My humble 2007 V6 4WD Sport - Front hitch receiver installed
- Thread starter twfran
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twfran
New member
I waited long enough that there is now a front hitch receiver available specifically for 4th gen 4Runners. HitchesOnline sells it. Fairly easy install. The hole spacing was a little short, so it had to be horsed around a bit to slip it onto the frame bolts. Also had to unclip the EPDM mud guards behind the bumper. Took about a half hour once I figured out what needed to be done.
Thanks for the warm welcome!
Been lurking for a while. Lots of good info here. Good people too.
Thanks for the warm welcome!
Been lurking for a while. Lots of good info here. Good people too.
CJ3Flyr
Super Moderator
Thanks, I want one! I use a towbar for the plane and have been struggling with a POS lawn mower based tug.
This is a great site. Of all of the various vehicle sites I've been on this one seems to have some of the best tech info, good people and minimal posts where somebody's slammin' somebody...
:cheers:
This is a great site. Of all of the various vehicle sites I've been on this one seems to have some of the best tech info, good people and minimal posts where somebody's slammin' somebody...
:cheers:
twfran
New member
Here is a pic of the outside frame bolts (looking up from directly beneath the frame end). The front hitch receiver has a clearance hole for the lowest of these bolts.
Here is the inside of the frame and the bolt that is used for the front hitch receiver. That floppy epdm mud guard gets in the way -- remove the clips on both sides and you can work the receiver into position.
The factory tow loops are used as well. Just a large bolt/nut/washer/plate to give some added strength.
Finished job!
Thinking about using my ATV carrier for some of the lightweight loads.
For the moderator: Should we move this thread to Accessories now that it has some install info? Thanks!
Here is the inside of the frame and the bolt that is used for the front hitch receiver. That floppy epdm mud guard gets in the way -- remove the clips on both sides and you can work the receiver into position.
The factory tow loops are used as well. Just a large bolt/nut/washer/plate to give some added strength.
Finished job!
Thinking about using my ATV carrier for some of the lightweight loads.
For the moderator: Should we move this thread to Accessories now that it has some install info? Thanks!
JungleJim
New member
twfran said:
Wow! What a great find. It must be a newer offerring.
A few of questions if you don't mind....
1. I'm mostly interested in one for a bike rack.
Have you used a bike rack with yours yet?
If so, do the bikes block the lights?
Can you see over the bikes?
2. Did you have to cut out anything on your 4Runner for the install?
3. The carrier in your picture...Is it legal to drive with something sticking out in front that far from the vehicle?
Thank you for your input.
Jim
twfran
New member
I think it just became available earlier this year. I kept checking on it every month or so since I got the 4R, and was ecstatic when the gentleman on the line confirmed a fit for my 4th gen.
My bike rack works fine. You do block the lights a bit with adult-sized bikes. I will probably avoid night driving if I have them on the front. The kids smaller bikes fit really well. Visibility is good.
Once you get used to having a surf rack out front, it is not bad driving with it. I put some marker poles/sticks on it so I can tell where the corners are from the driver seat. Kind of like towing -- you have to get used to it.
It's legal here and in the neighboring states as far as I know. There are some pretty impressive front baskets out there. This one is only about a 20" extension.
No cutting was required. The receiver tucks up tight to the fascia. Just a 4-bolt installation on the frame ends and a 2-bolt installation on the old/original tow hooks.
My bike rack works fine. You do block the lights a bit with adult-sized bikes. I will probably avoid night driving if I have them on the front. The kids smaller bikes fit really well. Visibility is good.
Once you get used to having a surf rack out front, it is not bad driving with it. I put some marker poles/sticks on it so I can tell where the corners are from the driver seat. Kind of like towing -- you have to get used to it.
It's legal here and in the neighboring states as far as I know. There are some pretty impressive front baskets out there. This one is only about a 20" extension.
No cutting was required. The receiver tucks up tight to the fascia. Just a 4-bolt installation on the frame ends and a 2-bolt installation on the old/original tow hooks.
twfran
New member
It's from hitchesonline.com and their online search tool gets you to the part number for your model year.
That is a "skid plate" in the receiver. Really just an angled piece of steel plate. You can get them from hitchesonline and other places.
Both of the pieces are actually made by Curt Mfg.
Definitely a perfect fit. No drilling, just a little swearing...
That is a "skid plate" in the receiver. Really just an angled piece of steel plate. You can get them from hitchesonline and other places.
Both of the pieces are actually made by Curt Mfg.
Definitely a perfect fit. No drilling, just a little swearing...
_JT_
New member
Here's some pics of the Front Mounth Hitch setup from last week at Fenwick Island State Park in DE. I still definitely need to have my uncle fabricate another Steel setup so its angled up a little higher, i didnt bottom out with the front setup, but would feel more comfortable if it was a few inches higher
