Hidden Hitch #70779 - Two different designs??

[webby]

I've been researching before I buy some kind of frame hitch to replace the factory hitch on my 2009 V6 SR5. In the process, I found two websites who sell the popular Hidden Hitch #70779 for 4th Gen T4R's, and they show two completely different hitches. The links are below. At the first link, it says "Actual Photo", and if you click on that photo, you will get an enlarged version of the pic. Perhaps the completely different appearing hitch pictured at the second website is a stock photo, not of the 70779, but I don't see that it states that.

I know from reading past threads that there are quite a few forum members here that have this hitch on their Runner, so can anyone tell me which of the hitches pictured is the real Hidden Hitch #70779?

Also, on the etrailer hitch with the protruding bracket for the trailer lights plug, are there 4 holes in that bracket to attach the receiver plug? I can't see in the pic.

Thanks much for any input!

Toyota 4Runner Trailer Hitch - 2009 | etrailer.com
Hidden Hitch 70779 - Class 3 Hitch - Trailer Hitches at Trailer Hitches

 

[Doozi]

I'm pretty sure that the picture in the 1st link is the current design and the 2nd link is the old design. I've been shopping for a hitch and like the 600-lb. TW of the 70779 vs. the 500-lb. TW of the Curt. The only thing that I'm not crazy about is where the plug relocator bracket is... convenient for connecting the trailer, but could possibly get hit while 4-wheeling. I'll probably never hit it so I'm thinking of going with the 70779 for the extra tongue weight capacity.

~Doozi

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I'm pretty sure that the picture in the 1st link is the current design and the 2nd link is the old design. I've been shopping for a hitch and like the 600-lb. TW of the 70779 vs. the 500-lb. TW of the Curt. The only thing that I'm not crazy about is where the plug relocator bracket is... convenient for connecting the trailer, but could possibly get hit while 4-wheeling. I'll probably never hit it so I'm thinking of going with the 70779 for the extra tongue weight capacity.

~Doozi

:iagree: 100%

Link in sig...

 

[webby]

I'm pretty sure that the picture in the 1st link is the current design and the 2nd link is the old design. I've been shopping for a hitch and like the 600-lb. TW of the 70779 vs. the 500-lb. TW of the Curt. The only thing that I'm not crazy about is where the plug relocator bracket is... convenient for connecting the trailer, but could possibly get hit while 4-wheeling. I'll probably never hit it so I'm thinking of going with the 70779 for the extra tongue weight capacity.

~Doozi

Yeah, the higher weight limits of the Hidden Hitch as opposed to the Curt hitch is definitely significant. It is however, a mystery to me how they get to the higher capacity weight limit without an attachment to the center crossmember, such as the discontinued HH #70411 had, and as I believe the factory V8 hitch has.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

It is however, a mystery to me how they get to the higher capacity weight limit without an attachment to the center crossmember

That's easy, British attorneys. Enough bad food and warm beer and almost anything seems ok. (I can say that based on my WASPiness) :lmao:

 

[Doozi]

Yeah, the higher weight limits of the Hidden Hitch as opposed to the Curt hitch is definitely significant. It is however, a mystery to me how they get to the higher capacity weight limit without an attachment to the center crossmember, such as the discontinued HH #70411 had, and as I believe the factory V8 hitch has.

I have noticed that the 70779 has two bolts that go in on either end of the crossmember... the instructions have you tape a nut onto a handle to insert it into the crossmember close to each end. You can see the differences in some of the product photos. I think those two extra bolts get you the additional 100-lbs of TW versus just having bolts on the side brackets. The Curt hitch only bolts through the side brackets.

~Doozi

 

[webby]

I have noticed that the 70779 has two bolts that go in on either end of the crossmember... the instructions have you tape a nut onto a handle to insert it into the crossmember close to each end. You can see the differences in some of the product photos. I think those two extra bolts get you the additional 100-lbs of TW versus just having bolts on the side brackets. The Curt hitch only bolts through the side brackets.

~Doozi

After I downloaded the instructions off the etrailer site, and studied them, I saw that detail. I believe you are right -- that is the additional beef over the Curt hitch that adds more weight capacity to the hitch. I believe that I will probably be ordering this Hidden Hitch hitch next week.

It is interesting, if you scroll down on the same page they have a Draw Tite hitch for $14 more than the Hidden Hitch. I studied the details of the hitch, and it appears to be identical to the HH in every way except for the name, so I guess they feel the Draw-Tite name is worth more $, LOL.

 

[Uneek]

The first one is a 70779, which CJ and I have. CJ has a newer one that includes provisions to relocate the trailer plug. Mine doesn't.

The second one is most likely the long discontinued 70411. The 70411 has the higher 7k tow rating.

The 70779 installs about 45 minutes. I didn't have to remove or trim the rear bumper.

 

[webby]

The first one is a 70779, which CJ and I have. CJ has a newer one that includes provisions to relocate the trailer plug. Mine doesn't.

The second one is most likely the long discontinued 70411. The 70411 has the higher 7k tow rating.

The 70779 installs about 45 minutes. I didn't have to remove or trim the rear bumper.

These hitches are both rated exactly the same on the websites that are selling them, if you check the specs. One is not rated higher than the other. They both have the same 7300 lb rating with a weight distribution hitch.