Hitches for 4runners (Reese/Drawtite/Hiddenhitch/etc)

[Veritas]

After doing much searching on the internet looking at Reese, Drawtite, Hidden Hitch, and other major hitch companies I noticed one thing, all of them are owned by the same company!

Cequent Website - A TriMas Company

So the reason I say this is because they are all the EXACT same product, the ONLY difference is which sticker is found on it. So find whichever is cheapest, regardless of brand, since they are all the same thing!

Just wanted to point that out as I was price hunting, Brand name is of no consequence, only price, hopefully this saves others time down the road if they are looking.

 

[Uneek]

Yup, the directions are exactly the same sans the label when I got my Hidden Hitch.

 

[cali_axela]

Yep, that's the one part of my setup I cheaped out on with no regrets, a $15 Reese ball mount and ball from Walmart. If the weight limit is high enough, who cares if it was made in China -- it won't break!

 

[Whitebeauty]

hey which is the hitch that is tucked away close to the bumper???

 

[Veritas]

hey which is the hitch that is tucked away close to the bumper???

I will take a picture of mine later today and post it up here by editing my post

 

[cdbsmh]

I know this thread is pretty old but I just wanted to confirm that this is still correct for anyone still looking for a hitch receiver for a 4th gen. Hidden Hitch 70779, Draw-Tite 75155, and Reese 44548 all appear to be the same hitch. In my search I found Reese to be the cheapest on amazon.com.
Unfortunately I didn't find this thread until well into my search for a hitch receiver, and in my research I found one thing to be aware of. Hitches produced before 07/31/07 are rated at 350/3500 WC & 500/5000 WD. If produced after they are rated at 600/6000 WC & 730/7300 WD.
Amazon's current description of the Reese 44548 is 350/3500 WC & 500/5000 WD and it is $30+ cheaper than the Hidden Hitch. I took a chance on the Reese anyway hoping for the higher rating; and luckily the hitch I received was produced on 12-10-12 and rated at 600/6000 WC & 730/7300 WD. If you take the same chance with amazon I hope it works out for you as well, if you happen to be buying a used hitch in these models, be aware of the weight ratings/production date.
Hope this helps.

 

[MikeInNH]

Reese bought out draw-tite about 15 years ago. Not sure when Hidden Hitch came under the umbrella. Also don't forget to add in U-Haul. They are made by draw-tite.

It's difficult to tell who makes what. Some companies that merge will combine all manufacturing. Other times they just share resources.

Either way...Reese and Draw-tite when independent or together always made the BEST hitches. Every shop I've ever gone to that specializes in trailers and towing - they all used either Reese or Draw-tite. Been that way for the past 40 years that I know of.

 

[MSRP.]

When buying second hand is there a way for one to identify when a Drawtite is made ?