Towing, what's the diff?

[gonzo]

the supplemental instructions for installing the hitch reciever and ball mount for my 4runner have two different directions, depending on whether you have V6 or V8. with the V6, the bracket is down and with the V8 the bracket is up. as it turns out, if you have a V8, you receiver will be several inches higher than if you have a V6. anyone have any ideas why???

 

[boston_kevin]

just the type of receiver

V8 have a higher tow/load rating vs the V6. Have to have a tighter mount to the frame to carry the extra weight on the hitch mount. V8 tows about 3.5 tons, where the V6 only tows about 2.5 tons

 

[gonzo]

Re: just the type of receiver

V8 have a higher tow/load rating vs the V6. Have to have a tighter mount to the frame to carry the extra weight on the hitch mount. V8 tows about 3.5 tons, where the V6 only tows about 2.5 tons

both trucks use the same receiver, so the mount would be identical for both the V6 and the V8. the receiver is simply turned upside down for use on the V8 models. this is why it is so strange.

as a side note, the towing capacity for the 2004 V8 is 7000 lbs and 5000 lbs for the V6.

 

[4RNR-LOVN]

Just to make sure we're using the proper terminology, the V6 and V8's use different receivers...the V6 is a class III and the V8 is a class IV but the ball mount is the same unit that can be used/inserted into either receiver. boston_kevin is correct in terms of why the top of the ball needs to sit higher on the V8 application vs. the V6 as it can ultimately carry more weight. The more weight you add, the more the rear of you're vehicle/ball mount will drop.

 

[SteveM]

It doesn't really matter which side of the draw bar you install the mount on. What is important is to have the hitch ball at the right height for the trailer you intend to tow.