Trailer Hitch-Ball Mount-Ball and Safety Chain for Towing a Camper Trailer w/ a 2001 Tacoma

Updated 01/11/2012 | Published 01/09/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Laclede 48" Long Trailer Safety Chain w/ 3/8" Hooks - 1,000 lbs Weight Capacity - Qty 1

(335)

$11.87

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

(467)

$57.01

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

(429)

$216.75

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(2621)

$11.37

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

(1358)

$12.62

Laclede Chain 3/8" Quick Link - 1/2" Opening - 2,200 lbs Working Load Limit - Qty 1

(32)

$7.93

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2763)

$160.35

Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 10-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs

(3841)

$25.47

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3399)

$104.73

Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-1/4" Span

(895)

$13.90

Question:

I have a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. I need to replace the safety chain for my just purchased pre-owned camper . But the clevis slip hook does not fit the opening on the chassis where the tow/safety chain was supposed to be hooked. Do I need a S hook instead? I will be purchasing from you a receiver and ball mount. What kind should I order?

asked by: Ted

Expert Reply:

The replacement safety chain you will need depends on the weight of your camper trailer. The 48 inch long safety chain, # 2114-553-04, would be a good choice as long as the loaded gross weight of your trailer does not exceed 6,000 lbs. and you use the safety chain as 2 chains. If the clevis style hooks will not work on your vehicle, that S-hooks on the safety chains mentioned should work well. If you are worried about the chains coming loose, you could use a quick link, # 6590-044-04, to attach the chains to your vehicle. Normally a trailer hitch will have safety chain loops for attaching S-Hooks or clevis hooks to the hitch.

The highest rated receiver hitch for your 2001 Toyota Tacoma is the Curt Class III trailer hitch, # 13013. This would be a good choice for your Tacoma and the 2 inch drop ball mount, # D-4, is the most often used ball mount for a stock height 2001 Tacoma. You will also need a pin and clip, # PC3, to secure the ball mount to your hitch. We have a ball mount article that explains how to measure for selection of the correct ball mount for your truck and trailer, see link.

You will also need a hitch ball that is compatible with your trailer coupler. Most likely you will need the 2 inch hitch ball, # 19247, but a 1-7/8 inch hitch ball # 19260 is also a possibility.

With all of the hitch related items you need to make sure that they are rated high enough to accommodate the gross weight of your trailer loaded and ready to tow.

Finally, if you need wiring for your Tacoma you can use the T-One wiring harness, # 118379, for 4-Way trailer wiring, and if you need a brake controller for electric trailer brakes on the camper you would need to add a brake controller and brake controller installation kit, ETBC7. I would recommend the P2 brake controller, # 90885, which is easy to use and gets great reviews from our customers.