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Trailer Hitch or Ball?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by kix1972, Feb 4, 2020.

  1. Feb 4, 2020 at 7:13 AM
    #1
    kix1972

    kix1972 [OP] New Member

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    I just got a 2002 Tacoma TRD with 262,500 miles. I occasionally haul trailers. Any advice on whether or not to install a trailer hitch (2" receiver) or mount a ball on the bumper? Also I have no wiring. Any thoughts on what wiring kit to get? Thanks!!
     
  2. Feb 4, 2020 at 7:34 AM
    #2
    rnish

    rnish Well-Known Member

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    A trailer hitch is convenient for attaching bike carriers etc.

    A lot of Toyota’s come semi pre-wired (YMMV). Added a 7 pin connection to my Highlander, I used/found a Lexus kit. Unplugged the dummy, plugged in the new (again YMMV). You need to determine what you have to do what you want.
     
  3. Feb 4, 2020 at 8:01 AM
    #3
    Wulf

    Wulf no brain just damage

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    I would add a hitch. Then you also get a solid recovery point tied into the frame if you ever need to pull someone out or get pulled out
     
    Seagull233 likes this.
  4. Feb 4, 2020 at 8:04 AM
    #4
    Seagull233

    Seagull233 Well-Known Member

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    Curt, available on Amazon, makes nice plug and play wiring harnesses, just have to attach to the back of the tail lights. Gives you a four flat plug. Easy, peasy!!!
     
  5. Feb 4, 2020 at 8:22 AM
    #5
    kix1972

    kix1972 [OP] New Member

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    I was thinking hitch as well as it will be lower to the ground than the high bumper. The "solid recovery point tied to the frame" is also good advice. For wiring, i will look around underneath and see what I have to work with.
     
  6. Feb 4, 2020 at 8:31 AM
    #6
    jbrandt

    jbrandt Made you look

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    IMO, don't ever tow anything on the bumper.

    Just get a hitch. I have a hidden hitch, that you barely notice it, and it only makes slight indentations in vehicles. :D


    You can get a 4 pin wire harness that simply plugs in to the tail lights. I suggest a hitch that has in integrated mount for the plug (4 and/or 7 pin). 1st gens never came with a "real" tow pakage, so for a 7 pin connector you need to do a little wiring, but it's not a big deal. Just a wire from the battery (power) and a wire for the brake controller.
     
    1997tacomav6 likes this.
  7. Feb 4, 2020 at 8:33 AM
    #7
    Black DOG Lila

    Black DOG Lila Well-Known Member

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    Wiring is behind tail lights, better weather protection than splicing harness undercarriage
     
  8. Feb 4, 2020 at 8:34 AM
    #8
    maynard911

    maynard911 Member

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    I used the Kurt wiring kit on my '99, it was easy and works perfectly.
     
  9. Feb 4, 2020 at 8:45 AM
    #9
    jbrandt

    jbrandt Made you look

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  10. Feb 4, 2020 at 8:46 AM
    #10
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TRD Supercharger,Haltech,meth, 750k

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    V6 5sp,RegCab,TRD Supercharger, 1.9” pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC TRD supercharger,(MUST DO) TRD supercharger ported, every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 2” pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks nerf bars, add a leaf for rear springs trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel,
    DON'T use the bumper!!!!
     
  11. Feb 4, 2020 at 8:56 AM
    #11
    jbrandt

    jbrandt Made you look

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    I use my bumper all the time, just not for towing...:D (see above pic).
     
  12. Feb 4, 2020 at 9:33 AM
    #12
    UnicornTaco

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    whatever it is, make sure its on correctly. you don't want the headache after the fact.
     
  13. Feb 4, 2020 at 10:20 AM
    #13
    passinthru

    passinthru Member

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    Really need a hitch, our bumpers are so high that its areal pita to unhook some couplers, funny they'll go on the ball so easy and be such a pain to get off.
     

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