price to install receiver hitch?

i am looking to install a receiver hitch on my 2007 AC so i have something to tow/be yanked out of the mud by. i have no experience with this (hitches, welding, etc) and was wondering what id be looking at to buy a decent hitch and have it installed with either a tow hook or shackle. ive seen receivers for <$100, but dont know if theyre are junk or what...


thanks

 

I think just about any hitch receiver that is made for your truck would be fine. You can get a shackle that will mount into the receiver and you have a good rear recover point. Installing a receiver isn't hard, you just bolt it on.

 

Try autoanything or JC Whitney for pricing. Get a reputable brand and you'll be all set (Hidden Hitch, Valley, Reese, etc). Uhaul also sells and will install a hitch for you. I put a Hidden Hitch on mine and it's a no-drill install (no welding either). Most aftermarket hitches these days do not require welding or drilling of the frame.

As far as a shackle, look at the vendors on here. Metalmiller used to make them as well as Timicha (Elite Off Road).

 

thanks guys, reps...would you say around $200 is a good bet as to what i'd pay for a receiver? this is about what im seeing online, but have read that members on here have had 'dealer hitches' purchased and installed for like $800! why are the aftermarket ones so cheap? keep in mind, i dont need anything with electrical wiring...

 

X2 I would wait to find a good used one. Check here and craigslist.

Wow it's way more involved to install the receiver on a 2nd gen than a 1st gen. It's only like 8 bolts and you don't have to remove the rear bumper.

 

there are good aftermarket brands, companies that make just hitches. just get one, bolt it on. no need to overpay for an OEM (of course, used IF you can find one).

 

Check on the BST section here. Most OEM hitches are going for around $150

 

If you install yourself, definitely under $200. Most aftermarkets do not require you to unbolt the bumper completely, just loosen the bolts. Very simple install. OEM is more money because everything at the dealership is more money. Usually the Toyota OEM stuff you get what you pay for but in this regard a good aftermarket hitch from a reputable brand will suit you just fine. The aftermarkets are also a Class 3 receiver where the OEM is a Class 4 (part of the price difference).

x2, simple install and, like I said, if you get an aftermarket hitch, no need to remove the bumper.

 

Well some people on here...

 

Some people on here would manage to install it above the bumper using the bed bolts if it didn't come with instructions

 

That would be an interesting thread

 

I work at a trailer shop and we install hitches all the time. Takes a couple hours to install, so depending on the vehicle and hitch. 2-3 hours at $75/h - $200-300

 

If you can find an OE hitch for $150, it's certainly a great deal. While the aftermarket hitches aren't as built up, they're more than adequate for anything the Tacoma is going to tow or what the OP is planning to use it for. OE is also more built up because it's a different class of hitch. OEM is class 4 and rated for more weight then an aftermarket class 3.

 

I have the factory hitch - what would you guys recommend in terms of a ball / ball mount?

I don't see myself ever pulling anything huge, but small rented trailers could definitely be in play.

 

people that are going to the dealer are probably getting the tow package installed which includes a tranny cooler and a bigger alternator i believe, if your just needing it to get pulled out you should be able to pick up the OEM hitch for a good price, i you wait for months i'll sell you mine when i get my new bumper

 

Cost me $100 for a Curt mfg. hitch, and $20 for the install at U-haul. There are only a few manufactures who build hitches for everyone, and Curt is one of the big boys. They had two options available, a "Valley Hitch", which is a lighter style, or the heavier duty Curt Hitch I got. It mounts to the bottom and sides of the frame like the stock hitch. Overkill for my truck but I could not beat the price. And, for $5 extra, U-haul offers a lifetime insurance on the hitch- anything happens to it, it gets stolen, you get rear ended, whatever is covered to the original owner.
I was out the door in 30 minutes. I was planning to install myself, but for 20 bucks it was a no brainer.

 

I just looked again and the OEM hitched pictured above seems to mount on the side of the frame only.

Below is a thread I posted with photos of the hitch I bought, and the other option available at my local U-haul

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/4-...trailer-hitch-recommendations-4-cylinder.html

 

It does only mount to the side of the frame but also ties together with the bumper. The OEM bracketry is also way overbuilt so the only way it would break would be if metal parts completely tore through vs relying on welds to hold. Mine looks the same as your Curt which, as you mentioned, is fine for our trucks but you can't deny the OEM is much beefier.

 

All tandem axle trailer take 2 5/16" ball from 5000k and up.

Single axle trailers up to a 6X12 mostly take 2" balls around 5-6k.

Ball mounts for a smaller sized trailer are usually 1500k. And the amount of drop you need all depends on the height of your truck and trailer.

**Always make sure you have the trailer sitting leveling when your hook up, especially with tandem axle trailers.

 

Thanks for the info. I believe I would only likely tow a single axle trailer.

I have a Tacoma, 2011 4X4 - would something with a 2" ball and a 2" drop be appropriate for most applications? that's what someone else recommended to me.