Hitch Receiver Replacement

[Scotty2H]

Toyota seems to have gone to a novel hitch receiver on the 4Runner. Changes include thicker receiver walls and a pin hole around 1” from rear of the receiver. As a result some hitch accessories (bike racks, etc) don’t have sufficient insertion.

Wondering if anyone has replaced the hitch receiver? Or thoughts on drilling another hole deeper on the receiver? Will not be towing.

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[Scrappopatamus]

Trim the length on whatever is being inserted? I've had to do that with larger side by sides

 

[Nodak]

agree with above, easier to trim than to drill a new hole and to get both sides to line up exactly. i am guessing you dont have a drill bit that is long enough to go thru the other side and a way to keep that drill bit level during the whole process.

 

[Joestac]

Most bike racks have their locking mechanism at the end of the hitch insert, so trimming isn't possible. Luckily, my Thule fits just fine for my two bike rack. I know there was a Reddit post about drilling a new hole to accommodate a Yakima rack that didn't fit but I'm not sure if they ever did it.

 

[kekecarioca]

1 up bike rack: You can secure at any insertion length.
Mine is 10 years old and lives on the hitch 95% of the time. Still works like a champ.

https://1up-usa.com/product/quik-rack

 

[zcmack]

longer hitch pin

 

[brumey]

Ditto on the one up. No hitch mods needed except longer locking pin.

 

[brumey]

If I understand the dilemma correctly, could you drill a new hole on the gizmo you are inserting? I think others above are suggesting this too.

I do however wish Toyota would have put a standard hitch on it.

 

[ScoMay]

1 up bike rack: You can secure at any insertion length…

https://1up-usa.com/product/quik-rack

It may depend upon which 1Up USA bike carrier you have. My Super Duty (single tray) had instructions that said to be sure that less than 3” of the hitch assembly protrudes from the receiver. (Optimal is 2-3/4” to the weld mark.)

And if you are carrying an e-bike you probably don’t want to cheat on that.

 

[Joestac]

Some are missing the issue.

Longer pin ain't gonna cut it. Some racks, like Thule have integrated locking pins. If the hitch insert can't go in far enough and still lock, you can put the required weight on the rack per specifications. Luckily for me, the 2 bike TR Pro XTR goes in just enough.

 

[Scotty2H]

Funnily enough, a Thule is exactly my problem! You have 1.25” depth for that? I need 1.5”.

 

[Joestac]

Funnily enough, a Thule is exactly my problem! You have 1.25” depth for that? I need 1.5”.

Yeah, 2 bikes only need 1.125".

 

[brumey]

It may depend upon which 1Up USA bike carrier you have. My Super Duty (single tray) had instructions that said to be sure that less than 3” of the hitch assembly protrudes from the receiver. (Optimal is 2-3/4” to the weld mark.)

And if you are carrying an e-bike you probably don’t want to cheat on that.

I will fit and measure my super duty now. I have two racks and two e-bikes plus some heavy duty chains.

I don’t remember that in the instructions but will check and call 1up if needed.

 

[brumey]

It may depend upon which 1Up USA bike carrier you have. My Super Duty (single tray) had instructions that said to be sure that less than 3” of the hitch assembly protrudes from the receiver. (Optimal is 2-3/4” to the weld mark.)

And if you are carrying an e-bike you probably don’t want to cheat on that.

I found this on google but I will check my fit this weekend. Seems like the important requirement would be how much of the insert is IN the hitch housing.


1up Super Duty racks require a minimum insertion depth of 2 inches into the receiver, measured from the end of the rack to the expansion ball, to ensure secure engagement of the anti-wobble mechanism.
Reddit +1

• Maximum Adjustability: The hitch bar features a slotted design, allowing for roughly 3 inches of adjustable depth for clearance.
• Fitment Notes: The silver expansion ball should not stick out in front of the receiver.
• Safety: Ensure the black bar fully engages in the slots and the security bolt is tightened firmly with the provided gold wrench.

please post the 1up doc your reading. Thank You.

 

[brumey]

I called 1up, Great support, answered with a real person who was very knowledgeable.

He said the hitch rules are:
1) The total length of the 1up hitch insert is 7.4”
2) They state that at least 4.3 inches must be inside the hitch.
3) make sure its not too far in because of the locking ball. On short hitches, which the 4R is, make sure the ball is inside and not on the back edge of the hitch.

I measured the Toyota 4R hitch and its only 5” long. By comparison, my truck hitch is 7” long.

I will be test fitting this weekend or maybe today and I will report back.

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