Side Storage LED Lantern puck (for side dash secret compartment) - review & photos

[KAT]

Got the OEM Side Storage LED Lantern for 2025 4Runner little dash cubby on the drivers side!

Item: Side Storage LED Lantern
Part Number: PT944-35253
MSRP: $130.00

My initial thoughts:

Overall design is pretty slick. Feels solid, but not solid enough to accidentally drop from waist height. Three different illumination levels allows for brightness control and a fourth red light option (not dimmable).

The lantern fits perfectly in its intended slot with no rattling.

I have only three (minor) issues with it; 1) the “spine” used to turn and lock the lantern in place is tapered and narrow so getting a solid grip can be a challenge in a rush 2) the semi-circle clip that hinges perpendicular to allow for it to be hung seems very fragile and breakable and 3) more of a complaint from my OCD, is that Toyota is written on the spine so it looks upside down if not installed “correctly”, even though nobody would ever see it except for me.

All in all, a decent upgrade from just an empty container to store herbs and spices in but I’m not sure if it’s worth the $130 price tag. (I was able to secure it on sale for $100)

 

[Dead Horse]

I'm a mechanical guy. I am built from the DNA up for "righty tighty" not "righty loosey".

>>>> Remove >>>>

I'd try to remove that by turning it the wrong way for the duration of my ownership LOL

I'm not OCD, but I'm warming up to it here

 

[Jetsareus]

What do the contacts look for recharging? Can you post pictures of both sets of contacts?

 

[zesh]

I'm a mechanical guy. I am built from the DNA up for "righty tighty" not "righty loosey".

>>>> Remove >>>>

I'd try to remove that by turning it the wrong way for the duration of my ownership LOL

I'm not OCD, but I'm warming up to it here

That is a funny quirk. Wonder why it was designed that way.

 

[Mad Ghost]

EXPENSIVE... its something like $130 would love to see something aftermarket pop up in the 30 dollar range because lets face it that shouldn't cost more than 30

 

[jonathanvann]

Could you provide the part number for this? I'm looking to add this to my SR5 when it arrives.

 

[Tony.636]

Got the OEM Side Storage LED Lantern for 2025 4Runner little dash cubby on the drivers side!

Here are my initial thoughts:

Overall design is pretty slick. Feels solid, but not solid enough to accidentally drop from waist height. Three different illumination levels allows for brightness control and a fourth red light option (not dimmable).

The lantern fits perfectly in its intended slot with no rattling.

I have only three (minor) issues with it; 1) the “spine” used to turn and lock the lantern in place is tapered and narrow so getting a solid grip can be a challenge in a rush 2) the semi-circle clip that hinges perpendicular to allow for it to be hung seems very fragile and breakable and 3) more of a complaint from my OCD, is that Toyota is written on the spine so it looks upside down if not installed “correctly”, even though nobody would ever see it except for me.

All in all, a decent upgrade from just an empty container to store herbs and spices in but I’m not sure if it’s worth the $130 price tag. (I was able to secure it on sale for $100)

Is it USB rechargeable?

 

[KAT]

Could you provide the part number for this? I'm looking to add this to my SR5 when it arrives.

Sure here's the info:

Side Storage LED Lantern
Part Number: PT944-35253
MSRP $130.00

 

[Larry-O]

Got the OEM Side Storage LED Lantern for 2025 4Runner little dash cubby on the drivers side!

Here are my initial thoughts:

Overall design is pretty slick. Feels solid, but not solid enough to accidentally drop from waist height. Three different illumination levels allows for brightness control and a fourth red light option (not dimmable).

The lantern fits perfectly in its intended slot with no rattling.

I have only three (minor) issues with it; 1) the “spine” used to turn and lock the lantern in place is tapered and narrow so getting a solid grip can be a challenge in a rush 2) the semi-circle clip that hinges perpendicular to allow for it to be hung seems very fragile and breakable and 3) more of a complaint from my OCD, is that Toyota is written on the spine so it looks upside down if not installed “correctly”, even though nobody would ever see it except for me.

All in all, a decent upgrade from just an empty container to store herbs and spices in but I’m not sure if it’s worth the $130 price tag. (I was able to secure it on sale for $100)

That light cost $130 ? Yikes I wanted one until now. I think it is really cool, but I'll wait for the knock-offs come out.

 

[MG-OR]

That light cost $130 ? Yikes I wanted one until now. I think it is really cool, but I'll wait for the knock-offs come out.

There's alternatives that fit in the secret dash cubby compartment space. Here's the "FRED Flashing Roadside Emergency Flare" circular LED light puck from Home Depot for just $9.95.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Wagan-Tech-FRED-Flashing-Roadside-Emergency-Flare-2639/310366929

Fits perfectly in the dash compartment behind the OEM cover. Just use some velcro on the backside to keep it from rattling and in place.

 

[Larry-O]

There's alternatives that fit in the secret dash cubby compartment space. Here's the "FRED Flashing Roadside Emergency Flare" circular LED light puck from Home Depot for just $9.95.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Wagan-Tech-FRED-Flashing-Roadside-Emergency-Flare-2639/310366929

Fits perfectly in the dash compartment behind the OEM cover. Just use some velcro on the backside to keep it from rattling and in place.

Now that's more like it. LOL
Thanks for the information

 

[KAT]

What do the contacts look for recharging? Can you post pictures of both sets of contacts?

Is it USB rechargeable?

It's non-rechargeable. I've yet to open it up to see what replacement batteries are required.

 

[kinetic262]

Mine has one. Not an option I would have added if I had been able to pick and choose every option, but in the end it wasn't going to keep me from buying the vehicle. Now that I have it, I think it's kind of cool, but I won't be surprised if I never use it. The removable JBL speaker in the dash though...that I think I will use quite a bit.

 

[Larry-O]

Exactly. I'd even spend $30-50 especially if it is rechargeable

EXPENSIVE... its something like $130 would love to see something aftermarket pop up in the 30 dollar range because lets face it that shouldn't cost more than 30

 

[DangItsDen]

I thought these were included in the off-road premium based on all of the youtube reviews I watched... Mine came without one. Will prob pick it up eventually.