2003 Sports Edition V6 Tow Hitch

[DC Dude]

I'm considering getting a hitch rack for my 4Runner.

I have the basic light duty hitch and want to know if the light duty hitch can handle this 4 bike hitch rack.

http://www.thuleracks.com/product.asp?dept_id=8&sku=954

 

[4boer]

Er, unless that rack weighs a ton and a half I wouldn't loose any sleep over it.

 

[DC Dude]

Er, unless that rack weighs a ton and a half I wouldn't loose any sleep over it.

I know the light duty hitch can pull up to 5000 lbs, but the question is whether it can take a downward bending moment at the tow hitch.

Tow hitches are really designed and secured to take horizontal pulling loads and rated as such, not downward loads that can be exacerbated by dynamic impacts from the bikes/bike rack bouncing up and down.

Speaking of which, has anyone ever replaced their light duty tow hitch with the heavy duty tubular tow hitch that came with most '03 V8's?

 

[Barefoot]

What tongue weight is your hitch rated for?

 

[4boer]

DC. I've used a similar rack with my v8 and on another vehick with a small hitch + converter receiver. No problems. BTW get the longest cable lock. That way you can lock the bikes to the rack AND the rack to the 4runner. And unless everybody has a full size mens bike you will also need crossbars or whatever they are called. I found out in a pinch that kids bikes wont fit. Made bars with chain and broomhandles. Cue the hillbillys theme!

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I know the light duty hitch can pull up to 5000 lbs, but the question is whether it can take a downward bending moment at the tow hitch.

Tow hitches are really designed and secured to take horizontal pulling loads and rated as such, not downward loads that can be exacerbated by dynamic impacts from the bikes/bike rack bouncing up and down.

Speaking of which, has anyone ever replaced their light duty tow hitch with the heavy duty tubular tow hitch that came with most '03 V8's?

It should handle a static wieght of 500lbs. If due to the configuaration of the carrier that static load was 2ft back rather than right at the hitch you could argue that'd bring the capacity down to 250lbs.

As far as adding the heavier hitch goes; some have done it as they carry motorcycles on hitch carrier. Click on my sig link to see more about a higher rated hitch. Search ColemanFU for some pics. I think there's pics of his T4R with his dirt bike on the carrier.

:cheers:

 

[Richierollz]

I have a very similar bike rackand have used it many times on the stock tow hitch on my Runner with no problems! Best of luck on your riding

 

[davefisher]

I see no worries here. I have a similar 4 bike carrier that I put on my 03 V8 (which has the 5,000 pound weight carrying hitch, and have experienced no problems. I have taken it over 1,000 miles one way on a trip.

The Thule model you mention even comes with a 2" to 1 1/4" adaptor to use in a smaller class 2 hitch, which usually has a tongue weight limit of 200 pounds. Even with a smaller 1 1/4" receiver, this rack would still be more than compatible considering Thule lists their "recommended" weight limit at 140 pounds max.

I say go for it, and enjoy

 

[DC Dude]

So, what class is the light duty hitch?

class 2 is 300lb max tongue weight.
class 3 is 500lb max