crack in tow hitch

[Franzmann]

I pull a travel trailer and a enclosed work trailer. I notice the paint chipped away from a weld on the receiver part of the hitch. I took it to a welding business and the guy said he thought that the design was cheesy. I plan on taking it in. Does anyone know if it would be covered under warranty?

 

[terra4r]

As long as you can prove it wasnt overloaded? Could just be the hitch flexing, but you wouldn't know there was a crack until someone grinds off the paint and does a PT or something.

 

[Franzmann]

How do I "prove" it wasn't overloaded? It truly hasn't been overloaded. The guy that owns the hitch and welding business said that it should not crack even in a rollover crash with a trailer

 

[rebelbowtie]

Almost every truck I have ever owned, the factory hitch is very chincy. Most have reported failures of hitches under the vehicles recommended tow rating, appears Toyota is no different. Question is do you want an inferior hitch or would you rather replace it with one that will outlast the truck?

 

[Franzmann]

I would love to replace it. No one makes an aftermarket hitch.

 

[rebelbowtie]

I would love to replace it. No one makes an aftermarket hitch.

No one makes a hitch for the 5th gen 4runner yet?

 

[Franzmann]

The guy at the welding shop could fabricate one for about $600. I think I will wait for someone else to make one. There ARE holes in the frame already from the factory.

 

[Franzmann]

I plan to talk to the dealer next week

 

[deekoi]

The guy at the welding shop could fabricate one for about $600. I think I will wait for someone else to make one. There ARE holes in the frame already from the factory.

I would get a second opinion. He could have been pitching you something to sell you a $600 aftermarket...

 

[homeyclaus]

We pull a 3500# travel trailer, and had paint flake off the weld right above the square tube too, which I also took as a sign of stress to that point.

The dealer looked at it, and the service manager and lead mechanic stated that they understand the concern, looked at the part closely, and felt it the part was fine, and were it to begin to fail it would give plenty of warning. Hm.

 

[Franzmann]

Thanks a lot