Front Mounted Receiver Recommendation for 2004 Toyota Tundra

Published 04/05/2011

Question:

Hi, Trying to decide between your two listed hitches for 2004 Tundra. Install of Draw-Tite hitch looks fairly straightforward, but requires removal of front skid plate. Any concern/danger with removing that plate? Most of my truck travel is on highway. Also note that the Curt hitch allows the skid plate to stay, but its install instructions refer to using a fishwire tool to thread the third mounting bolt from a rear-located frame access hole all the way to a newly drilled hole in the front of the hitch. With no video, that sounds like a bit of voodoo magic for me, someone easily frustrated at such fishing expeditions! Can you shed any light on the practicality of this installation method? Its enough to make me lean toward the Draw-Tite hitch, which looks like a simpler install, if Im reassured that losing the skid plate is no big deal. Thanks much.

asked by: Ron J

Expert Reply:

Unless you drive your Tundra pretty aggressively off-road, I would not be terribly concerned about removing that skid plate.

I examined the instructions for the Curt Front Mounted Receiver, and the access hole the instructions refers to is not too far rearward of the hole that the bolt needs to go through. The bolt leader included with the receiver is actually a pretty ingenious way to get that bolt and block washer through the frame to where it is needed. Although we do not have an install video for that particular receiver on your Tundra, we do have a video that demonstrates how to use the bolt leader, I will provide a link to the video for you.

Both receivers are quality products that I would recommend highly, but in this instance I would recommend the Curt model over the Draw-Tite. The weight bearing capabilities are identical, but the Curt model is priced a bit lower and will allow you to keep the skid plate in place.

expert reply by: Mike L