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Your Toyota is a versatile vehicle that does more than get you from Point A to Point B. Naturally when you’re hauling extra gear, you need the proper equipment.
Whether towing a small utility trailer or a massive camper, a trailer hitch is an indispensable part of your towing setup. This guide introduces some basics to help you select a Toyota trailer hitch that best meets your needs.
A Fast Guide to Hitch Classes
Every passenger vehicle has a unique trailer hitch configuration. Automobile manufacturers incorporate a specific hitch design based on the vehicle’s type and maximum towing capacity. While there are five classes of trailer hitches, only four are commonly used for most passenger vehicles.
- Class 1: Cars and crossovers with a 1.25-inch receiver towing up to 2,000 pounds
- Class 2: Cars, crossovers, and minivans with a 1.25-inch receiver towing up to 3,500 pounds
- Class 3: Crossovers, vans, SUVs, and trucks with a 2.0-inch receiver towing up to 8.000 pounds
- Class 4: SUVs and trucks with a 2.0-inch receiver towing up to 10,000 pounds
Let’s look at how this works with a popular Toyota vehicle, the 4Runner. Most 4Runner models have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and have a 2.0-inch receiver. If you’re towing with one of these, you’ll need a Class 3 Toyota 4Runner trailer hitch.
Popular Toyota Hitch Classes
Toyota boasts an extensive lineup of vehicles in every class from compacts to large trucks. The popular Corolla in its standard, hatchback, and hybrid editions, along with the GR Supra, can tow between 1,300 and 1,500 pounds. Those models have a 1.25-inch receiver, thus requiring a Class 1 hitch.
As for Class 2 hitches, those are appropriate for the same size receivers and towing up to 3,500 pounds. The RAV4 can usually use a Class 1. However, the 1.25-inch receiver on the RAV4 is key. This model could upgrade to a Class 2 hitch if needed, but you can check your owner’s manual to confirm specific recommendations.
Many Toyota large SUV models use Class 3 hitches. A 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser trailer hitch would be a Class 3, as well as those for the Highlander, Land Cruiser, and Sequoia. While the Toyota Tacoma truck uses a Class 3 hitch due to its average 5,000 towing capacity, beefier Tundra models capable of towing 12,000 pounds require Class 4 hitches.
Buying Your Toyota Towing Hitch
Toyota trailer hitches are available from several top-rated brands. CURT is among the most popular, offering a large selection of durable high-performance hitches rated between 4.5 and 5.0. DRAW-TITE is another leading manufacturer, offering superior-quality hitches in every class.
Whether you need something simple, like a Toyota trailer hitch, or a major replacement, such as an engine component, you must choose a reputable auto parts retailer. It’s no different when shopping for your Toyota trailer hitch.
Retailers like AutoZone provide exactly what you need, offering an extensive inventory, exceptional customer service, and convenient ways to get your gear — local store pickup and direct shipping.
