towing with an 03

[kpl]

I need some clarification about towing and I hope you guys can help. I've got the V8 4WD.

What's the optional "towing acessories" mentioned in the sales brochure?

In looking at the specs in the manual the towing capacity is listed at 5,000lbs. On the Toyota website they now list it as 7,000lbs. with a weight distributing hitch with a note that this is trucks produced after 5/1/03. I need to look at my window sticker, but I'm pretty sure mine was built before 5/1, and it came with your standard looking hitch. Does this mean that trucks produced after 5/1 came with the weight distributing hitch, or does this mean that if you buy this type of hitch and add it then you can tow more?

 

[Good Times]

I believe its just a diff hitch for the 7000#. Go to your local stealer and ask them if you can upgrade your hitch to the 7000#. I'm sure they should be able to do it (dunno how much it'll be though).

FYI, i think toyota should just replace all the existing hitches to the 7000# (even though i won't tow... hahaha)

 

[IMINTEX]

I'm not so sure it's as simple as replacing your old receiver hitch. I bought my 03 4Runner in late June and it was delivered without the weight distributing hitch. At the time I had no idea 4Runners came with different types of hitches. It wasn't until I notice another 4WD with the same braces on the rear center frame. The service advisor didn't even know ther was a differnce with the hitches. I had them remove the hitch from another 4WD on the lot and place it on mine. They are nothing like the standard hitch. It is heavy duty bar that connects from one side of the frame to the other with more bolts on the rear center frame (where the 2WD hitch is attached). I wish I had a digital camera to attach a photo. If you're close to a dealer, stop by and view the 4WD models.

 

[jlfletc]

I have an '04 4Runner on order for just this reason. I plan on towing a travel trailer, and after looking at the specs on an appropriate sized one for me, I could tell that the 7000# tow rating would be needed.

 

[IMINTEX]

4WD hitch

here's a pic.

 

[kpl]

IMINTEX- Thanks for the info....can you snap a photo showing the underside? Sounds like it's just a bolt in affair? When I go to the dealer the next time I'll ask if they can do a similar swap.

I send a e-mail to Toyota via their website about this and they said:

"We did make a mid-model-year change with the weight distributing hitch. It has been incorporated into vehicles produced after May 2003, as the website information indicates.

At this time, there is not an option to retrofit your vehicle, which was manufactured in November 2002, as this is a factory option only. Also, we do not recommend modifying your vehicle beyond its original specification. Therefore, you should continue to adhere to the information provided in your Owner's Manual as all of that information pertains to your specific vehicle.

Again, we apologize if this has caused you any confusion or inconvenience. We recommend that you speak with the Customer Relations Manager at yourlocal Toyota dealership for additional assistance. Should any modification kit become available, the dealership would be the one to contact for pricing and installation. "

 

[IMINTEX]

weight distributing hitch close ups

Hope these help

 

[IMINTEX]

hitch 2

...continued

 

[IMINTEX]

left

 

[IMINTEX]

right

 

[IMINTEX]

underneath

 

[Sac State]

In that last pic, not much room to spare to upsize is there? Is that tire rubbing against that receiver?

 

[IMINTEX]

No rubbing, the stock 17's fully pressurized barely fit.

 

[kpl]

Thanks for taking the time to post the photos!

If it's a bolt in affair I don't see why my dealer couldn't do the same swap yours did....or order the parts.

 

[arcturner]

?$ for '04 4Runer on order

jlfletc:

What trim and price were you quoted? Oh, and what part of the country are you in?

Thanks,
Mike

I have an '04 4Runner on order for just this reason. I plan on towing a travel trailer, and after looking at the specs on an appropriate sized one for me, I could tell that the 7000# tow rating would be needed.

 

[jlfletc]

Ordered a Limited V8 4x4, with Sunroof, Side Curtain air bags, Rear Air Suspension, with X-REAS, & Rear Spoiler.
Hold the pickles, and the problematic 10 Speaker, Jumbotron sound system. Was quoted $500 over invoice, whatever that turns out to be. Dealing with Dianne at Carson Toyota, So. Cal.