I have a 2" hitch on my '91 sr5, which I assumed came from Toyota. I have heard that both class 2 and 3 hitches use a 2" receiver. My question is, how can you tell if it is a class 2 or 3? Is there more bracing with the 3?

I am looking into those dirtbike mounts that fit into the hitch, but they are only rated for class 3's.

Thanks for any info.

 

I believe most class 2 hitches have 1 1/4" opening, at least mine does, but the best way to tell is to read the label on the hitch. The 3.0L 4Runners are only certfied to tow upto 3500 lbs, which would make meet only class 2 capacity.

 

Class I is rated for 2,000 gtw / 200 tw (flat bar style)

Class II is rated for 3,500 gtw / 350 tw (1 1/4" normaly)

Class III is rated for 5,000 gtw / 500 tw (2" normaly)

Class IV is rated for 7,500 gtw / 750 tw (normaly 2", can be 2 1/2")
(12,000 / 1,250 with a weight distrubuting hitch)

Class V is rated for 12,000 gtw / 1,250 tw (normaly 2 1/2")
(14,000 / 1400 with a weight distrbuting hitch)

BTW.. gtw "Gross trailer weight" and tw is tounge weight.. should be about 75% of the real loaded trailer wieght at the axle

PS, over 2,000 you should have electric brakes and a friction bar.

Does this help ??

 

in short.. you have a class III (unlikely a IV, I don't think anyone makes one for a 4Runner)

 

So basically, you are saying it will not be possible to tow a 2800lb car on a trailer with my 3.0 5 speed 4Runner?

 

If yo have a class 3 hitch, they are made of 2" tubeing and have a 2" reciever for a 2" draw bar. And yes, with this, you can tow a car. I just towed an 86 caprice classic about a month ago for 20 miles with my 90. The 4 runner should be rated to 5000 lbs. Thats what I thought anyway. If it is only 3500, then.........oh well. It can still be done.

 

While the hitch may be rated to 5000, the tow vehicle must also be rated high enough for the load as things like frame strength and brakes are also important.

The owners manual lists the maximum tow rating. On 4Runners, trailer brakes are required for loads more than 1000lbs. If your 3.0 is rated to 3500 (ICBW, but I think so), then the only way to safely tow a 2800 lb car is with a tire dolly type trailer which only picks up one axle, and you still have to figure out brakes.

 

The actual hitch rating should be marked on the hitch - stamped into the steel so you can still read it after repainting. You've probably got a Class III. What the truck can handle should be listed in the owner's manual. If you don't have one, call Toyota Customer Assistance (sorry, don't have the number memorized). There will be a significant difference in towing capacity between the 5-spd manual and 4-spd automatic transmissions, but you shouldn't have any trouble with a motorcycle carrier (unless your rear suspension is shot!).