to make such modification, but lot of trouble for us!

yeah manually tug it in/out is the cheapest way, but sometime when you rush out to work in the morning and have to joggle with kids, laptop etc, you just totally forget. and I'm too short to reach out to the passenger side mirror while driving on high way. don't even want to try it, since it's going to be a typical "dumb way to die" if I do that.

 

[Canazes9]

for the quick response. How come Toyota just doesn't want to add this feature in 4Runner! it shouldn't be that hard for them to make such modification, but lot of trouble for us!

yeah manually tug it in/out is the cheapest way, but sometime when you rush out to work in the morning and have to joggle with kids, laptop etc, you just totally forget. and I'm too short to reach out to the passenger side mirror while driving on high way. don't even want to try it, since it's going to be a typical "dumb way to die" if I do that.

There is a long list of things that wouldn't cost Toyota that much to add, but when you add it all up it adds quite a bit to the cost of the vehicle. What you are buying w/ the 4Runner is a rugged body on frame vehicle and giving up some of the creature comforts to keep the price point lower. The list price on the GX460 reflects what it would cost to manufacturer this type of vehicle w/ all of the "goodies" that we have come to expect w/ a typical ~$40-45K uni-body construction type SUV in this size. The poor sales figures for the GX460 show that not many people are willing to pay that much for the combination of goodies and rugged body on frame construction for this size vehicle....

Back to your question, I'm all for customizations! If you've got a particular feature you want (like power fold in mirrors) and can make it work I'm all for it! If you get any further on the project, post it up - I'm sure there will be some other members interested in the same thing.

David

 

[eddiebx]

for the quick response. How come Toyota just doesn't want to add this feature in 4Runner! it shouldn't be that hard for them to make such modification, but lot of trouble for us!

yeah manually tug it in/out is the cheapest way, but sometime when you rush out to work in the morning and have to joggle with kids, laptop etc, you just totally forget. and I'm too short to reach out to the passenger side mirror while driving on high way. don't even want to try it, since it's going to be a typical "dumb way to die" if I do that.

I know this does not answer your original question in any way, but is it possible for you to switch spots with your husband, so that you only have to fold in your driver's side mirror? This way even if you forget, you just need to reach out and pop the mirror open on the highway, instead of stopping the vehicle and getting out to reach the passenger side mirror

 

[CookieRoe]

Cool idea...........

3rd Gen SURFs had the electric folding mirror. I'm guessing the 4th gen did as well. 5th gen 4Runner was never offered in Japan (SURF), so no electric folding mirror. This would totally be a fab job. I remember seeing that the GX mirror is totally different, unless you want to "gut it" and retro it into your mirror. Sounds like a huge job.

Nevertheless, post if you get ambitious!

 

[cherrywanzi]

trust me, we tried many ways to fit in 2 big SUVs in a small garage, switch side, fold mirrors, toss out any unused stuff that we can possibly get ride off from the garage.....but with two SUV lovers under the same roof, I guess without changing to a larger house with 3 car garage, there's only so much you can do....Well, I'm sure I'll post here if I find a solution.

 

[Antman]

Add it to the kids chore list. $2/week automatic mirror folder!


If that doesn't work, I would get a folding mirror (and the switch/wires) from another Toyota SUV and make it work with your factory mirror. Should be doable...

 

[flyrv9]

Seems I remember a thread about someone looking into this before. I think he wanted to get the Sequoia mirrors and the dash switch and swap them into his 4Runner. I think it was the cost (around $600) that prevented him from going further.

I wanted to do the same thing due to the same situation. A 4Runner and Tundra in a standard 2 car garage; but for that much $ I think I'll wait until the unthinkable happens!