[jamesewells]

I have been having trouble getting the 2" accessories to fit the receiver on my 2003 4runner V-8. The Toyota hitch fits fine, but anything else is too tight. Should I replace the hitch with aftermarket? Thanks.

[NAdams65]

What type of accesories are you trying to fit in the receiver?

When you say the "toyota hitch" fits I'm not sure what you are referring to. Could you elaborate a little about what does/doesn't fit?

I'm interested because I'm looking to mount a hitch on T4R soon as it did not come with the factory set-up.

Thanks...

Nate

[jamesewells]

Originally posted by NAdams65
What type of accesories are you trying to fit in the receiver?

When you say the "toyota hitch" fits I'm not sure what you are referring to. Could you elaborate a little about what does/doesn't fit?

I'm interested because I'm looking to mount a hitch on T4R soon as it did not come with the factory set-up.

Thanks...

Nate

A 2" cargo extender from Harbor Freight is too big. I just bought a Reese hitch with a 3 1/4" drop for my trailer and it doesn't fit the receiver either. I have the hitch and receiver just as it came from the factory. The hitch that came with the 4runner fits the receiver just fine. Thanks.

[Scoobs]

I'm assuming you already checked this but did you take a file to the inside of the receiver to knock off any burrs, flashing, or rust that may be inside the receiver? Usually people are complaining that aftermarket attachments are loose in the Toyota OEM receiver, not tight.

[jamesewells]

Originally posted by Scoobs
I'm assuming you already checked this but did you take a file to the inside of the receiver to knock off any burrs, flashing, or rust that may be inside the receiver? Usually people are complaining that aftermarket attachments are loose in the Toyota OEM receiver, not tight.

I have not because the Toyota hitch is actually a little loose, but I will check it out. Thanks!

[4boer]

Scoobs has probably nailed it. On some of my other rides I need a sledgehammer to get something in the receiver and again to get it out. Rust never sleeps.

[TechWrench]

Originally posted by jamesewells
I have been having trouble getting the 2" accessories to fit the receiver on my 2003 4runner V-8. The Toyota hitch fits fine, but anything else is too tight. Should I replace the hitch with aftermarket? Thanks.

That was a known problem with the early '03 hitches. I believe they made a production change later in '03, or early '04 to increase the inside diameter of the receiver tube. I have found that not all off-the-shelf ball mounts are exactly the same size. I tried 4 different ball mounts from NAPA, all the same part #, and one fit without modification, while the other three would have needed a hammer to make them fit. You should check for burs and rough edges on the ball mount shaft, as others have suggested, and also check on any rust build-up in the receiver tube. My friend has an '03 V8, and his hitch mounted cargo platform has to be persuaded into place with a hammer, and then assisted out with one. Just remember, if you use a hammer to get it in, you will probably need one to get if out again.

[jamesewells]

Originally posted by TechWrench
My friend has an '03 V8, and his hitch mounted cargo platform has to be persuaded into place with a hammer, and then assisted out with one. Just remember, if you use a hammer to get it in, you will probably need one to get if out again.

This is my experience exactly. However, the Toyota ball mount fits and is actually a little loose. Do you think I could order a replacement through parts that would work without the hammer? Thanks.