2003 tow hitch differences?

[TechWrench]

Yep, it is in there in the section on towing. Using a weight distributing hitch can increase the tow rating, but ONLY a frame mounted reciever can be used with a weight distributing hitch, and you shouldn't use a sway controller with the standard V6 style rear crossmember mounted reciever. It says so in the manual.

The 500lb tongue and 5000 lb tow restriction is for the V6 style rear crossmember receiver. To get higher tow rating, you must have a frame mounted reciever installed.

I was getting a 3000 lb travel trailer and wanted sway control (weight distribution is overkill ) for crosswind and tractor trailer blowby.

I went with a Hidden Hitch 70779 .. Aside from the super pain in the ass to remove rear bumper cover and the frozen bolts from the old reciever, it was easy... Better have a really good impact wrench. Those bolts are rusted.. I know...I have a 2003. The trailer harness just barely had enough wire slack to get to the new mount location.

I went with a Valley receiver on my '03, and went through the same installation issues, along with having to remove the tow hook on the rear frame rail. I found I was able to get additional reach for moving the trailer wire harness by removing the harness routing clips that hold the wires up against the bottom of the floorpan, alongside the spare. Also, if the Hidden Hitch doesn't come with mounting bolts, be sure to get grade 8 fastners.

 

[TechWrench]

No one seem to mention that v8s have an aux. transmision cooler wont matter much with two bikes but should you try pulling a camper or heavy loads will make big difference.

From his initial post, he states he has the V8, 2wd model. I would assume he already has the aux trans cooler installed, but it would be a good idea to check for sure.

 

[Mbiker_101]

Techwrench, yes, I have the trans cooler, checked that one first, and I may take the dirtbike out this weekend to see how a single bike works, well below 500 lbs and would be a good test before I invest in the hidden hitch.

 

[Mbiker_101]

I tried to load the bike with the V6 hitch and the design was just giving me issues. It was too difficult putting the pin in since the chain supports are in the way. Seems they changed the design mid season. Decided it was time to order the new hitch.

So I Received my new hidden hitch today, looks greAt and makes me feel more secure since the hitch is a solid design and not just a few bolts connected to the cross member. Probably do the install tomorrow if I'm not hung over haha.

Thanks for all the tips, ordered the one you guys recommended and it looks great.

 

[Mbiker_101]

Installed th hidden hitch, looks great and seems way stronger than the old V6 hitch. Wasn't a bad install, totally recommend removing the entire rear bumper, I've heard ofvacfew doing it without but almost impossible to get to a few bolts.

Question on the plug location, stock length won't reach new location, do you guy cut and slice new wise to extend the factory length or o you get a adapter, if o what? Thanks

 

[TechWrench]

Installed th hidden hitch, looks great and seems way stronger than the old V6 hitch. Wasn't a bad install, totally recommend removing the entire rear bumper, I've heard ofvacfew doing it without but almost impossible to get to a few bolts.

Question on the plug location, stock length won't reach new location, do you guy cut and slice new wise to extend the factory length or o you get a adapter, if o what? Thanks

Good to hear the install went well, and I totally agree on removing the the bumper cover to get at oem hitch mounting bolts.

As for the wire harness, I am pretty sure, that all I had to do was remove the clips that hold the wire harness to the bottom of the floor pan next to the spare. That gave me enough reach to mount the trailer plug receptacle to the frame of the hitch receiver. I also removed the oem receptacle and replaced it with a dual (7-pin/4-pin) unit from Hoppe so I didn't have to use an adapter each time I had to tow my boat and utility trailers which use 4-wire harnesses (neither of them have braking systems).

 

[Mbiker_101]

Tech wrench you are correct again and another mentioned the same thing earlier and wasn't clear in the instructions, removed the clips from the wiring to the frame and shazzam, it fits!!!! Now I have a working hitch with all the wiring, can't wait to try this baby out this weekend with the hauler and motorcycle mounted. I'll be hauling camping gear and everything and we shall see how the Fj springs, spacers, bilsteins and air bags do under load!!!! Can't wait and thanks for all the help everyone, this is exactly what the forum is for!!!!!

:bravo::bravo:

 

[Mbiker_101]

Just got back from my camping/motorcycle trip in the desert and the 4runner performed flawlessly. Loaded up the 4runner with all the camping gear,cooler, girlfriend, dog, and the motorcycle and the 4runner didn't have any issues pulling the equipment. also with the FJ coils, Bilsteins, airbags and rear 1.5 spacers the 4runner handles great and sit level. here is a pic fully loaded.

 

[TechWrench]

Holy Sh#t Batman, that thing does stick out a bit from the bumper. Hanging a second bike from the outer position (I am assuming that other rail is for a second bike?) would definitly increase the torque load on the hitch receiver. Anyway, glad the trip went without a problem. Planning ahead, and having the right equipment for the task at hand, most often results in a good outcome.

 

[Mbiker_101]

Thanks Tech wrench, your help was great appreciated, now you see why I was concerned about the old V6 hitch that was only attached to the rear, I didn't feel the 6 bolts would hold with that amount of torque. I also stood on the outmost motorcycle hauler and jumped up and down to test the setup and very little movement.

I even hit some pretty big whoops in the highway at night I couldn't see that were huge and I'm pretty sure I caught air because the dog and my gear were airborne. If anyone knows Borrego springs near truck haven they know exactly what whoops I'm talking about!!! Good news is the 4runner soaked up the jump and whoops and never bottomed and the bike stayed on without issue. That was a true test of the setup.

 

[TechWrench]

Thanks Tech wrench, your help was great appreciated, now you see why I was concerned about the old V6 hitch that was only attached to the rear, I didn't feel the 6 bolts would hold with that amount of torque. I also stood on the outmost motorcycle hauler and jumped up and down to test the setup and very little movement.

I even hit some pretty big whoops in the highway at night I couldn't see that were huge and I'm pretty sure I caught air because the dog and my gear were airborne. If anyone knows Borrego springs near truck haven they know exactly what whoops I'm talking about!!! Good news is the 4runner soaked up the jump and whoops and never bottomed and the bike stayed on without issue. That was a true test of the setup.

Again, I am glad your trip went well. but, to clarify one thing you said;

"I was concerned about the old V6 hitch that was only attached to the rear, I didn't feel the 6 bolts would hold with that amount of torque."

The problem with the original, oem 5K hitch receiver is not the receiver itself, or the 6 mounting bolts used to attach it to the rear crossmember. They are very well made. The real issue is the crossmember, and the way it is mounted to the two frame rails. It is not designed to handle the heavy loads (specifically the rotational torque caused by the heavy loads), that your use would subject it to. I am not trying to nit-pick here, but rather make sure you, and others who read this, understand the reasons why we strongly recommend upgrading to the frame mounted hitch receiver when planning to push our vehicles towing use to the limits.

Again, glad your trip went well, and I hope you enjoy many more. :thumb: