I have a 03 4runner ltd v6, specified tongue weight is 500 lbs, it's 600 lbs for the v8, I want to know what I can do to increase the tongue weight to 600 lbs, Do I go to those places where they install hitches like Pep Boys and have them reinforce my existing hitch if it's possible. Has anybody done this? Thanks.
Trailer hitch tongue weight
- Thread starter Kermit955
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ToolmanJohn
New member
New receiver
The rear crossmember mounted receiver must be removed, and you have to get a class 3 rated hitch that attatches to the side frame rails. Tongue weight will be about 750 lbs.
The rear crossmember mounted receiver must be removed, and you have to get a class 3 rated hitch that attatches to the side frame rails. Tongue weight will be about 750 lbs.
4RNR-LOVN
New member
Kermit955 said:
ToolmanJohn is somewhat right except that the stock receiver you have on your V6 right now is a class III.
Don't have anyone modify the existing receiver. If you take it off there are six bolts instead of the two that you can see from the underside that everyone assumes are the only ones to take out. I have a pre May-03 build so my V8 came with the class III receiver and I swapped it for the class IV that come on the later build V8's. It sounds like you want a class IV like the one that comes on the current V8's but what are you wanting to pull first of all.
There are a couple of options for purchasing the class IV receiver hitch. If you buy the receiver from Toyota you need part # PT22889440 (list of $328.10). Or you can purchase the same receiver hitch from Hidden Hitch for $143.77.
Beleive me when I say this is very easy to do. The hardest part is taking the existing class III unit off the vehicle as there are 4 bolts on the rear vehicle side of the crossmember that are tuff to get out because of the plastic bumper that's in the way.
It should be noted that in order to increase your tongue weight capacity you need a weight distribution setup. If you don't know what that is let me know and I can explain further.
Thanks for all the useful information. I will be using it to tow a motorcycle which is about 430 lbs, the carrier weighs about 90 lbs.
This is the link to the trailer http://www.versahaul.com/vhsportro.html
I'm not mechanically inclined so do you think Pep Boys can do a good job installing a class IV receiver. TIA
This is the link to the trailer http://www.versahaul.com/vhsportro.html
I'm not mechanically inclined so do you think Pep Boys can do a good job installing a class IV receiver. TIA
4RNR-LOVN
New member
I would definitely get the class IV receiver hitch then. In fact, you may find this is to much weight to throw on the back of the 4Runner like that. Midsize SUV's just aren't made to carry that much weight on the back. If you do decide to upgrade your receiver hitch I would strongly recommend you buy some airbags for your rear suspension. Technically, you will still be slightly over the weight carrying capacity of 500 lbs but at least you will have a stronger receiver hitch then you did to begin with.
I wouldn't have Pep Boys do it. There should be auto accessory shops that are use to putting receiver hitches and airbag setups on. Uhaul would even be better than Pep Boys in my opinion (for the receiver install). You'll save money if you buy it first and have them install it.
Also remember to put the max rated air pressure in your tires if/when you do haul your bike around.
Good luck.
I wouldn't have Pep Boys do it. There should be auto accessory shops that are use to putting receiver hitches and airbag setups on. Uhaul would even be better than Pep Boys in my opinion (for the receiver install). You'll save money if you buy it first and have them install it.
Also remember to put the max rated air pressure in your tires if/when you do haul your bike around.
Good luck.
Last edited:
Colemanfu
New member
I have a Versahauler that I use on my 04 v6. I guess it depends on the size of the bike. I carry my KTM LC4 640- the bike is a little less than 300lbs. I have made several trips with the bike on the back with no problem- you can't tell it's there. Including 3 different 1,000 mile trips to SE VA. I did add some additional lighting because the bike blocked the trun signals. Other than that no problems at all. I can stand on the rack with the bike on it and still have some suspention travel. So I guess it depends on the size of the bike. I would not put a Road King back there but a sport bike and dirt bike should work fine. I would worry more about the springs then the hitch. I don't know if they make airbags to fit inside the springs for an 04 yet?
Good luck.
Good luck.
Definitely a lot of weight on the tongue considering it is also hanging out there a foot or two on the rack...the further out it hangs, the heavier the weight on the tongue. I haul a 220lb bike with a 80lb rack....I can notice a little sag in the rear and the front end seems a little lighter. With that amount of weight, I would be cautious of the rear sag if hauling frequently, long distances, and/or over a number of years.
