I recently bought a 2002 SE 4Runner and it came with a trailer hitch. I had some rear bumper work done and after removing it, I'm going to leave it off until I get the funds to buy a custom rear bumper.

I want to sell it just to be done with it, but also it has crossed my mind to maybe have someone sandblast it and then powder coat it and keep it. I don't pull anything, so selling it is appealing right now.

What would you do?



PICS:
trailer hitch 1
trailer hitch 2

 

Personally I would leave it on until I was doing the new rear bumper. With the proper cleavis mount it makes an ideal recovery point if you do any off roading...

 

I took mine off too. It's good for about 40lbs in weight savings for something I don't even use. I kept mine though. You never know when you might need to put it back on and tow something.

My vote is to not sell it until you get a rear bumper that can do the trick.

Besides, these are only good for $60 or so...

 

Keep it.

 

Sweet, thanks for the feedback. Gonna keep it for now

 

also think of it as a good rear frame saver in a wreck

 

It always seems that when you get rid of something thats when you need it. Plus I agree with Neilconcept, if someone hits you from behind there's a chance they'll go right underneath it and not smack your bumper.

 

I agree with frodin & neli.

 

Well, I'm in that mode of saving weight and trying to shed some rust since it was an East coast vehicle. I think I might clean it up and put it back on. The reason I have this 2002 is because some knuckle-head rear ended me in my 89 and that custom bumper with hitch pushed them underneath my truck. It definitely took the brunt of the hit!

Thanks again guys!

 

I took mine off because I don't like the way it sits low and sticks out under the bumber. It looks cleaner with out it. However I did keep it as I use it from time to time to tow with. I just bolt it up, tow, and take it back off.

 

I keep mine as a spare tire/bumper protector off-road. I'll scrape the bottom of the hitch before I tear the spare or beat the bumper, so I like it.