Shopping: Tow Hitch Question

[ldraper]

I'm shopping for a used 2006-2009 4Runner to replace my '96. I'm in and out of the back multiple times a day and do not tow anything. Do I need to find a 4Runner without a tow hitch, or can these be removed without looking bad?

Some of them don't seem to stick out as much. Is this a different tow package, and something I should be looking for along with no two package?

Thanks for your help!

 

[jetboy1975]

Pretty sure they all come with a hitch standard (at least here in Canada anyway), although 2 types, smaller xmember mount and the bigger frame mount. Why would you want to remove it? It won't hurt or cost anything to have one.

If it's just because of appearance it'll look better if you leave it on, at least the xmember one. It has a cut out in the bumper and you'll see the xmember and a couple bolt holes. Not sure if the factory frame mount has the cutout or not.

 

[ldraper]

Don't they stick out? I'm picturing banged up legs...daily. Have I got this wrong?

 

[webby]

Don't they stick out? I'm picturing banged up legs...daily. Have I got this wrong?

V6 OEM hitch receiver doesn't stick out. I load and unload out the back all the time and not once have I hit my shins on it. Just doesn't happen, It's kind of recessed. And if you were to remove it (which is completely unnecessary), it would leave an unattractive gap where it previously was. It's not an issue. Find something better to worry about.

V8 OEM hitch -- I've seen them, but haven't checked one out for awhile as I don't own the V8 4th Gen, but I don't recall that they stick out. Maybe a V8 owner can comment.

 

[Uneek]

The hitch was optional beginning in 2006 for the V6. Most of them have the option from the factory. It can be removed. If you remove it, there'll be a slight cut out in the bumper for it. Nothing terrible and it's hardly noticeable.

 

[jetboy1975]

The V8 and aftermarket hitches stick out a bit.(about an inch) 90% of our use is by my wife as a grocery getter and it's never been an issue. The only time I hit my leg was when we've been camping and I forgot I left the draw bar installed.

 

[ldraper]

Thanks very much, folks!