These are really helpful upgrades, for sure! And they don't break the bank. I appreciate that you explained how to install each thing and didn't just rattle off the mods you made. Thank you!
I thought the rants was funny too. I'm and old school thinker so I love Toyota because of the simplicity and not all the bells and whistles if you don't want them. If you prefer all the luxury then I would look more towards a Lexus. Great recommendation for the dash camera!
Get one. You won't regret it. I just got my 2nd one. My first one has 207,000 mi at 17 years old. It's going to my nephew for how ever long it'll run... probably another 70,000 mi or more. Toyota's run forever.
I installed hood struts on mine too but mine doesn't open smoothly like yours. No biggie but I still need to lift the hood all the way up or it won't spring up like that. Must be the weak struts.
Thanks for the videos! I also like the one about installing an OEM trailer hitch. Since you appear to be a RAV4 expert, have you seen any third-party products for audible blind spot indicator alerts? My Acura and KiA had it. The blinking lights in the mirrors aren't as helpful as a beep. Thanks again!
Great video, I’m looking at getting a RAV4 or the Lexus version, because my 4Runner is built up to the point to where the gas mileage is lowering with rooftop tent, front bumper winch, dual battery etc. so I’m looking into a used RAV4/Lexus as a daily driver for long trips
Thanks a lot! Yeah, that’s what happened to me! I built up my 4Runner and the gas mileage was killing me, so I went with the RAV4. The inside is a little smaller, but still doable for me! You shouldn’t go wrong with either because it’s practically the same thing, but I went rav4 because I liked the 5th gen design, pricing, and cheaper maintenance. Good luck with your choice!
Thanks for the great video. I have a 2024 XLE. The stupid light in the back does not have a switch to Turn it Off. 2 questions. Do you think I can find a replacement fixture that will have a switch on it? How do you turn on/ off the cool lights that you added? I really want to make that upgrade. Liked your video great detail. Thank you..
I have a 23 XSE and I replaced the cargo light with an on/off switch. Hated auto on with the door open. Aliexpress has it but you need to change out the plug(it was a different plug for my trim) or wire it directly without the plug. And his trunk lights also turn on automatically every time you open the hitch since it connects to the existing cargo light. You need to turn them off with a touch button on each one, which is even more annoying since they are brighter. Terrible privacy at night in the public. So, I wire them directly to the battery with an in line fuse. Now they only turn on manually. Bit of work but well worth it.
I appreciate that! Yeah, they do make other switches with a manual on/off. The lights I added to the rear hatch have a push button on/off switch on them. If they are on, you open the door they’ll turn on and off when you shut. Or keep them off and just manually turn them on and off. I really like them. Best 20ish bucks…maybe it was 30ish? Can’t remember now, but they’re cheap.
Thanks! Yeah, it’s just roof bars from Rhino Rack. Kinda pricey, but they are nice and give you a flat surface and many mounting options… so it’s worth it.
Hi Pls I have couple of questions 1) How's the Fitcamx holding up since you installed it? 2) Are you actually able to see license plate details for both day and night? 3) How fast enough are you able to download clips from the app Thanks as I anticipate your detailed response
Hey! The cam is holding up fantastic, no issues. Everything you need to see, you will see with the quality you get from the cameras. I haven’t downloaded clips, so I don’t know how fast they download but I have watched the clips on my phone and it’s instant. Hope this helps!
Awesome! Did the previous owner put them in? Wish Toyota would just make it a stock feature. The video is definitely great, so you won’t be disappointed! My bad, I thought that first comment was asking if they come with a rear camera. Read it too fast.
@@smitheys Yes he did, and it was the thing which clinched the deal for us. We also have a Toyota Yaris which we use as a general run around. We bought that new and the front and rear dashcams were fitted as standard.
I haven’t done much research about parts on older generations. Sorry. I’m sure they’re similar but I would definitely do a quick search before buying and make sure the part numbers match.
These are really helpful upgrades, for sure! And they don't break the bank. I appreciate that you explained how to install each thing and didn't just rattle off the mods you made. Thank you!
I like that you’re very careful and very wise in spending your hard earn money.
Haha, the rant was hilarious! And very true. Toyota is always cutting costs but raising prices of their cars. Thanks for the ideas!!
I thought the rants was funny too. I'm and old school thinker so I love Toyota because of the simplicity and not all the bells and whistles if you don't want them. If you prefer all the luxury then I would look more towards a Lexus. Great recommendation for the dash camera!
Installed my fitcam X and added the lens filter.
Great video. Especially liked your video on replacing tail light bulbs and assembly. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Glad I could help! If you have any questions or need anything, just holler!
I'm considering buying a Rav4, all your videos on it really helped me to choose and gave me a lot of ideas ! Thank you man !
Glad I can help give you some ideas! Hope you can make up your mind and are happy about it.
Get one. You won't regret it. I just got my 2nd one. My first one has 207,000 mi at 17 years old. It's going to my nephew for how ever long it'll run... probably another 70,000 mi or more. Toyota's run forever.
Great tips ! Nice sound and great camera focus quality
Very helpful, useful and easy to follow - thank you!
Appreciated the additional commentary at the end regarding Toyota cutting cost. 😂
Thank! Yoir videos are so easy to follow up!. Keep making videos.!
Glad you like them!! Thanks for the kind words.
Good job on the video. Was informative and to the point. Keep it up. Plus the bonus rant and outtakes were gold. Lol😂
I installed hood struts on mine too but mine doesn't open smoothly like yours. No biggie but I still need to lift the hood all the way up or it won't spring up like that. Must be the weak struts.
You're the best! Thank you.
Thanks for the videos! I also like the one about installing an OEM trailer hitch.
Since you appear to be a RAV4 expert, have you seen any third-party products for audible blind spot indicator alerts? My Acura and KiA had it. The blinking lights in the mirrors aren't as helpful as a beep. Thanks again!
Thank you so much! And unfortunately I have not but I haven’t been looking… I’ll definitely keep an eye out for you though.
Great video, I’m looking at getting a RAV4 or the Lexus version, because my 4Runner is built up to the point to where the gas mileage is lowering with rooftop tent, front bumper winch, dual battery etc. so I’m looking into a used RAV4/Lexus as a daily driver for long trips
Thanks a lot! Yeah, that’s what happened to me! I built up my 4Runner and the gas mileage was killing me, so I went with the RAV4. The inside is a little smaller, but still doable for me! You shouldn’t go wrong with either because it’s practically the same thing, but I went rav4 because I liked the 5th gen design, pricing, and cheaper maintenance. Good luck with your choice!
Thanks for the great video. I have a 2024 XLE.
The stupid light in the back does not have a switch to Turn it Off.
2 questions. Do you think I can find a replacement fixture that will have a switch on it? How do you turn on/ off the cool lights that you added?
I really want to make that upgrade. Liked your video great detail. Thank you..
I have a 23 XSE and I replaced the cargo light with an on/off switch. Hated auto on with the door open. Aliexpress has it but you need to change out the plug(it was a different plug for my trim) or wire it directly without the plug. And his trunk lights also turn on automatically every time you open the hitch since it connects to the existing cargo light. You need to turn them off with a touch button on each one, which is even more annoying since they are brighter. Terrible privacy at night in the public. So, I wire them directly to the battery with an in line fuse. Now they only turn on manually. Bit of work but well worth it.
I appreciate that! Yeah, they do make other switches with a manual on/off. The lights I added to the rear hatch have a push button on/off switch on them. If they are on, you open the door they’ll turn on and off when you shut. Or keep them off and just manually turn them on and off. I really like them. Best 20ish bucks…maybe it was 30ish? Can’t remember now, but they’re cheap.
Thanks!
Wow, thank you so much! Couldn’t have come at a better time. Pennies aren’t pinching quite like they used to. Hah.
Smitty. You're amazing.
Which roof rack do you have? It looks nice!
Thanks! Yeah, it’s just roof bars from Rhino Rack. Kinda pricey, but they are nice and give you a flat surface and many mounting options… so it’s worth it.
Hi
Pls I have couple of questions
1) How's the Fitcamx holding up since you installed it?
2) Are you actually able to see license plate details for both day and night?
3) How fast enough are you able to download clips from the app
Thanks as I anticipate your detailed response
Hey!
The cam is holding up fantastic, no issues. Everything you need to see, you will see with the quality you get from the cameras. I haven’t downloaded clips, so I don’t know how fast they download but I have watched the clips on my phone and it’s instant. Hope this helps!
@@smitheys
Thanks for your response 👍
They should have also put a 12v plug in the trunk for things like a fridge.
Yes! That would be great!
They leave lots of sweet doodads off so the dealers can make bank installing em! Trim-level 101.
If possible get a dashcam kit which includes a camera for the rear window,
Yep! Just check the link in the description and they’ll be a few different options to choose from.
@@smitheys Luckily the Rav4 I'm buying already has them fitted
Awesome! Did the previous owner put them in? Wish Toyota would just make it a stock feature. The video is definitely great, so you won’t be disappointed!
My bad, I thought that first comment was asking if they come with a rear camera. Read it too fast.
@@smitheys Yes he did, and it was the thing which clinched the deal for us. We also have a Toyota Yaris which we use as a general run around. We bought that new and the front and rear dashcams were fitted as standard.
Toyota does not include all that lights and stuff in rav4 cause they have to somehow sell 4runner and Lexus products with everything included
Sounds about right!
Do you think the struts can be installed in a 2016 RAV 4?
I haven’t done much research about parts on older generations. Sorry. I’m sure they’re similar but I would definitely do a quick search before buying and make sure the part numbers match.
Can this be for 2021 also cuz I tried purchasing but said 2022
Pretty much everything will work from 2019 to 2024. You didn’t really specify what for the 2021, but you should be fine. Cheers!
@@smitheys sorry I meant the dash cam
Did you still have your 4Runner?
No, I got rid of it for the RAV4. I do ALOT of driving and went with something a little practical. Only lost a small amount of width space.
good vid but sound is bad. barely able to hear.