General questions on tow hitches

[arouth]

Hi,

I just installed a tow hitch on my 4Runner and just have a couple questions.

1. Do you guys typically keep the tow hitch on all the time or just when needed? I was just wondering since it’s just a pin holding it in place and can be stolen easily (although I’m not sure that would happen very often).

2. Did I install this correctly from the picture? There is an extra ring which I was not sure what to do with and didn’t really fit anywhere.

 

[Harrisnc]

First, the lock washer goes underneath against the nut.
The ring is a spacer for the ball if the threaded part is smaller than the hole in the hitch.
I use a hitch lock not the pin

 

[Harrisnc]

Picture

 

[seatia]

Agree with the above comments.

I would use a ball that has the same size shank as the hole in the ball mount, thus not using a spacer.

I keep the receiver empty when not in use so the pin is fine.

 

[steraser]

Take it out when not in use. Your shins will thank you.

 

[fkheath]

Take it out when not in use. Your shins will thank you.

Also, you should remove the ball mount in case someone bumps into the back of your 4Runner. Less damage if they hit the bumper cover, over pushing the hitch receiver and bending the body metal where the receiver mounts.

 

[DAW89446]

1A) I remove the hitch when I’m not towing. It’s a shin magnet when I am putting stuff in or taking stuff out of the back end or walking around my 4Runner. It takes only seconds, even with a locking hitch pin, to remove it and stash it.

1B) You can buy a locking receiver pin to replace the pin that you have. That will help you keep your trailer if someone likes it and decides to take it while you are away from your rig and trailer. You can buy them at any auto parts store. I got mine at Harbor Freight for less than $10.

 

[Cymon]

Ditto the statements above...mine is a lock n' roll so larger area for shin damage + grease on the pants.

Pull it out...it's 70% effective. Plus with it removed there are less surfaces for the water to sit on...rust is a constant battle on the hitch.


Locking hitch pin FTW.