Comparing Trailer Hitch Receivers for 1999 Toyota 4Runner

Updated 04/11/2018 | Published 04/10/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(36)

$265.42

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(85)

$51.61

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(42)

$243.34

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(76)

$235.07

Channel Style Adjustable Ballmount - 2" & 2-5/16" Balls - 14,000 lbs

(582)

$227.17

Question:

Im seeing mixed reviews between the DrawTite and the Curt hitches available for a 1999 Toyota 4Runner. It sounds like the DrawTite mounts using existing frame holes while the Curt mounts farther back with an extender plate or adapter. Ive also seen some say that the DrawTite sticks out farther than the Curt due to a longer receiver tube. - If the Curt mounts farther to the rear of the frame , beyond the end of the frame rail with the adapter brackets, how much farther back does it mount and will this cause more rear sag of the vehicle when towing since the weight load is farther to the rear? - How much longer is the receiver tube on the DrawTite compared to the Curt and how far will the receiver tube on the DrawTite extend beyond the rear of the vehicle? - Of the 2 Curt hitches available for this vehicle, what is the difference between the two other than one being round and one being square?

asked by: Matt L

Expert Reply:

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # 13157 is my recommendation for you. I've attached a video to assist with the comparison of the 3 hitches confirmed to fit your 4Runner to assist. This Curt hitch will give you the same look as the Draw-Tite hitch # 75091, but will give you more towing capacity when using weight distribution. The only difference between the Curt # 13157 and # C13087 is the look and the chain mount location. They have both the boxy and the rounded for visual appeal.

I've attached the installation details for each hitch to show you how the Curt hitches utilize one more mounting hole with that adapter plate to help create the more rigid mount for the higher weight capacity. The Draw-Tite instructions show the hitch extending just past the fascia, but the Curt hitches do not reference this. As you stated a customer compared them and said the Draw-Tite hitch extends slightly further than the Curt.

With any of these hitches, I recommend the # 118341 wiring harness and the # C45900 ball mount. I've attached videos of each to assist.