I am about to purchase a FJ Trail Team Edition at the first of the week. All of the ones i've looked at had no hitch receiver? I don't understand this? I see a skid plate on the rear with a couple of cutouts in it. Is that where the hitch attaches? any insight appreciated.......I still don't understand why no hitch on a outdoor/off road vehicle? Maybe someone can explain.....thanks Mark

 

Hello Mark.
Most hitches are put on at the port of entry to the states.
That is how they did mine, and the roof rack.

I would think that it is an option for you.
You can also order one from a few Toyota vendors on the site here, and they can ship you one.

There are PDF files on the 'Net on how to install it.

 

Thanks Corey......I think I'm going to try and pursuade the dealer to put one on for me. I've got 3 dealers with all about the same price---that might be a leverage item.......Mark

 

Depending on where you are located, apparently the SE area port staff are putting on aftermarket hitches that mount down below the frame instead of aft of the rear crossmember. If you order the hitch, make sure it is the Toyota OE hitch, it will come with the modified cover that fits over the top of the receiver and will not change your departure angle.

DEWFPO

 

How does the rear skid plate come into play with a hitch?

 

If you get the Toyota OE hitch, the rear skid plate works just fine. If you get the aftermarket hitch, the rear skid plate will not mount.

DEWFPO

 

Thanks DEWFPO........Thats good to know. I'll make sure that its a Toyota OE.

 

Cool call, I had forgot all about that, and I remember reading about it.

The factory hitch is the best one out for a stock rear bumper.

I also Googled the hitch.
Here is the part number and how to install if yourself.
http://www.brockandbecca.com/files/f...ow%20Hitch.pdf

 

The 'factory hitch' (that's actually installed at the port of entry) will BLEND into the stock rear bumper, the aftermarket one that some dealers are saying is 'factory' will hang down below it.

DEWFPO

 

Thanks for the insight guys. I'll play close attention to what I'm getting when its time for purchase. I would have never known till given the heads-up on this thread...Mark

 

I just installed one of those on a trail teams edition last week, Factory toyota that is. Not aftermarket factory. Blended right in. The only thing the skid plate messes with is the mounting location of your 4 pin connector. Other than that things look good.

 

Ok...... I bought the FJ Trail Team on Tueday. I used the hitch and harness added as leverage to seal the deal on the new vehicle. I stressed to them that it needed to be Toyota OE hitch and harness. Tomorrow I go in get it installed........thanks for the help.......Mark

 

Froggy.....When you did the hitch install on the TT did the replacement plastic piece match the black on the bumper? I got the Toyota dealership to throw in a factory oem hitch and harness. They just called me and told me that the piece that comes with the hitch is silver and it is the only color that it comes in and will have to be painted? I cant imagine that Toyota doesnt have a piece to match the TT? anyone run into this? Thanks Mark

 

You mean this piece?
As far as I know, it does only come in silver.

If so, you could get it painted by a body shop for not to much.

 

I haven't seem the piece yet Corey. From what I understand from another site, that silver IS the only color it comes in. Thats why you see no Trail Teams on the lot with hitches. Learn something everyday...The dealer is painting the piece for me as part of the free hitch and install. I couldnt imagine Toyota not having a black one?