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Generic Ball Hitch?

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by bobzilla, Jan 15, 2017.

  1. Jan 15, 2017 at 11:06 AM
    #1
    bobzilla

    bobzilla [OP] Active Member

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    Is there such a thing as a generic type of hitch? I know you get it to tow something specific and therefore, purchase one that is weight rated for the trailer, but I was wondering, since I have the tow package and nothing particular to tow, if it's worth, or recommended to get a "generic" hitch for my 2016 Tacoma TRD Off Road.

    Thanks!

    Bob
     
  2. Jan 15, 2017 at 11:14 AM
    #2
    TA2016

    TA2016 Well-Known Member

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    If you get a hitch and someone gets too close, they may scrape the hitch not your rear bumper. I don't do much towing either so I got a cheap hitch from U-Haul.
     
  3. Jan 15, 2017 at 11:15 AM
    #3
    windsor

    windsor Just a guy

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    Your best best route would be get a 2" drop hitch with a 2" ball. 2" ball would be the most common size for average light-mid weight trailers. You can get them as a set at almost any Walmart or auto parts store.
    image.jpg
     
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  4. Jan 15, 2017 at 11:15 AM
    #4
    Syncros

    Syncros Well-Known Member

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    An adjustable hitch with 2 ball sizes is likely all you will need. 2" ball seems to be pretty standard on small trailers but you might come across 1 7/8" from time to time.
    [​IMG]
     
  5. Jan 15, 2017 at 11:21 AM
    #5
    Blais03

    Blais03 Guess I'll bring a spare wheel bearing...

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    If you dont tow or anything then I would suggest a hitch shackle or a hook for an extra tie down and recovery point if you ever needed one.
     
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  6. Jan 15, 2017 at 11:21 AM
    #6
    windsor

    windsor Just a guy

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    If you plan to keep the hitch attached to the receiver, do not use the cross pin that uses a cotter pin. Get a locking hitch pin. Keep one of the keys in your glove box and the other on your key ring.
     
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  7. Jan 15, 2017 at 11:25 AM
    #7
    Kilokato

    Kilokato Go Vols!

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    Yes, Just a generic "insert" (the part that slides into the square "reciever" on your truck with a 5/8" hitch pin-the bent silver piece with the usual cotter pin on the end-that holds the insert in the receiver's square hole) with likely a 2" drop and a 2" ball will be all you'll probably ever need.

    I haven't seen a 1 7/8" ball or coupler in years.
     
  8. Jan 15, 2017 at 11:26 AM
    #8
    windsor

    windsor Just a guy

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    This is what @Blais03 is referring to. Personally, I would not use the type that is a hook. That's asking for someone to be stupid and blame you.
    I keep a shackle on mine with a locking pin. Shackle bolt is torqued pretty hard with red Locktite. But you can also get a shackle bolt that extends past the shackle and has a hole for a pin/lock.
    image.jpg
     
  9. Jan 15, 2017 at 12:04 PM
    #9
    DES2009

    DES2009 Minister of Truth

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    I got the one from Toyota with my truck. It looks almost just like the one in Windsor's picture... without the Peanut Butter cup label :D

     
  10. Jan 15, 2017 at 12:06 PM
    #10
    DPJ

    DPJ Well-Known Member

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    IMG_0234.jpg I put a hitch on the rear and front. The front hitch has a step that also can be used as a rescue point.
    My truck is 2wd and I wanted a strong point for rescue. It also protects the bumper and provides a step to more easily access the motor compartment. The step can be moved to the rear if needed.
     
  11. Jan 15, 2017 at 12:26 PM
    #11
    Blais03

    Blais03 Guess I'll bring a spare wheel bearing...

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    Yeah I feel like thats always a good option for people who dont tow, I used a 10,000 pound recovery hook when Im not towing.
     
  12. Jan 15, 2017 at 12:30 PM
    #12
    DES2009

    DES2009 Minister of Truth

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    Yikes!!! That must be tough on gas mileage!
     
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  13. Jan 15, 2017 at 12:31 PM
    #13
    Blais03

    Blais03 Guess I'll bring a spare wheel bearing...

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    why would that effect my gas mileage?
     
  14. Jan 15, 2017 at 12:35 PM
    #14
    DES2009

    DES2009 Minister of Truth

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    Sorry... I've just been in that kind of mood all day today. Carrying around 10,000 pounds of anything would have to affect.. nevermind . . .
     
  15. Jan 15, 2017 at 12:47 PM
    #15
    windsor

    windsor Just a guy

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    The joke was flying a little high and went over your head a bit.
     
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  16. Jan 15, 2017 at 5:02 PM
    #16
    trussdude

    trussdude Well-Known Member

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    I leave a hitch on at all times.

    It helps for small rear end collisions
     
  17. Jan 15, 2017 at 6:18 PM
    #17
    markmizzou

    markmizzou Well-Known Member

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    A back step for when I get older, Carhartt seatcovers, 4Runner wheels, Topper, and "tats all folks"! --for now!!
    WRONG -- there is still a lot of them around!! At least around here!!
     
  18. Jan 15, 2017 at 6:34 PM
    #18
    Meangreen2

    Meangreen2 Well-Known Member

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    Guys, just so you're aware and not to be a buzkill, I'm sure it's against the law in some states to leave a hitch in while not towing... I don't agree with the law, and I leave mine in myself... I have never heard of anyone getting a citation for it though...
     
  19. Jan 15, 2017 at 6:40 PM
    #19
    DTOM_plz

    DTOM_plz Well-Known Member

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    ive never heard of anything like this......completely unenforceable. oh yes officer im going to pick a trailer up now
     
  20. Jan 15, 2017 at 6:47 PM
    #20
    windsor

    windsor Just a guy

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    It is something that can cause you to be cited in some areas. In areas where it is against the law to have the hitch on without a trailer, they will take your "I'm going to pick up a trailer" and raise you a "you do not currently have it attached". Same as "I'm going to get my car registered tomorrow". Unfortunately, it is enforceable.
    Anyways, back on track. OP, I still say your best bet would be the 2" ball on a 2" drop. Get one that has the base on the ball that catches on the hitch. That way if you need to change ball size, you only need a wrench for the nut and not a pair of vice grips to keep the ball from rotating.
     

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