Trailer Hitch

[4Fishing]

On 4th genrations, why are some of the factory trailer hitches hidden and some exposed (the hitch's cross beam)?
Does it have to do with the spare tire size?
How big can the spare be with the hidden hitch?
They should of made them the same style for all.

 

[TeryT]

On 4th genrations, why are some of the factory trailer hitches hidden and some exposed (the hitch's cross beam)?
Does it have to do with the spare tire size?
How big can the spare be with the hidden hitch?
They should of made them the same style for all.

This has been discussed a lot. One is a weight carrying hitch good for 5,000 tow, the other (cross member) is a weight distributing hitch good for at least a 7000 trailer (but you have to use a weight distributing hitch system).

 

[Uneek]

The V6 models have the weight carrying hitch (no visible cross member). That's how I tell if it's a V6 or V8 from the rear. It's a $430 option from Toyota for '06. You can get a Hidden Hitch for less than half that. It might be impossible to find a V6 without the hitch though, all of the V6's in my area come with it. Unless, the Toyota hitch comes with additional equipment (oil cooler, transmission cooler, etc.) aside from the ball mount kit, otherwise IMO it's not worth it.

 

[Koz]

The V6 models have the weight carrying hitch (no visible cross member). That's how I tell if it's a V6 or V8 from the rear. It's a $430 option from Toyota for '06. You can get a Hidden Hitch for less than half that. It might be impossible to find a V6 without the hitch though, all of the V6's in my area come with it. Unless, the Toyota hitch comes with additional equipment (oil cooler, transmission cooler, etc.) aside from the ball mount kit, otherwise IMO it's not worth it.

I think if you add up all the components, it just might be worth it. Remember you will also have to run wiring up to the dash for the brake controller and install a wiring harness at the hitch, which would be a real PITA.

Koz

 

[JungleJim]

Re: Re: Trailer Hitch

This has been discussed a lot. One is a weight carrying hitch good for 5,000 tow, the other (cross member) is a weight distributing hitch good for at least a 7000 trailer (but you have to use a weight distributing hitch system).

Good point concerning the weight distributing hitch system.

I have a queston though. Can a weigth distributing hitch system be used with the wieght carrying hitch? ( I assume it can.)

I know a lot of people who use a weight distributing hitch system with just a standard hitch on other types of tow vehicles.