etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

by: Alex C. in Sugar Land, Texas10/19/2022

The trailer box arrived damaged but the trailer hitch receiver looked fine. When installing the hitch, it would not fit with several attempts. I contacted etrailer for support and received an email instruction to realign the hitch. After realignment of hitch, it fit just fine and the hitch looked awesome. Thanks etrailer for the quick response on the solution. The hitch was mis-aligned due to shipping. The hitch is very strong with an awesome price from etrailer. I have purchased another hitch from etrailer and it was also great quality. Thanks again (Quinn F. at etrailer) for providing quick support to solve my problem. Great value with free shipping. (2011 Toyota Sienna)1451644

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The installation video was wrong you also have to cut the plastic for the center of the hitch on my 2020 sienna limited edition. Very frustrating hope this helps the next person that install one.1435415

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by: Aaron 01/03/2023

2006 Toyota Sienna

This Hitch receiver was easy to install on our 2006 Toyota Sienna, the one bolt located under the muffler needs a little extra time during the install, but it's straightforward. We have 5 place bike rack that installs on the rack and it's been rock-stable, even over 500 mile trips. My only complaint is with the ground clearance (it's a Toyota issue) with the receiver installed you lose a lot on the departure angle, so be prepared to scrape a few times and watch for speed bumps, pulling out of driveways, etc. e-trailer's product though is top notch, well-built and has been great over our year of ownership.1492478

This is awesome hitch receiver easy to install.and one thing I like to this item
my after market rear lip has no modified or cut.1483315

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Four of the six mounting holes matched the threaded holes on the Toyota Sienna frame. The fifth *barely* did, requiring some force. The sixth, not even close. Didn't feel like getting under there with a Dremel to grind the hitch's opening wider, even though I don't like leaving a fastener missing (got a damn heavy class-III hitch cuz I do care about weight limits and tolerances). If the thing had actually fit the car, I'd be quite pleased with it.1473752

The wrong bolt package was sent with the original order. I told them what size bolt fit the van, was told they’d send the correct bolt package out. 7days later I received 1 single solitary bolt the exact same wrong size. It takes 6 correct size bolts to attach the hitch. Its not even worth the aggravation to call them back I’ll source it myself.1366907

I am sorry it has been such an ordeal to get you the correct hardware. I am sending this back to our customer service team and they will be in touch with you soon.

-- Brooke M - 08/31/2022

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Product is reasonably well made. Accessories are poorly made and packaged. The paper box came in almost completely dismantled and both mounting screws and pin alignment stop were missing, and the receiver was lightly scratched. However the customer service did immediately shipped out the replacement mounting accessories and alignment stop within days, and credited me $xx, for touchup paint from local [hardware store]. The touchup paint was a nice touchup. Thanks!1199512

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This hitch was bent and did not fit my car. It was my third attempt at ordering a hitch and I came to etrailer figuring I'd be better off than [online]. This was a complete fail. It took several calls to customer service and over a week to finally get a shipping label to get it returned. I had to talk to multiple people before one finally helped. I was able to get a replacement, but was disappointed that the customer service was slow to respond to my calls and emails to get a replacement.1287531

If you are having troubles with the holes not lining up, it could be that the hitch has been flexed during shipment. This is common amongst hitches, since the mounting brackets are made from a mild steel that allows the hitch to flex with the vehicle after installation. If the entire hitch was made of rigid steel, there would be a greater chance of the hitch being damaged and experiencing stress cracks. Such cracks could cause the hitch to malfunction. This flexing often times will cause the holes not to align. Because of this we do have a help article I have the link attached below that will walk you through the process of straightening the hitch.

-- Katrina B - 04/26/2022

137686

My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit

I am fairly mechanical and can savvy instructions well enough, so I read over them a few times prior to installing. I installed this by myself, with no other hands helping me - if this is you, READ ON!

I jacked up the back of the van and used two jack stands so that I could actually breathe. That made all the difference (don’t forget your parking brake!).

There is a piece of the body that is plastic - you will have to remove this and cut a hole so that the hitch mount will actuallly fit. I took the time to do this and it made the install so much easier. I had a set of tin snips and they worked great for this. Although, pay attention to the different fittings that hold this piece of plastic in place. There are three different kinds: Phillips screw, LARGE Phillips screws, and little pop out fittings. So you take this thing off and put it back on before you ever get to any of the actual installation.

There are covers for the welded frame nuts on the Sienna. They are basically stickers. I jabbed a hole in them with a screw driver and pulled them apart to expose the nut. Since they are covered, mine were clean as a whistle and I didn’t have to blow them out or use a wire brush.

Instructions for this item are great, measurements for the piece you HAVE to cut are totally correct, except I would make them bigger so you can fit your ratchet extension in.

I DID NOT lower the exhaust. I actually used it as a prop on the passenger side as I finger tightened a bolt on the driver side (remember I did this by myself). Then I finger tightened a couple of bolts on the exhaust (passenger) side. After finger tightening all of the bolts, I took my time tightening each bolt twice. I don’t have a torque wrench, so I don’t know how tight they are. I tend to have a tight grip, so I am sure they are fine, but I’ll check them again in a week or so. NOTE, tightening the bolts on the exhaust side requires you to pull the exhaust to the side so you can get your ratchet in position. I used the ratchet extension as leverage and this helped. If you could lower the exhaust, it might be easier, but that seemed like a needless pain.

We are taking our first trip with it this weekend - carrying three mountain bikes. I’ll check the bolts when we get there and when we get back.

All in all, this hitch mount is a beast. Very heavy duty, and will handle anything our Vinnie-Man will dish out :)
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Thanks for the review! I highly recommend making sure those bolts are correctly torqued. Most national chain auto parts stores will loan tools for free if you leave a deposit, thatd be a great way to borrow a torque wrench.

-- Mike L - 02/28/2019

49975

2008 Toyota Sienna LE 8 passenger, FWD, stock.
Hitch, perfect fit! Wiring harness, perfect length. Time, about 2 beers on an empty stomach.

Tools: you will need a metric socket set.
10mm to remove the rear plastic cover in the trunk (for the wiring harness kit installation), 19mm to install the bolts that secure the hitch to the van. Follow the instructions or [online] it... one can do it... but two is always better than one... unless you two don't get along, then go at it alone...

You may/will also need a drill, heavy duty sheers or hacksaw. Some sort of liquid rust fighter, a pry-bar, various chunks of wood.

Basically, I bought 4 HDX 1/2" fitting brushes from [online] for $x.xx a piece, nipped the handles off, and put them in the drill. Going in the forward direction only (if you set the drill in reverse in an attempt to back out the brush it will literally unwind and come apart), I sprayed rust breaker on the brush and used them to clean out the holes for the bolts. The bolts are metric and a fine thread (meaning the grooves are more shallow than coarse threads, there are more groves, and they take more to clean out, coarse seems to be more forgiving when rusted.).

I used all four brushes to clean out the six holes. As my vehicle was bought used, it had no plastic rear cover so the threads where corroded. The pry-bar and wooden blocks where to hold the exhaust tube out of the way (pry the bar to the side, use the blocks to hold it.

Once the threads are cleaned out, it's a snap. It would be a good idea to put a little anti-corrosion on each bolt before installing (good habit to have.)

Installed the wire harness kit from etrailer. Loved it, would recommend getting some wire protector sleeves and sliding this over the wires for longevity protection. This would prevent the vibrations from driving down the road from wearing through the wires insulation and causing a potential/eventual short circuit...(etrailer.... why don't you offer a protection kit for a few bucks more.... one stop shop hint hint.... I'd pay extra for the convenience and also if it came with more zipties...zip ties.... a lot more zipties..)


Final thoughts: it is my intention to do the following... if you [online] "Michael Byrne air loft review" he has a 2015 dodge grand caravan I would copy.
Install ceramic rated rotors, and ceramic brakes for heavier hauling.
Install air lift helper springs from etrailer... would love to get the compressor kit, but cannot justify the cost of convenience... according to Michael Bryne, the included air hose didn't like the cold and flexing and failed... (so if you live in the cold ranges, due dilligence is probably a good idea).... Thus the airbags collapsed and pinched and tore the bags. He recommends upgrading the air hose to a braided line. I think I will do this, and route it into the van to a T-fitting. Then use the included line to run up to the driver seat before putting in another T-fitting in.. one side will supply a pressure guage that I can see as I drive daily and monitor for low pressure... the other will go the fill nipple located nearbye... That way I can use an air compressor that I already have that runs off of the cigarette port to fill it, and see my pressure from the same spot, that I monitor... (Why etrailer doesn't offer an add on kit of more hose, fittings, and a pressure Guage with a mount kits is beyond me... hint hint... take the idea etrailer... ask $XX extra bucks, one stop shop, and its a heck-of-a better bargain than a $XXX basic compressor kit.... some of us dont need fancy, we need practical)....

I also plan on upgrading the suspension to a beefier, stiffer suspension, as the van tends to be a little soft when loaded down. I put in Monroe load adjusting shocks and KYB quick struts and looooooved them when I had my grand caravan... also had put on 4 all weather tires that roooocked in the snow from tires plus... they where quiet...

I know, I know, why not get a suburban? Sliding doors, that's why, sliding doors = no door dings caused by my children.... it's lower to the ground so my little ones can get in without the risk of falling and cracking their heads on pavement... that and the 24mpg... and it's paid for... and it's a toyota.... plus.... who wants to steal a minivan...1264858

You brought up several good points in regard to the hitch and the harness. We recommend cleaning out the bolt holes thoroughly before beginning he installation. While we do not have a ready made kit we do have wire loom, part # 7509-10
Wire Loom 1/4" Diameter, 10' Long
$6.68, and zip ties part # DW05727-10
Deka Cable Ties Kit - UV-Resistant - Black - 50 lb Tensile Strength - 14" Long - Qty 10
$2.14 available. The idea of a hose kit with a gauge is a good one.

-- Jenny N - 02/25/2022

133519

How to Clean Weld Nuts for the Installation of a Trailer Hitch | etrailer.com

I had a terrible experience through another vendor while waiting to receive a hitch that never did arrive. Eventually I asked for a refund and found etrailer. I ordered the product needed from you guys middle of last week and it is sitting in my office foyer right now. You are Awesome and I will be obtaining any other products I may need, that you supply, in the future. Thank you etrailer folks!1403811

by: Dayna08/10/2021

I got this hitch a year ago. And it has served me well. I’m using it on an 2005 Toyota Sienna Mini van and it is great. I’m so happy with my purchase1119732

It has been a year since getting my hitch for my Toyota Mini Van. I can’t tell you how wonderful it has been and how useful it is. This company was the best price around, shipping was exceptionally fast and installation was super easy. I’m still a year later beyond happy and thankful to etrailers for having what I needed.

Dayna - 08/12/2022

146264

by: Stephen07/12/2022

hitch is perfect for what we needed. had difficulty with the installation due to holes not lining up but i’m pretty sure it was bent during shipping. i was able to make necessary adjustments myself but i’m sure etrailer would have taken care of things had i given them the opportunity. customer service is legit and something most companies these days have a serious deficiency in. i would absolutely use them again.1326079

by: Erin07/15/2022

My husband and I were able to install it with little difficulty. Because of the weight of the hitch it took a few different tries to screw it into place. I would suggest using tire jacks to hold it in place while you get it bolted. We’ve had it for over a year and it’s been perfect.1329433

The installation went smoothly thanks for sending the etrailer creepers,
I’m a 73 year old and was able to complete the entire installation in 2 hrs.
by myself.
Again thank you my experience with etrailer has been absolutely great, I really like the process of the purchase and delivery. The photos of the individuals processing the order is a nice touch.
Thank you for being a caring and top notch company1148163

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Fast shipping and customer service was great. Always a good experience with Etrailer.1446813

Love the product, very well made. Very beefy and sturdy, it’s heavy and solid. It was very easy to install on my dorkmobile and the hardware provided is all that you need. I would recommend this thing to everyone that has a 05 Toyota Sienna and wants a hitch on it!1081188

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by: Bruce07/26/2022

Installation a lot of work. Toyota had too much stuff in the way! Your videos very helpful. etrailer workmanship very good.1339163

Very happy with my purchase, Hardware was lost in transit and they respond by sending a new set very fast. Thanks1464352

First-class build quality. The welds are solid and the cuts are crisp.

The only reason for 4/5 stars is that the instructions need significant work. The photos are small and dark, the text is terse, and the difficulty is significantly under-rated.

I am a skilled handyman with all required tools. This project took me about two and a half hours, and a significant part of that time was spent scrutinizing the sparse instructions.

The price was also reasonable. I'm a repeat customer, and I would definitely buy again.


Four images attached. Use as you like.
xxx07.jpg: Splash guard cutout around left side
xxx32.jpg: Close up of long transverse cut across splash guard for guards that have long ridge that interferes with hitch.
xxx02.jpg: Close up of *threaded* splash guard holder. Indent is very large phillips-like cross. Size is roughly that of a quarter.
xxx41.jpg: Close up of snap connector. Inner white button pops out with screwdriver.
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Installed fairly easily. Looks good. I did have to trim the under carriage cover around the 2” opening but otherwise it was no big deal. I installed this on a 2017 Sienna Limited.1037079

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The bolts that came with my hitch didn’t fit my car. Had to go to the local hardware store and get the right ones1269126

It sounds like the weld nuts in the frame of your 2008 Toyota Sienna minivan needed to be cleaned before installing the hitch. It is common for older vehicles to get grime and build up in the weld nuts that needs to be loosened up with a wire brush and a PB blaster lubricant otherwise it will seem like the bolts are too big to install. I have attached an article to assist you with cleaning the weld nuts. Using smaller hardware than what comes with the hardware kit of the hitch can void the warranty.

-- Heather A - 03/16/2022

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How to Clean Weld Nuts for the Installation of a Trailer Hitch | etrailer.com

Very easy install. Took 2 of us about 45 minutes from start to finish. Flanges on hitch where bent a little bit from shipping but we were able to straighten them out.
Hitch scrapes sometimes when i leave my driveway or on certain Speed Bumps but overall a great well built Hitch. 649478

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by: Kent 09/23/2022

Works very well and straight forward in stal.1421284

Excellent purchase. Fast shipping. Good quality. Perfect fit1292504

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