Solution for Hitch Not Being Correct Width for Toyota Tacoma

Updated 06/30/2026 | Published 06/26/2026

Question:

Hello. I received trailer hitch e98850 for my 2005 Toyota Tacoma on 12/8/2025 as a Christmas gift. I held off on installing the product until now because I received it during the winter and I live in New England. I just discovered that the hitch does not fit my frame. It is approximately 1/8 to 1/4 too narrow to fit around the frame properly. I am in need of either a new hitch that properly fits the truck, or guidance on how to alter the hitch I have to make it fit.

asked by: Andrew S

Expert Reply:

Hey Andrew, sounds like your hitch # e98850 got bent in shipping which is unfortunately something that can happen. Normally all you need to do is just bend it back and everything is totally fine. Since the hitch is a little on the narrower side you might just start all of the bolts and then torque them down and that will bend the hitch back to the correct width. As long as you don't see any metal creasing or paint flaking the hitch will be just fine. I wouldn't anticipate that happening based on what you described.

expert reply by: Jameson C