What brand of Hitch to buy?

I have a Frame & Rear leaf spring Warranty Replacement job coming on my 2006 4x Double cab, that came with the factory Tow package etc.. The Hitch is just about as rusty as the Frame, but I know that the Dealer won't cover the Tow Hitch part that is bolted to the frame, and they will insist on me covering that part cost $. So Should I go back with Stock Toyota or should I go with an aftermarket hitch?

I tow occasionally a dual axel, electric brake equipped (sailboat) trailer about 3-4,000lbs all up weight.

Thanks for any advice!

 

This is TOTALLY my opinion, not fact....I would go with the cheaper one. The stock one would more than be enough to handle the trailer you just described.

 

Thanks, they all seem to be in the same relative ball park... I'll see what catches my eye, or use it as acceptance bait at the dealer when the time comes...


Separate question sir: Your Avatar looks like you play in sand... Do you have any advice for me?
Background: I live near the beach and have not been able to enjoy my rig for a while bec. of the Actuator issue, i'll fix that soon enough thanks to other TW Forum links i've recently found. [As well as the ceiling mounted electrical component part that needs some solder... ]

But coming in just a few weeks is a new Frame and Rear Spring job from my local dealer, Thanks to the current open recall!! My truck remains stock to this day otherwise at the moment for all practical purposes. (Double cab, 4x, manual V6, with about 220k miles and the original clutch)

SINCE Toyota is going to give me a new Frame, I am considering in the near future a mild 2-3" lift and 275 or 285 tires etc, but my purpose will be selfish cosmetic with my main "off roading" being the laid back weekend beach life here in N. Florida. My point is that i'm Not looking to build a Baja Racer (well, not yet) but If i'm going to spend $ on a build, any advice for a playing in Playing With Sand build?

Thanks-

 

Take what I am about to say with a grain of sand (pun intended)

I am new to trucks, tacomas, and driving on the beach. Been doing it for only year, but have researched a lot and have driven on the beach like 15-20 times.
Advice from my experience is as follows:
1) Most important.....air down (I go down to about 20 psi)
2) Disengage the traction control (hold down for 3 secs), not just go into "Auto LSD mode" (press once fast)
3) Stay in the tracks of others
4) In really soft sand don't stop
5) Monitor trans temp, because it can get hot if you are plowing through soft sand for a long time
6) Carry shovel and other recovery tools (I don't have a wrench, but I do carry tow strap and have a D ring on the back)
7) Rinse the truck off as soon as you get off the beach, I spend like 20 minutes underneath my truck making sure I get all the sand off

I have a 2 inch lift in the rear and 2.5 inch up front with 285's KO2s