Drop Hitch '03 4Runner

[SteveM]

I have a 2003 4x2 V8 4Runner that I am setting up to tow a tent trailer (about 2200 pounds). The Runner came with a draw bar that has almost no drop (or lift). I believe Toyota included the draw bar because the proximity of the spare tire requires a shorter than normal draw bar. In order for my trailer to tow level, I need a draw bar that has about 3-4 inches more drop than the standard draw bar.

Are there aftermarket draw bars that are short enough to fit the 4Runner factory hitch?

Does Toyota make other drops?

Is there a different Toyota or aftermarket receiver that will accept standard sized draw bars?

Our truck is a midyear 2003 with the charcoal colored body cladding. It has no X-REAS, or sport package and is 2 wheel drive (if any of this matters).

Thanks for any help.

 

[leftyrb]

Toyota uses the standard 2" receiver size hitch in the 4Runner. I had not trouble finding a hitch with the correct shank and drop for my travel trailer. I got mine from an RV dealer.

 

[SteveM]

Toyota uses the standard 2" receiver size hitch in the 4Runner. I had not trouble finding a hitch with the correct shank and drop for my travel trailer. I got mine from an RV dealer.

Agreed that the 2" is a standard size, I was worried about the length of the draw bar; my load leveling hitch and other draw bars I have are too long to fit the stock receiver. They all hit the spare tire before I can engage the retaining pin. The only one that fits properly is the draw bar that came with the truck.

I'll check an RV shop soon!

 

[jharris2]

I bought one that was too long -- it hit the spare. A few minutes with the reciprocating saw fixed that problem. Now, the retaining pin lines up nicely and plenty of room between the draw bar and spare tire.

Just be sure to put some paint on the cut so it doesn't rust.

 

[SteveM]

I bought one that was too long -- it hit the spare. A few minutes with the reciprocating saw fixed that problem. Now, the retaining pin lines up nicely and plenty of room between the draw bar and spare tire.

Just be sure to put some paint on the cut so it doesn't rust.

You just gave me the perfect excuse to buy that Sawzall I've been eyeing lately!

 

[jharris2]

You just gave me the perfect excuse to buy that Sawzall I've been eyeing lately!

You won't regret it -- we have two: a Craftsman 110V model and a DeWalt 18V model. Very handy to have around. Love them both!

 

[ToolmanJohn]

Yup cut the new drawbar.

That was also what I did when I bought a drop bar for a small utility trailer. 4inch drop was sufficient, but the bar was too long and hit the spare. Reciprocating saws rule!! I used a 18V DeWalt. Took about 3 minutes.