How to Install a Hitch on a Toyota Tacoma

You can install a trailer hitch on your Tacoma yourself.

Even though your Toyota Tacoma did not come from the factory with a trailer hitch, you can still pull a trailer. Aftermarket companies produce trailer hitches for many vehicles. They are carefully designed to be mounted to existing holes in the frame so that no drilling or welding is required. This makes it possible to install the hitch yourself. Different weight ratings are offered, so determine the amount of weight you will be towing before purchasing a hitch.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Wrench set
• Assistant
• Torque wrench
• Socket set

1. • 1

     Disconnect the wiring harness that connects to the light over the license plate by pressing the release tabs and simultaneously pulling it towards you.

   • 2

     Locate where the bumper mounting brackets bolt to the frame rails. There are two bolts on each side of the brackets that attach to each side of the frame rail. Use a wrench to remove these bolts and pull the rear bumper from the vehicle.

   • 3

     Lift the receiver hitch into position. The mounting tabs on the receiver hitch will attach to the side of the frame rails. Have your assistant reinstall the bumper onto the vehicle. The bumper mounting brackets will mount to the outside of the receiver hitch tabs. The brackets on the receiver hitch will sandwich between the bumper mounting brackets and the frame rails.

   • 4

     Align the holes in the bumper mounting brackets, the receiver hitch and the frame rails. Install the bolts that were previously removed and torque them to 68 ft-lbs. using a torque wrench.

   • 5

     Reinstall the harness that connects to the light by pressing the two connections together.