Ron's Inelegant Armrest

[Ron4RNevada]

So far (other than tires) the only mod I've made to my truck:

I'm 6'3" with very long legs. The truck fits me just fine, the seats are comfortable but the steering wheel is just too far away when my legs have adequate room. So when driving my arms are stretched out quite far - almost elbows straight. On many other cars I've owned this is also a problem.

However, on all other cars the door armrest is at a very comfortable height. On this one it's just to low. The window sill is too high. On a long trip my shoulders get very sore holding my arm up for a long time. I'm 75, so this definitely is a problem.

My fix (temporarily) was to wrap a couple of old small towels with tape and stuff them into the pull bar on top of the armrest. It works quite well but as you can see it isn't very elegant. Here's a picture:

I'm sure that some on here will have an idea to do a better job. Any suggestions welcome.

 

[bajacolorado]

I have exactly the same issue - ideally the steering wheel would extend another 1" or 2. Arm fatigue is an issue. Maybe just a custom made one from a local upholstery shop when you bring in a piece of foam that has the right cushion and then you carve it to shape. Then let a pro wrap it. Ideally there is a solution to this already avoiding having to fabricate.

 

[rigtec]

"...I'm sure that some on here will have an idea to do a better job. Any suggestions welcome."

Hi Ron,

We're around the same height (give or take an inch) and I sit very comfortably in the driver's seat. The difference... mine is a 'limited Edition' w/power height adjustable seat, among other adjustable features! Why not look into replacing the seat; doesn't sound like you're married to the 'rolled up towel on window sill' idea... lol!

Cheers!

 

[dekeman]

You might find something here a little more 'elegant.'

Arm rests

Only $8.

 

[Ron4RNevada]

Hi Ron,

We're around the same height (give or take an inch) and I sit very comfortably in the driver's seat. The difference... mine is a 'limited Edition' w/power height adjustable seat, among other adjustable features! Why not look into replacing the seat; doesn't sound like you're married to the 'rolled up towel on window sill' idea... lol!

Cheers!

I have the power seat option - same as limited.

 

[e60ral]

Yeah, power seat doesn't help

I was thinking about making a tray that clips on and then covering with memory foam and softex. THe armrest being in the wrong position is my only complaint about the driving position. I usually end up resting my arm on the window sill but that is a little too high and too hard, a wider arm rest with some 2" memory foam and softex is what I've been thinking. I'm not so concerned about looks (i'd only use it for roadtrips, not daily driving) but I'm still figuring out how to not damage anything

(and don't feel old, I'm 31 and hate the arm rest)

 

[Ron4RNevada]

Yeah, power seat doesn't help

I was thinking about making a tray that clips on and then covering with memory foam and softex. THe armrest being in the wrong position is my only complaint about the driving position. I usually end up resting my arm on the window sill but that is a little too high and too hard, a wider arm rest with some 2" memory foam and softex is what I've been thinking. I'm not so concerned about looks (i'd only use it for roadtrips, not daily driving) but I'm still figuring out how to not damage anything

(and don't feel old, I'm 31 and hate the arm rest)

Thanks - Like minds.

 

[e60ral]

SnapRest makes something for F-150's but they use the hand cutout to keep it in place so it wouldn't work for us
https://snaprest.com/

You can buy clip on universal arm rests that slip into the window slot like this:
http://www.sears.com/arm-restler-un...QBp7stJ6xOvVVxtUe6nKQaAvXT8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

I'm thinking about doing something similar by breaking some aluminum sheet and then using a piece of masonite with memory foam on top and covered in something to match the softex to make the arm rest. For my arm I want the arm rest about 2" above where it is now so my design would fold over and drop down a few inches from the window height

 

[Brawndo]

SnapRest makes something for F-150's but they use the hand cutout to keep it in place so it wouldn't work for us
https://snaprest.com/

FWIW I contacted Snaprest support and they said they are working on an armrest for the 5th gen 4Runners. Didn't sound like it was going to happen anytime soon though.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

While this a beautiful mod Ron, the color combo needs work.

I suggest a trip to Kohls and ask them for the Toyota XQ443R optional towels.

If the 17 year old behind the counter says "What?". Say "Where are the tan hand towels?"