How can I tell if I have 7000 lb. hitch?

[IceNine]

Hey there,

I recently purchased a 2003 V8 T4R Sport. I am using it to pull my wife's mobile sushi cart. (You probably wish you had a nickel for every time you have heard that.)

My understanding is that the early 2003 had the 5000 lb. hitch and the later 2003 models got the 7000 lb. hitch.

The manual that was in the car and appears to have aged a few years says that my towing is rated at 7000 lbs., but I want to be sure in case the manual isn't original. Is there an easy way to determine for sure that mine is the higher rated hitch?

 

[054Runner1]

You can use the search engine on here to find what you are looking for exactly, but I believe the best way to find out is to look at the hitch and if it is attached to the frame you have a weight distributing hitch(7000lb capacity) if not then you have a weight carrying hitch(5000lb capacity)

 

[TechWrench]

I the 5K hitch is mounted on the frame crossmember directly behind the spare tire. I believe the 7K hitch is part of a separate frame that is bolted to both main frame rails on either side of the spare. But, in order for the 7K hitch to be rated for that much, you must use a weight equalizing adapter with the trailer, otherwise it is only rated for 5K.

 

[ProMed]

These are not the best pictures of the hitch for comparison, but should at least help a little. The V8 doesn't fit up as tight to the square bumper cut-out and hangs lower/wider.

5,000

7,000

 

[Uneek]

If you can see a tube under the bumper where the receiver is mounted to, you have a 7000lb weight distributing hitch. If it's just a box and no tube is visible, it's the 5000lb weight carrying hitch.

 

[IceNine]

Thanks

Looks like I have the 5k hitch. In that case, is there anything else where my manual may be incorrect?