OEM hitch a bolt on?

My base Taco was never equipped with a hitch. I pretty much decided the Curt model everyone sells would be sufficient. I plan to do some light recreational pulling(pop-up and utility trailer).

However I found a GenII OEM hitch(and bumper if I want it) on CL for $35.

My questions are:

Will the OEM hitch bolt on to my truck?(assuming I will need to get some high quality fasteners). Any hole creating in the frame required?

Will I be able to mount it with my existing bumper or do I have to swap the donor bumper too?

Is the OEM better/worse/same as the Curt?

Thanks in advance for any help!
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You should be able to use that OEM one - There are some supports and a few extra bolts that you'll need to either buy w/ that hitch or get from somewhere else.

 

Buy the factory hitch. All the mounting holes are aligned with the truck bumper and frame so no drilling required. It is also totally hidden. I bought my used and had to order up a few pieces of hardware from the dealer…. inexpensive.

 

I have a Hidden Hitch and, for light duty towing, it works just fine but for $35, get the OEM one. It's a lot stronger than the aftermarket ones due to it being reinforced much better. You can use your bumper, it should bolt to receiver instead of the frame if my memory serves me correctly. Now, you have filler plates that attach your bumper to the frame, those will go away.

 

Pretty sure the OEM hitch is a class 4. The truck can't tow 10,000 lbs nor does it have a 1000 tongue weight, but better to over engineer the part in my book.

Curt is a great brand and the have nice designs, that also probably bolts right up with no drilling. But that OEM price is great for what you get, provided the hitch isn't rusted out or abused.

Go for OEM for the price. If it doesn't pan out, Curt is an excellent option.

 

I went to the local junkyard trying to pic up the oem hitch. Guy tried to tell me the hitch and bumper were once piece - wanted $700 for the stupid thing. F'in idiot!

 

TY everyone for the input, for sure it was helpful!

Yeah the price is right, even if I need to backwards engineer it and scrounge some parts. I like the fact OEM is less obvious as well.

Trouble is, now the CL guy is playing hide and seek, so might not materialize.

 

I just installed a curt on my 013 2.7 auto x-cab 2wd taco TODAY! Bolts right up with no sweat. I got mine with the wiring for $155 to my door. You do need a helper to install...its a two man job as the rear bumper comes off momentarily.

 

I installed a Curt hitch on my 2012 4WD Reg Cab by my self. All bolt on. You don't have to take the bumper off. just loosen it.

 

The side benefit of the OEM hitch is it will make your rear bumper much stronger because of how the hitch is attached to the frame and the bumper. You essentially discard the existing bumper mount brackets which are super lame.

 

Seller called last night. Said he owns a tow yard and he took if off a late model destined for the crusher. He said its was easier to pull the entire bumper assembly than just the hitch(which is what you guys have been saying). He said bumper is chrome so I will have to swap my black cover if I don't want chrome. He said he only wants 35$ for the assembly. He's a few hours away so is sending me pix before I commit/head out. Sounds too good to pass up, though I have to include cost of gas and drive time in the equation as well.

Thanks again for the feedback, I do appreciate it!