5Runner
Adventurer
So I am sure I am not the only one who has customized (kidstomized) my rig in little ways to benefit the kiddos. Now's the time and here's the place! Share your "kid mods" with the group!
Remember...It's all for the children...
I keep trying that line to convince my wife to let my buy some "Kid Step-Up Bars"...aka...rock sliders! HA!
Here's what I have done, but I hope to get some new ideas from you guys.
The kid grips: I bought some handles from the front of a junkyard 4runner. Pulled them myself and got them both for $15, then screwed them to the sides of the front seat (one on each side). They are in the perfect spot to not be in the way, but to be reachable for the kids.
Non-slip surface: Also to help the little ones get it, I bought "sure step" from Walmart for $8 (you get two strips). They are adhesive-backed EPDM strips with tire tread pattern. I cut one in half to put on each side of the rear door thresholds. I plan to use the other strip for the bottom of my hi-lift jack for more traction when placed on rocks.
Snack Holders: I modified two different "back of seat storage things" you can buy at any discount store (Walmart, Target, etc.) I cut them so the headrests go through the tops. At the bottoms there are attachment cords that go into the pouch at the back of the seats, out the corners and fasten to the seat. Modifying them this way keeps them tight to the seat and secure in place. The kids love getting to pack their own snacks for the road. The two big kids (6 and 8) sit on the outside and can pass snacks to the 4 year old in the middle.
For those long highway drives to get to the dirt, a DVD player is something we have succumb to. We bought the large 10" screen from Best Buy, that folds into a flat pad. Then I built this bracket with velcro straps to connect the player to. The bracket has slotted ends so that the two seats can still move forward or back. With all three kids, my wife pushes here seat to match mine so the screen faces straight back. When it was just me and my older son going to Moab this May I moved the front passenger seat forward to angle the player so it faced toward the rear passenger seat (where the boy was sitting). Works great and hella cheaper than any other "built in" units.
And of course to power the DVD player without taking up the spot up front I added some power where the rear ashtray was. Don't think the kids need an ashtray. It took some work, but I got it at the right spot so that the cup holders still work...when nothing is plugged in.
Alright...there's got to be some other wacky Dads (or moms) with some creative kid mods to share!! Post them up!
Remember...It's all for the children...
I keep trying that line to convince my wife to let my buy some "Kid Step-Up Bars"...aka...rock sliders! HA!
Here's what I have done, but I hope to get some new ideas from you guys.
The kid grips: I bought some handles from the front of a junkyard 4runner. Pulled them myself and got them both for $15, then screwed them to the sides of the front seat (one on each side). They are in the perfect spot to not be in the way, but to be reachable for the kids.
Non-slip surface: Also to help the little ones get it, I bought "sure step" from Walmart for $8 (you get two strips). They are adhesive-backed EPDM strips with tire tread pattern. I cut one in half to put on each side of the rear door thresholds. I plan to use the other strip for the bottom of my hi-lift jack for more traction when placed on rocks.
Snack Holders: I modified two different "back of seat storage things" you can buy at any discount store (Walmart, Target, etc.) I cut them so the headrests go through the tops. At the bottoms there are attachment cords that go into the pouch at the back of the seats, out the corners and fasten to the seat. Modifying them this way keeps them tight to the seat and secure in place. The kids love getting to pack their own snacks for the road. The two big kids (6 and 8) sit on the outside and can pass snacks to the 4 year old in the middle.
For those long highway drives to get to the dirt, a DVD player is something we have succumb to. We bought the large 10" screen from Best Buy, that folds into a flat pad. Then I built this bracket with velcro straps to connect the player to. The bracket has slotted ends so that the two seats can still move forward or back. With all three kids, my wife pushes here seat to match mine so the screen faces straight back. When it was just me and my older son going to Moab this May I moved the front passenger seat forward to angle the player so it faced toward the rear passenger seat (where the boy was sitting). Works great and hella cheaper than any other "built in" units.
And of course to power the DVD player without taking up the spot up front I added some power where the rear ashtray was. Don't think the kids need an ashtray. It took some work, but I got it at the right spot so that the cup holders still work...when nothing is plugged in.
Alright...there's got to be some other wacky Dads (or moms) with some creative kid mods to share!! Post them up!
