Generic Ball Hitch?

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

Yikes!!! That must be tough on gas mileage!

 

why would that effect my gas mileage?

 

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 . . .

 

The joke was flying a little high and went over your head a bit.

 

I leave a hitch on at all times.

It helps for small rear end collisions

 

WRONG -- there is still a lot of them around!! At least around here!!

 

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...

 

ive never heard of anything like this......completely unenforceable. oh yes officer im going to pick a trailer up now

 

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.