Trailer hitch mounting hardware

[Johnate0]

Anyone know where I can find new mounting hardware for my trailer hitch? I took it off, having to cut most of the rusted hardware off. I sandblasted and painted the hitch and now it's ready to go back on. I called the local Toyota dealership and they said the hardware is unavailable. I think they don't know wtf they're talking about. Someone has to have that hardware. Any ideas? Thanks all.

John

 

[farmerjon]

Anyone know where I can find new mounting hardware for my trailer hitch? I took it off, having to cut most of the rusted hardware off. I sandblasted and painted the hitch and now it's ready to go back on. I called the local Toyota dealership and they said the hardware is unavailable. I think they don't know wtf they're talking about. Someone has to have that hardware. Any ideas? Thanks all.

John

If you mean the screws and nuts and bolts holding the trailer hitch receiver onto the 4Runner frame, that stuff should be pretty standard? I.e. visit a hardware store and get some standard bolts?

Or you could look on here: Toyota Parts - Genuine OEM Toyota Auto Parts and Accessories

 

[IanB]

I bought a used OEM trailer hitch, and had to have a friend weld nuts to some flat stock with holes drilled in it for the rear 2 holes on each side. The spacing would be real tough to get right to do one piece for each side, so we did it in 4 separate pieces.

 

[Johnate0]

I bought a used OEM trailer hitch, and had to have a friend weld nuts to some flat stock with holes drilled in it for the rear 2 holes on each side. The spacing would be real tough to get right to do one piece for each side, so we did it in 4 separate pieces.

I'm guessing that's what I'll have to do. I just figured there's got to be a way to find the original mounting hardware.

 

[Steve240]

Do the nuts inside the frame rails come out easily? I just tired to install a reese hitch I picked up and the first bolt snapped with almost no torque at all. I blasted the crap out of the rest with pb and plan to try it again tonight with hopefully better luck. For the one I busted already, will the nut come out? Is it attached to the second one? Theres 2 holding on each tow hook. If that comes out easily than I'm not going to even try to save them and I'll just bust/cut them both off. For reference the oem hardware is M12. You will want to add a plate between the nut and frame to disperse the force.

 

[Steve240]

I need some help with this one guys.

I've been trying to install my hitch for 2 days now and my tow hook bolts are completely rusted. first ones broke off and I tried cutting one off last night which ended in a big fail. Cutting disc exploded and cut my arm pretty good. Good thing I was wearing safety glasses!

Anyways I'm now at the point were I'm about to just weld the thing on because I can't get the nuts out of the frame rail. I'm not sure if there just rusted in there or welded but either way I can't get them out with the limited space.

Is it safe to weld the hitch on or should I try drilling out the bolts and going bigger? The crap is so rusted I would think welding is safer. Opinions are welcome!

 

[thor999]

Just replaced mine last week with a Curt, came with it's own mounting hardware; I had to drill out 2 bolts that I snapped off because of rust; there are keeper nuts inside the frame rails that are tach welded at 4 points only, very flimsy, don't expect them to hold, so I recommend instead to buy the replacement receiver so you get all new hardware, worth every penny and I got the hitch for $99 free shipping from Advance.

 

[Johnate0]

I still haven't tackled this issue yet. I'm right in the middle of restoring an '83 Mustang GT convertible so that project has priority right now.

The only thing I plan on doing with my trailer hitch is using it for one of those mesh metal cargo "trays" or whatever they're called. I do a lot of offroading on the beach and I always need more room for coolers, grilles, firewood etc... when I've got more than a few people along for the ride. They're great for throwing Stripers on too (if I happen to catch a keeper.) So as far as the weight load It only needs to support say, 250 lbs, loaded up with stuff and me standing on it.

I'll post my results when I get to it.