Trailer hitch swap between 00-02 to 03

[ricqik]

I was at the dealer last week and was looking at the hitch of the 03's. I couldn't help but noticed the tough looking hitch. It appears that the hitch is actually one peice with the last cross member.

It looks possible to do a swap. Is it actually a stronger hitch or is it just designed different? Looks beefier and stronger.

[Dude Boy]

I noticed the same thing about the 03's with the 7 pin electrical connector. It looks like a "big ***" crossmember that the bumper is also bolted to. On an '03 with a 4 pin connector, the hitch is completely different. The tube that the receiver hooks to is ahead of the bumper. I was so busy trying to figure out all the hitches that I saw, that I forgot to look at the ratings on them.

[bloodypulp]

yes, the hitches are swappable between years. i sold my 03 towing package hitch to a guy with an older tundra. bolted on perfectly. hitch is class 4

[ricqik]

bloodypulp,
what was all that needed swapped between the two? When I looked the 03's cross member is welded to the hitch. Is that right? I wonder how much is it.

[bloodypulp]

not welded. it was attached using just bolts. all original 03 bolts/nuts fit <03 frame except for 2 bolts in the center of bumper, above receiver. also, the 03 bumper mounted directly to the hitch, not the frame. but older bumper will mount to the 03 hitch.

a new 03 hitch runs around $250.

[dyogim]

I believe the 03's have a tow increase of 2000 lbs compared to the 00-02 models.

[x49546]

Hey bloodypulp,

That was me! I was not able to installed the Hitch on my 2002 Tundra because I have a rear bumper protector by Waag, it uses the holes where the brackets go. I sold the Hitch to another member.

Thank you, it was a brand new Hitch.

[bloodypulp]

Manny? i sold my 7pin harness to the guy you sold the hitch. Mike? installed the 03 hitch and harness on his pre-03 Tundra no problem.