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Aftermarket Hitch? [Crash Course]
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Date: 2007/10/24 14:25
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By: cdjones7
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Status: User
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Karma: 0
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F.J.C.O. n00b
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I want to add an aftermarket hitch to my 08 FJ. Toyota's was too expensive [although I wish I'd gotten a look at one at my dealer]. Need a crash course.
I'd like it to handle the 5,000 lb. max, but would most often be pulling light 4x8' flat or boat trailers with smaller wheels. Class II or III? How much of a ball drop to level smaller trailers? Is the wiring for a trailer connector ready-to-connect, but hidden away inside? Type of connector depend on trailer? Also, c/s/s out the back window, so can I get remote backup assist sensors to velcro to the trailer? <smirk>
Any advice, answers to questions I haven't yet thought to ask, and/or links to good deals would be greatly appreciated. I can [I'd think] install it myself if bolts, etc., match up, but will drill. Thanks in advance...
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Re:Aftermarket Hitch? [Crash Course]
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Date: 2007/10/25 00:30
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By: Runner_Ryan
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Status: Admin
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Karma: 30
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Admin
| Posts: 1426 | |
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Honestly, the Toyota hitch is worth the extra money. It is up tight to the body, and has a trim piece moulded to clear it. The aftermarket ones hang down low, and looks, well, aftermarket.
The wireing you buy from Toyota is also expensive, but well worth it. It will plug into existing wireing in the back, and has some releays, and fuses that you just plug in. Super easy. Aftermarket ones will need to cut and splice into your wireing, and will need a converter to make the brake and turn bulb together, instead of single.
Post edited by: Runner_Ryan, at: 2007/10/25 00:32
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Re:Aftermarket Hitch? [Crash Course]
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Date: 2007/10/26 12:02
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By: cdjones7
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Status: User
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Karma: 0
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F.J.C.O. n00b
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That ship sailed when I didn't get the hitch rolled into the deal. Needed to get the payments down.
I'd consider Toyota parts and doing it myself, but I don't necessarily mind adding aftermarket parts to a vehicle like this. To me they can make it look personalized and unique.
I'd like to see pictures...
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Re:Aftermarket Hitch? [Crash Course]
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Date: 2007/10/28 19:39
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By: Runner_Ryan
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Status: Admin
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Karma: 30
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Admin
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You can still buy the stock Toyota hitch. That's what I did. Just got it at the parts counter.
I had a bunch of pics of the install, but I can't seem to find them. I have some random leftover pics...I'll post those.
Here's the best pic I can find of the hitch on my truck. Notice the moulded body panel just above the hitch.
The aftermarket one hangs below the rear panel, and won't come with the moulded panel. Aftermarket one looks very similar to this one:
Stock one bolts to a crossmember just behind the bumper. Looks like this:
This is the wiring stuff you get seperately:
It all bolts on, and plugs in. Aftermarket stuff will need to cut/splice wires, and possibly drill holes for the hitch itself. I think I saw a pic of an aftermarket one on this site somewhere. If I find it, I'll post it here.
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Re:Aftermarket Hitch? [Crash Course]
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Date: 2007/10/30 21:20
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By: mgeogo
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Status: User
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Karma: 4
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F.J.C.O. Rookie
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Cdjones,
I'll strongly second the recommendation to stick with the Toyota factory hitch. I ordered mine off of eBay and it didn't cost much more than an aftermarket hitch. Just be sure to get a hitch and wiring kit together. It should be somewhere in the low $300's.
As for the installation, it was painless and anyone with a few tools can accomplish it in two hours or so. The wiring is perfectly designed to plug right into the factory jacks. The hitch has a pre-formed bumper piece that replaced the existing piece that accomodates the receiver.
The Toyota hitch is rated to the maximum towing capacity. It will need a ball drop to accomodate most normal sized trailers. I just got down towing the largest trailer Uhaul rents across country filled with furniture and after a few miles I didn't even know it was there, except that gas mileage went way down.
I don't think you'll be disappointed if you order the factory kit. If you've never bought a Toyota factory accessory kit you'll be amazed. It is like everything Toyota does -- a first class operation!
Good luck,
Michael
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