Ok, i am curious, i just got approved by my bank for a loan and i am ready to buy a 4runner. One thing i need to know though, is when i get it, it its not already set up for towing what all do i need? What is part of the 4runner towing package? Do i just need to buy a hitch? Anything else really important?

Thanks a bunch

 

the towing package is a hitch and the trailer wiring harness

 

so what all would i have to buy? and do you know anyplace i could buy it for a 3rd gen 4runner?

Thanks

 

we've gotten them installed on several vehicles at UHaul and it works perfectly fine. some trailer stores may be able to do it and i know an offroad shop would be able to do it. you have to buy the hitch and the harness.

 

AFAIK, all 3rd gen 4Runners came with a hitch receiver and flat-four lighting connector as standard equipment. All you should need is a ball mount and a ball. Be sure your ball mount has a drop that's appropriate for the trailer you're going to tow.

Toyota rates the V6 3rd gen 'Runners for towing up to 5,000 lbs. Toyota recommends you tow with the overdrive turned off, and I heartily second that advice. I owned a '98 Limited for 75,000 miles and extensively towed a 4,000 lb trailer with it. I had no additional oil or tranny cooler and never had a problem, save with the brakes.

3rd gen 'Runner brakes are marginal for just stopping the truck. If you're going to be towing anything over 1,000 lbs, make sure your trailer has brakes and they work. If it has electric brakes, you'll need to buy and wire up a brake controller. Surge brakes don't need a controller and can work well.

I added rear Air Lift bags to my '98 shortly after I got it. They were cheap, easy to install and did a great job of levelling the rig. I'd highly recommend them.

My '98 did a good job with my trailer and I still miss it. Good luck with yours.

 

i have seen plenty of 3rd gens with no rear hitch.
valley and hidden hitch carry quality hitches as well, or even a factory one that someome else took off and is selling.

 

Hitches were definitely NOT standard on 3rd gen runners.

And, I would avoid Valley hitches, unless you like rust within 3 months...(I put a Valley on my 93 pickup and it rusted within 3 months. Valley told me rust wasn't covered under warranty!!)

hupptoy

 

Curt hitches are pretty sweet, plus they have the tube style that doesn't sit near as low as the box style. Mine didn't come with one standard, and it's a 99 Limited. It was deff an option for some.
Brett

 

alright, well i pretty much only going to be towing a lightweight trailer with a quad on it. So that is under 1000 pounds.

Anyone know of a website i can order a hitch from?

 

Comments in red above.....

 

Toyota made it easy to add the wiring harness. Just pick one up at your dealer. One end has the standard 4 pole connector. The other end plugs into a harness just under the driver'd side of the rear bumper. There is a picture of it in your owners manual if you have trouble finding it.

 

The wiring harness is easy, but not quite as easy as hard-knox said (unless they changed something after 99...).
Most wiring harnesses do plug in, but usually behind each taillight and then to a converter and then out a hole to the rear bumper.

hupptoy

 

I would go to your local wrecking yard to find a hitch. You can find stock hitches for pretty darn cheap, along with the plug harness.

 

well... looks like a lucked out. The 4runner i got has the hitch, i just need the ball.... the (receiver i think is what it is called) is there.

Thanks for all the help.... If i tow any heavy loads i will have to look into a transmition cooler

 

I have a OEM hitch and harness for a 3rd gen, if someone is interested.

 

I have a 96 with a factory tow hitch. I was wondering if the newer ones like the 2000s and higher are lighter and more hidden. My hitch is rusting also, does anyone know if the new ones will fit or slight modifications? I would like an OEM 2000 or higher if possible. Thanks!

 

They should fit, but I doubt that they would be lighter or more hidden, although they will probably have less rust...

Your best bet would be to sand and paint your existing hitch or buy one of the round tube hitches as they are a little less visible.

hupptoy

 

The hitches won't be much different from what you currently have except maybe less rust. Just take your hitch to someone and have it sand blasted and then shoot it with about 5-6 coats of semi gloss black rust paint. I did the same thing to mine after it rusted a bit and now it looks like new. Very easy and cheap.