What 4Runner Accessory Saved Your A$$ Today?

[rmbertoldi]

I wanted to start a new thread to shine some light on all the great gear and companies out there that we sink our bucks into, that save our a$$e$ daily.

Maybe it was a set of sliders that kept you from punching a hole in your gas tank that time you didn't see that tree stump..or that LED/fog lights that got you home through a blizzard. We buy them and use them, lets hear some stories!

Here's mine:
Last July I picked up my 2013 SR5, it was love at first sight. Seeing as I live in Philly, and drive an hour each way daily in ludicrous level traffic with people that are even more vapid and sunk in their phone...one of the first things I picked up for access to my rooftop, and also a little backside coverage was my Smittybilt Beavertail..35lbs of solid steel towable "BACK OFF" coverage.
https://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-2...ocphy=9007275&hvtargid=pla-432422015270&psc=1

Sure, I wanted something to stand on and pull from, but in the back of my mind I thought.."someday, this is definitely going to save my ass, LITERALLY" ..well last week that happened. Typical drive to work, guy in the VW SUV in front of me is braking a little harder and last minute than the rest of traffic, 5 minutes into the drive it happens...he slams on his brakes this time last minute, I'm paying attention but nonetheless also then need to hit mine hard, knowing almost definitely what's coming next from behind**POW**

Moral of the story, my recommendation, if you drive in traffic daily..this is the best $70 you could spend to literally cover your a$$!

 

[Ausumm]

I have a rear step in my trailer hitch when I don't need to tow the trailer.
I figured it would save my butt someday.
The one time I did get hit from behind,
I had the hitch ball on, NOT the step.
But, in the end, it served the same purpose.

 

[eddielasvegas]

Great thread OP. And that bad boy is in my cart.


Eddie

 

[2112 R]

I wanted to start a new thread to shine some light on all the great gear and companies out there that we sink our bucks into, that save our a$$e$ daily.

Maybe it was a set of sliders that kept you from punching a hole in your gas tank that time you didn't see that tree stump..or that LED/fog lights that got you home through a blizzard. We buy them and use them, lets hear some stories!

Here's mine:
Last July I picked up my 2013 SR5, it was love at first sight. Seeing as I live in Philly, and drive an hour each way daily in ludicrous level traffic with people that are even more vapid and sunk in their phone...one of the first things I picked up for access to my rooftop, and also a little backside coverage was my Smittybilt Beavertail..35lbs of solid steel towable "BACK OFF" coverage.
https://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-2...ocphy=9007275&hvtargid=pla-432422015270&psc=1

Sure, I wanted something to stand on and pull from, but in the back of my mind I thought.."someday, this is definitely going to save my ass, LITERALLY" ..well last week that happened. Typical drive to work, guy in the VW SUV in front of me is braking a little harder and last minute than the rest of traffic, 5 minutes into the drive it happens...he slams on his brakes this time last minute, I'm paying attention but nonetheless also then need to hit mine hard, knowing almost definitely what's coming next from behind**POW**

[EDITED TO REMOVE PICS]

Moral of the story, my recommendation, if you drive in traffic daily..this is the best $70 you could spend to literally cover your a$$!

2 months ago my tow hitch punched a square hole in someone's front bumper who was on their phone and not paying attention to traffic.
Rear enders who hit the hitch can transfer all the energy into the frame and then into the passengers as the bumper is not hit.

First thing, glad you're ok. My back was sore for a few weeks after the accident.
Secondly, I had to get the tow hitch receiver replaced as it was no longer structurally sound as the impact sheared a bolt from the frame. Luckily the frame is still square and no bend, but be sure to check your receiver for damage as if the integrity has been compromised you could have an unsafe receiver from a towing or tongue weight perspective.

 

[rmbertoldi]

2 months ago my tow hitch punched a square hole in someone's front bumper who was on their phone and not paying attention to traffic.
Rear enders who hit the hitch can transfer all the energy into the frame and then into the passengers as the bumper is not hit.

First thing, glad you're ok. My back was sore for a few weeks after the accident.
Secondly, I had to get the tow hitch receiver replaced as it was no longer structurally sound as the impact sheared a bolt from the frame. Luckily the frame is still square and no bend, but be sure to check your receiver for damage as if the integrity has been compromised you could have an unsafe receiver from a towing or tongue weight perspective.

Good call, I plan on swinging by the dealership to see how much they'll knick me if I decide to replace the chrome strip, I'll have to have them get it on a lift just to be sure!

 

[Bayou_Pro]

My heated Seats!! It's been cold out recently, at least for a Southern Boy.

 

[trauma hound]

4 gallons of fuel in my roof-mounted Rotopax in an unlikely scenario. Left Big Bend NP with the intention of re-fueling in nearby Alpine, TX. Arrived in Alpine with the low-fuel light on only to find the entire town had no electricity due to an ice storm. Fuel pumps were inoperable and the next town was approx 60 miles away. We put in all four gallons and made it to the next town (with power) and was able to refuel completely.

The same trip, now nighttime, weather turned foggy with lots of rain. I typically never turn my Baja's on on the street, but in this case they were essential. Was difficult to see the lines of the road otherwise.

 

[rmbertoldi]

4 gallons of fuel in my roof-mounted Rotopax in an unlikely scenario. Left Big Bend NP with the intention of re-fueling in nearby Alpine, TX. Arrived in Alpine with the low-fuel light on only to find the entire town had no electricity due to an ice storm. Fuel pumps were inoperable and the next town was approx 60 miles away. We put in all four gallons and made it to the next town (with power) and was able to refuel completely.

The same trip, now nighttime, weather turned foggy with lots of rain. I typically never turn my Baja's on on the street, but in this case they were essential. Was difficult to see the lines of the road otherwise.

Dang man I bet that was scary, running out of gas in Central Texas or way out there in New Mexico is definitely on my list of worse things that could happen! I always wonder how much those Rotopax come in emergency handy with everyone I see that has them, glad to hear they're worth the cost, I might have to pick up one or two!