Tow Hitch (ball).... OEM or is there a better solution?

For my 2024 ORP, can someone recommend a good tow hitch (hitch and hitch and ball combo)? I'm looking at OEM "PT228-89445" and I see that it doesn't include the ball (I'm assuming I buy this aftermarket). I also found a reddit post from someone who had the same OEM Tow Hitch and it had a considerable amount of play: https://www.reddit.com/r/4Runner/comments/u1e93n/is_this_amount_of_play_normal_for_a_factory_hitch/

I'm looking to rent a trailer through Uhaul from time to time (moving compost/soil, landscaping and equipment) and want something durable that will last. Who know, maybe I'll pull a small pop-up camper some day.

My hitch also doesn't have any rust on it. I did hit it with some woolwax in November. Anything else I can do to prevent rusting or is this bound to happen and touch-up paint the only way to go?

I appreciate any info. I've used a tow-hitch bike rack in the past, but this will be my first experience with a trailer. I don't want any dirty stuff inside of the 4runner and prefer to use a trailer since I don't have a truck. I would rather buy the hitch and get what I want so I'm ready to go once I head to Uhual. I know they sell one there for around $30.

Thanks!

 

For what you're doing, the U-Haul one will be fine.

 

I've never seen one of these that didn't have a bit of play. I actually bought a device to use when I had a trailer that snugs up that ball mount where it doesn't move at all. Most 2" receivers and mounts are pretty much the same size.

This is similar to what I got:

$16 AUTMATCH Hitch Tightener Anti-Rattle Clamp, Heavy Duty Hitch Stabilizer for 1.25" and 2" Trailer Hitches, Rubber Isolator and Anti-Rust Double Coating Protective, Black & Red

https://www.amazon.com/AUTMATCH-Tig...1-1-5190daf0-67e3-427c-bea6-c72c1df98776&th=1

 

My hitch wiggles a little bit, but not near as much play as the one in the video you posted:

$34 Towever 84181 Towever Class 3/4 Trailer Hitch 2" Ball Hitch with Hook (Black, Hollow Shank), for Pickup Truck Tow Hitch Receiver

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DDOQ954?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

 

Harbor Freight, Tractor Supply, Lowes/Home Depot has the assorted drop/rise hitches and the U-bolts to snug them up for a quieter connection.
Personally I do not shop at U-Haul.

 

There are lots of sizes in drop, level or rise of the hitch.
Try to get one that matches the trailer so it runs as close to level as possible.
Since the trailer will be U-Haul buying it there will help choosing the right one.

 

I have a rhino adjustable hitch and almost 0 play. Barely enough room to slide it in without it getting stuck.

 

I'd just grab one from a store that sells truck accessories. I would think you'd want a bit more of a drop than that OEM one. I believe I ran a 3 or 3.5" drop when I was stock. Lifted, I am running a ~5" drop.

 

The problem with these is that the ball ends up too high because there is no offset.

 

I have an American made B&W hitch that has a 4” drop which will suit my needs. This hitch is 100% solid and not hollow in the middle like so many others. A cheaper one would work well though for occasional use

I put fluid film on my receiver, inside of it and on the B&W hitch ball to make it slide easier as well as prevent rust.

Also I like the way this sticks out just a bit more from the bumper.

It is heavy duty but I take towing and safety seriously.

I don’t have any rust and think you’re on same page using wool wax. I am going to cover the area where the safety chains attach also to prevent scratches and rust. It only takes an extra minute so why not.

I know some will say I am OCD and I probably am but I just like keeping things nice and we all paid a lot for our vehicles

 

I ended up buying the hitch from U-Haul (was in a rush to get to Garden Center before closing time).

Put 1 cubic yard of compost down on most of the yard. I never pulled a trailer before, but great experience. I will rent one anytime I need to move something dirty or bulky.

 

I have a nice draw-tight that has a slight drop and a bit of length. It give me more distance from my ORP to the boat when launching it. I also have one with any drop. Depends on what type of trailer you are pulling.

 

Whaler that was my thought with mine get some distance too for the boat ramp (avoid the slippy ramp more so when winching up a boat) and just more space in general when opening hatch if you want to load stuff in the back

 

I keep my 2" drop hitch on at all times as a damage multiplier for idiots. It's amazing how much radiator penetration and grille damage they can do with almost no damage to my rig. Yes, it's happened. The Honda Accord was totaled. All because of an idiot smoking a cigarette and messing with his phone.

 

I found a very useful hitch from "Offer up" for $15. It turned out to be doubly useful, as I attached a DIY bike rack to it for my beach cruiser semi -recumbant and dual suspension Mt. bike.
It came with 2 L-ball brackets , so I have mounted ball on one and bike wheel frame on the other. The upright fork is left over parts from my first bumper step hitch bike carrier 40 years ago. The U-bolts are my DIY anti-rattle.

 

Rust is pretty expected with use but you can tackle it as you see fit.

I know you already got the gear but as long as the components meet the specs you need I wouldn’t worry about the specifics.

 

I had a simple U haul hitch on a Ford Aerostar many years ago. Got rear ended when I stopped behind a bus. A fool was not paying attention and the impact on the hitch destroyed his mid-size sedan front end. Actually totaled my Aerostar too as the leverage of the hitch & receiver bent my frame down. He was towed away. I drove away okay, but insurance said replace.
If you like your truck, I suggest removing the hitch around town.