Tow kits: Bolt-on vs. Welded??

[Mojoski]

I am about to get a '96 4Runner and need to add a tow kits for small trailers. Do I need to get a kit put on my a professional that will weld it and such, or can I feel comfortable buying one of those Class III bolt on ones like this?

Bolt-on Hitch

One of my buddies told me he "wouldn't trust a bolt-on tow kit", but obviously plenty of people do. What do you guys think? All I plan on towing, at least that I know of at this time, is a small trailer with a bunch of camping gear in it, and maybe one day a small trailer with a couple of 4-wheelers on it. Would a bolt-on trailer hitch like this one be sufficient for that type of work?

Thanks for all input!

Mojoski

 

[RonMAIDEN]

OEM is fine for towing the 4Runner's limit and I've yet to read of naybody having an issue with one.

 

[Burt]

I went with a Curt WD model for my recently purchased 2008 T4R V6.
Extremely satified with a bolt-on, just make sure you torque the bolts to manufacturer spec. Should only take an hour at best to install yourself.

 

[JeremyH]

A bolt on tow hitch can be stronger than a weld on, depending on the design of each. Usually with bolt on hitches, the bolts will pass completely through the frame which gives them a double shear break point. Couple this with an internal sleeve (through the frame) and you've got a hitch that is much stronger than one that is simply welded to the outside of the frame.