'04 Trailer Hitch Research Complete

[mrcareful]

My research on trailer hitches for the '04 is complete. As you may know, all the big hitch manufacturers (with the possible exception of Curt) are owned by the same Corporation, and their offerings are very similar in dimension and function (Curt, too). I was able to contact actual owners of all the major-brand trailer hitches via the 'net. Most supplied e-photos, all provided their best advice. Unfortunately, before I thought to share my newfound knowledge, I deleted those photos. Sorry! I also was able to view an unmounted Hidden Hitch at a local shop. My conclusions: All the available hitches (all Class III) hung far too low for comfort, and were overbuilt for my purposes (2000 lbs. maximum tow weight). Although it hurt me to do so, I've ordered an OEM Toyota Class II hitch for $170 plus $18 shipping from here: http://www.toyotapartsworld.com/toypartpage27.htm
I've been advised that Reese makes this hitch. If so, it should be as well-protected from corrosion as is possible. Although I hated paying about 70% more for a lesser hitch, I knew I'd be scraping daily otherwise.

[bbwi]

Hi MrCareful,
I have followed your comments in this forum in several threads. Thanks for the summary on research. Can you pass on any experience with using the hitch?

What is the clearence with no load? and with Load? what is the tung weight? Do you use a hitch mounted bike rack?

I am happy with the load range of the Class II and the 1 1/4" reciever. So I just want to confirm that with the better clearence that it actualy prevents scrapes.

What did you do for a wiring harness?

Thanks in advance.