Hitch install finally complete on Sienna - Photos

[Mark42]

Got the Sienna back from the Toyota dealer and all is done (hitch, wire harness & converter and ball mount). Just one last little glitch caused by them installing the hitch before doing the wire harness - they can't run the wire over the hitch as per instructions, so they ran it under and mounted the plug on the under side of its mount, making it the lowest point on the hitch. I was afraid it would hit the ground and I was able to put it back over the hitch and mount in its proper location.

There is 10" of clearance from the ground to the bottom of the ball mount. The top of the ball mount is about 17" high.

Oh, I can't wait for the spring!!!!

 

[Hashi]

Re: Hitch install finally complete on Sienna - Photos

In spite of installation error, it looks nice. You may want to have a hood built to protect the wiring harness. Just curious, what are those two things sticking out of the hitch?

 

[Mark42]

Re: Hitch install finally complete on Sienna - Photos

Those two things are supports used by attachments to keep them level and distribute any rocking/twisting load on the draw bar connection. Its called a dual point hitch. They are not for towing.

They stabilize things like bike racks, flat cargo racks, etc that have the attachment points to mate to a dual point hitch. Then pins are put through to make the connection.

In the photo, they have rubber boots on them so you can't see the holes for the pins.

 

[Fish n Geer]

Re: Hitch install finally complete on Sienna - Photos

You must have another vehicle to tow that bayliner with once its done.I cant see you pulling it with that little rice burner and hitch setup.

 

[jevery]

Re: Hitch install finally complete on Sienna - Photos

Looks good.. Exactly like mine except newer.. Same color LE. I've been impressed with the Sienna's capabilities, although I'm bumping the upper limit at 3500lbs. I'm in good shape when the gas tank on the boat is below half, but when I fill that 38 gal tank I can really feel the difference. Did you decide to get air bags or are you waiting to see if you really need them? They are nice for trips with multiple passangers and luggage even without a boat.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Hitch install finally complete on Sienna - Photos

... Did you decide to get air bags or are you waiting to see if you really need them? They are nice for trips with multiple passangers and luggage even without a boat.

The AWD has stiffer springs and sway bars than the FWD (same with the FWD 8 passenger) so I'm going to see how well it does without the air lift first. I'm only towing less than 2000lbs, with about 80lbs tongue weight (depending on gas and gear in the boat) so hopefully, I won't need them.

 

[pbw]

Re: Hitch install finally complete on Sienna - Photos

Nice looking Van.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Hitch install finally complete on Sienna - Photos

AWD was a good choice - that 10" of clearance will be a lot less after you get loaded down with camping equipment and put the kids in the back seat.............curious, who makes that hitch? I have a Hidden brand receiver for my '04 XLE - took it off cause it hits bottom just backing out the driveway. just as well, the wife won't let the dog ride in it anyway.......so now we just take two cars camping..............

 

[Mark42]

Re: Hitch install finally complete on Sienna - Photos

AWD was a good choice - that 10" of clearance will be a lot less after you get loaded down with camping equipment and put the kids in the back seat.............curious, who makes that hitch? I have a Hidden brand receiver for my '04 XLE - took it off cause it hits bottom just backing out the driveway. just as well, the wife won't let the dog ride in it anyway.......so now we just take two cars camping..............

This is the Toyota hitch, I think it is made by Curtis.

 

[Windykid]

Re: Hitch install finally complete on Sienna - Photos

Mark, just curious if you added a transmission cooler, or at least a guage.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Hitch install finally complete on Sienna - Photos

Mark, just curious if you added a transmission cooler, or at least a guage.

In 2007 the tow package is standard on American Siennas. Larger radiator, larger transmission cooler, power steering cooler, heavy duty fans, 150amp alternator. The radiator has an internal trans cooler, both are supposed to be larger than standard. I still plan on adding an external cooler, they are cheap and easy to install. Can't have too much cooling!

 

[guy74]

Re: Hitch install finally complete on Sienna - Photos

Mark, One concern about an external cooler, Make sure you get one with a thermastat. They bypass the cooler til a certain temp is reached in the tranny fluid. In cold weather the fluid will stay too cold with a normal cooler, and thats not good for the tranny either. Plus you won't like the way it will shift when it's too cold.
Sincerely,
Brian

 

[Mark42]

Re: Hitch install finally complete on Sienna - Photos

This is the Toyota hitch, I think it is made by Curtis.

I found out that it is made by Cequent Towing Products (includes Reese, Hidden Hitch, and Draw-Tite). Cequent Towing invented the Dual Point tow hitches.