Factory installed receiver hitch is crooked

I just purchased a new 2017 Tacoma and paid $650 extra for the V6 Tow Package since I will be using the truck full time with a slide-in camper (Fourwh.com) that weighs ~900 lb empty and is designed to use with mid-size trucks. The package comes with: Class IV towing receiver hitch, ATF cooler, Engine Oil Cooler, Power steering cooler, 130 amp alternator, 4&7 pin connector w converter, and trailer-sway control. I am using the receiver hitch for a tray style bike rack and when I installed this into the new receiver hitch it tilts down significantly to one side. (Note: it is level on my other vehicle that has a Curt aftermarket receiver hitch.) Today, I went to the service shop of the Toyota dealership that I purchased the truck from, and a manufacturer's rep there said that all the hitches are off on Tacoma's and that is the way it is supposed to be(!). I am completely unsatisfied with this response, and I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this same problem and if so, were you able to address it? I'm beginning to think I made a mistake getting the factory installed tow package.

 

So you leveled the truck side to side then checked the receiver with a level?

 

No, but I checked the bike rack in the receiver itself against the line of the bumper. It is very obvious to the eye and is nowhere near level. I checked the rack in my other car that has an aftermarket Curt receiver and as I mentioned it lined up with the bumper on that vehicle.

 

Throw some photos up to show us what your seeing....

Maybe the steel on your cart receiver is slightly smaller than the material used in the hitch, causing gravity to pull your cart to one side? My old vehicle was this way with a 1 to 2in adapter. The 2in part of the hitch receiver adapter was slightly larger than my cart, thus making it move from side to side a bit.

Another possibility, go under your truck and check the hitch itself, perhaps it hasn't been tightened all the way? The hitch uses all the factory bumper points plus more on the side and bottom of the frame

 

Thanks. Here is a photo of the rack in the receiver. It is a pretty tight fit and there isn't a lot of play. I have been under the truck and the hitch u-bar has been welded to the bumper attachment brackets. I have an after market Curt receiver on my other vehicle that is bolted on and therefore has some adjustment. There doesn't seem to be a way to adjust this one.

 

Id lose sleep over that first pic

 

Are you able to push it look straight? Or do you have to fight to get it in?

Also the hitch is not welded in, it comes in one complete assembly that the bumper reattaches to. The OEM hitch replaces the stock bumper hardware vs some aftermarket hitches go on inside or outside of the stock bumper brackets.

You may be able to adjust it slightly as the same principles wound apply for adjusting the bumper angle as with the stock brackets

 

Psssh. Level AF in Toyota's eyes. LoL Taco lean comes to mind.

Seriously though that is way out of level.

 

TA 4- There is some slight play inserting the rack into the receiver but it does not allow for me to bring it anywhere close to level.
"You may be able to adjust it slightly as the same principles would apply for adjusting the bumper angle as with the stock brackets". Would you be able to expand on this? I was looking under the vehicle with the Service Manager and he didn't see any way to adjust it either. It looks to me that any adjustment to the tow assembly would affect the bumper alignment as well since the u-shaped tow bracket is welded to the bumper support arm. Thanks for any advice and/or guidance you can provide on this. I am starting to get very frustrated about what should have been a non-problem.

 

Do you have something else that you can place in the receiver to measure the levelness? Like a hitch to tow your camper? Install the hitch and place a small level on top of it and check.

Also, is the bike rack out of level when the rak attach is fully extended and open? Can you check level without the rak attach?

 

I have a Yakima Fullswing that I use on my Tacoma. If I just put it in and tighten it, it looks crooked like yours and has a little play even when fully tightened. If I hold it level while I tighten it and wiggle it a little as I tighten the wedge, it sits level and is rock solid with no play.

I think this has to do with the tightening wedge being in one corner on the Yakima attachment, which pushes it at an angle.

 

Thanks for your replies:
Dilbert- The Rakattach does not have a wedge tightening system as you describe for the Yakima Fullswing. Do you know of any third party coupler that may act this same way? The Yakima Holdup also does not have this same type of attachment.

Spindifferent- When I put the Yakima Holdup alone into the receiver, it is still noticeably out of alignment on the Toyota but not on the Subaru.

PS- I am in contact with Toyota customer relations and they might be moving on this now...

 

Simple test. Park on a level piece of ground/driveway/parking lot. Take measure and get the distance from one side of the reciever, I.E. the driver,s side to the ground, and then the other side to see it the hitch is level with the ground. Also, is it level with the top of the bumper??

 

Brutal. Anyone who thinks that is the way it is supposed to be needs a swift kick in the ass.

 

OP, please keep us posted as to how Toyota handles this. Sorry you are having an issue.

 

In refernece to the post above...

Sorry I was thinking in terms of how my hitch was mounted, because it being separate and still using the stock hardware the bumper itself is able to be adjusted. I wasn't sure with your style of hitch if the same would be so in some fashion

Indeed, keep is updated to any resolution.....Definitely shouldn't be like you've shown

 

I wouldn't let this dealership touch my truck. If they can't put this on level what else are they doing wrong. check the lugs...

 

A simple way to test if its level:

(1) get a small/mini level like a picture hanging level or like the one here:

$8 Camco Camper/RV Level - Features Front to Back/Side to Side RV Leveling - Easy Install w/Screws or Adhesive Tape - 2-Pack (25523)

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-25523-...8&qid=1496703570&sr=8-12&keywords=small+level
(2) park on a level surface
(3) place the level on top of your tail gate to get a base line (i.e. note/mark where the bubble is) as the level surface from step 2 is likely not 100% level. Also things like tire pressure, suspension sag, etc alll play into levelness so this base line will correct that.
(4) clean out the hitch receiver of any dirt, etc
(5) place the level in the hitch receiver.

...if the reading in 5 doesn't match that in 3, then you know its the hitch that is off.

 

Is there a chance the male part of the Yakima attachment is not welded on square to its vertical member?

 

Put the rack on your other vehicle and see if you have the same tilt.... if so, the rack is sub-par.