S-Tech 5th Gen Specific Switch Systems - Review/ Overview - Factory Look and Feel

[ElectroBoy]

Ever since I got my 2018 ORP I’ve been perplexed and annoyed with the small rectangular cubbyhole under the AC controls. It’s kind of useless; nothing fits there, except for a tin of Altoids or Skoal, I suppose. After reading this thread I got the idea to install a four-switch bank to control interior lighting and other low current devices. I used one switch to control an LED to light the cupholder/shift knob area. Another switch will be used to switch the power outlets with constant 12 volts or accessory 12 volts. The other two switches will be spares for future use.

Parts:
- 4 position S-Tech switch housing called the “Toyota 4 Runner 14-18 * 4 Position”, qty 1
- RB141C1100-234 Switch, OFF-ON green illum, from Digi-Key qty 3
- RB145E1100 Switch, ON-OFF-ON, from Digi-Key qty 1
- 6mm bolt LED from Oznium in warm white, and a 6 mm drill bit
- Insulated Male Female Disconnects 0.25 inch tabs
- Wire taps 14-18 AWG
- Wire, black and red 16 guage

It looks good and works well. There were a few issues with the S-Tech instructions but I got through them with help from forum postings and being careful. If anyone is interested I can elaborate further.

 

[nglayton]

In this picture, The POD system mount.
There is a bracket behind that POD that is attached to the console.

How is the actual POD system attached to the 3D printed bracket behind it? Is it just velcro or double sided tape? or am I missing something?

 

[nglayton]

In this picture, the OEM style mount, is only place I can get switches from S-Tech or will other manufacturers switches fit?
I'm looking for switches that say "Camera" and "Air Compressor" or possibly additional USB ports and Blanks that I can label in the future.
S-tech only has the choices shown and a few others that all say lights.

 

[ehcanadian]

In this picture, the OEM style mount, is only place I can get switches from S-Tech or will other manufacturers switches fit?
I'm looking for switches that say "Camera" and "Air Compressor" or possibly additional USB ports and Blanks that I can label in the future.
S-tech only has the choices shown and a few others that all say lights.

As far the pod system mounting goes to my understanding it stuck on with double sided tape before you insert and drill the holes to secure the 3d printed housing.

As far as the switches, any 4runner OEM sized push buttons will work! Same thing goes for the rocker switches in that any brand rocker switch will work.
If your looking into adding USB's just make sure to look at the reviews - some of the ones on amazon are cut slight off or entirely. Ill see if i can find the one I used as Ive been using it for 2+ years without problems.

Let me know an other question!

 

[Louisiana Overland]

I priced this out with the oem style switches and landed at $520. At that price it makes no sense nit to go with a switch pro 9100 with more features and 8 switches. Just sayin.

 

[nglayton]

I priced this out with the oem style switches and landed at $520. At that price it makes no sense nit to go with a switch pro 9100 with more features and 8 switches. Just sayin.

Yikes, $520 is a lot. Not to disagree because you are right, but here is what I did.

$199 for the 6 switch POD system.
$30 for the 4Runner cubby bracket
- 10% with the code posted
$16 for shipping

Total $223 included every thing I needed for the install.

Are the other 2 (6 vs 8) switches worth the additional $325? Probably not, at least not for me.

If I need more switches I can duplicate the system I have for a total of 12 switches and still not have spent the cost of one SP9100

On the other hand, the extra features might totally be worth it, but finding real world uses for all those features isn't worth it to me. I kind of like the old school approach. Click on-off is all I really need.

I do wish the s-tech POD system was as thin as the SP9100.
I do wish the s-tech POD system had a better option for color choices. Ripping out the green LED to have just red/orange is lame. But it works. My dash lights are red/orange so I got lucky. (I was extremely unhappy with green/yellow)
I do wish the s-tech POD system had 100 labels to choose from, but I can buy those almost anyplace.

IF I do need more than 6 switches :rofl: I can just double the system I have and still not have spent the cost of an 8 switch SP9100.

 

[SwayzeExpress]

....

Something to note is the unit is NOT waterproof but is water resistant and which is something I wanted to test, after running through several deep puddles and water crossings the unit never skipped a beat.

At the end of the day the real thing that matters is that the unit will do its job in powering my accessories and protecting my vehicle/ accessories from issues like a short or overheating (luckily I haven’t had to test this yet). But, thus far the unit continues to be extremely reliable to where I have no doubt every time I flip a switch whatever accessory is attached will turn on. In addition if something does happen or there is an issue have the satisfaction of your 5 year warranty while most companies have 2 years at max.

Again I have to comment and thank Scott for providing the utmost customer service and reiterate his passion and desire to put the best product forward for his customers.


If anyone has any questions please feel free to either write here or send me a pm Id be happy to help out!


Attached here is my system as well several other possibilities and configurations possible

I like that 6 pack of 2 rows of 3 - very clean

Mind if I ask about your water crossings as far as durability? Was it submerged or close? We have a big river nearby that sometimes has a few extra inches

 

[ehcanadian]

I like that 6 pack of 2 rows of 3 - very clean

Mind if I ask about your water crossings as far as durability? Was it submerged or close? We have a big river nearby that sometimes has a few extra inches

Sorry for the delay in response have been out of the country! Anyway I've never had a problem with some deep crossings. But theres a point where you'd have more problems to worry about with water that high lol

But listento what this gentlemen says here its water resistant but if it ever gets flooded just simply open the top and let it dry out.