Tow receiver

[lin]

I recently purchased an 03 V8 Ltd. I tow a 3000lb boat. The hitch receiver that came with the truck had supplemental instructions that said to use the receiver in the "rise" position. Every car I've owned specified the receiver in a drop position. I assume all of this has to do with the height of the hitch, but can anyone offer additional insight-- Thanks--

 

[Brewster]

I have been towing with my wife's Suburban, using a ball mount in drop position. I have towed a standard 16' flat bed utility trailer, a 5'x10' Uhaul, and a 6'x12' Uhaul. The Suburban mount has been at the correct height for all of them. I just went to the garage and measured the Toyota mount on my 4Runner. In the "rise" position, as specified, the ball will be 3" higher than on the Suburban. Unless my springs sag too much (no air suspension), I'm afraid it will be too high. I will ask dealer about this in two days when I go in for warranty service, but I don't expect to learn anything useful.

Also, I am looking for an electric brake controller for my 4Runner. I have a Drawtite Activator II on the Suburban. There is much less mounting room in the 4Runner. Can anyone suggest a good mounting position that will be sturdy, unobtrusive, usable, and easily removable without leaving much damage? (I'm not asking for much, am I?) Are there any digital controllers smaller than the Drawtite?

 

[BenO]

Hey Brewster.

I just went through the same thing with my electric brake actuator on my 03. I finally ended up mounting it just in front of the parking brake. I did have to fabricate a small mounting spacer in order for the controller to fit in correctly, but it looks great now and is out of the way.

Good luck!

 

[surfman]

Hi BenO,

Any chance you can take a photo of your installation of the brake controller? I would appreciate seeing what it looks like.

Thanks

 

[BenO]

I don't have a digital cameral of my own, but I'm sure I can borrow one from a friend. I will post a picture as soon as I can.

cheers!

 

[Brewster]

BenO,
I look forward to seeing your picture. In the mean time, I just put a long wire on my controller and will use it "loose" in the cup holder until I decide where I want it for sure. It's not an inertial controller, so orientation doesn't matter.

Lin,
About the rise position recommendation for the ball mount - -According to one of the service writers at my dealer, it's just a height issue (as you suggested). My local hitch shop guy said the same thing. I pointed out to each of them that the 4Runner hitch was higher than my Suburban's hitch, but they both said "It'll sag a lot more." I hope it doesn't sag 3" more. I'll find out next week when I try my trailer, which is 400 miles away. They also both said it was safe to use it in drop position if necessary to level the trailer.