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Trailer Hitch Options

Discussion in 'Towing' started by BigIron, Apr 28, 2013.

  1. Apr 28, 2013 at 6:57 AM
    #1
    BigIron

    BigIron [OP] Member

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    After trading in my old ranger on a new taco I no longer have a way to pull my trailer.
    The trailer is a cheap little Tractor Supply 4x7 trailer with 12" wheels. Net wt 350lb + planks in the wheel tracks so about 500lb total. I only carry a yard tractor of about 500lb.
    I would like to install this myself and for low cost. Will the bumper really hold 3500lb ? Ihave Reg Cab 4x4 4cyl 5spd. Step bumper is too high to just mount a ball. I have seen some receiver hitches that mount under the bumper but I dont want to damage the bumper. Do I need to buy a frame mounter receiver hitch or can I get by with a bumper mounted hitch?
     
  2. Apr 28, 2013 at 8:25 AM
    #2
    exploringcarolina

    exploringcarolina Well-Known Member

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    I used to tow a 4X8 trailer loaded about 1000lbs total with motorcycles or lawn mower or 1000lb pop-up camper with my 1987 Toyota 22R 4 cylinder pickup using the bumper/ball hitch. Never had any issues with this tow combination, but the bumper on that pickup was probably lower height than late model Taco bumpers.

    Just installed an under the bumper 1 1/4" class II on my Son's Madza 3 auto. It was a very easy install (1.5 hours). The Class II & III hitches available today for cars & pickups should be easy to install. I like using the class III 2" hitch on my Taco and haul a 1500lb travel trailer or motorcycles/lawn mower on a 4X8 trailer at 1000lbs total. Also tow a 1900lb boat with the Taco.
     
    Last edited: Apr 28, 2013
  3. Apr 28, 2013 at 7:32 PM
    #3
    Ronn

    Ronn Well-Known Member

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  4. Apr 29, 2013 at 5:57 PM
    #4
    BigIron

    BigIron [OP] Member

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    When you installed your hitch, was the bumper sitting slightly lower after?
    Is there a frame mounted hitch that does not require bumper removal?
     
  5. Apr 29, 2013 at 9:27 PM
    #5
    Ronn

    Ronn Well-Known Member

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    No it sits the way it did stock. It's all in how you align it, that's when a second set of hands helps. As for your second question I'm not sure.
     
  6. Apr 30, 2013 at 7:37 AM
    #6
    exploringcarolina

    exploringcarolina Well-Known Member

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    Checked out the following site with hitches available for the 2013 Tacoma. Does not look like a tough installation.

    This is what I found, two of the four "tech tips" in the following site mention the following:

    "Bumper brackets will need to be loosened and bumper supported during hitch installation".

    Here's the site, click on "more information" and they have videos available, too:

    http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2013_Toyota_Tacoma.htm
     
    Last edited: Apr 30, 2013
  7. Apr 30, 2013 at 7:51 AM
    #7
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    I have a Hidden Hitch on mine. It's a class 3 receiver, mounted to the frame and did not require the rear bumper to be removed during install. The rear bumper sits just as it did when it rolled off the factory floor. I think I bought it through JC Whitney for around $150 - $160 but that was a few years ago now. I'm happy with the way it looks and installation was simple. I did it by myself in a parking lot and it took about an hour with just basic tools.
     
  8. May 13, 2013 at 6:05 PM
    #8
    TacoBow

    TacoBow Intentionally cosmetically correct.

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  9. May 13, 2013 at 6:15 PM
    #9
    TwzteD

    TwzteD Well-Known Member

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  10. May 14, 2013 at 6:21 PM
    #10
    azreb

    azreb Geezer

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    I put one (I think it is a Hidden Hitch) on my truck by myself last year. Did not require removal of the bumper. Cost was around $130-$150. I would consider only a frame mounted hitch after the bumper mounts on my T100 failed. Of course, that involved considerable towing over a poorly maintained dirt road.
     
  11. May 15, 2013 at 2:43 AM
    #11
    TacoBow

    TacoBow Intentionally cosmetically correct.

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    I agree, removing the bumper was not necessary on 1st or 2nd generation trucks that I've installed a hitch on. Leaving the bumper in place eliminates the need to disconnect license plate light wiring and the replacement of the bumper, especially if you install it without assistance. It not impossible, but laying under the truck while positioning the bumper so bolts can be started on each side while maintaining its place, when you don't have to, is a step I chose to avoid. A make shift support was easier, for me at least.
     
  12. May 15, 2013 at 7:50 AM
    #12
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    X2 on the Hidden Hitch

    Had one on our 96 and it did an awesome job. Never towed with it.... but it yanked sooo many stumps out of the ground AND pulled many many trucks out of mud holes!
     

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