The factory hitch is the best one, IMHO.

 

i agree , get the wiring toyota it comes with directions to install i did my own
its only plugging into harness and install 2 fuses, one under hood one under dash and a relay under dash

 

OK....here we go:

Mine came with the Reese hitch. It seems to be a fine hitch, but it hangs lower that the OEM hitch, and, it uses bolt-mounting holes in the frame that are needed for other accessories, such as tow hooks or rear bumbers. I found this out the hard way, and just ordered an OEM hitch that bolts to the center of the frame, so I can use the holes that the Reese hitch currently fills to mount a rear bumper guard.

However, note that if you do go the OEM route, you will need to make sure that you order the silver-center piece that has the notch in the center of it. One of the Forum Vendors has the OEM hitch plus bumper piece for $156:

Champion ToyotaWorld

Keep in mind that this does not include the wiring harness, but it sounds like you may already be prewired with it from the factory.

Here's another good thread with pictures and stuff:

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/misc-technical-discussion/65725-oem-hitch.html

If you need a good hitch on the cheap, "I'll make you such a deal on my reese". I'm taking it off this week...

 

Can I still attach the hitch hauler's anti-tilt plate to the stock receiver?

 

I'd go with the OEM

Here's a great write up if you want to do it yourself

GEORGIA FJ CRUISER - Accessories and Upgrades - Factory Tow Hitch Install

 

The OEM hitch is the way to go!!!!:rocker::cheers:

 

I'm ready to order the OEM kit, but I'm still concerned about the anti-tilt plate that I pictured above. Does the OEM unit extend beyond the bumper far enough for me to attach this? It keeps my dirt bike from wobbling around, which in turn reduces stress on the hitch. I have to travel on some pretty rough roads.

 

I'm ready to order the OEM kit, but I'm still woncerned about the anti-tilt plate that I pictured above. Does the OEM unit extend beyond the bumper far enough for me to attach this? It keeps my dirt bike from wobbling around, which in turn reduces stress on the hitch. I have to travel on some pretty rough roads.

Judging from your pics, likely not.

But it won't rust out in a year!

 

Ok, so given that the OEM kit probably won't work, who's next for build quality that you guys trust?

The people near me want to use a Curt receiver. It's the same company that I had on the Tacoma, but after only a dozen uses over two years it had rust at all the wear points. (chain holes, receiver interior)

I need to order it up shortly, so where do I turn?

Thanks again!

 

with factory hitch

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/general-discussion/842-hitch-mounted-dirt-bike-carrier.html

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/general-discussion/25122-dirt-bike-carrier-my-fj.html

Hey hey...here is a pic of my dirtbike on my FJ! I thought i'd post it for anyone considering hauling their bike this way. It works perfect and the spare tire does not get in the way.

The front tire cut-out/slot is a great feature. After the front tire slips down into the slot, I just gently lean the bike over onto the spare tire to attach my tie-downs. All in All about a 10-minute job attaching the hauler and loading the bike.

 

But will it work with the anti-tilt plate?

Say yes and it's ordered.

Nice KTM. I just got the 250xcf-w

 

Nice looking bike!!

 

:bigthumb: OK, time for my 2cents....Bought 08 w/Offroad & Convenience package, no hitch, roof rack etc. Put on aftermarket, with Toyota wiring harness (available separately from dealer) Hitch mounts to frame, Yes BUT.. it took about 20 minutes and didn’t require “ripping" off the bumper/cover etc.
If you want to tow and aren't adding "stuff" requiring those holes in frame, I'd do aftermarket (not sure what brand, my friend has a shop & ordered same one he put on his 07 FJ) Fast, simple (stronger?).

 

Who says you have to take the bumper cover off to put the OEM hitch on? I put the hitch on this week. It took me all of 10 minutes - drop a few screws, pop off the silver plate, line up the hitch (it slides under the bumper cover - covering the top two bolts, but for lining it up, keep it outside the bumper cover), using the lower holes to orient the hitch, mark the top two holes - on the bumper cover!

Now the fun part - using a 1" wood bit, drill two holes right through the bumper cover. No seriously, just drill through that pretty plastic cover. Don't get all "Ooh, it's a new truck..." on me - just drill.

Okay, it's not that bad. For starters, you can pop a couple of those little 1" plastic plugs in the bumper - they'll look like back up sensors.

I know it seems like a lazy way out. But it's not - there is a very practical reason I did this - the OEM hitch (hell, any hitch) hangs down pretty far. I don't want that anchor on the trail. So, now all I have to do is drop six bolts and the hitch is out of the way. The bumper cover would've made the the hitch more "permanent".

 

Who says you have to take the bumper cover off to put the OEM hitch on? I put the hitch on this week. It took me all of 10 minutes - drop a few screws, pop off the silver plate, line up the hitch (it slides under the bumper cover - covering the top two bolts, but for lining it up, keep it outside the bumper cover), using the lower holes to orient the hitch, mark the top two holes - on the bumper cover!

Now the fun part - using a 1" wood bit, drill two holes right through the bumper cover. No seriously, just drill through that pretty plastic cover. Don't get all "Ooh, it's a new truck..." on me - just drill. ...

:bigthumb: Thanks for the advice, Manhattan. I did not want to crawl underneath the FJ to add an aftermarket hitch or remove the entire bumper when installing the Toyota hitch so I used your method of drilling 2 one inch access holes in the plastic bumper cover.

Covering the holes afterwards using rubber plugs makes it looks professional and provides easy access in the event I want to remove the hitch receiver.

 

Well this is odd. The installation instructions for the Draw-Tite, Reese, and Hidden Hitch products are exactly the same. And the instruction sheet lists all three part numbers in the upper right corner.

Manhattan, thanks for the advice, but I won't be taking this off road. The most it will have to do is climb some 15-20 degree grades in the snow. Or I get to walk home, like I did with the Tacoma. (snowshoe really) So no drilling through the bumper of the "new truck"

Anyway I'm going to take my anti-tilt plate to a dealership tomorrow and see if it will fit. Otherwise I guess it will be the Curt. It's too bad that I can't find one that is better protected than the light powder coating. I've seen some that look like they're rhino-lined. Obviously the receiver interior isn't, but I wonder if that would hold up better and resist rust a little more.

 

I'm pretty sure the draw-tite, reese, hidden hitch, U-haul etc. are the same hitch, just re-branded and marketed through different channels.

 

Yup-And they ALL prematurely RUST. If you get one, "Permatex" & paint it yearly!

 

Do you guys think round tube is stronger than square? That's the only difference I can find. Valley and Curt are round, the others are square. They all bolt on to the bottom of the frame rail, none of them hang from the top.

At this point I'm hoping that my carrier plate fits and I can get the OEM one.

Any good sources for the Toyota converter kit? TRDSource doesn't have it on his site except with the hitch.

 

Here is the Hidden Hitch square tube version from etrailer.com. It tucks up behind the bumper and the receiver is the only part you see. I did a heavy paint job before the install...the actual install took about 15 minutes.