Which Class III Trailer Hitch Receiver for 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser

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Question:

I have recently purchased a 2008 FJ Cruiser primarily to tow an e1 evolution trailer. I was going to buy the Hidden Hitch Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2 - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser and have some questions. 1 Given this hitch sits so far back on the cruiser do I need to be worried that once the trailer is attached that there will not be enough room between the hitch receiver and the hitch for turning, etc or should I be looking for a hitch receiver that protrudes a bit further out to create a bit more space between the vehicle and the trailer? 2 Regarding your video which is really good, given I will be towing a 3500lb trailer should I air on the side of caution and get it welded on? 3 And lastly regarding the wiring harness as pictured in the video, do I just plug in the cord that hangs off the trailer into it to get indicator, brake lights etc working or is there more to it than that? Appreciate your time!

asked by: Derek S

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

We offer two different trailer hitch receivers for your 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser (so long as it does not have the auxiliary fuel tank option), the Draw-Tite # 75461 and the Curt # 13367. Both offer the same 2-inch receiver opening, 500-lb tongue weight rating and 5000-lb tow rating. Both install without drilling or welding required. I have included a link to the hitch page for your FJ Cruiser where you can see these products. Installation videos are included.

It is not advisable to weld any of these hitch receivers to your FJ Cruiser. They are designed specifically for your vehicle and use the existing weld nuts for bolt-on mounting to the frame rails. Each will meet its specifications with installation performed using the supplied hardware. Welding on a hitch not intended for installation in this manner would likely void the warranty and is not recommended, nor is it necessary.

All three hitch receivers will extend out from the rear of the FJ Cruiser the same distance; each one when installed has the hitch pin hole 9 inches forward of the back of the spare tire.

If your particular trailer gives you concerns about clearance you can select an extra-long adjustable ball mount, or you could instead select an extra long fixed-type ball mount, such as Curt # C45270. You will also need a pin and clip to secure the ball mount, part # PC3. It is important to select a ball mount that allows your trailer frame to be level when hitched to your FJ Cruiser. I have linked an article that may be helpful to you when making your selection.

You will also need a hitch ball of the correct size to match the coupler on your trailer (either 1-7/8-inch or 2-inch) - this will be indicated in your owners manual and stamped on the coupler itself). For a 2-inch ball you can use part # 63845; for a 1-7/8-inch ball you can use part # 19260.

Wiring harness # 118405 connects without cutting or splicing wires to the tail light wiring in your vehicle to provide turn, tail and brake light signals for your trailer via the flat-4-pole connector. This plugs into the mating connector on your trailer. An installation video is included but please note the vehicle shown in the video is a different make/model; this is provided just for an example.

If your trailer is equipped with electric brakes you will also need a trailer brake controller if you do not already have one. (If the trailer has a 4-wire flat connector then it does not have brakes.) A popular choice is the Tekonsha P2, part # 90885.

expert reply by: Adam R

1

Answer 1

In terms of speed rating the Goodyear Endurance ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire is certainly superior to the Kenda Karrier #AM10235, as it features an 87 mph maximum speed (compared to 81 mph on the Kenda). Based on your question, where it seems like…

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Answer 2

The Kenda Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire #AM10235 (Load Range D) and the Kenda Karrier ST215/75R14 #AM10229 (Load Range C) that you referenced are simply different tire sizes. The ST215/75R14 tire size is larger in diameter/height by just…

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Answer 3

The best ST205/75R14 tire we have on offer will be the Westlake ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D #274-000012. This is rated up to 2,040 pounds at 65 psi and has an L speed rating, or 75 miles per hour. It also has a 5-Year warranty that…

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Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 5

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 6

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 7

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 8

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 9

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 10

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

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Answer 11

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 12

To replace your NOK AD2527E seal you can use #168233. It has an inner diameter of 1.688 inches and an outer diameter of 2.332 inches. Based on what I could find on the NOK AD2527E the inner diameter is the same and the outer diameter is 2.328 inches.…

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Which Class III Trailer Hitch Receiver for 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser

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