Factory hitch rusting

I went to replace my bumper this evening which has some holes in it, and found the factory hitch/structural bumper looks a little rough. Should I just clean it up and paint or go another route?

 

I think new to replace that is around $1000 or so. You could get a bumper reinforcement for $200-250 and pay another $200 for an aftermarket hitch.

If you want to save cash and don’t tow anything near its limit, I’d just grind off the rust and paint it with POR-15. The replacement chrome bumper will cover most of it.

 

if it were mine i'd probably replace it or cut it off so the temptation to tow with it would be an impossibility.

 

you don't want to tow with that. I would look around, may find replacement at salvage or for sale online used.

 

Nah, @shoe07 doesn't tow much

Does anyone here tow? Post up your pics.

 

That’s unfortunately what I was thinking. Grrrrr

 

Cancer spreads. Get it outta there. Treat your frame. Replace.

 

If you can find more than one used in good shape, let me know. I need to replace my bumper reinforcement and would like the integrated tow hitch if possible as well. Truthfully, I’d be surprised if you found one.

 

Have you found the necessary parts for this change? The dealership wants 1600 for the oem replacement.

etrailer has hitches for under $200. I would need to change to the non trailer package bumper.

where do ya’ll search for parts? I’m terrible at it. I can’t find diagrams like you guys post on the dealership websites

 

Would this be what I need? If I got this and a bolt on hitch off etrailer I’d be back in business?

 

It seems that way if it lines up with the OEM chrome bumper and mounts directly to the frame.

Here's an exploded diagram from another member. I don't know if he posted it for his 2004 or the OP's 2001 in another thread...

 

https://toyotaparts.bochtoyotasouth.com/oem-parts/toyota-trailer-hitch-pt22834110

i run this hitch with the non tow package bumper. price is fair and it bolts up nice and tight unlike the aftermarket ones. this was the OE hitch for 00-02 i believe. or a dealer add on. i cant find any clear info
may want to double check fitment with double cab. but i dont think there were any differences in the hitch setup between doubles and access/reg

but your current hitch is shot. replace it before the rust spreads to the frame or worse, w/e you're towing ends up becoming its own vehicle on the highway

 

@empty_lord are you saying you have these parts?

 

If you choose to go OEM, your SR5 part #'s are identical to my Limited 2004. Was gathering the parts list when I took mine off for maintenance.
Personally, with what you tow, I would invest in new or at least check out some Pick-A-Part places in your area for at least items 6 and 7.

below is from McGeorge Toyota for an SR5....

Trailer Hitch Components for 2004 Toyota Tundra | Toyota Parts (mcgeorgetoyota.com)

 

You have a PM.

 

Yes I have the standard bumper support

 

I'm surprised you can attach a class 3 hitch instead of a ball to the standard bumper support. The bumper support the OP originally has looks like it can take the full tow rating for the 2004 Tundra (if it wasn't rusted).

I'd be leary of towing a full size RV trailer using the standard bumper support that doesn't normally take the integrated hitch.

 

Are the bolt holes for the hitch capable of supporting weight? Great excuse for a steel flatbed/bumper/hitch/5th wheel.

 

Ended up getting the non tow package bumper and the curt hitch rated for 1000lbs tongue weight, which is comparable to the oem hitch. The standard bumper support hitch with the accessory is rated for ~600 lbs tongue weight with wdh. The tow package trucks hitch is 1005 lbs iirc

 

In for $367.49 versus nearly $1500 for the oem Toyota hitch plus other bolts etc that I needed/broke when removing the old parts.

I imagine the Toyota one is better built, but I find it hard to justify spending 4 times as much. I’ll report back when all the parts arrive next week.

Fingers crossed I do t regret this decision.

 

My experience is that a lot of aftermarket bolt on hitches tend to rust sooner than OEM. I’m guessing since you let the original one slide in care, you’ll be more diligent in treating it this time round.

 

I’ve only had the truck since December, and the side I could see didn’t look to terrible, just what was hidden by the bumper cover which has been on my list to replace since I got the truck.

I had it treated with corrosion free two weeks after I got it, and the frame is 3 years old. I don’t think finding it in December would have changed anything.

 

My parts showed up tonight two days early. Things look pretty good and I think I’ll be ok with the finished product.

The box from etrailer was very damaged which was concerning, but only a couple of nicks on the hitch surprisingly.

The bumper off ebay is not a genuine Toyota part which I thought it was as the part numbers were shown. Reading the description a little more thoroughly revealed it was my bad.

however it all the bumper looks very well made, the welds have great penetration. The bolt holes appear to line up with where things are on my current hitch.

The paint was a little poor so I went ahead and hit it with 2 coats of primer, and 2 coats of paint, and touched up the damaged spots on the hitch while I was at it.

tomorrow I’m going to pick up some fluid film for the reassembly .
The wife had surgery today, and I’m playing nurse/cook/daycare etc for the next couple weeks. With being able to drive her van I can leave the truck project day to day without needing to button stuff up.
Hopefully I can get everything apart and together by Monday.
Pics too come

 

She and I both. Huh. Main reason I've been posting like mad today, bored out of my mind sitting on my ass in "recovery".

Anyway, Curt makes solid products. And you're supporting USA manufacturing, so kudos to you for that. I'm sure you'll be more than happy with it, can't wait to see install pics!

 

Got it all buttoned up last night. Looks good. I believe I’ll be happy with it as both the hitch and bumper seem well built. My only concern is the safety chain connections are a little further away so I may need to extend the chains on my trailer.

 

This is timely for me. I have been trying to get my hitch out of the carrier all year, but it is permanently rusted in. I thought maybe I could just find a new carrier, and change it with just 4 bolts. I cringed looking at these pictures however. It's likely I'm in the exact same situation. I'll have pull the bumper off for a closer look. I've been searching for a used OEM trailer hitch assy, but no luck so far. At least now I know there's a reasonable alternative.