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Receiver hitch for 2002 tundra

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by mem, Nov 16, 2019.

  1. Nov 16, 2019 at 7:10 AM
    #1
    mem

    mem [OP] New Member

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    My dad has a 2002 tundra, 2wd, v6, 8ft bed, 2 door. He is trying to installing a rear receiver hitch on it. He has bought 2 different hitches for it and we can't get it the holes on the hitch to line up with the frame rails. The first hitch he bought was a curt brand, it was a one piece hitch. The rear 2 holes would line up but the front 2 would not. Just figured it was the wrong hitch, I read some bad reviews about this on Amazon. So returned it and got a reese brand through autozone. This is a 3 piece hitch but it is also acting the same way. Can get the rear holes to line up and get all of one side to line up but the other side is way off.

    Not sure if we are doing something wrong but both hitches are doing the same thing. Not so sure the hitch is the problem anymore. This current hitch is made to fit several different models and the holes are slotted on the hitch to adjust for that. But it is not even close. Is it possible to put spacers in between the side plate on the hitch and the tubing? The hitch bolts on the bottom of the frame rail. Is the frame on the truck supposed to be square or tapered from front to back?

    Anyone experience any issues with installing a receiver hitch on a tundra?
     
  2. Nov 16, 2019 at 10:23 AM
    #2
    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

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    Outside of Weird, TX
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    TRD Pro grille, 2018 LED Headlights, Undercover Flex bed cover, Neoprene seat covers, Bed/tailgate mats, Power tailgate lock, auto headlights, illuminated key switch
    Etrailer.com link shows 2" Class III Draw-tite and Curt hitches for 2002 Tundra: https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2002_Toyota_Tundra.htm

    There are hitches for Tundras with or without the factory tow bumper; select accordingly. Some hitches require drilling for installation; e.g. Curt 13184 has three bolts each side, 1/2" diameter hole must be drilled on each side. The only hole that will have to match will be the one with the "Weld nut" welded to the frame (front?). All are Class 3 hitches, but ratings vary, so pick the one that provides best match to the maximum tow ratings of 2002 Tundra. With a weight distributing hitch, tow rating can be as much as 10K pounds. Site has a couple of instructional videos at the bottom of the page.

    In general, I would not expect the frame to be "tapered", especially near the rear bumper. Has the truck been in an accident, and the frame possibly bent? I would not personally want "spacers" used in the install to make a hitch fit your frame.
     
  3. Nov 16, 2019 at 10:35 AM
    #3
    mem

    mem [OP] New Member

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    On the reese we have now, the rear hole lines up on both sides. And it has a place to drill 2 more holes on each side. But while one side is in middle of the rail, the other side is way off.

    I measured the truck frame at the rear and just in front of the spare tire and there was a 3 inch difference.
     
    Last edited: Nov 16, 2019
  4. Nov 16, 2019 at 11:20 AM
    #4
    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

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    2017 MGM DC TSS 4.6L
    TRD Pro grille, 2018 LED Headlights, Undercover Flex bed cover, Neoprene seat covers, Bed/tailgate mats, Power tailgate lock, auto headlights, illuminated key switch
    Your dad may need to take it to a trailer or RV store to get a hitch installed. If there is something wanky with the frame, the guys that install hitches every day will see a bent frame immediately.
     
    speedtre likes this.

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