Prado Trailer Hitch

[canadam]

I'm looking for the availability on a Hidden Hitch type frame mounted receiver hitch for the Prado.

Is anyone aware of one available ? I'd imagine the same piece from another 70 series would likely fit. Wouldn't that be great if something from a 4Runner/Surf actually fit ? I'm going to look into this.

Example:

 

[light_duty]

Canadam:

I think we Prado owners are largely in uncharted waters, since these things are only starting to appear in Canada. It would be great if you'd post your findings for the benefit of all.

Cheers,
Robin

 

[crushers]

it depends what exactly you are interested in towing, i would not recommend more than 1000 lbs (but that is just me) and for that a pinto/ball hitch combo will work just fine, easy install.
cheers

 

[canadam]

I'm going to measure up the mounts on a 4Runner/LN Pickup and see if they might work with the Prado frame on Thurs.

 

[roscoFJ73]

it depends what exactly you are interested in towing, i would not recommend more than 1000 lbs (but that is just me) and for that a pinto/ball hitch combo will work just fine, easy install.
cheers

I tend to agree but one of the advantages is that they are strong enough for recoveries.
Hayman Reese make a hitch like the one in Canadam's pic and the 4x4 shops here sell a replacement tounge with a rated hook attached.

 

[canadam]

I think the Reese hitches are the most common around here.

 

[canadam]

I finally got to crawling under the truck with a light today. I can't see how a hitch would mount to this frame in the same way I've done it in the past. I'm going to have to hold one up to it and see if its possible to drill some mounting points.

Perhaps I can right something up where the rear tow loop is also ?

 

[crushers]

Perhaps I can right something up where the rear tow loop is also ?

the pinto / ball combo bolts right into the existing holes...

 

[canadam]

Ah... thanks Wayne, I didn't know what you meant like that earlier. Can you show me a picture?

 

[crushers]

ill see if ican find one bu tin the meantime you remove the rear step between the 2 chrome bumperettes and unbolt the loop that is mounted to the frame rear crossmember. go buy a ball/pinto from Princess auto (or someplace similar and bolt it on. done/
cheers

 

[mjohn7]

The "Pintle Hitch" will bolt on where the "Tow Loop:" was (four bolts).
As Wayne said thety are sold at Princess Auto, and are avalable with a ball option.
The Pintle hitch is an industrail / miltray style hitch, instead of a ball they use a simple loop. You will see them on gravel trucks.

Im sure a hitch shop could find a frame mounted hitch which would be stonger. (I think the tow loop is rated at 450 kg max)

 

[Stone]

I tend to agree but one of the advantages is that they are strong enough for recoveries.

They also can act like a big shovel hanging out of your back end. Wheeled with an 80 that had a 2" receiver hitch on the back and he got stuck on an incline because he couldn't climb it, and when he tried to back out the hitch buried itself and now wouldn't let him back up either. It was a great "recovery" point for Greg's winch to pull him out, but he wouldn't have needed it if he didn't have the hitch to bury itself in the first place.

I was thinking of getting a hitch on my 74, but decided I'm going to stay with my pintle/ball combo that I have on there already. No loss in clearance, and I don't doubt its strength being mounted directly to the frame cross member.

 

[crushers]

and the frame is doubled through that area for added strength...