I have the OEM hitch on my 2010 FJ and pulled my first trailer this weekend with the FJ.
First question:
Is the OEM hitch considered a CLASS III?
Second Question:
What is the OETM Hitch Tongue Weight?
The Etrailer hitch that sits lower and is bolted to both frame rails has a tongue weight of 500lbs and 600lbs when using weight distribution.
Curt Trailer Hitch for Toyota FJ Cruiser 2011 - 13367
OEM Hitch Impressions
I like the idea of it being high clearance, what I do not like is that the sleeve that makes up the receiver (2x2 opening) is very shallow.
After installing a 2inch drop hitch into the receiver, I noticed that I could grab the ball end and move it up and down about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. This vertical play makes a very load "clunk" every time bumps were encountered. Very annoying.
I'm thinking of maybe welding a deeper 2x2 opening to the back of the OEM hitch, and if needed, a second pin to prevent any vertical movement.
I looked at Etrailer (there is a fantastic install thread on here), but it too looks like it has a shallow 2x2 opening. However, a person could use it as parts (The 2 brackets that bolt to the frame in particular), and add (weld) brackets from the frame brackets to both sides of the deeper 2x2 opening tubing. This would not only help support the rear of the deeper 2x2 opening tubing, but the deeper tubing would allow a second pin (if needed) and sill allow the whole assembly to be unbolted as one piece.
Does anybody have any other ideas or advice on a aftermarket hitch that would not have so much vertical play?
First question:
Is the OEM hitch considered a CLASS III?
Second Question:
What is the OETM Hitch Tongue Weight?
The Etrailer hitch that sits lower and is bolted to both frame rails has a tongue weight of 500lbs and 600lbs when using weight distribution.
Curt Trailer Hitch for Toyota FJ Cruiser 2011 - 13367
OEM Hitch Impressions
I like the idea of it being high clearance, what I do not like is that the sleeve that makes up the receiver (2x2 opening) is very shallow.
After installing a 2inch drop hitch into the receiver, I noticed that I could grab the ball end and move it up and down about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. This vertical play makes a very load "clunk" every time bumps were encountered. Very annoying.
I'm thinking of maybe welding a deeper 2x2 opening to the back of the OEM hitch, and if needed, a second pin to prevent any vertical movement.
I looked at Etrailer (there is a fantastic install thread on here), but it too looks like it has a shallow 2x2 opening. However, a person could use it as parts (The 2 brackets that bolt to the frame in particular), and add (weld) brackets from the frame brackets to both sides of the deeper 2x2 opening tubing. This would not only help support the rear of the deeper 2x2 opening tubing, but the deeper tubing would allow a second pin (if needed) and sill allow the whole assembly to be unbolted as one piece.
Does anybody have any other ideas or advice on a aftermarket hitch that would not have so much vertical play?