Towing Rating

[boston_kevin]

WD hitches

Here is a detail of a weight distributing hitch assembly. I use the 10000 pound model on my Yukon for towing the horse trailer.

Air ride helps out leveling the suspension, but the load on the rear of the vehicle is the same, and what I found out is that when you remove the load from the vehicle with the air ride fully "pumped up" you have to raise the height of the trailer to disengage the hitch. Also, the ride quality sucks without the weight distributing hitch assembly.

 

[SteveM]

I didn't see this post earlier. If this is the type of reciever that came standard on the 03 models I can completely understand why Toyota wouldn't recomment a WD hitch.

SteveM, you can get a good aftermarket receiver which will bolt-up to the frame for $200.00. EZlift makes a good one, I've got one on my Toyota pickup.

This is one Reese offers. It looks nice too.

http://search.cartserver.com/search...eywords=2004&keywords_2=Toyota+4Runner&GO=GO!

I like EZ-lift products.

The hitch receiver on my early 2003 V-8 model is just a 2 inch box section about 4 inches in depth that is bolted (or welded, I can't recall) to the crossmember that ties the two ends of the frame rails together. The ONLY advantage to this arrangement is that it allows the receiver to tuck up to the bumper as tightly as possible, with very little gap between the top of the receiver and the bumper cladding.

I only tow 2-3 times a year, so I think I'll try with the existing receiver first and then if that does not perform to my expectations, I'll consider an aftermarket receiver that is capable of accepting a WD hitch. The trailer is only about 2200 pounds loaded.
(as stated earlier, I already have a WD hitch from my previous tow setup)

 

[Wai]

My manual states that the max trailer weight is 5000 pounds (this is on a 2WD V-8). Additionally, it states the following:
"Use only a weight carrying hitch designed for the total trailer weight. Toyota does not recommend using a weight distribution (load equalizing) hitch. "

I just looked at my owner's manual (2003 US model) and read the whole section on Towing; but I can't find the warning of not to use WD hitch??

 

[SteveM]

I just looked at my owner's manual (2003 US model) and read the whole section on Towing; but I can't find the warning of not to use WD hitch??

On page 258 of my manual the center column has a title of 'hitches' - it is a bulleted list. The first bulleted paragraph was what I typed in verbatim.

The back cover of my manual says it is publication # OM35795U and is part # 01999-35795.

The inside cover says copyright 2002.

Our 4Runner has the charcoal colored textured body cladding.

 

[jclark]

Picked up the 4unner, what a sweet vehicle. Drives great, can't wait to get out more with it.

Here are some pictures, some of the hitch and the page detailing specs. The V8 is rated for 7000lbs for the 4wd and 7300 for the 2wd when used with a WD hitch (which you do not get from Toyota). The receiver is bolted to the frame, at the rear under the bumper cladding.

Hitch and manual pictures:

http://64.26.171.210/hitch/1.jpg

http://64.26.171.210/hitch/2.jpg

http://64.26.171.210/hitch/3.jpg

Picture of the 4runner:

http://64.26.171.210/hitch/4runner.jpg

 

[leftyrb]

JClark: I have a 2004 Canadian SR 5 V8 (manufactured in September or October 2003) and the mount to the cross member looks the same as mine, yet they have changed the connection for the safety chains. Weird, as the US models appear to be a more substantial hitch

 

[jclark]

Yeah mshrake's looks different for sure, and i checked when we bought it. There was no other option for hitch, what it comes with is it. Mine was made march of 2004 apparently.

 

[TeryT]

You Guys Covered it Well!

I didn't see this thread myself, but it was given to me from someone on the RV.Net forum. We went through all the same things you did a few months back.

What I do know is that in about April 03, they did change. The new hitch receivers are designed to use a WD hitch system - that is if the user wants to get the full weight rating usage. Toyota is smart in doing this, as the 4R is a shorter WB vehicle, but has a great engine, frame, brakes & suspension for towing. Therefore, while it can handle the trailer weight, a longer & heavier trailer could "wag the dog." Therefore, a good WD & anti-sway hitch was very smart for them to require.

Boats do not have quite the towing load that trailers (especially travel trailers), as the frontal area is decreased. Therefore boats have much better/easier towing charicteristics.

Also - quite curious about the Canadian 4R's. I communicate with a lot of our northern friends, and hadn't heard this - except from the fellow that refered this thread.

I've got some great 4R towing threads & reviews if anyone's interested - just let me know on [email protected].

 

[jclark]

From what I have gathered the 04 Canadian V8 4Runners do not come with the 7000lb receiver. We all get the 5000lb weight carrying model, I've looked at 2 04 limited v8's and my SR5 v8 (all have the same 5000lb receiver). Further to that the manual clearly states that you should not use a weight distributing hitch in the 5000lb receiver. Probably because it's only mounted to the rear cross member. So, if you want weight distribution on your 4 runner up here in Canada, your only choice is aftermarket.

I've went down to Toyota here and they know nothing of the 7000lb WD receiver, and cannot get parts to upgrade the existing receiver. I'm going after market with a hidden hitch or something.

Probably this one: http://www.etrailer.com/productdetail.asp?partno=70411&vehicleid=2591&yearfrom=2003&h=e

 

[leftyrb]

From what I have gathered the 04 Canadian V8 4Runners do not come with the 7000lb receiver. We all get the 5000lb weight carrying model, I've looked at 2 04 limited v8's and my SR5 v8 (all have the same 5000lb receiver). Further to that the manual clearly states that you should not use a weight distributing hitch in the 5000lb receiver. Probably because it's only mounted to the rear cross member. So, if you want weight distribution on your 4 runner up here in Canada, your only choice is aftermarket.
]

Mr. Clark: It appears us here in Canada are being unfairly equipmentized (?) by Toyota Canada, as the US model seems to come standard with a WD hitch (V8) model in the 2004's, and we are getting the WC model with 5,000 lb capacity, despite the notice in the manual indicating we can tow 7,000 lbs with the WD hitch. Should we call Toyota and ask about it? I don't know about you, but free is better than buying an aftermarket hitch, plus what value would the factory unit be

 

[TeryT]

Checking with RV.net members

I've posted a msg. over on RV.net to see if I can get some clarification for our Canadian friends on the tow issue.

 

[jclark]

I doubt toyota would do anything, but I do find it very strange that US models get it and canadian do not. I've ordered a hitch today, from hidden hitch that is good to 7500 with WD (not that I'd go that high). $210 Cdn is what I got it for, apparently it's being discontinued though for a model with a max WD rating of 5000lbs.

Wonder if toyota is lowering their towing rating or something?

 

[TeryT]

Canadian Towers

Well obviously Canadians just don't need to tow as much as Americans do!! LOL (you know everything we do down here is "too big")

 

[leftyrb]

Thanks to TeryT's post on the Open Roads Forum, the following response was provided by Jim2Public2:

"The stock hitch supplied on all 4-Runners has a very short tube to clear the spare tire and not protrude beyond the rear bumper. It also doesn't affect the rear crumple zones in the 4Runner.

Toyota restricts the hitch to 5000 pounds and 500 pounds of tongue weight, no WDH permitted. They also forbid the use of extended drawbars due to the excessive leverage imparted.

For the full tow rating you have to get an upgraded hitch. The upgraded hitch will end up protruding behind the rear bumper similar to the hitches on the Nissan Xterra. It will also attach to the main frame rails which could affect the rear collision safety.

By not offering a stronger hitch from the factory, Toyota avoids the possible negative impacts in rear end collisions and the problem of having the hitch extend beyond the rear bumper, a possible liability issue. I don't blame them for not offering the stronger hitch; at least they have a full tow package with trannie cooler and electrical wiring standard. If I bought one it would be a minor task to bolt on a Hidden Hitch.

Many vehicles with a tow rating don't include a hitch at all."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

As Canadian vehicles have different safety standards than US vehicles (such as requiring daytime running lights since 1990), and I believe the Canadian vehicles must withstand a higher bumper impact that the US models, Toyota may not want to extend their hitch beyond the bumper. Although the manual states that V8 models are good for about 7,000 lbs, with proper additional equipment, Toyota does not provide the higher capacity hitch, as it appears to protrude beyond the bumper.

As the hitch does help to reduce people driving into your vehicle, I may consider a Hidden Hitch, but don't expect any help from Toyota, due to their potential liability interests. This same rationale applies to my winter steel rims without tire pressure monitoring, as it defeats the safety purpose of the electronic monitoring

 

[jclark]

I installed my hitch yesterday, went fairly well. If anyone is interested I can take a picture. I don't think it sticks out anymore than the stock hitch, if it does its barely noticable. Install went fairly well the only pain is removing the top 2 bolts, you'll need someone to pull the facia back while you do it.

Cheers

 

[leftyrb]

I installed my hitch yesterday, went fairly well. If anyone is interested I can take a picture.

Please do, I am interested if it is lower than the notch in the bumper where the stock unit fits, and how far it stick out from behind the vehicle..

Thanks

 

[jclark]

Below are some images of the hitch, don't mind the dirty hitch and spare, havent cleaned up after install yet.

Image 1

Image 2

Image 3

 

[TeryT]

I'm Infested

Boy - I know I've got the 4Runner bug when even looking at pictures of a hitch excites me!! LOL

 

[TechWrench]

I installed my hitch yesterday, went fairly well. If anyone is interested I can take a picture. I don't think it sticks out anymore than the stock hitch, if it does its barely noticable. Install went fairly well the only pain is removing the top 2 bolts, you'll need someone to pull the facia back while you do it.

Cheers

I like the looks of that unit, do you have a part #?

 

[jclark]

70411 from hidden hitch.