Trailer Hitch Woes

Funny you should mention damage. The hitch I got was literally loose in the box without anything to keep it in place. There was also a big hole in the box that looked like it had been made by the arm of a forklift. The hitch itself was somehow undamaged, though.

How do I get an OEM hitch without going through a dealer?

 

you could try a Toyota parts dealer online. but its going to come down to how much you save online + shipping vs local pricing + taxes + saving the shipping cost.

if they are the same, just better to go local.

 

I wonder if a dealer would sell me the hitch without insisting on installing it as well. Just being cheap again.

 

yeah parts counter should be able to order it.

 

This is true, but there are many things I'd like to have and not need, like a back up generator for my house. The problem is that I can't afford all those things.

 

I understand where OP is coming from. With light, rare towing the tow package from Toyota is somewhat over kill. Sure you get a Class IV hitch, a 7 pole plug, trans cooler, larger battery and alternator, but for $650. But you still have to add a brake controller which are around $100. If you're a person that is going to haul a small trailer from time to time, it is a fairly expensive option. You can buy a Class III hitch and 4 pole for under $200 from Reese, I did for mine. Even if you want a 7 pole and brake controller, it would still only be around $300. The tow package from Toyota will increase your GVW to 6500 lbs whereas without it it is 3500lbs even if you add all the exact same stuff after the fact. There is nothing you can do to increase the GVW. Everyone has their own needs, which is why trucks have a ton of options.

 

Don't you love all the people that tell you what you SHOULD have done? LOL. Hey, you got the truck you got...it's time to move on. My experience with aftermarket hitches has been great. I actually bought one on eBay (Valley Industries) that went on exactly like it was supposed to. Pair it up with a Curt wiring harness and your good to go. However, it may take a while for the aftermarket to catch up with the new model.

If you want to buy factory, I'd recommend checking out TRDParts4U. They may have what you need. They're located in Dallas and have been great to work with.

 

Well, in this case I'm the one second guessing myself. But you are right, no use agonizing over what's done. Thanks for the reference.

 

I would also recommend giving Torklift a call. If they aren't on it yet I'm sure they will be soon. They usually make hitches for low demand vehicles and are my go to for hitches for cars that shouldn't have hitches. I've had 2" receivers (bike rack) from them on a Prius, a tC, an Element, and an Outback. To the best of my knowledge they are also the only people making a hitch for Teslas and the Toyobaru twins. I usually pay between $200 and $250 for a hitch from them (including shipping), but fit is always spot on.

 

You could just trade your truck in for a new one.

 

Well I got the factory tow package for one reason only....I could add the factory bed step to it! I have a REAL bad back and can't climb in and out of ANY truck bed...but with the factory tow package its already designed to have the step mounted...just a couple of bolts and its ready to go...its not compatible with the aftermarket ones...so I ordered the step from a Toyota dealer on ebay for $200 delivered....its like $325 from the factory!
I did the same thing with my 2006 Prerunner...never towed a damn thing with that truck!