Need help hooking up a hitch on my 2008

[rileyjones]

I just bought a 2008 4Runner and was told it had a camping/towing package and all I needed to do was buy a hitch and I'd be ready to pull a trailer. However, when I got the truck all it has is a plug connector in the back and no place to put a hitch. Can someone tell me what I need to do to actually make my vehicle tow ready? And what is the best hitch to get for regular U-Haul type trailers?

 

[K.C.]

I just bought a 2008 4Runner and was told it had a camping/towing package and all I needed to do was buy a hitch and I'd be ready to pull a trailer. However, when I got the truck all it has is a plug connector in the back and no place to put a hitch. Can someone tell me what I need to do to actually make my vehicle tow ready? And what is the best hitch to get for regular U-Haul type trailers?

Check out Member/Moderator CJ3Flyr's signature.

 

[wolfgang]

If you have the round plug on driver's side in rear then it came with the factory setup. Assume PO removed it. They are occasionally for sale here on forum or ebay. In addition to those pieces that bolt to the frame - you'll need the receiver bar (was supplied with car), appropriate sized ball for the bar (1 7/8", 2") , a round to flat 5 pin adapter (round is for electric trailer brakes), and if trailer has electric brakes an electric brake controller like from Technosha Prodigy model (with wiring harness - a pig tail was supplied with car when new).

If you tow alot or with car heavily loaded I would add a separate transmission cooler.

 

[Uneek]

Get the HiddenHitch #70779. No cutting required, 8 bolts total.

 

[Uneek]

If you have the round plug on driver's side in rear then it came with the factory setup. Assume PO removed it.

In 2006, the tow hitch was optional on the V6 (most had the option). The 7-pin connector is there as well as the pig-tail harness for the trailer brake controller, even if it didn't have the factory tow hitch option.

Toyota got cheap, nickel and diming people.

 

[K.C.]

Hidden Hitch 70779 (600/6000lbs, WDH=730/7300lbs)
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/35954-hitch-center-bracket-question.html

via CJ3Flyr & Uneek