Trailer Hitches

[Boxer]

I need some advice on a trailer hitch.
My little Toyota Tacoma 4-cylinder truck won't haul much so I don't plan on towing any thing more than a small garden trailer with lawn stuff...Or a small two-bike motorcycle trailer...Or possibly a small pop-up camper.
You get the idea.

On the back of my bumper right underneath the plate is a hole made for a hitch ball. I just don't know if the bumper that would be used for towing like this would be sufficient. With a hole there, does it automatically mean I can just place a ball there and tow away, or should I get a "real" hitch installed for my purposes.

My truck info says I can haul up to 3500 pounds including trailer and load. Are they talking about that hole with an installed hitch ball, or are they just saying my suspension, etc. is capable of towing that much IF I get a proper hitch?

Any ideas, opinions?

[jb44]

Here in redneck heaven, the good old boys have hitch balls in the bumper holes.

If it's a heavy duty step bumper, bolted to the frame rails, it will do fine for small trailer towing.

A Toyota dealer, or even the vehicle's owner's manual, may have a definitive answer for you.

I always put a Class 3 receiver type hitch and a transmission oil cooler on my vehicles (even on my Rav4). But that may be overkill. YMMV

jb

[jas]

If you are not going to constantly change your ball size (1 7/8” or 2”) then mounting a ball to the drop bumper is perfectly fine. Just remember that you do lose the ability for tighter cornering and that there is a decreased tongue weight limit that the bumper can support, however a small utility trailer, boat or a couple motorcycles will be just fine. There should be connection points as well under the bumper for your safety chains, or just loop around the frame. The 3500 lbs rolling weight is a chassis limitation.

[Shaman]

I have a Nissan Frontier and would advocate for Class III hitch.
You can get them for 100 bucks delivered and will mount with no cutting/torching required. Took me and my Dad about an hour to put it on. We're not terrible mechanically inclined.

For the lower weights you are describing, the trans cooler might be a bit much unless towing long distance and/or large hills. Always a great thing though if you can afford it.

If you are not going to constantly change your ball size (1 7/8” or 2”)

Disclaimer: I am not endorsing these online stores.
Just using them as a quick reference.

http://www.acehardware.com/product/inde ... Id=1289579
g

I have one of a different brand and they work great.
A coin will turn the locking mechanism.
I have the 1-7/8" and 2"

Curt/Hidden Hitch Class III

http://www.monstermarketplace.com/Autom ... 58a35.html

Hoppy Inline Trailer Adapter:

http://www.hitches4less.com/custom-trai ... -kits.html

My installation:

The T Harness:


I do have quick change Adapter end...


Pass. Side:


Driver Side:


Drivers Side - Distant:


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