I'm not so sure about the ladder being a "must have." The ladder can be useful, but I can simply open the rear door, stand on the inside of the trunk, and have the same roof access with more stable footing. If the rear window retracted like the 4Runner, it would be a non-issue, but you've now taken away the ability to open that window.
I've been wondering of its possible to fabricate a hinge in these ladders to drop down to access the rear window. I've been searching the web haven't found no one to do it yet.
And now you can never open your rear glass 🤔. I find the rear tires are a great why to access the roof rack. It dose look good. Just couldn’t bring myself to buy it. 🙂
Step on bumper, then tire, then roof .. easy. Rear window access is important .. from access to my Travel Buddy, running a lead out for solar or 240v (powered site) or purely to enable air flow for the fridge.
I own a 2007 FJ. I would LOVE to have a ladder but I just cannot bring myself to permanently sealing off the back window. Why doesn't Toyota offer a side mounted ladder like you see on the Land Rover?
My must have for the FJ is a diode dynamics cf18 smart tap relay. It adds momentary lane change blinkers to the FJ, and some other silly but fun stuff. After that if you have a locker and no Atrack switch add that. After that its side sun visors on the pre 09 units.
My favorite FJ mod was installing a 8.5’ x 8.5’ lighted awning and getting an awning room to go underneath it. I bring a little step ladder with me pretty much everywhere I go, but it’s completely necessary with the awning to slide it into the brackets on the roof rack. I have it mounted on the passenger side so the power chord reaches the cigarette lighter, so this particular ladder wouldn’t do me too much good. And yes, my FJ is most definitely an FJ without the ladder.
They look great and are definately functional but now you can't clean the secret crud collection point at the top of your rear window! I feel like this area is the dirtiest secret of the FJ.
If you ever decide to install aftermarket bumper with a swing out for your spare, fuel cans, etc. that ladder will be collecting dust in the corner of your garage.
@@DrivenCompanionWhat size tires are you running that block opening the window? I sometimes camp in the back of my FJ and having the rear window open is nice for ventilation (with some temporary mesh to keep the bugs out) so this wouldn't work for me.
Hey Mike, great videos!! Do you think you could do a overview video of the final suspension/lift mods you did. BMC, lift height, tire size, etc. trying to figure out what will be required to fit the 295/70r17s. FJ looks great, keep it up!!
This video pretty much gives the rundown but another video in the future is very possible as well: th-cam.com/video/VFaucAuXlfw/w-d-xo.html With a BMC and an inch or two of lift you should be good with the 295s.
Cool video Mike. Also, curious how you would compare your FJ to the 4Runner. Not so much on a off-road capability or on-road feel comparison...specifically, more on which one you enjoy driving overall. Cheers
Yes, full video library on my channel covering what I've done to the FJ. It has Bilstein 6112 at the Number 4/2 clips (driver/passenger) and B12 coils with an Ironman 4x4 spacer for about 2 inches of lift.
YES a FJ Without a Ladder IS a FJ.That Ladder might be nice help getting at my kayaks though.$300.00 Price point (for me) is a little high.I would rather get a set of spyder 1.25" wheel spacers and a couple of full gas tanks.YeeeHaaww! #FJLIFE
Depends on what kind of functionality you're looking for. In general I think the 4Runner is better suited to most people if practicality is what you're after but the FJ does have an advantage off-road and has a unique interior/exterior design
The ladder on the back of the FJ is just silly and stops you from opening the back window. You will want to be able to open it in the summer for some ventilation as the back windows of the FJ don't open. Yes this to me is a big deal. I would say my FJ is a functional vehicle. But you have to have the right use case. For example the back seats of my FJ have been in my garage for the past 9 months. I never have passengers in the back. The passenger space is rather small to start with. So if you are a family of more than 2, don't buy an FJ. The roof rack on the FJ is very tall and very small. If you need roof storage I would replace the rack with an aftermarket one. But I can fit 2 kayaks on it using thule cross bars. The factory crossbars are garbage. The FJ is an ok commuter vehicle but it has a tiny tank and a big appetite. I drive down dirt roads and in snow on unplowed roads and for that the thing is unstoppable. Even when the town forgets to plow my road I got home. I even dragged a ford car up the road with me because it couldn't make it up the hill with 6" of snow. From a reliability and cost of ownership the FJ is basically as good as it gets. I've had a cherokee and they are expensive to maintain because you are always fixing something. Other than brakes, tires, exhaust and gas tank straps. I haven't done anything that wasn't oil changes to my FJ in 3 years. All the work I have done is because of rust. But that is what it's like to own a car in the North East. The ride of the FJ is better to me than a Tacoma but not as soft or comfortable as a 4runner. My next car will be either a Lexus gx or lx because I can't buy another FJ. The Lexus GX is basically an FJ with more luxury and less style. The Lexus LX is a landcruiser. But both of the Lexus cars are very expensive compared to an FJ. Love my FJ.
to answer the question "is an fj cruiser without a gobi ladder really an fj cruiser" yes, yes it is. if you install the ladder, the fj to not fj ratio increases. making it LESS of an fj than original. additionally, losing the function of the rear window hatch and visibility decreases the fj-ness even more. additionally, while the ladder is cool and all. its virtually useless as you can reach the rack from stepping on the doorsill or using the coveniently mounted spare tire as a foothold.
I have one on mine LOVE IT! I'm 5"8 on a good day and stepping on the rear bumper, I have to open the door and at times not a good option additionally you can only reach so far into the rack . Also if you run stock tires yes you can open the window BUT once you go up in larger diameter no dice. Lastly it just looks COOL!
I'm not so sure about the ladder being a "must have." The ladder can be useful, but I can simply open the rear door, stand on the inside of the trunk, and have the same roof access with more stable footing. If the rear window retracted like the 4Runner, it would be a non-issue, but you've now taken away the ability to open that window.
Fair point!
I thought a "must have" for the FJ were blind-side mirrors, a cb and some power outlet in the back
Agreed, I've done a lot to my FJ and that ladder never made sense to me.
I stand on the rear tyres as well when packing roof rack
I've been wondering of its possible to fabricate a hinge in these ladders to drop down to access the rear window. I've been searching the web haven't found no one to do it yet.
And now you can never open your rear glass 🤔. I find the rear tires are a great why to access the roof rack. It dose look good. Just couldn’t bring myself to buy it. 🙂
Bingo.. for us guys who have power rear window that beats ladder any day..
Same here, easy to step on the rear tire. I'm not giving up my rear window
@Justin Turdeau I’ll tell my dog fresh air is overrated !
Many times I loaded oversized stuff (pipes etc) by opening the rear window. This ladder is terrible advice - it's so easy to get on the rack anyway
My rear window has been stuck for 4 years...LOL
Step on bumper, then tire, then roof .. easy.
Rear window access is important .. from access to my Travel Buddy, running a lead out for solar or 240v (powered site) or purely to enable air flow for the fridge.
My must have FJ mod was the wind visor for the windows.
I agree. I think this is probably the least necessary “mod” for the FJ
Looks great Mike! Love our GOBI Ladder! Love that it’s local too.
Doesn't the ladder interfere with opening the rear window?
I own a 2007 FJ. I would LOVE to have a ladder but I just cannot bring myself to permanently sealing off the back window. Why doesn't Toyota offer a side mounted ladder like you see on the Land Rover?
there is several side ladder options.
My must have for the FJ is a diode dynamics cf18 smart tap relay. It adds momentary lane change blinkers to the FJ, and some other silly but fun stuff. After that if you have a locker and no Atrack switch add that. After that its side sun visors on the pre 09 units.
My favorite FJ mod was installing a 8.5’ x 8.5’ lighted awning and getting an awning room to go underneath it.
I bring a little step ladder with me pretty much everywhere I go, but it’s completely necessary with the awning to slide it into the brackets on the roof rack.
I have it mounted on the passenger side so the power chord reaches the cigarette lighter, so this particular ladder wouldn’t do me too much good.
And yes, my FJ is most definitely an FJ without the ladder.
Nice!👍
Does anyone know that he's James thestradmans brother?
Woah
Thats probably the most useless modification people do to FJs
They look great and are definately functional but now you can't clean the secret crud collection point at the top of your rear window! I feel like this area is the dirtiest secret of the FJ.
did you put the raptor lights on the front grill yet?
love your wheels! what are they?
SCS SR8s
If you ever decide to install aftermarket bumper with a swing out for your spare, fuel cans, etc. that ladder will be collecting dust in the corner of your garage.
Yes, it's still definitely an FJ without one. Maybe it's cuz I'm 6'2 but I've never needed a ladder. Get some sliders to stand on. 🤪
How far will the window open with the ladder in place?
No more than a couple inches
So I guess you can’t open your back window now?
Its not hugely useful with the spare tire in the way anyway... but yes that's one downside.
@@DrivenCompanionWhat size tires are you running that block opening the window?
I sometimes camp in the back of my FJ and having the rear window open is nice for ventilation (with some temporary mesh to keep the bugs out) so this wouldn't work for me.
So the back window becomes obsolete!
Nice but you loose the ability to pop the rear window out.
If you open the back glass window how much of a gap can you have it open?
Nice install demonstration, what jacket are you wearing?
Just a Costco puffy
@@DrivenCompanion But , with a cool logo!
Hey Mike, great videos!!
Do you think you could do a overview video of the final suspension/lift mods you did. BMC, lift height, tire size, etc. trying to figure out what will be required to fit the 295/70r17s. FJ looks great, keep it up!!
This video pretty much gives the rundown but another video in the future is very possible as well: th-cam.com/video/VFaucAuXlfw/w-d-xo.html
With a BMC and an inch or two of lift you should be good with the 295s.
@@DrivenCompanion Thanks! Did you plate your BMC or leave it open ftm?
I was thinking of getting one for the passenger side. Any thoughts?
Might cover license plate but it would look nice too.
Cool video Mike.
Also, curious how you would compare your FJ to the 4Runner. Not so much on a off-road capability or on-road feel comparison...specifically, more on which one you enjoy driving overall. Cheers
Yes, that video is coming. Wanted to spend a little more time with the FJ first so I can give an honest comparison.
Now u can't open the rear window
Is your fj lifted at all?
Yes, full video library on my channel covering what I've done to the FJ. It has Bilstein 6112 at the Number 4/2 clips (driver/passenger) and B12 coils with an Ironman 4x4 spacer for about 2 inches of lift.
Nice job man. Just waiting for mine to arrive for the 100. Gonna get a video up for it, I'm sure.
YES a FJ Without a Ladder IS a FJ.That Ladder might be nice help getting at my kayaks though.$300.00 Price point (for me) is a little high.I would rather get a set of spyder 1.25" wheel spacers and a couple of full gas tanks.YeeeHaaww! #FJLIFE
You should buy a 4 cylinder regular cab stick shift and do a lift and mods ...that would be cool to watch
More cars would be cool but I think 4 is enough :-)
What size are your tires?
295/70/r17
If you like it great, but it's a useless mod that ruins opening the back window and adds nothing. Just open the rear door and step up.
Waste of time and money! Open the door and stand on your Fjuckin bumper.
Having a ladder on the side would be more helpful
Is the FJ Cruiser actually functional or just for looks?
Depends on what kind of functionality you're looking for. In general I think the 4Runner is better suited to most people if practicality is what you're after but the FJ does have an advantage off-road and has a unique interior/exterior design
The ladder on the back of the FJ is just silly and stops you from opening the back window. You will want to be able to open it in the summer for some ventilation as the back windows of the FJ don't open. Yes this to me is a big deal.
I would say my FJ is a functional vehicle. But you have to have the right use case. For example the back seats of my FJ have been in my garage for the past 9 months. I never have passengers in the back. The passenger space is rather small to start with. So if you are a family of more than 2, don't buy an FJ. The roof rack on the FJ is very tall and very small. If you need roof storage I would replace the rack with an aftermarket one. But I can fit 2 kayaks on it using thule cross bars. The factory crossbars are garbage. The FJ is an ok commuter vehicle but it has a tiny tank and a big appetite. I drive down dirt roads and in snow on unplowed roads and for that the thing is unstoppable. Even when the town forgets to plow my road I got home. I even dragged a ford car up the road with me because it couldn't make it up the hill with 6" of snow. From a reliability and cost of ownership the FJ is basically as good as it gets. I've had a cherokee and they are expensive to maintain because you are always fixing something. Other than brakes, tires, exhaust and gas tank straps. I haven't done anything that wasn't oil changes to my FJ in 3 years. All the work I have done is because of rust. But that is what it's like to own a car in the North East. The ride of the FJ is better to me than a Tacoma but not as soft or comfortable as a 4runner. My next car will be either a Lexus gx or lx because I can't buy another FJ. The Lexus GX is basically an FJ with more luxury and less style. The Lexus LX is a landcruiser. But both of the Lexus cars are very expensive compared to an FJ. Love my FJ.
I just grab the rack and straight up step on the wheel.
to answer the question "is an fj cruiser without a gobi ladder really an fj cruiser"
yes, yes it is.
if you install the ladder, the fj to not fj ratio increases. making it LESS of an fj than original. additionally, losing the function of the rear window hatch and visibility decreases the fj-ness even more.
additionally, while the ladder is cool and all. its virtually useless as you can reach the rack from stepping on the doorsill or using the coveniently mounted spare tire as a foothold.
I was raised, if you have nothing nice to say,don’t say nothing! 😆
I'm not so nice. Steel skid plates and rock rails are far more Must Haves
I was raised the same!😊👍 also, the redundancy is head spinning. LOL
¿toyoRa or toyoTa? I hear an R not a T. Thanks for the video 😊
Nice!
I have one on mine LOVE IT! I'm 5"8 on a good day and stepping on the rear bumper, I have to open the door and at times not a good option additionally you can only reach so far into the rack . Also if you run stock tires yes you can open the window BUT once you go up in larger diameter no dice. Lastly it just looks COOL!
dude you look just like stradman
Best mod for any car is a garage xD
Bye bye back window
Pointless unless you don't want to open your rear window or you're very very short....
$350? I think not.
That's a pointless mod IMO. I like your videos but now you cant open your back window. It's also such a tiny little ladder... not really needed
So what does the ladder get you? A crappy roof rack. Sorry there are mods that actually can get you home.
The best FJ mod is selling it for a 4runner
jk I love FJs
Good think I got both
Very nice 😍💋 💝💖♥️❤️
There’s a reason they don’t make them anymore
There 💩