Why I Installed the GEN-Y Glyder on My Tacoma

If you’re like me, you use your Tacoma for everything — overlanding, hauling firewood, towing fishing gear, and getting deep into the northern Minnesota woods. The factory hitch worked, but it didn’t soften the ride when pulling a loaded trailer down rough backroads. Enter the GEN-Y Glyder Torsion-Flex Hitch.

I installed the Glyder on my 2022 Toyota Tacoma 4×4 Sport, paired with a full Leitner rack and recovery gear setup. It’s already handled gravel trails, soft mud, and a few thousand pounds of weight — and I’ve got some strong opinions.

We use this Tacoma as our rolling HQ — hauling a kayak trailer, a small fish house, and sometimes a utility trailer loaded with our Grade A Wild Rice as we travel across Minnesota and Wisconsin. The rice is stored in our Gear Pod XL, keeping it protected and ready to sell at markets and pop-ups. It’s more than a truck — it’s our mobile office, our camp kitchen, and our connection to the wild places we love.

What Is the GEN-Y Glyder?

The Glyder is part of GEN-Y’s Torsion-Flex lineup, but it’s built specifically for light-duty towing. Think utility trailers, small campers, ice houses, or cargo platforms. Unlike traditional hitches, the Glyder uses a built-in rubber torsion system to absorb road shock — reducing bounce, sway, and that jarring stop-start feel when you’re towing on uneven terrain.

Up to 7,000 lb towing capacity
Up to 1,000 lb tongue weight
Available in 2” drop sizes
Powder-coated for weather resistance
Made in the USA 🇺🇸

Install Experience on a Tacoma

Installation took less than 10 minutes. I opted for the 2” drop model (part number GH-12001) to match my trailer height. It slid into the receiver like OEM and locked in solidly with a pin and clip. The fitment was tight — tighter than most aftermarket hitches I’ve used — and didn’t rattle.

With the ball mount installed, the hitch lines up perfectly with my enclosed trailer and utility hauler. There’s zero slack or play, and the finish matches the rugged aesthetic of my truck perfectly.

On-Road & Off-Road Impressions

The first thing I noticed? The smoother feel during braking and takeoff. My trailer doesn’t slam forward anymore when I hit the brakes. It’s subtle, but over a long drive, that torsion flex tech really reduces fatigue.

Off-road, it’s just as impressive. I’ve hauled across gravel forest service roads, washboard trails, and frost-heaved pavement — and the Glyder eats up the shock without passing it all into the frame. It’s not magic, but it’s easily the biggest ride quality upgrade I’ve made.

Does It Really Help with Overlanding?

Absolutely. If you’re hauling gear or towing in remote places, the Glyder smooths out the chaos. On a Tacoma, which already has a relatively short wheelbase, any reduction in shock makes a big difference. I also appreciate how well it pairs with my Leitner rack setup — no drama, just capability.

For anyone camping, fishing, or exploring deep into national forests, a smoother, more controlled tow rig means fewer broken coolers, less gear shifting, and more confidence.

Who Is the Glyder Hitch For?

This hitch is perfect for:

Outdoor lifestyle users (overlanding, camping, hunting)
Anyone hauling 2,000–6,000 lbs on a regular basis
Tacoma, Ranger, or Colorado owners
Folks tired of harsh towing on bad roads

It’s probably overkill for someone who only tows twice a year. But for me, it’s been worth every dollar.

Final Verdict: Game-Changer for Light-Duty Towing

The GEN-Y Glyder doesn’t just look tough — it makes your towing setup perform better, feel safer, and ride smoother. For Tacoma owners who live for long weekends in the woods or road trips with the trailer in tow, this is a bolt-on upgrade that pays off fast.

If I could go back, I would’ve installed it sooner. It’s the kind of product that makes you wonder why you put up with anything less.