Non OEM Tow Hitch 3rdG

[puckoach]

Have spent time with the search function, and reading the aftermarket suppliers sites. Including Hidden, Curt, Valley, and Reese.

Am looking for advice from people that have already installed aftermarket hitches. Plus, andy other brands not mentioned.

How well they cleared the spare, or if they moved it, how they moved it.

Durability and how well the hitch has stood up, especially when around salt water.

Anybody that had failures, the make and model if possible.

I tow a single jet ski trailer, and I have a 10' enclosed cargo trailer rated at 3,300.
Cargo is tall too.

Have just replaced a 2000 4R that had an OEM hitch (totaled), with another 2000 4R, that doesn't have a hitch. Dumb me didn't yank the hitch off the old one.

I know about the wiring pack from U-Haul for $20. But, is there a resonable priced plug and play anyone has used. Must be more than the 15amp OEM module, as the cargo draws more than that.

Thanks for your help !

 

[JohnsD90]

I had a reese on mine, i see a lot of 4runners with the Reese, i would assume they are good.

 

[OU4x4]

i installed a hidden hitch. bolted on with no problems or fit issues.
can't help with the salt water question but many winters of road salt haven't caused any problems.
only trouble is that it sticks out a bit from the bumper...watch your shins.

 

[01sr54x4]

My hitch is starting to flake like the worst case of dandruff I've ever seen. It's all rusty and the paint just falls off. Maybe it's not paint, maybe it's a powder coat? I'm not sure. But I would LOVE to replace mine as well, maybe even with a round tube. I haven't seen too many Runners with them on. I used to work at an Autopart International and all we sold for hitches were Curt. Never had a problem with any, and I used an extended receiver to the hook bike rack on when towing our camper.

 

[p nut]

I was going to go with an aftermarket unit, but my local Toyota ordered me an OEM unit for $140. Comparing it to aftermarket units, it seems way more stout in construction.

For wiring, I used one from Autozone and it's working great. $13, IIRC.

 

[CajunRunner]

I have a Reese on my 97. It was dealer installed when I bought it new. Looks like it's just bolted to the frame. I don't tow much weight...just an 18' Hobie Cat and an occasional U-Haul trailer. It's solid as a rock and caused two cars to be towed for rear-ending me. The only damage to my bumper are the small dents you see in this picture (excuse to upgrade my bumper I suppose). But back to the subject, I also like the profile of the Reese tucking under the bumper around the spare tire toward the outsides.

 

[4X4snowRunner]

Have spent time with the search function, and reading the aftermarket suppliers sites. Including Hidden, Curt, Valley, and Reese.

Am looking for advice from people that have already installed aftermarket hitches. Plus, andy other brands not mentioned.

How well they cleared the spare, or if they moved it, how they moved it.

Durability and how well the hitch has stood up, especially when around salt water.

Anybody that had failures, the make and model if possible.

I tow a single jet ski trailer, and I have a 10' enclosed cargo trailer rated at 3,300.
Cargo is tall too.

Have just replaced a 2000 4R that had an OEM hitch (totaled), with another 2000 4R, that doesn't have a hitch. Dumb me didn't yank the hitch off the old one.

I know about the wiring pack from U-Haul for $20. But, is there a resonable priced plug and play anyone has used. Must be more than the 15amp OEM module, as the cargo draws more than that.

Thanks for your help !

Where do you live? I just uninstall my 2" hitch you can have it for $60 can

 

[puckoach]

thanks

Thanks for the reply's to date !

I'm in the Boston area, contact me at [email protected]
regarding the one you removed, and shipping.

Anyone else have any input ? Gotta get to solving this issue pretty soon.

 

[hairtumor]

I did some research before I got my hitch and went with the u-haul, good quality, cost less, and was an easy bolt on. It tows well, put it on yourself and save alot.

 

[Justin727]

I did some research before I got my hitch and went with the u-haul, good quality, cost less, and was an easy bolt on. It tows well, put it on yourself and save alot.

I was actually going to do this saturday but didnt have enough time to stop and drop off the runner. $200 installed class III not bad IMO

 

[puckoach]

I was actually going to do this saturday but didnt have enough time to stop and drop off the runner. $200 installed class III not bad IMO

Thanks for the input. I have a U-Haul location in town. But, am kinda leaning towards a class IV.

The tounge weight on the cargo trailer is over 150. It doesn't have brakes. Currently only set up for one MC, I may convert it for two in the future.

 

[Justin727]

Thanks for the input. I have a U-Haul location in town. But, am kinda leaning towards a class IV.

The tounge weight on the cargo trailer is over 150. It doesn't have brakes. Currently only set up for one MC, I may convert it for two in the future.

No worries! I've got a 2.7L 5spd so I dont plan on towing anything in that class lol. Maybe a trailor with lawn equipment on it and a tow dolly at the most.

 

[JohnsD90]

Thanks for the reply's to date !

I'm in the Boston area, contact me at [email protected]
regarding the one you removed, and shipping.

Anyone else have any input ? Gotta get to solving this issue pretty soon.

If your willing to drive a few hours i have a spare reese you can have, no charge, its a full size hitch. Im 06877.

 

[puckoach]

Thanks for the reply's to date !

I'm in the Boston area, contact me at [email protected]
regarding the one you removed, and shipping.

Anyone else have any input ? Gotta get to solving this issue pretty soon.

Thought I had it solved with a used OEM from EBay. Except, they sent me detailed pictures, and it was bent.

If I don't hear from anyone else on selling their OEM, I'm going with a new Drawtite