2003 4Runner receiver hitch?

[testrider]

I couldn't find any stamp on it. Is this a class II or class III? I thought they're all required to stamp the rating on the hitch itself.
I couldn't really tell if it's mounted to the bumper or the frame either. I also wonder if I should leave the tow bar/ball in it after I tow so that if somebody back up too close to my rear bumper they would hit the receiver instead of the plastic bumper?

Any comments? Thanks.

=Mike=

 

[Swaro]

I believe it is advertised as a class III. 5000 lb. capacity and 500 lb. tongue weight. The frame wraps around the back of the 4Runner, and the receiver is bolted to the frame.

 

[Good Times]

our hitch is a class 3 hitch just as swaro states

you can leave your ball in the hitch if you wish... but if someone wants to ding your 4runner, they'll figure out a way

hitch is bolted to the frame btw. check yourself by lookin at the underside

 

[jharris2]

you can leave your ball in the hitch if you wish... but if someone wants to ding your 4runner, they'll figure out a way

Sounds like the voice of unfortunate experience.

 

[testrider]

our hitch is a class 3 hitch just as swaro states

you can leave your ball in the hitch if you wish... but if someone wants to ding your 4runner, they'll figure out a way

hitch is bolted to the frame btw. check yourself by lookin at the underside

Ok, what I meant was: if someboby hit my 4Runner from behind (in parking lot or stop-and-go kind of light hit), is it better to have them hit my tow bar that's sticking out (can it damage the frame?) or the bumper (which is easier to replace than to straighten out the frame)?

-Mike-

 

[Paintballguy59]

I'd just leave the ball on there... You'd have to be hit really hard to bend your frame. The bumbers will be damaged on anything faster than 5 mph.