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Installing a tow ball on factory bumper

Discussion in 'Towing' started by tnthomas, Dec 30, 2022.

  1. Dec 30, 2022 at 11:42 AM
    #1
    tnthomas

    tnthomas [OP] Active Member

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    2019 Tacoma with factory bumper, need to install a tow ball, will just be pulling a yard drag(weeds) around the property. Looks like the steel part of the bumper has a hole for a ball, but the black plastic on top looks solid(see linked pics). Do I just drill out the plastic, or is there something I'm not seeing?

    Bumper Bottom


    Bumper-top
     

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  2. Dec 30, 2022 at 12:03 PM
    #2
    JdevTac

    JdevTac Well-Known Member

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    Toyota didn’t make them like the 2nd gens with the ease of throwing a tow ball on. The 3rd gens only have a metal skeleton for a bumper and aren’t meant to haul anything. You’d have to drill a hole and rig up something custom for hauling yard debris.

    C02CC67C-3CF7-439C-800E-26F36F6A84CF.jpg
     
    tnthomas[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  3. Dec 30, 2022 at 12:31 PM
    #3
    crashdb

    crashdb I break chainsaws

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    What he said. It's thin stamped metal underneath all that plastic. Even if you could mount a ball, the "bumper" wouldn't last long. A hitch isn't all that expensive. Heck with all the folks around here putting on steel plate bumpers, you could probably find someone selling the OEM version. And when the time comes, it's a selling plus.
     
    tnthomas[OP] likes this.
  4. Dec 30, 2022 at 2:46 PM
    #4
    tnthomas

    tnthomas [OP] Active Member

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    Thanks you guys, I don't want to tear up that bumper. In googling a lot of hits come back to threads on this forum. someone posted a link for a easy to bolt on hitch, for not too many $$: etrailer.com/hitch
     
  5. Dec 30, 2022 at 4:12 PM
    #5
    cctk2

    cctk2 GLACIERBIRD

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    Betcha can get a hitch from eTrailer (ie).
    Put a hitch on there you KNOW is meant to tow with.
     
    tnthomas[OP] likes this.

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