Recommended Trailer Hitch For 2002 Toyota Tacoma For Towing

Updated 09/01/2022 | Published 08/31/2022

Products Featured in This Question

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

(2626)

$11.10

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

(468)

$56.40

Mounting Bracket 4-Pole Flat

(6160)

$10.56

Curt Channel Style Adjustable Ballmount - 5-1/4" Rise, 6-3/4" Drop - 6,000 lbs

(583)

$108.64

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(75)

$212.94

Question:

I have a 2002 single cab, 2x4 Toyota Tacoma pickup. I want to pull my Sportsrig Microtrailer with it. The trailer weighs 168 pounds and requires a 1-7/8 inch ball. I will be towing two kayaks each weighing about 60lbs. I had a Class I hitch from Etrailer with a 1-7/8 inch ball that I used with my 2003 Rav4. What set-up combination would you recommend for this purpose?

asked by: Hugh T

Expert Reply:

We can get your 2002 Toyota Tacoma set up with a hitch and the other parts needed for towing your trailer, and let's start with the best option for a trailer hitch that fits your truck:

- etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e64AR

This hitch has a 5,000 lb towing/500 lb tongue weight so it's more than enough for your trailer, and I like it the most due to its matte black finish, which looks nicer than the glossier finishes of other hitches and also does a better job of hiding the inevitable scuffs and scratches that occur. Along with the # e64AR, here is what else you'll need to complete your towing set up:

- T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118379
- Mounting Bracket 4-Pole Flat # 18144
- Curt Channel Style Adjustable Ball Mount # C45901
- 1-7/8" Hitch Ball # 19260

The wiring harness gives you the 4-way to connect your trailer's lights, and the ball mount is adjustable and will give you a maximum of 5-1/4 inches of rise or 6-3/4 inches of drop. The 1-7/8 hitch ball has a 1 inch diameter shank, so if your current 1-7/8 hitch ball has that diameter shank you can reuse that one; if it's a different diameter you'd need this ball.