towing hitch installation

[ajc]

I am looking to get a hitch installed on my 08 4runner SR5. I had uhaul install one on a previous vehicle I owned and they did a fine job (that was 8 years ago or so on an explorer). Is installing these on 4runners pretty easy? Should have uhual do it? They will charge $350 for parts and labor. Should I have the dealer do it? I assume they would charge a lot more than $350.

Or should I just do it myself. I have seen some online between $150 and $250. Which brands work best with 4runners?

Thanks for the help ...

 

[CRDT4R]

Do it yourself and get a buddy. I have a Curt rounded tube one. It was 145 with shipping and came with a Ball mount. Only thing you will have a problem is getting the right side back bolts in (above the exhaust).. Uhaul is too square for me, the Curt looks amazing.


if you search my name, i have posted a thread of putting the front skid plate on, i have a picture of the hitch on one of the pictures.

edit: here is the link, the pictures are at the bottom... sorry about the dirtiness, There is a drought in GA and no washing cars at all or they will turn the water off.

 

[ajc]

Thanks, the pics aren't showing up at work but I will check them out from home tonight.

 

[TechWrench]

I am looking to get a hitch installed on my 08 4runner SR5. I had uhaul install one on a previous vehicle I owned and they did a fine job (that was 8 years ago or so on an explorer). Is installing these on 4runners pretty easy? Should have uhual do it? They will charge $350 for parts and labor. Should I have the dealer do it? I assume they would charge a lot more than $350.

Or should I just do it myself. I have seen some online between $150 and $250. Which brands work best with 4runners?

Thanks for the help ...

It depends on how good you are with a wrench.

If you already have the rear mounted factory hitch, it will have to be removed first, and that entails removing the rear bumper cover. Not all that difficult, but it will take some time. Make sure you locate ALL the fastners before you try to pull it off. The factory rear mounted hitch has, if I remember correctly, six mounting bolts. If you do not already have the factory hitch, then you may not have to remove the rear bumper cover, and the job is much easier. If you do it yourself, pay strict attention to the recommended torque values for all mounting bolts, you don't want anything coming loose while pulling a load.