So I picked up my truck a few weeks ago, but with no tow package. I've been looking around at what's available for aftermarket tow hitches and have become a bit confused. The factory claims a 6500 lb. tow rating with their tow package which comes with a class "III/IV" reciever hitch. All the aftermarket hitches that I've seen are described as class III and rated at 5000 lbs. Is there an actual difference with respect to the receiver hitch, or does the extra capacity come from other compenents included in the factory package? I'm not looking to max out my tow capacity, but I figure I want to buy the best hitch available. Is there a recommended class IV hitch? Anyone know the OEM of the factory hitch? I'd like a hitch that's as well hidden as the factory setup with the same capacity.
Yes big difference in hitches from class III to class IV. Anything over 5000# is class IV and has a higher tongue weight tolerance. Class IV allows for a trailer of up to 12,000# however is limited by the other componets of the Tacoma.
Keep in mind though that the 6500# rating is based on an unloaded truck with only fuel and a 150# driver. If you take the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight rating (GCVW) and subtract the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) you actually only have about 5800# towing ability with fully loaded truck. However!!! You don't have the full tow package so you're rated at 3500# before doing the math. The tow package includes not only the hitch but a heavy duty battery, larger alternator and transmission cooler. Without those you'll fry your truck trying to tow 6500#.
As for the OEM hitch I would pay for it if you can get it. After looking at my own setup and the way it's bolted in then consulting the instruction manual for OEM installation I would have to say that I trust it more than an aftermarket one. The aftermarket hitches don't bolt in to the factory holes and are shaped differently. Granted Class IV is Class IV however the installation done improperly can kill a truck.
Anyway.. good luck.
BTW I tow a 5500# travel trailer. Using a good Weight Distribution Hitch and you don't have any real problems.
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Tacoma V6 Auto 4x4 Double Cab 128"
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Actually no offense, but thats more or less a bunch of marketing baloney. My shop installs aftermarket hitches all the time. The reason why they call it a class III/IV hitch is because they are the same hitch. The rating depends on the truck its being mounted to not the hitch itself. On a Tacoma a class III/IV hitch takes on a class III rating, whereas on a F250 super duty it takes a class IV rating.
It is definitely true though that a truck with the factory installed tow package gives more good stuff than just a hitch and its best to order your truck this way if you plan on towing. But definitely don't be scared of an aftermarket class III/IV hitch from a reputeable manufacturer (Reese, Hidden Hitch, etc.) because its the same or better quality as the factory one. Buying an OEM hitch from the dealer's parts dept can easily be twice as much as an aftermarket one too.
Actually no offense, but thats more or less a bunch of marketing baloney. My shop installs aftermarket hitches all the time. The reason why they call it a class III/IV hitch is because they are the same hitch. The rating depends on the truck its being mounted to not the hitch itself. On a Tacoma a class III/IV hitch takes on a class III rating, whereas on a F250 super duty it takes a class IV rating.
Wow.. I won't ever go into your shop. I think you're shop need to do some more research. There is in fact a difference between class III and class IV hitches.
The ratings are as follows using straight weight carring ball mounts:
Class III - Max 5000# Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) with a 500# Tongue Weight (TW)
Class IV - Max 7500# GTW with a 750#TW
The Tacoma factory hitch is a class IV hitch and the higher rating. You are only limited by the vehicle ability which has a rating of 6500# real world it's about 5800#. The Tacoma will also handle 650# TW. Though the Tacoma can't reach the limits of a class IV it does exceed the limits of a class III in terms of weight carrying ability. Using a weight distribution ball mount changes things only slightly.
If you go to the Reese web site at http://www.reeseprod.com/ and use their product selector they will lead you to a class III/IV crossover hitch which has a maximum rating of 5500# when using a weight distribution hitch. Not enough for the full towing power of the 05 Tacoma. I say "crossover" because a class III that is compatible with a weight distribution hitch use is a low end class IV. Since it's over 5000# it's has to have a higher rating. It's still a class III hitch though which still has a lower limit than a true class IV.
I would truely like to see what you're selling your customers and what weight ratings you're giving them. To say that it depends on the vehicle and not the hitch is DANGEROUS to tell customers. A class III hitch is a class III hitch even on a Ford Super Duty. It can still only handle 5000# even if the truck itself is rated higher. Granted if the truck is rated lower than the hitch you will be limited by the vehicle and not the hitch but it doesn't work the other way around.
Ouch...
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Tacoma V6 Auto 4x4 Double Cab 128"
White
TRD Off-Road
TRD CAT Back Exhaust, Bed Mat, Husky Floor Mats, Wildcat Flash Nerf Bars, Prodigy Brake Controller, In Dash cell phone mount, Cargo Bars w/Thule Ski & Bike Attachments, Toyo Open Country A/T Tires (Stock Size)
Out of curiousity, any of you know if the class IV hitch that comes with the Tow Package is a weight distributing hitch or not? Thanks.
The class IV is compatable with a weight distribution hitch. As well Toyota recomends using a WDH with the 05 Tacoma's. Earlier models it was a no no but with the 05 it is encouraged. It's the shank that you put in the reciever that makes it a WDH or not instead of a standard draw bar.
__________________
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Tacoma V6 Auto 4x4 Double Cab 128"
White
TRD Off-Road
TRD CAT Back Exhaust, Bed Mat, Husky Floor Mats, Wildcat Flash Nerf Bars, Prodigy Brake Controller, In Dash cell phone mount, Cargo Bars w/Thule Ski & Bike Attachments, Toyo Open Country A/T Tires (Stock Size)
Wow.. I won't ever go into your shop. I think you're shop need to do some more research. There is in fact a difference between class III and class IV hitches.
The ratings are as follows using straight weight carring ball mounts:
Class III - Max 5000# Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) with a 500# Tongue Weight (TW)
Class IV - Max 7500# GTW with a 750#TW
The Tacoma factory hitch is a class IV hitch and the higher rating. You are only limited by the vehicle ability which has a rating of 6500# real world it's about 5800#. The Tacoma will also handle 650# TW. Though the Tacoma can't reach the limits of a class IV it does exceed the limits of a class III in terms of weight carrying ability. Using a weight distribution ball mount changes things only slightly.
If you go to the Reese web site at http://www.reeseprod.com/ and use their product selector they will lead you to a class III/IV crossover hitch which has a maximum rating of 5500# when using a weight distribution hitch. Not enough for the full towing power of the 05 Tacoma. I say "crossover" because a class III that is compatible with a weight distribution hitch use is a low end class IV. Since it's over 5000# it's has to have a higher rating. It's still a class III hitch though which still has a lower limit than a true class IV.
I would truely like to see what you're selling your customers and what weight ratings you're giving them. To say that it depends on the vehicle and not the hitch is DANGEROUS to tell customers. A class III hitch is a class III hitch even on a Ford Super Duty. It can still only handle 5000# even if the truck itself is rated higher. Granted if the truck is rated lower than the hitch you will be limited by the vehicle and not the hitch but it doesn't work the other way around.
Explain to me why their 33 series is rated for 3500 - 7500 lb capacity. The reason is they are all manufactured using similar strength materials and the rating changes according to the truck it is mounted on. In a sense they are all 7500 lb hitches that are just de-rated for smaller trucks. I've been doing this for 15 years and all manufacturers do this.
Paul,
Don't bother looking at the "Class." Look at the actual numbers on the sticker on the receiver. Also don't assume the web sites are up to date. Contact the hitch makers to get the latest info.
Valley lists a 6000# receiver for the '05 Tacoma, and Valley is OK. Drawtite, Reese, Hidden Hitch are all the same company, so will have the same stuff...one might have a more up to date catalog. Putnam's page doesn't list '04 or '05.
Do your research directly with the hitch companies. I agree with j4...buy any of the bolt-on receivers with adequate weight capacity. If you're pulling a heavy trailer, get a weight distributing hitch. "Equal-i-zer" brand is one excellent one with built-in sway damping, and also works with surge brakes like on a boat trailer or utility trailer. Drawtite/Reese/Hiddenhitch dual-cam is another with built-in sway damping.
Ken
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Towing a 21' Bigfoot trailer using a Hensley Arrow hitch, Jordan brake controller, McKesh mirrors
Explain to me why their 33 series is rated for 3500 - 7500 lb capacity. The reason is they are all manufactured using similar strength materials and the rating changes according to the truck it is mounted on. In a sense they are all 7500 lb hitches that are just de-rated for smaller trucks. I've been doing this for 15 years and all manufacturers do this.
Yes that's because the 33 series is a class IV hitch. They do manufacture them in a similar manor but the way they connect to the vehicle can make a difference as well. I can use the highest strength material available but have mounting points that can't handle higher weights. Note the differences in design between the Class III and Class IV. It doesn't drop to a class III when put on a different vehicle or as you said when you install it on a 05 Tacoma it doesn't become Class III. The page you linked to shows Class III and Class IV hitches on the same page. Note this link http://www.reese-hitches.com/info/hitchselect_info.htm Note the tow vehicle at the bottom of the chart. They list a Class III rating and a Class IV rating for the same vehicle. Your comment about the vehicle changing the rating of an installed hitch doesn't hold water unless like I mentioned before your vehicle is rated to tow less than your hitch is rated at then of course you'll be limited by the vehicle. According to the Reese web site they do not currently make a true Class IV hitch for the 05 Tacoma. The best hitch they make is a III/IV which is only rated for 5500# when using a WDH setup. 5000# for standard ball mount. You sell me one of these and I load my 5800# trailer on it and it fails then what are you going to say?
Take a look at Draw-tite. They have a hitch that has weight carrying ability of 6000# but is labeled as a Class III hitch. Their next up 12,000# hitch is a Class IV. Once again I wouldn't put their 41 series Class III on my vehicle since it's still underrated for my tow rating. Besides their fit guide there states the 41 series and the 419 series are not available for the 05 Tacoma so once again you're stuck with the 75 series that's rated for only 5000#. Granted the Draw-Tite one has an 8000# ability when using a WDH.
Once again the OEM hitch on the 05 Tacoma is a Class IV hitch and does not require use of a WDH to achieve maximum rating. WDH is recomended though.
And yes I know Draw-Tite and Reese are the same company.. or at least have the same parent company so the hitches are very similar.
So if you're so sure about your ratings what model are you recomending and installing for your customers on their 05 Tacomas?? How are you mounting them? are you drilling holes... ? No thanks!
BTW I agree with the other poster that said "look at the numbers on the hitch" and don't necessairly go by class alone. There are differences in the ranges of models.
__________________
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Tacoma V6 Auto 4x4 Double Cab 128"
White
TRD Off-Road
TRD CAT Back Exhaust, Bed Mat, Husky Floor Mats, Wildcat Flash Nerf Bars, Prodigy Brake Controller, In Dash cell phone mount, Cargo Bars w/Thule Ski & Bike Attachments, Toyo Open Country A/T Tires (Stock Size)
ok, I do not have the factory towing package. I am looking to tow the largest uhaul trailer (filled up) when I move. Will I be able to do this with just a receiver hitch? I have a 4 door prerunner with a v6.
ok, I do not have the factory towing package. I am looking to tow the largest uhaul trailer (filled up) when I move. Will I be able to do this with just a receiver hitch? I have a 4 door prerunner with a v6.
Thanks in advance
Ball mount on the bumper is rated for I believe 2000# and 300# Tongue Weight.... I think. Look at your bumper though it's stamped right on it. You may not need a secondary hitch if you're only going to tow lite weight stuff. Without a tow package the 05 Tacoma is rated for 3500# overall.
__________________
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Tacoma V6 Auto 4x4 Double Cab 128"
White
TRD Off-Road
TRD CAT Back Exhaust, Bed Mat, Husky Floor Mats, Wildcat Flash Nerf Bars, Prodigy Brake Controller, In Dash cell phone mount, Cargo Bars w/Thule Ski & Bike Attachments, Toyo Open Country A/T Tires (Stock Size)
Ball mount on the bumper is rated for I believe 2000# and 300# Tongue Weight.... I think. Look at your bumper though it's stamped right on it. You may not need a secondary hitch if you're only going to tow lite weight stuff. Without a tow package the 05 Tacoma is rated for 3500# overall.
The bumper holds 3500# and 350# tongue weight, which probably won't be enough for a large u-haul filled up. I guess it all depends on how large the u-haul is, and how much weight is in it.
Yes that's because the 33 series is a class IV hitch. They do manufacture them in a similar manor but the way they connect to the vehicle can make a difference as well. I can use the highest strength material available but have mounting points that can't handle higher weights. Note the differences in design between the Class III and Class IV. It doesn't drop to a class III when put on a different vehicle or as you said when you install it on a 05 Tacoma it doesn't become Class III. The page you linked to shows Class III and Class IV hitches on the same page. Note this link http://www.reese-hitches.com/info/hitchselect_info.htm Note the tow vehicle at the bottom of the chart. They list a Class III rating and a Class IV rating for the same vehicle. Your comment about the vehicle changing the rating of an installed hitch doesn't hold water unless like I mentioned before your vehicle is rated to tow less than your hitch is rated at then of course you'll be limited by the vehicle. According to the Reese web site they do not currently make a true Class IV hitch for the 05 Tacoma. The best hitch they make is a III/IV which is only rated for 5500# when using a WDH setup. 5000# for standard ball mount. You sell me one of these and I load my 5800# trailer on it and it fails then what are you going to say?
Take a look at Draw-tite. They have a hitch that has weight carrying ability of 6000# but is labeled as a Class III hitch. Their next up 12,000# hitch is a Class IV. Once again I wouldn't put their 41 series Class III on my vehicle since it's still underrated for my tow rating. Besides their fit guide there states the 41 series and the 419 series are not available for the 05 Tacoma so once again you're stuck with the 75 series that's rated for only 5000#. Granted the Draw-Tite one has an 8000# ability when using a WDH.
Once again the OEM hitch on the 05 Tacoma is a Class IV hitch and does not require use of a WDH to achieve maximum rating. WDH is recomended though.
And yes I know Draw-Tite and Reese are the same company.. or at least have the same parent company so the hitches are very similar.
So if you're so sure about your ratings what model are you recomending and installing for your customers on their 05 Tacomas?? How are you mounting them? are you drilling holes... ? No thanks!
BTW I agree with the other poster that said "look at the numbers on the hitch" and don't necessairly go by class alone. There are differences in the ranges of models.
I'm just about done arguing with you about this because you obviously know it all.
I don't know why you can't understand that manufacturers use the same strength materials to build a hitch for a Tacoma as they do for a 3/4 ton truck in order for simplicity on the production line. Thats why when you look in the application book truck hitches are all listed as class III/IV with individual ratings for the different truck models.
The way they bolt to the truck frame is irrelevant since most all aftermarket manufacturers use the factory supplied mounting holes anyways. I'm not talking about installing the exact same hitch that fits Ford super duty on a Taco. My point is even if you hook up your Taco to a 10,000lb trailer with only a 'class III' hitch installed the hitch will not be the part that causes the failure. The axles, suspension, and/or the frame will break long before the hitch itself comes apart.
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