ANYONE TOW WITH JUST THE OEM BUMPER AND BALL ?

09 Access cab 2.7 auto 2wd 157k: So for the first time in its exsistance and maybe its last. I may be cruising 150 miles or so to pick up a motorcycle 1800cc 800lbs planing on using a UHaul bike trailer figure its gota weigh at least 900 - 1100lbs thats being generous imo. For a combined total weight of around... 2k lbs +/- should the factory bumper and 2" ball suffice for towing ? Anybody do this on a regular basis ? Honestly I never tow anything good chance I never will again Otherwise of course I would buy the safer way trailer hitch but for what Im doing I cant justify buying said hitch less its a absolute safety must in wich case Ill rent one.

 

Check the towing forum...I'm not sure what the bumper is rated to tow.

Can you rent a truck or cargo van?

 

Bumper towing is always a bad idea. I don't even know who came up with the idea even if it were to tow 50lbs. Why risk the safety of yourself and others around you to save ~$150. I'm sure some people will chime in saying blah blah they tow with a bumper all the time and nothing bad ever happens yadda yadda. But one bad pot hole, or a tire shredding on the trailer, and you're bumper is toast.

Also the rear bumpers are pretty weak anyhow. If you damage your rear bumper with too much weight sitting down on it bending it in the middle, it'll cost you a lot more than $150 to replace it

 

What does your owner manual say?

 

Keep it under what the bumper is rated for (2k I think) and it will fine.

 

You might be able to pick up a used hitch for cheaper. If you're buying a bike I reckon this isn't the last time you'll be towing

 

Don't do it! You need a proper hitch to safely tow that much weight...

 

OP, see page 210 of your owner's manual.

https://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/om-s/OM35883U/pdf/OM35883U.pdf

 

You'll be ok. The bumpers are rated for 3,500lbs

 

Ask U-haul too! They might not rent to you with an improper hitch. They do install hitches there if interested but might be cheaper elsewhere.

 

Since apparently you don't have the tow package it would mean you don't have the wiring harness needed for brakes lights/turn signals etc...and without the correct hitch, the U-Haul people won't even let you take their trailer out of the parking lot with that set up. They're fussy about that stuff...

 

Especially if it's a Harley...get used to it lol

 

so you're saying the answer is getting a metric cruiser?

haha i meant for trips or maintenance or whatever. i tow all the time

 

Owners manual @ABNFDC links says 3500 lb.

I'd double check the bumper mounting bolts for tightness, snug up the ball, add a 4 pin light package like this

https://www.etrailer.com/t1-2009_Toyota_Tacoma.htm

(which you can find other places like Amazon) and go get the bike.

 

No cruisers for me...I get too sleepy on long rides

 

You'll be fine, just keep to the speed down, 55-60mph

 

Wonderful....now Im thinking of our highschool drivers ed film. yes film......"TERROR ON THE HIGHWAY" Johny thought " what harm can a couple of beers do" "TERROR" thats what. hahaha. Hell if the weathers nice like 110°F heat index (Hou area) I just may ride mine and ride the new one back. Since were trading...

 

Since your in the Houston area there are many junkyards you can pull a hitch from. Shouldn't take more than 5 min. Shitload of junkyards in the 249 and 45 area. Also I think I've seen a few hitches floating around on Craigslist.