Trailer hitch question

[Eastcoaster]

Apologies if this should be in the 'general' section.....

I have an '06 4runner sport (V6) that came with the tow package. I pulled a pop up camper last summer with no problems but am planning on moving up to a travel trailer this summer. I'm going to get the tranny cooler and a weight distribution hitch installed. my question is this: I've seen picks of weight distribution hitches installed and they all seem to sit below the rear bumper. If i get the factory hitch removed and a WD hitch installed, will it fit in the same place as the cutout in the bumper or will it sit below the bumper showing of this nice hole. Thanks in advance for any replies.....

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Apologies if this should be in the 'general' section.....

I have an '06 4runner sport (V6) that came with the tow package. I pulled a pop up camper last summer with no problems but am planning on moving up to a travel trailer this summer. I'm going to get the tranny cooler and a weight distribution hitch installed. my question is this: I've seen picks of weight distribution hitches installed and they all seem to sit below the rear bumper. If i get the factory hitch removed and a WD hitch installed, will it fit in the same place as the cutout in the bumper or will it sit below the bumper showing of this nice hole. Thanks in advance for any replies.....

All of the higher rated, WDH receivers I have seen will sit below the bumper.

Rather than focus on the ugly hole think of it as a great place to mount a back-up cam Hooking up the trailer will be a piece of cake!
:cheers:

 

[RocNYRunner]

Apologies if this should be in the 'general' section.....

I have an '06 4runner sport (V6) that came with the tow package. I pulled a pop up camper last summer with no problems but am planning on moving up to a travel trailer this summer. I'm going to get the tranny cooler and a weight distribution hitch installed. my question is this: I've seen picks of weight distribution hitches installed and they all seem to sit below the rear bumper. If i get the factory hitch removed and a WD hitch installed, will it fit in the same place as the cutout in the bumper or will it sit below the bumper showing of this nice hole. Thanks in advance for any replies.....

Pretty much all you want to know is in here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/60590-too-much-v6-tow.html

along with a pic of my truck with a new Curt hitch installed.

 

[TechWrench]

Apologies if this should be in the 'general' section.....

I have an '06 4runner sport (V6) that came with the tow package. I pulled a pop up camper last summer with no problems but am planning on moving up to a travel trailer this summer. I'm going to get the tranny cooler and a weight distribution hitch installed. my question is this: I've seen picks of weight distribution hitches installed and they all seem to sit below the rear bumper. If i get the factory hitch removed and a WD hitch installed, will it fit in the same place as the cutout in the bumper or will it sit below the bumper showing of this nice hole. Thanks in advance for any replies.....

To the best of my knowledge, they all will sit lower than the stock 5k V6 hitch receiver. This is because the 5K model bolts to a crossmember between the two main frame beams, the same crossmember that the rear bumper cover mounts on, while the weight distributing hitches are mounted directly to the two side frame rails and the hitch crossmember sits below the existing bumper crossmember so the receiver socket has to be lower than the original 5K model. If you want to have a weight distribution hitch system, you will have to accept the new receiver position.

 

[Uneek]

The OEM WD hitch on the V8 has a little metal filler that fills in the hole on the bumper. But the receiver opening is also mounted lower than the V6's weight carrying hitch.

 

[charlier180]

All of the higher rated, WDH receivers I have seen will sit below the bumper.

Rather than focus on the ugly hole think of it as a great place to mount a back-up cam Hooking up the trailer will be a piece of cake!
:cheers:

Speaking of cameras, here is one I purchased last year. Nothing like hooking up the trailer and having to back up just ONE TIME!

Swift Hitch Trailer Hitch Aligner Portable Wireless Camera System with Night Vision 04928 : Trailer hitch bike rack and trailer hitches - etrailer.com

Eastcoaster, since you are buying a travel trailer you might need mirrors better suited that the stock 4Runner mirrors. I have used the McKesh mirrors for a few years now. My car trailer is 8.5 feet wide and the stock 4Runner mirrors simply fail to provide a safe, proper view of things when towing.
The McKesh mirrors do a GREAT job. I also bought the optional round convex mirrors as well.
Be advised that I did have to bend the bracket that goes around the bottom of the door to widen it a bit. I also use painters tape on the outside of the bracket and on the door sill to help protect against scratches.

McKesh Mirrors

 

[Eastcoaster]

Great information. Thanks for all the replies everyone.