Different Tow Hitch Styles?

[Beardacus]

I'm currently shopping around for a 100 and have noticed 2 different types of tow hitches. Some hang right underneath the bumper, while some extend through a hole that is precut in the bumper.

Is there a difference in tow capacity between the two? Anything different besides looks?

 

[2000UZJ]

Different regions were equipped with different equipment. There are 3 types of hitches that fit, frame mounted (class III), integrated (class ?), and NATO Spec hitches (24,000lbs). I have the NATO setup and it's great.

 

[yotasavg]

How can one identify the NATO spec? Is it also a below the bumper design?

 

[2000UZJ]

How can one identify the NATO spec? Is it also a below the bumper design?

It bolts to the frame via four OEM bolt location. They are covered on the 100's. I drilled through the plastic bumper and mounted it.

 

[yotasavg]

It bolts to the frame via four OEM bolt location. They are covered on the 100's. I drilled through the plastic bumper and mounted it.

Ah thanks that. I'll do dome a'googlin.

 

[trizzo]

Different regions were equipped with different equipment. There are 3 types of hitches that fit, frame mounted (class III), integrated (class ?), and NATO Spec hitches (24,000lbs). I have the NATO setup and it's great.

can you post a pic of your NATO setup, would be interested in seeing it.

 

[2000UZJ]

can you post a pic of your NATO setup, would be interested in seeing it.

Here you go.

 

[yotasavg]

So is there no good way to use 2" accessories with the NATO setup? Like a bike rack?

 

[2000UZJ]

So is there no good way to use 2" accessories with the NATO setup? Like a bike rack?

No sir, no 2" accessories with this setup.

 

[yotasavg]

No sir, no 2" accessories with this setup.

Thanks for the confirmation, now I'm back to needing an aftermarket bumper lol.

 

[2000UZJ]

Thanks for the confirmation, now I'm back to needing an aftermarket bumper lol.

There is a integrated 2" receiver for the newer LX's. I think you have to modify the frame to accept it. Slee also sells a 2" hitch that bolts directly to the frame. I preferred the Pintle/ball combo, as it did not hang down past the frame.

 

[1loudLX]

On the later 100s, there's an opening in the rear crossmember and 4 bolt holes. You have to go to toyota/lexus and get the insert but it'll bolt straight into the frame and provide tow hook locations and a 2" square hole. Can use for bike racks, small trailers etc. Full tow capacity comes from the below bumper tow hitch that bolts on.

 

[E36 Phantom]

The NATO setup is cool, but what's the point?

The normal US setup is good for at least the rated towing capacity, and I really can't imagine towing anything heavier than 3ish tons with this thing anyway.

 

[2000UZJ]

I don't plan on towing anything over 3,000lbs. I don't want a hitch that hangs down, therefor the NATO is best for me. I plan on building a M101 Expo trailer soon. Pintle hitches offer a lot of flexibility while off roading, much more than a traditional ball hitch. I'm not sure what the frame is rated to, but IIRC it's around 5,000lbs.

 

[pete100]

That look awesome. I assume the bolt pattern matches exactly the one on the frame ? Where did you get the hitch - Is it a standard Toyota part (number) or ?

thanks

/Pete

Here you go.

 

[FlammableFishie]

That look awesome. I assume the bolt pattern matches exactly the one on the frame ? Where did you get the hitch - Is it a standard Toyota part (number) or ?

thanks

/Pete

Nato style hitch matches perfectly to what's on the back of the frame. You can get them used from eBay for like $80 IIRC. http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.Xnato+pintle+hitch&_nkw=nato+pintle+hitch&_sacat=0&_from=R40

 

[pete100]

I've seen these before on the 80 forum, but I'm pretty sure that the 4 bolt pattern was different on 100s and 80s, so I'm not sure which ebay items fit a 100. If you have the possibility could you measure bolt centre - bolt centre (both horizontally and vertically) and post them here ? I know I could do it myself, but if your bolt heads are exposed then it saves my removing my bumper to measure.

thanks

Nato style hitch matches perfectly to what's on the back of the frame. You can get them used from eBay for like $80 IIRC. http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.Xnato+pintle+hitch&_nkw=nato+pintle+hitch&_sacat=0&_from=R40

 

[hoser]

For the US, I believe the 80 series and the 98-02 100 series have the same bolt pattern for the NATO/Pintle Hook hitch style. The '03+ 100 has a different pattern.

 

[FlammableFishie]

Yeah and I don't have mine exposed at the moment, I know 2000UZJ does though! Also, the style hitch that he has is only rated to 24,000lbs but there is another style NATO hitch without the ball that is rated to 60,000lbs. Just in case anybody was thinking of towing 30 tons with their cruiser