Tow hitch questions/poll

[Expat]

I have some burning questions for your guys who have a tow package.

I can't decide what's best.

I kinda like the idea of having the tow hitch there permanently as a protection against dumbasses who park by the touch method too!

 

[skategoat]

Hey man, that's not a poll!

But, I'll answer anyways. I always remove the hitch when not in use. I've banged my shins on too many tow hitches in the past.

I use the standard pin and clip. I tow my boat from storage to the water and vice versa in the fall. I rarely leave the boat hooked up to the truck unattended, so theft is not a big concern for me.

If I were trailering and leaving the rig in public places overnight, I would definitely consider a lockable hitch.

For the extra few bucks, I would get a locking hitch pin rather than a bolt.

 

[Cliff s]

I have been looking a a Rhino bar that
plugs in the receiver. It protects you from
the parking by feel types. Also, makes a
good step when loading the roof rack.

Cliff s

 

[bryancos]

I just ran into the same problem many others have had.,. I went to insert a non-Toyota hitch into the receiver only to find that the bar was about a half inch too long (it hit the spare tire) and the holes wouldn't line up! Having a shop cut off about an inch, but what a PITA... what Einstein at Toyota designed this thing?

 

[skategoat]

Really? I bought a Reese hitch at Wal-Mart and it fit perfectly.

I have 2004. You?

 

[Kmvreter]

No problem...

brycanos,
I had a draw bar from my previous truck. Had to loosen the spare tire and slide it forward 1/2" to get the bar in far enough. No cutting required (there is another thread about this.)

I also have a lockable pin but don't leave the bar in when not in use.

 

[bryancos]

Thanks for the tip about loosening the spare and sliding the tire slightly... I'll give that a try... I also ended up buying a 7 to 4 pin adapter because the dealer didn't give me one w/ the car (and I didn't think to inquire about one at the time)

 

[HuntRunner]

I always leave mine in.....I tow too often to have to mess with removing it and putting it back in eveytime. I do have a locking pin though; this keeps people honest. I have heard of people losing an empty boat trailer at the ramp because the bar was not locked into the receiver.

 

[Hoomiester]

I use a Rhino bar/hitch step most of the time. It keeps idiots from hitting the rear and provides a good way for me to access the roof. It also provides a fairly comfortable seat in an emergency or at practice. I don't tow yet but probably will in the near future.

 

[the_josh]

you said tensile strength, shouldn't it be shear strength???
actually yes it is shear strength...

 

[Iman74]

You left quite a few options out

What I do regardless what is in the receiver I have a lock for it. When I am not using my tow-hitch ball, I install my Tow-Hitch Step made by Go Rhino. Also you have can have a cover installed, or go really fancy get those customed covers: skulls, football teams, race teams, etc.

There more options than what the poll provides.

 

[Iman74]

what Einstein at Toyota designed this thing?

Toyota.

I had the same problem, but easily resolved if you own a Recipricating Saw. Cut through it like a hut knife through butter.