Real World Testing and Packaging Update on the TrailMade SR5 T-Case Knob (Selector Dial)
Before we brought the 5th Gen 4Runner SR5 T-Case Knob to market, we wanted to make sure everything worked perfectly. In addition to the product working, we also needed to work on packaging.
For the real-world testing, we decided a 5-day overland/off trip would provide the best feedback. The truck is filthy right now – I will get cleaner photos soon.
First, we noticed changes in the clear indicator. It wasn’t properly seated onto the dial so when you moved the knob from 2HI into 4HI and 4LO, the indicator would randomly pop up/out. The fix is simple: machine press the indicator dial into its slot instead of hand-pressing the indicator. We also increased the width of the indicator dial by .2mm so that the fitment was pressed harder and provided a tighter fit.
The second version of the dial has since shown up and the fitment is perfect. Another issue with the selector dial was the inside diameter of the knob was about .5mm – .8mm off from our cap designs sitting at 29mm so there was a bit of play. For our caps to sit perfectly on top of the knob, we need less than .2mm of play to provide the absolute best customer experience.
Other than those two issues, the actual bezel and knob fit perfectly together and work very well in an off-road situation – toggling back and forth from 2HI into 4HI and 4LO. The black knob paired with the black bezel changes the interior so much for the 5th Gen 4Runner. I’m still impressed at how much such a little change can make to an interior.
On our 5-day overland/off-road trip, I had to engage the transfer case anywhere from 1-10 times per day. So you can imagine how much use the transfer case knob saw. After using the knob for 5 straight days without any complaints, it was time to move on to packaging.
Packaging
We’re still working on the packaging that will accommodate a handful of cap designs – if you choose to run caps, however, this might be close to a V1 package. Hold tight folks, we’re almost there!
Do you have to run caps?
No. We designed the selector dial knob to be compatible with and without caps. Oh, that reminds me, we also integrated two small pinholes on the underside of the selector dial knob that allows you to pop off the cap – if you want to run caps. If you want to run the caps, just take a tiny screwdriver, push through one of the pinholes on the underside of the cap and the cap will pop off. If you want to run the selector dial knob without caps, just leave the top on and install it as is.
