Removing Skid Shield to Install Front Mounted Receiver on 2014 Toyota Tacoma

Updated 12/29/2015 | Published 12/27/2015

Question:

will either the Curt 31313 or the draw tie front hitch allow for the front skid plate to remain installed without any modification? the comment page has an entry suggesting that it can remain.

asked by: George S

Expert Reply:

To retain the skid shield, you'll want to go with the Draw-Tite # 65070.

In order to install the Curt # 31313 front hitch on your 2014 Toyota Tacoma, the bumper beam end caps and the front skid shield would need to be permanently removed. For the 2006 and earlier model year, the skid shield could be replaced without modification. We've received comments from folks who installed the Curt front hitch on newer 2014 Tacomas and were able to retain the skid shield by modifying it, but I have no specific information about how that would be accomplished.

The Draw-Tite # 65070 front mount receiver would require the bumper beam end caps be permanently removed. The skid shield needs to be removed temporarily, but once the hitch install is complete, the skid shield is reinstalled without modification.

expert reply by: Mike L