Towing with a FJ80

[Range Rover Ron]

Hello Toyota people.
I've had my TLC FJ80 now for a few weeks.
It's slowly turning into a monster,
just had the 35" tyres fitted today.

I'm after advice about the holes in the rear bumper,
they look like they are for a NATO hitch.
Can I fit the NATO hitch straight onto these holes?
Would I need to fit a back plate?
Would I need to be on a drop plate?
I have a standard tow bar fitted also which will be fine for towing the caravan.
I'd be occasionally towing a Sankey trailer on the NATO hitch.

Any advice?

Cheers,
Ron.

[paul_humphreys]

Yes it will fit, I keep meaning to fit mine. Just need to get some M12x1.25 bolts. As for a backing plate, it would be nice to fit one, but the tow bolts have captive nuts, so it is not possible.

BTW if you have 4 spare bolts lieing about please send them over ;)

Paul

[Range Rover Ron]

Hello Paul,
So the bumper has captive nuts at the rear?
It must be designed to take the nato then.
I'm thinking of grinding off the original welded on drop plate and fitting a longer one to take both the nato and the normal one.
I'll think of something,
I just was not sure if you could use the holes for fitting a nato hitch,
thanks.
I'm home until 10th Jan so may try amd get out if your doing anything.
Thanks again,
Ron.

[paul_humphreys]

Its just the top 2 holes on the rear cross member that have captive nuts.

I will be out somewhere at some point.

Have a look on www.tlocuk.co.uk/forums

Paul