Trailer Hitch Mounting Locations?

[automatic]

I'm looking to get a trailer hitch and there are 2 types that I'm looking at.

Type 1: Attach to frame rails underneath car
Type 2: Attach to Bumper bar

Both are rated for 200/2000lbs.

What are the pros and cons for each mounting option?
In a rear end collision, which mounting option will cause more damage?
If I want to remove the hitch a few years from now, will option 2 make it more difficult since the exposed bolt on the other side of the bumper beam rust out?
Is the mounting point for Type 2 against the frame or is it still considered a "bumper"?

Looks like type 1 is held by the clamping force of the 4 bolts, and if it exceeds the clamping force will be held by the bolts themselves.

Type 2 is held by 4 bolts and 2 nuts and the pulling force is totally on the nuts/bolts.

They are both approximately the same price....but Type 2 takes longer to install...not that it makes too much of a difference. I just want to get the "better" design.

[churchx]

I recall reading in manual that this car is NOT for towing. (even if toyota had listed tow hook among installable options for unknown reasons. Or maybe they list for all the cars, just forgot to remove for this? I don't know what to think when i saw also snow-chains listed among options as our cars with their ground clearance are certainly for tackling some serious offroad in snow deeper then 15", right? ). Also no matter how towing heavy trailer may affect clutch hardly meant for that (i burnt on previous car of mine when towing slightly heavier car of friend to service shop. Not completely, but fact is that clutch slippage started few months after that), i also recall when learning for license, that car weight also should be within reasonable limits to towed trailer mass for safety, and toyobaru twins are rather light, not some big SUV. Are you sure you want to go through with that?

[GeorgeJFrick]

There are plenty of people who tow all the time with the twins. Seriously it's not a big deal if you aren't going over the listed rate for the car/trailer.

Yo: [ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DFJG24EAWo"]We Get Hitched! - Scion FR-S Track Build - EP11 - Final Episode - YouTube[/ame]

[go_a_way1]

Just no :/ I would never tow with my twin I rather buy a shitty truck and tow with that.

[churchx]

Listed rate for car? LOL, citing manual:
233 page, 2-5. Driving information, Trailer towing
"Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Toyota also does not recommend the installation of a tow hitch or the use of a tow hitch carrier for a wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your Toyota is not designed for trailer towing or for the use of tow hitch mounted carriers."
So that's your official towing rating by manufacturer . Those plenty that still tow with twins are doing that on their own risk. Never heard of traffic cops checking it here, but i doubt that in case of accident insurance investigation will pass that by, even if you wasn't at fault, due driving unsafe setup. After all, one point of traffic rules here list also that it's not allowed to tow something above manufacturer's stated tow rating. I guess that's AND, not OR with other limits like 750kg, or no heavier then vehicle's weight.

[bmxr]

Either one will work fine as long as you abide by the manufacturers' stated limits. Which one weighs more? I'd guess the first one. I'd go with the second.

For me, a good general guideline for towing with a car not designed for towing, is not to exceed 50% of the GVW of the car, just to be safe. Obviously you can go way beyond that with a Super Duty, but staying under 1200-1800lbs with a passenger car seems very reasonable. Towing race wheels and tools, one watercraft or street bike, or even a couple dirt bikes has never been a problem for me. Obviously, you should be more careful about stopping distances etc., but if you are, it won't hurt your clutch or brakes.

Personally, I have towed with ALL my cars with absolutely ZERO problems, including Mustangs, GTI, WRX, and RSX-S; mostly motorcycles.

[Mr.ac]

In my personal opinion I'll go with the tow bolt location, it's easily installed/removable.
As long as your not towing cars or bigger you'll be fine.

[automatic]

Thanks for your input everyone. I'll be towing a light trailer and my dirtbike and since both hitch locations are "ok" I'll just pick the cheaper/easier to install one.

[LOLS2K]

Originally Posted by automatic

Thanks for your input everyone. I'll be towing a light trailer and my dirtbike and since both hitch locations are "ok" I'll just pick the cheaper/easier to install one.

Post up some pictures when you get hitched.

[IPGJames]

That Slambert one is perfect..makes me want to get one just to tow something..ease of use is awesome with that

[cjd]

Originally Posted by IPGJames

That Slambert one is perfect..makes me want to get one just to tow something..ease of use is awesome with that

Being able to tow a tire trailer without a 30lb weight penalty is awesome. It's also out of stock still... Or I'm always missing out... I'd also love to be able to haul sheet goods from the lumber yard occasionally...

[Hyper4mance2k]

I drove from LD to DC in August with a Slambert trailer hitch and a 1000 lb trailer.

[KoreanJesus]

Issue hosting image...
I ride my scooter towing this trailer. Longest distance to date was from Central Texas to Foley, AL. I couldn't even tell it was back there.

Yakima Rack'n'Roll 78"
Yakima Skybox 21
Trailer weighs 150lbs
HD shocks for increased payload

I can fit all of my fishing & camping gear, several changes of clothes, and still have room for dumb souvenirs I pick up along the way for friends.

[Qwimby1]

Originally Posted by cjd

Being able to tow a tire trailer without a 30lb weight penalty is awesome. It's also out of stock still... Or I'm always missing out... I'd also love to be able to haul sheet goods from the lumber yard occasionally...

They had them in stock last week. Mine arrived today.