08 Factory Hitch and Bumper Cover

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georgia_4Runner

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I have an 08 4Runner that did not come with a hitch. I am interested in having one put on. I would prefer the Toyota hitch, but am unsure about the bumper cover. On some models I see on the road, there is a cut-out in the bumper for the receiver, but on some of the ones I have seen (they seem like 07-08ish) the hitch seems to be just under the bumper without a cut out (not sure if it's factory but it looks to be). Anyway, question is, if I get a Toyota hitch, what about the bumper--there doesn't seem to be a pop out panel to allow it and I do not want to cut it (assuming its required). Just a little confused.

Thanks for any info.
 
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Understand this fact: bumper covers come unpainted. If you were to purchase one, you would then have to have it painted.

Figure: $200 for the cover, $250 for the paint job.

You then have to add the hitch, from toyota $175 or so, the harness another $175.

Your looking @ 800 and that's if you install everything yourself!

I would just get an aftermarket hitch that drops below the existing bumper cover.
 
On the newer 4runners (4th gen), the different hitches are a quick way (in most cases) to distinguish the motor size. V6's come with a hitch that sits in the cut out you referred to whereas, V8's come with a hitch that sits below the cut out.

The V8 hitch is load distributing and can tow up to 7,000lbs, the V6 hitch is not load distributing and can to up to 5,000lbs. You can add a load distributing hitch to a V6 and tow up to 6,700lbs.
 
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I just went through this on my V6 '07. Here's what I know (all these numbers do not include wiring, as I already had the factory plug - go figure).

A guy at the dealership gave me a rough estimate of $700 labor included, I believe that was to trim the existing facia.

Reese offers 2 hitches, one you trim the facia, one sits below so no triming, they are about $230 plus labor.

Uhaul offers only one hitch, it sits under the facia, no triming, $170 + $40 for the labor.

I went with the uhaul hitch and installed it myself, I had to modify the factory bracket that holds the trailer light plug so that it would open all the way.
 
I just went to a Uhaul and they quoted me $300 installed. So you got a good price for 170 plus $40!!! So what modification did you have to make. Because I was wanting to do it myself. Do you have any pics?
 
There are two bumper covers, one with the cut out for the V6 and V8 (no difference on the bumper cover) and one without the cut out for the V6 without the hitch.

The 7-pin should already be there. Mine had it even though it doesn't have the hitch.

Get the HiddenHitch model 70779 for $130-140 shipped and call it a day. You can easily install it yourself in about 30-45 minutes. The only difficult part is raising it up to the frame, be nice with another helper, if not grab a floor jack and/or a pair of jackstands.
 
Go to etrailer.com and checkout the price for the Hidden Hitch. I have been purchasing hitches and other towing equipment form Etrailer for several years and I have been completely satisfied whith their prices and customer service. If you order now it includes free shipping.

CAD-Man
 
Uneek...did you have to trim the fascia with the 70774 model? I looked it up and it is saying that the fascia needs to be trimmed.
 
LL21 said:
I just went to a Uhaul and they quoted me $300 installed. So you got a good price for 170 plus $40!!! So what modification did you have to make. Because I was wanting to do it myself. Do you have any pics?
Click to expand...

That $300 quote is most likely with the wiring, reciever and pin. I already had the factory 7 pin wire plug so no wiring needed. No modification needed for the hitch install. However the factory 7 pin wire adapter will not fully open with the uhaul hitch so you have to modify the bracket.

Tips for mounting an after market hitch. Lift the drivers side off the ground, slide the passangers side into place above the muffler, put the front passengers side bolts in first (these are the hardest of all 8 bolts to install, trust me, do them first). The other 6 bolts are a snap.
 
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LL21 said:
Uneek...did you have to trim the fascia with the 70774 model? I looked it up and it is saying that the fascia needs to be trimmed.
Click to expand...

Not sure if you mistyped it, but I have the 70779. So I can't speak for the 70774.

No, trimming needed. There are two metal brackets that attach off of the rear cross member to the bumper cover (probably keeps the bumper cover from flapping) that needs to be removed and the directions call for cutting the tabs off the bumper. I left the tabs in place--they are soft enough to bend upwards a bit when the hitch is bolted up against the frame. The bumper will compress slightly when the hitch is bolted up fully. Doesn't bother me and it doesn't cause the top (the black matted/textured section) of the bumper to budge upwards.

IMO, the HiddenHitch option for $130-140 is a much better choice than the $430 Toyota charges for the hitch option, since this attaches to the frame rails rather than the cross member. It wasn't worth the extra ~$300 to me, since the 7-pin plug wiring and brake controller pigtail harness is still included. (I don't plan on towing, just using the hitch for accessories, like a bike or snowboard rack.) I know most 2006+ V6 4Runners come with the option, so it's not a choice that can be left out. I had to order mine, so I left that hitch option unchecked.
 
Thanks Uneek. And I did mistype. I was talking about the model you have. Do you have any pics? I'd like to see how it looks.
 
Installed pictures
P5210108.jpg~original


P5210112.jpg~original


P5210113.jpg~original
 
Specs
P5210109.jpg~original


Spare tire clearance
P7270068.jpg~original


Hitch plug relocated, the newer version attaches to the hitch tube keeping it close to the receiver opening.
P5210111.jpg~original
 
I just installed a hidden hitch unit this weekend on our new 08. No cutting of the fascia is needed. Everything went fine except one hole that was about a half of hole off, nohing that couldn't be handled though. The toughest part for me was getting the bolt in that is above the resonator.

I spent $150.00 comapred to the dealer wanting $285 for the same hitch and $150.00 to install it.
 
Bama Runner said:
I just installed a hidden hitch unit this weekend on our new 08. No cutting of the fascia is needed. Everything went fine except one hole that was about a half of hole off, nohing that couldn't be handled though. The toughest part for me was getting the bolt in that is above the resonator.

I spent $150.00 comapred to the dealer wanting $285 for the same hitch and $150.00 to install it.
Click to expand...

Sweet, glad the install went without much fanfare for you. On mine, I think due to shipping and it be dropped and kicked around, the ends of the hitch was pushed in a bit and wouldn't line up with the frame. I took my floor jack, placed it between the two flat steel plates and "pushed" the ends out a bit--it went out with out any further issues.

That resonator bolt was definitely the hardest. I just used a box-end wrench to tighten that last bolt. I don't remember if I ever borrowed a crow's foot to torque it. I won't be towing with the 4Runner so it's all good anyways.
 
If you have the factory 7 pin wire harness I would go with the Hidden Hitch, it comes with a new bracket to mount the harness, something the uhaul hitch does not have.
 
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