need opinion on buying a trailer hitch

I have an 05 prerunner without the tow package, but soon i will start towing anything from a small boat to possibly a car. i need help on what type of trailer hitch to buy and what type of wire harness connector i need. ive seen some connectors online that require no splicing and i think thats what i want. Does anybody know if i can buy an oem tacoma trailer hitch with the wiring or would that be to much of a problem for the wire harness. thanks

 

you can buy oem stuff or go to a shop theyll install it for you...even some uhaul place do it at a good price

 

First, did you see this thread:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/towing/4031-tacoma-towing-bible.html

You can put a class 3 reciever hitch on your truck. I think anything aftermarket will be cheaper and just as good if not better than OEM.
Hidden Hitch, Reese, Draw Tite, Curt, and U-Haul are all similar brands. Soem may attach to the trucks's frame easier that others, but generally it is a matter of 4 or 6 bolts.

You need a T-connector wiring kit that plugs into your existing tailight connectors and converts your separate brake lights with the trailer's combined marker lights/brake lights/turn signals. These are super simple to plug in, and most websites that sell them have install videos.

If you tow something that is heavier than most boats and you need trailer brakes, that is more complicated and requires more than the 4-pin connnector shown above. But you can just add this on later. You need to add wiring from the battery and into the cab for the electric brake controller, and then run this back to the hitch, which will also require some additional connection, depending on set up.







http://www.jcwhitney.com/t-connector-kits/p2018063.jcwx?filterid=d2193y2001j1

Oops, OP, just noticed you are 2nd gen, but all the basics are still the same. Go to e-trailer or a similar site and enter your model year to get your part numbers.

 

go here http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Toyota/Tacoma/2008/13323.html?vehicleid=20087326
I bought that and a wire harness. They were both easy to install. Get a second pair of hands for the hitch.

 

the light connector pictured is what i have, and just an aftermarket hitch. and btw tacos pull cars very easily. i towed home my new nissan 240 with no problems at all

I don't recommend a trans cooler if you're planning on towing frequently, because you have a manual!

 

He has a Manual.

 

fixed

 

there is a company, (and I am not affiliated with them, but have done alot of business with them) Redneck Trailer Supplies, they are nationwide and have a store in Mira Loma, they have very good pricing, great catalog and everything you will need. and might have a lead on someone to install it for you if you go that route. they sell to individuals and to small manufacturers.

 

thanks guys i seen a reese on ebay and comes with the t connector and all the other accessories i need.