Trailer hitches

Hey guys I'm wanting to buy a trailer hitch for my 04 Tacoma and been looking around because my bumper is about a 6-8 inches too high for any towing. What are you guys' suggestions. Would like something that's a little bit hidden but it doesn't have to be.

 

most hitches will be mostly hidden but the receiver will be below the bumper. check your local Craigslist or the Buy/Sell/Trade forums here first.

most hitches new are around $125 on Amazon or other retailers (U-Haul is too expensive)

brands most common are: Curt, Reese, Draw-Tite, etc.

 

Do you mean the hitch receiver or the hitch itself (with the ball)?

Hitch receivers mount to the frame with the same 4 bolts as the rear bumper, super easy to install. I have a Hidden Hitch, but you can pick one up at a U-haul (though usually expensive) or any other truck parts supplier (4Wheelparts, etc...).

As for the height of your hitch, just get a drop hitch. You can get expensive adjustable ones, or cheaper fixed height ones. All you do is get your truck and your trailer on a flat surface. Measure the height of both the hitch receiver on the truck, and the trailer hitch (when trailer is flat and level). the difference is the height of your drop hitch.

 

I know I'll need a drop hitch, but I was looking for what brands or styles of receivers people commonly use and what's best.

 

I towed about 6k with my curt class 3. Did just fine. Got mine off of Amazon.

 

I just installed a Curt hitch on my 2003 Tacoma. After installation I noticed a rattle. It was my exhaust pipe rubbing on the hitch. With engine off clearance was 1/4 inch or better. I shaved a little off the hitch with a dremel and fixed it.
Here are some suppliers near you. I used etrailer.com Less than $200 I think. Installed it myself.

http://trailer-hitches.regionaldirectory.us/north-carolina.htm

 

You can sometimes find used ones quite cheap.

Try and stay away from those Universal Hitches they can be a pain

I have been building mine for years but any of the major brands were decent if they are made in China now All bets are off.

Since the Receiver Hitch bolts in the same holes as the bumper you might want to have new hardware just in case.

You really don`t want to be drilling new holes

 

This is what I have (I got mine from a local shop, though):

Hidden Hitch 87579 Class III Trailer Hitch

https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Hitch...automotive&vehicleId=1&vehicleType=automotive

As to "what's best" that's very subjective. They are all class III, black welded pieces of steel that bolt on to the frame. Very little actual differences between them. They all run usually between $150 and $180ish. As has been said, the U-haul receivers are usually pretty expensive for what you get (i.e. the same thing as a $150 receiver!)

 

A lot of 04 Tacoma's came with them installed from factory or dealer. Might call a few junkyards. I picked mine up from dealer.

 

I have a Hidden Hitch on my truck. It sits recessed behind the bumper. If you plan to use anything besides the ball, you may have interference issues and need to use an extension in order to get the pin through the hitch and item to secure it.

Otherwise, it's nice to have it a little hidden behind the bumper as it gives a TINY bit more departure angle for dropping off curbs at the mall.

 

I have a curt and does just as good as any other brand out there

 

I got the stock one from an 09.

 

and it bolted up on a Gen 1?

 

never mind

 

I went with the factory Toyota hitch which is rated as class IV. Fit is perfect and cost about $145 online. Had to buy a wiring harness separately. Oh yeah the part # is

$425 PT22804030 TOYOTA Genuine PT228-04030 Hitch

PT22804030.

 

Yeah, and they called that a "tow package"..

 

There's really not enough of a difference in most of them to matter. Youre not hauling 100 tons back there. Find a good deal and done.

 

Alright. Thanks for the advice.

 

I have a factory rear and custom made front hitch for sale in Greenville SC for a first gen tacoma.

 

My curt came with new hardware.