Towing discrepancies on 03 4runner v8

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

To add to my previous posts. I thought the crossmember mounted hitch had a 5000 lb rating while the frame mounted (wd) had a higher rating. Aha2988 pointed out that the manual clearly states 7000 lb even for the early 03 hitches (checked mine to confirm, it's the same).

My thinking is that after production they realized the hitch was over rated or the conflicting numbers in documentation, and as a result made a quick redesign to support the 7000lb rating. because of these issues, they spent more time developing a fix for the 2004 model year, which was the wd hitch. This is pure speculation as it seems my original thinking about the weight rating was incorrect.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

My 03 with build date 6/03 has the heavy duty htich. It says max load 7300 lbs when used as a weight distribution hitch. Mine was also one of the very first SR5 models in 03 that did not have the gray cladding. I think that when they went to the body colored cladding is when they switched the hitches on the V8 models also.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

My 03 with build date 6/03 has the heavy duty htich. It says max load 7300 lbs when used as a weight distribution hitch. Mine was also one of the very first SR5 models in 03 that did not have the gray cladding. I think that when they went to the body colored cladding is when they switched the hitches on the V8 models also.

Can you post a pic? Are you the original owner?

 

[TRDCal]

I thought the crossmember mounted hitch had a 5000 lb rating while the frame mounted (wd) had a higher rating. Aha2988 pointed out that the manual clearly states 7000 lb even for the early 03 hitches (checked mine to confirm, it's the same).

So just to confirm, you feel comfortable towing up to 7000 pounds with upgraded version of the crossmember mounted hitch??

Not to add any confusion to this thread, but my 03 (built 09/02) seems to have the "bad" hitch with this extra welding plate. I guess it's possible it was changed by the stealership but I doubt it since its not in the service records Toyota printed out for me.

Can anyone actually confirm (with pictures) that there are two different styles of the "bad" hitch or is all this speculation/hearsay???

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

So just to confirm, you feel comfortable towing up to 7000 pounds with upgraded version of the crossmember mounted hitch??

Not to add any confusion to this thread, but my 03 (built 09/02) seems to have the "bad" hitch with this extra welding plate. I guess it's possible it was changed by the stealership but I doubt it since its not in the service records Toyota printed out for me.

Can anyone actually confirm (with pictures) that there are two different styles of the "bad" hitch or is all this speculation/hearsay???

With the crossmember mounted hitch, I personally would not try anything over 5000 pounds (I don't tow often, and when I do it's not close to that). I would upgrade to the WD hitch if I towed more. I get that number because that's what the v6 is rated for with the crossmember mounted hitch.

There have been several reports of people with the early 03 models getting the hitch replaced. I have not actually seen pics showing the difference, and the local dealer is clueless. So, at this point, it's mostly speculation/hearsay. Your hitch matches mine and the other poster with a 03, so that makes me think whatever the "upgraded" hitch, if it exists, is different than the WD hitch.

It would be nice if everyone with a 03 would post up build date and a pic of their hitch for comparison. I'm thoroughly confused on this, way too much conflicting information, and all seems legitimate.

BTW: Toyota doesn't show any record that my hitch has been replaced, so I'm saying mine is the original hitch from 03/03.

 

[TRDCal]

I'm thoroughly confused on this, way too much conflicting information, and all seems legitimate.

Thank you, I don't tow much either so I'll try not to lose sleep over it. Plus, the statement above has put me at ease because if someone such as yourself with the vast knowledge you have is confused, then I should expect to be confused haha.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Can you post a pic? Are you the original owner?

I am the original owner. I do not have a picture but it is just like the one this guy is asking about. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/84577-installed-oem-hitch-did-i-screw-up.html

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I am the original owner. I do not have a picture but it is just like the one this guy is asking about. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/84577-installed-oem-hitch-did-i-screw-up.html

That's very interesting. I'm wondering if perhaps this hitch was installed by the dealer. Doesn't make sense that all other 03 owners, both before and after the 05/01/03 build date, seem to have the crossmember mounted hitch. So far you're the only 03 owner with the new WD hitch. Since you're the only owner, you can confirm this wasn't a replacement of any type. Just adds more to the confusion.

It's been a while since I really looked into this. I think there were some other threads, I'll have to see if I can find one. I want to say I remember seeing some sort of document from Toyota discussing the change in mid 2003. That may clear things up if I can find it again.