Some good news to share with my BWE family here.

[skrilla]

Lift gate open and strapped? I would double check local laws especially concerning the third brake light. Premature wear and tear on the lift gate shocks, strapped is not locked after all. Annoying door open light always illuminated would bug me to death. Rear camera is a good idea but, knock on wood, if you get pulled over I would assume an LEO would want full visual of the cabin. Not to rain on your parade but I would hate to hear you get busted for it.

Congrats on the new ride though. I'd get one in a heartbeat but our 3rd gen 4Runner keeps on ticking.

[Mahigeer]

Thank you for all the comments about my plans. It helps me through the road that I have not traveled yet and your experience is needed and welcomed.

Trailer of any kind is out of question due to the use of Sentri card.
Putting the kayak on my existing 4Runner has been a pain, even with the lighter than XFactor, Outback.
My roof rack has been bent and there is paint chipped that I had to touchup before rust set in.
The new 4Runner looks even taller, and it will be harder to get my kayak on. I am getting on in years, and not as fit as I used to be. This whole project started as a challenge to resolve various issues with me enjoying the Baja trips and not having to work so hard for a chance to get fish.

I think I can build a plywood wall, so the fumes would not get in, and it would provide safety for the cargo. It will also be so that I can load and unload the gear.
There is 120V outlet in the cargo area. A long fan maybe a useful item to blow the exhaust away.

Dome light can be turned off.

As to the rooster, “I make the owner an offer he can’t refuse”. A howling coyote sound track.

There will be 2” pipe insulation with the thickest wall available under the lift gate, and gate strapped in. Will shall see.

The extender will have LED lights at left and right side of the “T” to duplicate the vehicle lights.

None of the matters if dealer does not issue a written permission letter, allowing me to take the vehicle to Mexico as long as I have payments to make. I will resolve that on Monday.

Got to go now, but keep comments and suggestions coming.

Thanks.

[Dave Legacy]

I'll be eager to see your build; I'm sure it'll work well for you. One more go round since I just can't help myself... have you considered investing in a Thule Hullavator?

[blazian]

As for the "Rooster" there is are a couple easy fixes. I use a Rooster Collar to bring down the volume by at least 75% enough where my neighbors don't notice. (It's basically a 1"-1 1/4" wide velcro from home depot that you trim to neck size). or like me you could always bring earplugs on any trips that involve a bunch of guys snoring!

[EastLosYaker]

Not an issue to get "permission" to take your truck into Mexico. I remember sending/receiving a fax in the past. Might be as simple as an email that you print out now. Nothing to worry about. Very easy process.

[Raskal311]

Just curious if you considered a Toyota Tacoma and if so why u went with a 4Runner.

[MrPukaShell]

Good for you, Baja bound

[Mahigeer]

Originally Posted by Raskal311

Just curious if you considered a Toyota Tacoma and if so why u went with a 4Runner.

No I did not. Isn't Tacoma a truck line?

I have a 4Runner and like it very much. If it had 4X4, I would have fixed it when needed and not worry about ding and dents, etc.

[Mahigeer]

Originally Posted by EastLosYaker

Not an issue to get "permission" to take your truck into Mexico. I remember sending/receiving a fax in the past. Might be as simple as an email that you print out now. Nothing to worry about. Very easy process.

Thanks, there is always a way. I could get a credit from B of A as I originally intended, but it did not happen.

Then pay Toyota financial. Not sure if B of A has the same requirement.

[Mahigeer]

Originally Posted by blazian

As for the "Rooster" there is are a couple easy fixes. I use a Rooster Collar to bring down the volume by at least 75% enough where my neighbors don't notice. (It's basically a 1"-1 1/4" wide velcro from home depot that you trim to neck size). or like me you could always bring earplugs on any trips that involve a bunch of guys snoring!

It is neighbors rooster, and I cannot touch it. As to ear plugs, it is a good idea and I have used it before. I sleep in my tent away from the guys, to be far from their snoring, and my snoring to bother them.

Thanks for the tip though.

[Mahigeer]

Originally Posted by Dave Legacy

I'll be eager to see your build; I'm sure it'll work well for you. One more go round since I just can't help myself... have you considered investing in a Thule Hullavator?

I am considering it seriously.

Thanks for the tip.