Hitch receiver safety chain connectors too high.

[Goalie3Nine]

This new hitch receiver is driving me nuts, trying to setup to tow my travel trailer (about 4000lb).

2026 4Runner SR5 (non-hybrid), previously towed many miles with my 2015 SR5

Problem #1) the safety chain connection loops are too high, directly behind the hitch pin. When chains are connected, they are really close to hitch pin, so when turning, the chains make contact with the pin. Worried about unnecessary stress on the pin. The Tacoma is different and has the holes lower on the receiver as it should be.

Problem #2) my old locking hitch pin too short -- solved by buying new extra long hitch pin

Problem #3) extra big metal square surrounding the 2" hole makes the receiver incompatible with anti-rattle devices -- still looking for solution.

Everything about this receiver seems non-standard.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Sponsored

 

[Vincenzo]

I don’t like it either.

 

[RunnerRocks]

...
Problem #2) my old locking hitch pin too short -- solved by buying new extra long hitch pin
...

Not sure about an SR5, but our ORP came with an OEM extended non-locking hitch pin. It was in the glovebox.

 

[LLL1990]

Problem #1) the safety chain connection loops are too high, directly behind the hitch pin.

Reminds me of my old F-150, chain connections were behind the hitch receiver and pin facing forward. Very difficult to for the chains to reach and hard to loop them in there since you were reaching under the bumper to reach it. They have to go past the ball, receiver and pin to reach the chain holes. Hate that design. The best are the ones right on side of the receiver flat down and parallel to the ground.

 

[brumey]

Agreed on issues but a couple of comments.
1) Would longer safety chains help or mitigate the location issue?

2) I am using a Rhino Hitch anti-wobble device. It seems to work. It has a raised lip. My guess is its less effective because the contact is limited but, it has worked for me so far.

 

[Lamuncha]

There was a few things in the glove box including extended pin. But even with it the clearances are really tight.
Hey how about when your on your hands and knees (which is necessary because of the location of the trailer wiring jack) and you trip that absolutely useless auto close/open hatch switch.
Try to boogie out from under there in a hurry.

Curt has a lever type rattle device that works on the 4runner hitch.

 

[RunnerRocks]

Hey how about when your on your hands and knees (which is necessary because of the location of the trailer wiring jack) and you trip that absolutely useless auto close/open hatch switch.
Try to boogie out from under there in a hurry.

One of the first things I disabled, the foot kick sensor.

 

[bakutheleo]

Yes, longer hitch pin is needed, but as others have said my ORP came with one. I had not noticed any particular problem with the chains when I used it--as another suggested, perhaps your chains are not long enough. I did have to "extend" mine--they had worked on other vehicles but not this one. If they hang normally there should be no "stress" on the pin as they should never be under any tension--that is, until they are doing their job if the trailer becomes unhitched.

Sponsored