ABSOLUTELY LOVE THAT YOU IGNORE THE BAD ONES (reviews/comments). KEEP DOING WHAT YOURE DOING BROTHER!!! I’m a follower. I’m a fan. I’m a salesman at my Toyota here, and I’m a believer. And I also recommend people to your channel. My sir… you get 2 thumbs up 👍🏻👍🏻
WOW! That’s way too kind. When I did this video I thought it would be viewed a couple thousand times at best… over 200k and climbing! One reason to do it. Help others to enjoy their Rav 4 even more. I know I love my TRD. As far as the trollers, I wish them all the best, just not willing to bite on the negative bait. Life is to short!!! Well my friend, keep selling one of the best SUV’s in America and the most popular… cheers brother!
"My life's good and I ignore you" Brilliant. A year late, but I pick up a RAV4 in a week so I'm watching anything and everything to do with them atm. Really like all your light upgrade ideas, I'll be doing a few. Thanks
I'm with you on a lot of the mods. I hate the almost universal movement in industry to non-tactile buttons, so I appreciate the fact that you addressed that by the little clear knobby things. I am hoping there is a steering wheel mod that would replace all smooth, wimpy buttons I have to touch with just the tip of my finger (and take my eyes off the road) with actual grippy, shaped buttons like back in the old days! (shakes fist at clouds)
@@hollowayndtengineeringinc.5201 Bwahahaha!!! I’m shaking my fist too! Corporate profits over small upgrades that would actually make driving one of their vehicles safer. Just another reason I like RU-vid videos where we help each other…
Hey there, what I find so refreshing is that you talk about the fails as well as the successes and I think that is important and normalizing for us DIYers as we've all tried something that looked so cool online but ended up a bust and in the goodwill bin. Also appreciate that you don't do Amazon affiliate links as I always feel a YT video with those are unduly positive. I don't have a rav4 yet, still shopping but really enjoy your videos! Take care, Paul
Okay, I’m voting you one of the nicest comment I’ve ever had! So yes you’re right, I’m not in it for the money from Amazon. Im not in it to get paid subscribers or subscribers in general… I like to make vids that help people. So if they use the mods I’ve done, or look at it and say it’s not for me, it’s just great they have the option… so this motivates me to do more vids when appropriate and I’ll press on! All the best to you and good luck finding the Rav 4 that suits you best! Cheers
This is a great video!!! Thanks for sharing all the information on these add on products for the RAV4. I’m still waiting for my Toyota to arrive and will definitely get a couple of these upgrades
Right!!! I use them all the time to this day. Imagine how easy it would have been for Toyota to add those “bumps” to the buttons standard so we wouldn’t have to modify them… oh well, life goes on! Cheers
Thanks for your videos; they help. I also have the small shelf mounted behind the main screen, but I only use it to hold things while parked; it's great for food, drinks, etc. to prevent spills. Never thought about using it for 'stuff' to access while driving.
I genuinely love that you added the boot warmer link 😂. Nothing to do with the rav (which made me giggle) but for the weirdos like me that would be like oooooo that’s neat.. I appreciate you ❤
Ha!!! You crack me up because you sound like ME!!! 😜🤪I’m a gidget and gadget guy and I used those today. Love warm toes to start my ski day with! Cheers to you and all the best!
Another Nice Informative Video Rich. Thank You. I posted on your original Upgrade Video. As for the Puddle Lights we have a 2022 RAV4 Limited Hybrid. I swear we have Factory Puddle Lights on the bottom side of the Side-View Mirrors. I am willing to bet Toyota has a 'Plug' were the Puddle Lights go on your vehicle. (maybe not) Even so you could Upgrade your Mirrors to the ones with Puddle Lights. Also that 'Tray' you have for the Dash. It would not 'Reflect' if it had a Lid on it. One that closes and reduces any Reflection. Do they make one with a Lid? Anyways, Thank You for your Time & Effort Sir. *PS:* You seem to be a Very Nice Gentleman. One that I would enjoy sitting around a fire swapping stories. 😉
Hey thanks! I pretty much try and be nice but firm with them… what they criticize and tear down is what they won’t do themselves in a positive light. They’re actually pretty sad, right! And I wish I could have bought a hybrid, but needed towing capacity. Enjoy your new ride…I KNOW YOU WILL! CHEERS!
That’s awesome! Thanks for the encouragement! I haven’t really done anything else because it’s great as is with all the mods I did. All the best to you and cheers!
Kind words and thank you! Very few trolls, most people who respond like at least a few mods, and I’m always glad to help! Enjoy your ride… you’ll love it!
Am looking at putting on some of the 'add ons' you featured(on to our new Rav 4). Sadly I'm on the waiting list, and now it is up to 16 months...sigh..., but summer is on the way, so I'll get to finish restoring my aluminum fishing boat. Amazing what dealers want for things like a hitch, car top carrier, etc.... I especially like the hood supports, and lights---lights anywhere-lol---
Well, we have a lot in common! If you look at my other videos you’ll see me in my aluminum fishing boat! I love being on the water. So all the best with your upgrade/mods and have fun on the water! Merry Christmas!
Nice follow up video. I pick up my RAV4 tomorrow. I hope to incorperate some of your ideas. I am getting it to be my ski vehicle as well. WA state has great skiing. I'm close to White pass so that's my go to place. 😀
Really appreciate these videos. Gonna look into buying a rav4 adventure for the same reason you got the trd, that towing capacity. The lights in the trunk look game changing for coming back after a evening of fishing
@richgibson1816 I'm sure it'll take a while to find one/ get one in but I'm pretty sure about buying this thing. Plus the resale value on toyotas is nuts.
You might not be old enough but we use to talk about low quality junk coming from Japan. Then they learned to build high quality over time. China is on the same path. USA used to be a high quality manufacturer but the same is true in the reverse, I would rather have a Japanese made rav4 than one made in N.A. 20 years from now we'll want a Chinese car over a N.A. car.
I do remember when Japanese products meant cheap junk. (Think 1960’s transistor radios!) And yes, I like my Rav 4 and chose it over a ford or chevy. Now, I agree, Chinese products are getting better and lasting longer. America is just losing on the manufacturing side because it’s cheaper to buy Amazon Chinese products for less. So that said, I do try and buy American, but I’m handcuffed to buy what is available and works… that translates to Chinese products unfortunately. I’ve gotten a few negative reviews from people that give me a hard time about Chinese products, but when I ask them for a list of American products I can buy, they go silent. We all are just doing the best we can… thanks for the comments and all the best… cheers
Japan has always built high quality stuff it’s just Americans used to associate Japanese and Chinese as the same thing and so assumed Japanese stuff was bad.
Japanese products were never junk. Perhaps re evaluate your American indoctrination. There was a propaganda campaign against them because America could not compete and could not isolate, occupy or invade them. China is also more than capable of producing luxury goods that are superior to American made in almost any industry, this happens when your talent pool is 5 times our population. They play a ruthless form of slave capitalism to beat us at our own game. The American demand is for cheap junk.
Excellent video Rich. We viewers like to hear what doesn't work as well as what does, so I'm glad you included those products. I'm also happy you ignore the trollers. Some people were born to complain. A good word to describe them is "whiners." Other folks, like yourself, were born to help. Guess who most of us like to listen to? You're right!! If I were you, I wouldn't even mention their comments. If we ignore them, maybe they will go away. Anyway, well done!
Ive been seeking a 5th gen since getting one as a rental when my car was totaled. I bought yesterday, Adventure model, Ruby Red. I have been watching your videos for ideas for BASIC modifications to make it better. Especially on the tow hitch. What re you towing with your rav4 and how does the car do with those loads? When towing, what position are you putting your transmission in? I know in the past with 'traditional' trans, I'd just take the OD off for towing (Pathfinder), but our cars doesnt have that
One of the main reasons I bought the TRD was for towing capacity. I just keep the engine in normal driving mode and then drive. The 8 speed transmission does a great job of not over stressing the 205 hp engine. I tow my boat which weighs about 1500 pounds. It tows great and I have plenty of power… hope that helps! Cheers
Nice job on the mods with your RAV4. I have some of those clear rubber buttons that you use to find your buttons. But I have them as bumpers on cabinet doors for the last 15 years in the kitchen. They eventually become gooey and a mess of glue residue to get off. That might happen faster in the heat of a vehicle. Just mentioning since that could be a mess and damage some of your surfaces if you dont think about it ahead of time.
I’m with you on that. I had that happen in Redding California when I was there. Just peeled them off, used goop away and reapplied more. On the plastic it wasn’t hard… Thanks for the comments and Merry Christmas!
One thing I miss about my RAV4 2024 is it doesn’t come with not do any Toyotas come with a CD Payer, I have quit a few CDs some specially made for me. My previous 2005 Highlander had one, and I would still have it but a deer took it out unfortunately. Yes I miss it it and feel that maybe I should of gotten it repaired, the body and engine was still running good even with about 200,000 miles on it. I guess I’m too old school
I’m with you… as you can see in my vids, I’m not as young as I used to be! I still have some dvd’s I play at the house once in awhile! 😄 And I’m planning on keeping this til I hit 300k miles at least. Ive had it 27 months and I just hit 52k miles… as long as I maintain it, it ought to last a long time… all the best. Cheers!
I agree Edwin, I miss a CD Player on our 2022 RAV4. Our 2007 Camry XLE has a 6 Disc Changer that still works perfectly. The salespeople laughed at me when I asked for a CD Player. They said EVERYbody uses their phones now a days. I understand that but what happens when you have NO SIGNAL? Same for Physical Media at home. I enjoy owning DVDs. Also DVDs and CDs cannot be 'Edited' later on when somebody thinks it is good to 'Change History'. By putting in a different Actor that was not in the original film. Trust me that is coming. Same for music. Changing the Lyrics ever so subtly over time. To CHANGE the Message!
Yea, I’m a young 67 and still have movies I watch on DVD and enjoy. I mostly listen to podcasts nowadays, but get tired of Spotify and lack of signals along with the crappy commercials. Yup, you and I are on the same page brother. Cheers!
Love this, was really helpful to me, one question though on the hitch you do not mention anything about the electrical hook up for your trailer lights, is a video coming on that? Javi G.
Hey. It was an option at the dealer when I bought it. I don’t remember what I paid, but it was worth it. It matches color perfectly and saves some dings… and it only came in one width but works great… cheers!
I tried turning them both around because they are so sloped forward. I usually have them right side around, but on long trips I turn them around. Merry Christmas!
Chinese & Japanese are different but they do look alike. Japanese Vehicles are highly reliable. In my country too, 90% of the population buys japanese vehicles. Toyota vehicles are those among many out there that are truly reliable.
Thank you for walking us through your honest opinion on these upgrades! I really appreciate it! Do you know if making these upgrades affects the car warranty? I want a lot of these but am worried it will cancel the warranties we have. Thanks!!
I honestly don’t know. If I’m completely honest, the electrical things I’ve done could be suspect but I just don’t know. This may be completely wrong, but it’s mine and all the things I’ve done have improved my enjoyment of it. And the things I’ve done electrically have been done with the help of those that know more than me. So I’m good with what I’ve done but you may want to call the dealership and ask before doing anything. I hope this helps and if you don’t mind, if you do ind out share it back with me and I’ll let others know. Thanks and cheers!
@@richgibson1816 Thanks Rich - I'm actually off to see the dealer tomorrow about buying one - think I've settled on the SE - but we shall see. Those mirror lights are fantastic.
Hey rich nice trd . I live in WA also thinking of getting a trd or a woodland edition, what's your fuel mileage. I commute to olympia with a first gen crv , wanting better mpgs which should I get trd or woodland?
I travel a lot to Stephens Pass to ski and I get 26 to 28 average… when I go to Redding Ca to see my mom and I’m on eco, I can get up to 32… overall I’d say 25 to 27 is where I’m at with my TRD. Hope that helps! Cheers
Hey! I did put sequential turn signals on the mirrors. Check my other video to see them! Much better visibility day and night! Got them from Amazon. Cheers!
I live in Canada and will consider a similar style hitch. I don't know if the same brand is available here but will look into something similar. I've heard that those type of hitches can be prone to rust, have you thought about doing anything to keep rust down on it?
The only thing I do is crawl under my Rav 4 once a year and look it over when I’m getting ready for crabbing season. If it has any type of rust, I sand it, tape it and spray it with Rustoleum. No problems so far! Cheers
Yes, it came standard on the TRD model. I bought the TRD for towing, for my boat. And with it comes an oversized radiator, transmission cooler and a much larger alternator. I assume with the oversized alternator, it has a bigger output so it supplies the outlet. The only thing I have used it for is my boot warmer when I go skiing. I love it! Thanks for the comment and all the best… cheers!
You right! Living in Washington with the rain, I like the covers so I can crack the window for air sometimes when I drive. What I found with the front ones is, they didn’t just cover the top of the window, they went way down and obscured my view and vision. Pulled the front ones off and left the back ones on. Works great for me even though it looks a bit funky!!! Glad you liked the video and all the best, cheers!
@@richgibson1816 Makes sense! Just bought a R4P. I live on the Kitsap Peninsula and have ordered some because I want that ventilation too. Thanks for the info!
"Super easy kind of a pain" lol Wish I could upgrade the seats, nobody likes them at all including me. Shame on Toyota for not having lights on all the controls, it can be a big problem at night trying to find them. They couldn't afford the LED's ? come on Toyota stop be so customer inconsiderate.
Wish upgrading seats didn't cost and arm and a leg lol. Not fan of the seats as well - wish more then anything they were leather but that would be getting to close to the land of Lexus.
So true. I like the seats overall, but hate the headrests. I have leather in my Honda CRV and LOVED them. I guess leather is expensive and politically incorrect now a days so what r u going to do… oh well! Cheers
Hi Rich, I don’t know if the TRD has this issue, but many RAV4’s have a lot of road noise so have you found a way to cut out the road noise and “wind whistling” from the car doors yet? That is one thing that is keeping me from buying a 2023 RAV4 TRD.
I’m with you on road noise. The biggest thing on the TRD is the “off-road tires”. They suck. They are loud and super slippery in the rain and snow. After a year, I got Michelin Defender’s from Costco and life got better. Great in the rain, good in the snow, better gas mileage and QUIETER! My roof racks whistle a bit but I have no idea how to get that completely fixed so I live with it. As far as window noise, it’s their but not overwhelming to me. Overall for an SUV, I’m happy with the performance and noise level. To get quieter, I think you’d have to get another SUV and I’d have no idea on recommendations. As I’ve mentioned, I got the TRD for a couple major reasons. 1. TOWING’s 3500 pounds. 2. Toyotas reputation 3. 8 speed transmission to reduce wear on the engine. I love mine and that’s what I got! Cheers and let me know what you decide to buy!
Okay. I had some black marine plastic and I traced the light on it. I then cut it lengthwise so it was the correct height. I then, very carefully, cut it length wise at the angle (thickness) I wanted. 1/2 inch on the bottom to a zero tolerance at top. I then used a band saw to cut the spacers out and round the corners. I then hit it with a bench sander. I then cut the two notches where the screws go and after loosening them, slid the new “wedge” in and retightened them. And that was it! I hope my directions make sense! Ask more if I wasn’t clear enough and all the best! Cheers
@@richgibson1816 Perfectly clear. That was similar to what I was planning. The 1/2" to nothing is a help so I don't have to figure that out. Thanks for the quick reply with the detailed information.
Hey. Now that I’m thinking back it might have been a quarter inch. I don’t wait you to have to redo it. The easiest way is to put it where you want it, tilt it, and measure the gap… I went for as level as I could do it would shine back and not shine down… you got this! Cheers
I got it done at the dealer. I normally don’t do anything with the dealer unless I have to. I wanted to make sure it was a perfect match, so I spent the money… glad I did this time.., Cheers!
You noticed! Yes, I was trying it out that way for future trips. The headrest is slanted so far forward it’s almost uncomfortable when you’re driving for hours on end. I turned it around to check it out. Wouldn’t recommend it that way day to day, but if you want to recline and sleep, it works okay. Good eyes!!! Cheers
The market isn't big enough for American companies to sell rav4 aftermarket gadgets. You go through all the effort of product launch only to find out 4 people bought them this year? Only Chinese companies can launch all these cheap niche stuff and somehow still make it work. Also all the American companies made stuff at home got wrecked by consumers who only want the cheapest thing possible. It's partly your (the consumer) fault too. Don't blame only the companies. They all went out of business because consumers don't care enough. It's inhumane to expect us to outcompete China in price especially when it comes to how little they pay their workers.
Very kind of you to point that out. So your solution to all this is??? As I’ve said so many times, in so many posts, please make a video (yes you) that shows us all where to buy American made products, so we all can support jobs here at home. I guess we all should not upgrade or add mods to our Rav 4’s that aren’t American products and just go without the Amazon products I showed on the video… would that help?!? So to sum it up, I agree with you about supporting American jobs and products! Now it’s your turn to help out the 20k people (and the 250k people that have viewed the original vid I did) that have viewed this video by attaching a link to your video that shows only, and all, the American made products that would replace the products I used on my ride. Thanks for the critique and I wish you well… cheers
@@richgibson1816 Haha. It wasn't a critique by any means. I fully agree with your point on lack of choices for niche items. I buy Chinese products all the time because it's the only option. I'll be lucky to find even a single place that sells a particular rav4 mod made in china; let alone made in USA. I'm not blaming anyone at all. Just lamenting on the cold hard reality of economics. I can't imagine anyone servicing or developing a rav4 mod market comprised of a handful of people. I don't think most rav4 owners are actively looking for mods to be honest. one solution may be to stop giving China shipping subsidies as a developing nation? On many instances, it's cheaper to ship an item from China to USA than from local shipping inside USA. That might mean the end of many plastic/electronics products altogether though.
I do still have it, and use it a ton. It’s just a couple weeks over two years old and I’ve put 46k miles on it. I never use the sunroof. I’m just not a fan of sunroofs plus I’m in Washington state and we get drizzled on all the time. So that said, no issues. And one major reason I got the Rav 4 TRD was for towing capacity. I loved my Honda CRV, but the Rav 4 has more horsepower and also an 8 speed transmission. I believe it was before 2019 it was 6 speed transmission. The 8 speed is a lot easier on the engine so engine and transmission should last longer. Overall I really love it. Hope that helps! Cheers!
@@richgibson1816 thanks for the response. The issue with the sunroof is they explode and Toyota refuses to fix, so the owner is stuck footing the bill. I would prefer to not have one, although I think it's standard on the trim level I want along with leather/heated seats. As far as the transmission goes, Ive read that a software update has been done...it works for some but not all.
I’m with you on the sunroof. I’d absolutely prefer to not have one at all, but it came as part of the trim level. One more thing that can potentially go wrong. And I’m going to check into the transmission update. My is great and no problems, but if there is an update I want it. Thanks for the heads up! Good luck on whatever you decide on!
@@richgibson1816 I purchased my rav4 a couple a weeks ago. The horn is pitiful and just upgraded to a pair hella trumpet horns. I totally recommend if you haven't done.
That’s one of the first things I did… No one can hear the beep beep so installed one off Amazon. They can hear me now! Glad you’re enjoying your ride!!! Cheers
Here are the lights I bought off Amazon www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07W2X3D1Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 And you can check out my channel for the install video, but this is the link ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-FKr7PRBL7eU.html Love mine and hope this makes yours better! Cheers
You know I just put them on and haven’t used them that much so no problem so far but I’ll keep an eye out… thanks for the question and helping me to make sure they don’t muck anything up! Cheers!
I had them, but because they went so far down the front of the window by the mirror, they interfered with the vision. I like the back ones for some air circulation so I can crack the windows but no rain can get in… Merry Christmas!
Gosh I’m sorry, no. I bought it at Costco and haven’t seen it since around Christmas. I put the brand in the video hoping it would help people look it up. As I mentioned in the vid, the bonus was the air compressor! Don’t know how beefy it is, but I’m hoping I’ll only need it to top a low tire up. Good luck and hope you find one! Cheers!
Can you send me the link to the LEDs for the tail light that has the capacitor built-in into them? I know more expensive but can you send me the correct ones I have a 24 Toyota RAV4.
This is the ones I used for the backup lights. Are those the ones you’re looking for?! If not, get back to me! Cheers www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B072FHNZKW?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
Upgrades are lame. But you expect it when the post starts with an old guy with a selfie stick. Lession to kids. Throw away your old tech so old people don't find it and try to use it.
Hey little fella. You don’t seem bitter at all… and your positive outlook on life must be a true blessing to all your hip friends. So, let’s see what ya got young hipster. Post a link here to your ultra cool vids with only the best upgrades and mods. You must be cutting edge with your equipment and advice for only the most advanced Rav 4’s… Come on junior, let’s see what ya got
In California, it’s illegal to have high beams AND fog lights on at the same time. Your hack job grill lights are at fog light height and are used illegally as fog lights. Doesn’t matter if you turn them on/off, you’re braking the law!
No one gives two craps what is illegal in California. California's laws are not know to be full of common sense. He says he lives in Washington anyways. They are useful for him and he explained that he is judicious when he uses them. Go be a party pooper somewhere else.
Calif. wont' arrest shoplifters so no worries here. Their laws mean nothing. You can have a million laws, but if they are not enforce, they are pointless.
