2.4 5 lug towing

So I just bought a new three seater sea-doo. The ski weighs around 800 lbs, And with the trailer everything is probably around 1300 lbs. I have a automatic 2.4 ltr. Tacoma that I know will haul it without a problem, but my question is: Do I have to buy and install a trailer hitch? Or can I just bolt the tow ball onto my bumper where there is a plug... Thanks for your time!

 

If you plan on hauling this jet-ski very often you should probably invest in a receiver hitch. The bumper hitch would work but I wouldn't recommend it. It's up a little too high and isn't near as strong as a receiver hitch would be. Besides, a good receiever hitch is maybe $120.

 

ya im not even sure why they have a spot for a ball to go on the bumper... you cant really tow much with it and it's not a good idea IMO. If you tow once in a great while it MAY be ok, but why risk $5000 worth of stuff for a $120 hitch? and if it helps i got mine from jcwhitney for around $130.

 

The bumpers are rated to 3500lbs tow weight and 300lbs tongue weight. I tow 900 lbs with my bumper. But if i was to tow more i would think about a hitch.

 

Get a hitch.

 

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So a bumper with a 3500 lb. tow weight capacity is questionable hauling a 1300 lb. total weight rig? The Bumper will actually bend? Something is not adding up here to me... Tacosuprem: Have you ever had any problems hauling that 900 lbs. off your bumper? Bending?

 

Tows perfect. I cant even tell im towing. Bumper holds up fine, no bending. Just be careful when making tight turns going forward or backing up. The trailer will hit the bumper.

 

X2 the max is 3500 with a tounge weight of 350...they have thoes numbers there for a reason. A 1300 lb wave runner is fine,

 

I still wouldn't trust a jet ski and trailer (not cheap!) to a bumper for towing.

 

1300 lbs is nothing. You will be absolutely fine towing off the bumper.

 

Thanks for your help, and here is what I'm working with! Stoked!

 

not nothing, it can happen under any ammount of weight. i have a 1700 lb trailer and i bent mine. got a hitch the next day. spend the money and be safe. it will tow better too

 

I towed my mowing trailer for quite awhile on the bumper with no real issues (i have the same truck as you in an xtracab). It handles the weight fine, but it's easy to damage when backing. I put a dent and a huge scrape in my license plate with the tongue (really not a big deal but something to think about). I also jack knifed it once in a tight cul de sac and dented the bumper. It's probably fine with the bumper but be super careful. A jet ski trailer is really short and easy to jack knife on the ramp.take it slow.

 

Just get the hitch. I provides many options besides just a ball mount. With the receiver you can use bike racks, extra cargo carrier, adjustable height ball mount, etc.

 

^ My license plate is BEAT TO HELL. The only reason I don't have a receiver hitch is . . . I don't pull a trailer very often . . at all. but it's still BEAT TO HELL.