'03 4R towing setup

[Mike the Wino]

I did a cursory search and looked at a few threads, but didn't see anything that answered my question(s) which is:

The receiver on my vehicle is super short, I guess due to its proximity to the spare tire.

Because of this, the ball mount only slides in until it contacts the tire (about 4"), and I had to drill a hole in the mount for the pin about only 1-1/2" from the end.

It's worked great for years towing a single-axle utility trailer (1700 lb gross weight), but now I'd like to be able to occasionally tow a larger tandem-axle trailer (6000 lb gross weight) with onboard brakes. I'd never have more than about 2000 lbs in it, nowhere near the max the vehicle is rated for.

This setup doesn't necessarily have to be upgraded, but I wouldn't mind doing something to make it a little more robust. So the first question is, what options are out there to provide a longer receiver that will bolt on like the old one? Or should I just take it to U-Haul and have a custom one installed?

Second, there is a trailer brake circuit, with a fuse, already installed. However, I don't have an under-dash brake controller. Any recommendations for that?

 

[importman]

Can't help much with the receiver but for the brake controller I recommend the Tekonsha P3. I've had one on my Tundra for 10 years and it works flawlessly. And I've pulled a tandom axle car trailer loaded a good bit and my 29 ft travel trailer thousands of miles with it. Highly recommend it.

 

[Mike the Wino]

importman, thanks for the info! Is your receiver like the one in my photos?

 

[TheDailyDownshift]

See if you can get an aftermarket hitch that bolts to the frame rails, rather than the bumper reinforcement, V8 style. That's one of the main reasons the V8s are rated higher (that, and the transmission cooler).

As for brake controllers, I just installed one of these and this plug and play harness for it. Just bolt the ground down somewhere and plug into the factory hookup by the driver's kick panel.

 

[Andysrt]

Our 03 had that same receiver. Switch out that hitch it sucks for towing much of anything. Get a frame mounted hitch. We got a brake controller from our local RV store it was a easy hook up. If you still have the manual it has a awesome section on towing

 

[V8Man]

No Worries!

[MENTION=30139]Mike the Wino[/MENTION]
All 2003 recievers are short like yours. They changed after that. Toyota made a special hitch that came with the truck when new. I have towed a lot with my '03's without any problems.
First picture is the hitch. Second picture is #2 towing #3. Third picture is #3 towing my 64 1/2 Mustang.

 

[MikeinNH67]

As mentioned, the factory receiver length is short so you have to have a draw bar that is on the short side. One I have fits perfectly but another I have that is for a different height trailer does what yours does. My plan is to cut just enough off the draw bar tool so it fits. 1/4" in my case. You're not pulling anywhere near the max weight so I see no need to get a frame setup unless you really want it. I pull my 3500lb camper with it and a trailer with my small Kubota tractor in the trailer. Pulls great.

As for the electric brakes, so simple to setup assuming you have the proper cable. Any good brand controller is fine, check the reviews and get one that you like the control setup on. Mine is an old style Draw-Tite Activator, been going strong for probably 20 years.

 

[Mike the Wino]

Awesome help everyone! The reassurance is appreciated...thanks so much.

This forum is fantastic!