2008 TRD Sport Hitch

I noticed the trailer hitch that was attached to my Tacoma is actually welded together at the mounting plates. The hitch bar is through the square holes in the plate and then welded together.

The new Toyota hitch I purchased to replace it is not welded together with the plates and hitch bar unattached.

Do these pieces need to be welded together? Is this welding done to prevent rattling of the pieces?

 

Yes, those should be welded. How are they attached on the new receiver?

 

Seems like it should be welded. My factory hitch definitely was.

 

The original factory hitch like the one shown is a Class IV, but Toyota also sells a Class III hitch (P/N PT791-04050) which looks very similar to the original Class IV except the side brackets bolt to the hitch bar instead of being welded. When you say "...new Toyota hitch..." I'm assuming you bought the actual Toyota Class III and not an aftermarket hitch, correct?

 

Yeah, I bought an OEM Class 3 hitch. This can still be used on my 2008, correct? I don't recall seeing any mounting holes to bolt the plates to the actual hitch. I'll have to check the box again.

 

It is just the style of the Hitch some are constructed in that fashion so parts can be bolted together to adopt the hitch to different vehicles . It also makes the install easier.

If your bothered weld them once the hitch is installed otherwise you might not get it on.

 

Anyone know the part number for the Class IV OEM hitch??

 

51908-04010

What is the P/N of your Class III hitch? Did you buy it new or used?

 

PT791-04050

If the Class 3 will work then so be it. I don't tow anyway just wanted it to be back to factory after the accident.

 

Then it should look like this (ebay reference link)...

 

That's it. I see the bolt flanges there now for connecting the mounting plates. Thanks burrito!

 

For the most part you'll be pretty close back to factory, but compared to the original factory Class IV the Class III has a reduced load tow rating (I believe it's ~5,000 lbs). However, I remember the original Class IV hitch MSRP new was well over $1k, so I'd take the Class III at a fraction of the cost any day of the week.