Ecotechne hood rack

Ive search for so many hood racks and ecotechne is the only company that does them. Theres no way of ordering them and it seems like theyve completely discontinued them??? Is there a reason why? Are there any other options??

 

Why would you want something on that rack at least partially blocking your vision, particularly off road.

 

Anything that blocks or obscures vision is illegal in most states. Pretty sure if there's no market, there's no product.

 

It’s not unheard of to store things on the hood. Some military versions of the Series III Land Rover and Defender were dressed that way.

I could maybe see using it for traction boards, shovels, hi-lift jack, or tying down a frequently used tow strap.

The idea of the hood rack is very expeditionary. But the 4Runner isn’t ideally suited for that use.

 

Say no to hood mounted anything.

Looks great here but the hood is much lower.

 

Yeah it was for mainly traction boards. I think they look badass honestly, I may get one custom fabricated.

 

Yeah… Im really trying to see if I can find something to show it online. Theres only 3 pictures of any 5th gen with one. Something pretty bad mustve happened with them

 

Id pass. It works on defenders only because of a lower hood and high seating position.

 

They probably got discontinued because they reduce visibility. I can't imagine they were very popular.

I don't even like having the stupid skewp on my hood. The last thing I'd want to do is put more crap in my line of view.

As mentioned above, it may be illegal to add an accessory that reduces visibility. You might want to check local laws before spending money on something you may be cited for and end up removing.

 

Oh piffle you guys. I see Jeeps with stuff on the hood all the time. The hood is lower on a Defender? What does that even mean? I used to have a Defender. They have a notoriously low seating position and seats with no height adjustment. I raised my seat an inch on some steel risers. OP’s not talking about putting a tire on the hood. He just wants to put a couple of traction boards up there. And he wants to have some custom fabrication done. I’d love to see what he comes up with.

 

What I have seen on Jeeps typically is a Hi-lift Jack mounted way at the rear of the hood, where it's not likely to get in the way of your vision.

I don't know anything about the Defender.

I just wouldn't want anything on my hood. And, I assumed Maybe the hoodrack in the op was discontinued because others feel the same way.

And, I'd want to make sure it's legal before spending money getting something custom fabricated.

 

https://tenor.com/dqyiVrw8saq.gif

 

Modern hoods are basically tinfoil designed for weight reduction and cushioning pedestrian impact. The hood flutters under car wash blowers. It doesn't provide a solid mounting platform for the rack.

Any weight you add to the hood will require stiffer hood struts.

 

Another consideration with traction boards on the roof is air lift. The boards are likely to catch air and may pull the hood up against the latch.

Just a consideration.

 

Finally some sense lol. Logical thinking, psh, better looking 4runner, yes. Ill ask around with a couple officers.

 

On the hood?

Are you ready for those traction boards and the metal carriage they are mounted to to hit you in the teeth if you have a front end collision with something?

What happens when your hood buckles?

 

interesting product.. yeah it seems they are no longer available.
maybe these photos can help someone fab something up for you?
https://www.overlandbound.com/forum...ood-mount-brackets-for-5th-gen-4runner.24746/

another similar product:
https://www.generaloverland.com/store/y27402wjbyi1s4a6pntisd0ugq3qq3

 

I wouldnt get it if I wasnt ready. At least itll take me out

 

did better digging than I could. Ill message the company about the tread keeper and see if theyll make one under the table for me. If not then ill fab one up, I have no time on my hands so it may be in the future