I have to tow a Uhaul trailer, and connect it to the back of my truck. The hitch that was in the rear compartment was installed, and i just wanted to know what size ballpoint hitch i would need and where i could get one from. ALso does the Uhauls come with the ball point or do i have to go and purchase a new one?
Towing
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Solice
New member
I think the 2" ball is pretty universal, 1 3/4" is also popular. My best advice would be to find out what size the uhaul trailer uses by asking someone there. I'm not sure if they have balls you can use or not. I'm pretty sure the standard size is 2" though. I use a 2" ball for my 5x10 foot trailer. My uncle has a 7x15 foot trailer and he also uses a 2".
I use my truck to haul three different trailers, and they require three different sizes. The trailer in my sig uses the more common 2" ball. I would definitely call Uhaul to figure out what size you need. You'll probably save some $$$ by buying the ball elsewhere. While you have Uhaul on the phone, ask about the electrical connection. Some trailers use different jacks. If you're getting the ball, you might want to buy a converter as well if their trailer doesnt match the 4Runner. The 4Runner uses a 6 pin connector while some trailers require a 4 pin connector.
EDIT, I realize that for whatever reason, my sig isnt working right now......
EDIT, I realize that for whatever reason, my sig isnt working right now......
TranceKrayz
New member
the uhaul trailer requires a 2" ball and a 4 pin connector.
Boston_Runner
New member
CZM3
Nice set up bud, whats a combination a 4runner towing a M3. One question for you if you don't mind, what is the Bavarian performance Group? I seen a few really nice high end BMW in Cambeidge area with that logo on it and always wonder what kind of organization it is. Thanks
Nice set up bud, whats a combination a 4runner towing a M3. One question for you if you don't mind, what is the Bavarian performance Group? I seen a few really nice high end BMW in Cambeidge area with that logo on it and always wonder what kind of organization it is. Thanks
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Re: CZM3
Bavarian Performance Group is my business. We specialize in BMW VW and Audi. We do everything from routine service to race preparation. We are in Stoneham, MA. Since I live in Cambridge, I assume you've seen my e30, or perhaps one of my friends' e46s. We have a very stong "core" of customers, that have also become good friends. We are a small business providing what you wish your dealer would provide. Sorry though, the only 4Runner we work on is mine....
Here is the link.
http://www.bavarianperformancegroup.com/
Boston_Runner said:
Bavarian Performance Group is my business. We specialize in BMW VW and Audi. We do everything from routine service to race preparation. We are in Stoneham, MA. Since I live in Cambridge, I assume you've seen my e30, or perhaps one of my friends' e46s. We have a very stong "core" of customers, that have also become good friends. We are a small business providing what you wish your dealer would provide. Sorry though, the only 4Runner we work on is mine....
Here is the link.
http://www.bavarianperformancegroup.com/
Solice
New member
Re: Re: CZM3
Your the owner of Bavarian?? Wow, that's impressive. My buddy has a 330i and has ordered a lot of products from you guys. Anyone who owns a BMW and is into performance know who Bavarian are, that's for sure. Another one of my buds has an Audi S4 and he's also ordered a bunch of things from you. Pretty wild who you meet in forums.czm3 said:Bavarian Performance Group is my business. We specialize in BMW VW and Audi. We do everything from routine service to race preparation. We are in Stoneham, MA. Since I live in Cambridge, I assume you've seen my e30, or perhaps one of my friends' e46s. We have a very stong "core" of customers, that have also become good friends. We are a small business providing what you wish your dealer would provide. Sorry though, the only 4Runner we work on is mine....
Here is the link.
http://www.bavarianperformancegroup.com/
thanks for the advice
I went ahead and bought the 2"ball for about 7 bucks! Now i had another question. i connected the hitch that came with the truck, but its a little loose and i'm not sure if i even installed it properly. does anyone have details on how to install the hitch that comes with the car?? thanks.
I went ahead and bought the 2"ball for about 7 bucks! Now i had another question. i connected the hitch that came with the truck, but its a little loose and i'm not sure if i even installed it properly. does anyone have details on how to install the hitch that comes with the car?? thanks.
Re: thanks for the advice
Installing the hitch is very straight forward. You slide it in, and put the pin in place, and make sure its locked. Mine clunks as well. Its a non issue as soon as the hitch is under load. Did you look into whether you need the 6 pin to 4 pin adapter?
Solice, I am glad your buddy is happy with his S4. I also am surprised by this encounter on a 4Runner site. Hey, if you're a car guy, you're a car guy, regardless of brand or purpose.
Cheers.
Chris
a3fnqpjw said:
Installing the hitch is very straight forward. You slide it in, and put the pin in place, and make sure its locked. Mine clunks as well. Its a non issue as soon as the hitch is under load. Did you look into whether you need the 6 pin to 4 pin adapter?
Solice, I am glad your buddy is happy with his S4. I also am surprised by this encounter on a 4Runner site. Hey, if you're a car guy, you're a car guy, regardless of brand or purpose.
Cheers.
Chris
cruzmissile
New member
It is definitely a 7 pin on the truck. You can pick up an adapter just about anywhere. I found mine at Wal-Mart for $14.
Even if the Uhaul is not 2", I'd buy one anyway since most other setups are. For example, I use my 2" ball setup everytime I rent some equipment that comes on a trailer.
It's good to have and will likely come in handy at some point.
czm3.......do you have the auto leveling option on your Runner?? That's a lot of weight and your truck looks quite level...
Even if the Uhaul is not 2", I'd buy one anyway since most other setups are. For example, I use my 2" ball setup everytime I rent some equipment that comes on a trailer.
It's good to have and will likely come in handy at some point.
czm3.......do you have the auto leveling option on your Runner?? That's a lot of weight and your truck looks quite level...
My mistake on the 6 pin. It is a seven pin, regardless, an adapter will be needed.
I have the air suspension in the back and it makes eveything a bit more stable. I also installed a brake controller which made the biggest difference of all. I am not a fan of surge brakes. One of the nice perks of having the air suspension is being able to adjust it when the truck isnt moving. By jacking the back of the 4Runner in the air, I can minimize the approch angle for the car that is being loaded on the trailer. This is a great advantage for cars that have low front lips.
Since Toyota also added the back up camera, I can use it and the adjustable air suspension to hook up to my trailer without getting out of the driver's seat. Sure I have to get out to hook up the safety chains and emergency brake, but this is definitely the lazy man's tow vehicle. I think the 4R is the best tow vehicle in its class. I'd like a diesel, but am not holding my breath.
I have the air suspension in the back and it makes eveything a bit more stable. I also installed a brake controller which made the biggest difference of all. I am not a fan of surge brakes. One of the nice perks of having the air suspension is being able to adjust it when the truck isnt moving. By jacking the back of the 4Runner in the air, I can minimize the approch angle for the car that is being loaded on the trailer. This is a great advantage for cars that have low front lips.
Since Toyota also added the back up camera, I can use it and the adjustable air suspension to hook up to my trailer without getting out of the driver's seat. Sure I have to get out to hook up the safety chains and emergency brake, but this is definitely the lazy man's tow vehicle. I think the 4R is the best tow vehicle in its class. I'd like a diesel, but am not holding my breath.
What is loose, the ball platform in the receiver hitch, or the ball in the ball platform?
You need to get a ball with a 1" or 1 1/4" shank, not the smaller 3/4". If you get the 1", then use the bushing that Toyota supplies with the ball platform. The hole in the Toyota ball platform is 1 1/4", for the larger 2 5/16" balls, and they supply a bushing for the smaller shank balls.
Also, I ran into problems using the Toyota bushing, as it is slightly longer than the thickness of the platform, and the nut bottomed out before the ball was tight in the platform. I had to take an angle grinder with a flap disk to it, and remove a 1/16" or so from the bushing.
--Mike
You need to get a ball with a 1" or 1 1/4" shank, not the smaller 3/4". If you get the 1", then use the bushing that Toyota supplies with the ball platform. The hole in the Toyota ball platform is 1 1/4", for the larger 2 5/16" balls, and they supply a bushing for the smaller shank balls.
Also, I ran into problems using the Toyota bushing, as it is slightly longer than the thickness of the platform, and the nut bottomed out before the ball was tight in the platform. I had to take an angle grinder with a flap disk to it, and remove a 1/16" or so from the bushing.
--Mike
. Thanks for all the info!