Aftermarket hitch receiver on 4th-gen SR?

Hello,

I'm toying with the idea of getting a new Tacoma soon. I'm a pretty no-frills guy that prefers to just buy as base as possible and do whatever upgrades I want myself. This would mean an SR purchase, which I understand does not come standard with a hitch receiver. No surprise there, but.....

Looking around for aftermarket receivers it looks like none are available. I figured maybe it was just the case that they're not available YET, but then found out that the higher-level trims that do have the receiver come standard have them welded on to the frame.

My question is, with the new frame platform, is there something about it that precludes the possibility of adding an aftermarket receiver if/when they may become available? Or is it a case of 'want a receiver' -> must buy an SR5 or above?

 

The reason why you don’t see an aftermarket is because all trim have it built into the frame already.

 

Hmmm, I had heard otherwise, and looking at some base model SR ones on cars.com with pictures of the actual vehicle they're selling, I'm not seeing any hitch receivers on those.

 

I may be wrong, but all the 4G SR's I've seen have them. Keep in mind that the receiver hitch is pretty much tucked under the rear bumper.

 

You are thinking of the trailer brake controller. As far as I know all Tacomas have the hitch, but unless you buy one with the factory brake controller, it does not have anywhere to hook up an aftermarket one.

 

just buy a higher end model.. your buying a brand new truck whats another 2-4k...

 

My SR does in fact, have a hitch receiver.

 

Yup $4k distributed over 60 months is roughly only $67 a month hehe. Most people who by base regret it from my point of view or what I have experienced in the past. I can't have that small screen infotainment screen when I know i could have the 14 inch one. In this case, size does matter.

 

Hmm, thanks for the input guys. I guess when the time comes I'll be there in person to confirm, anyhow. Just trying to get all my ducks in a row so I know exactly what I need/want beforehand.

Since I would plan to keep the truck at least until the turbo blows, that extra cost amortized over 10-15 years would be even less, and I do get your point. But I'd rather have that extra few grand to spend on other things. I personally don't value a bigger infotainment screen whatsoever. Color-matched bumpers and side mirrors I'd value a little bit, but nowhere even close to the extra cost for the SR5 trim.

In any case, it might be moot since I'll probably end up getting a longboi (not available in SR, I believe). I really need the 6 ft bed and with no more suicide doors plus a dog, my only other option would be to remove the passenger seat. Grrr.

 

So there should be a 2" receiver tube somewhere on this truck, though it can't be readily seen? I'm not trying to sound snarky or anything, just really trying to understand if it's just not as readily apparent as I'm used to.



VS an SR5 model, below:

 

So maybe the Xtracab SR models do not have it as standard. Same dealer.....SR double cab model has it.

 

this is the back of my SR. I have a double cab.

 

The SR double cab comes with a class IV receiver. Unless of course Toyota.com USA specs are wrong.

 

Their specs appear to be right.....But OP has been looking at Xtracabs which do look like they do not come with one unless optioned. Makes almost no sense unless this is really just something they did not include on their cheapest fleet truck.

 

Conquering Lion…

 

Okay, thanks guys. I think we have it figured out now. Xtra cab SR -> no receiver. Double cab SR (and higher trim) -> has receiver.

But then that still begs the question: could an aftermarket receiver be installed on this TNGF-A frame, theoretically speaking, given that they come welded on from the factory, and given that no aftermarket kits exist currently?

I would not take a gamble on it, since I'm a camper shell guy and also need to haul a large mountain bike (read: hitch mounted bike rack necessary). But curious, for future's sake...

 

Obviously, almost everything we can possibly imagine, is possible. It may just be a matter of time, waiting for the aftermarket to catch up, or perhaps some of your own personal time spent operating a MIG welder and/or drill while on your back under your new truck. They both work fine, as long as your design and install a safe design.

If you're just carrying a hitch mounted bike rack, like I do, you don't even need trailer brake light wiring and recptacle on the truck.
j.