How to Install a Trailer Hitch on a 2017 Toyota Tundra
To add a trailer hitch to a 2017 Toyota Tundra you will need a few tools, a Draw-Tite 65051 trailer hitch and about 30 minutes to complete the installation. Follow these basic steps to start hauling cargo carriers, bike racks and other hitch-mounted accessories in your Toyota Tundra today.
About the Draw-Tite 65051
The Draw-Tite 65051 is a front-mount, bolt-on trailer hitch designed for the 2017 Toyota Tundra. The hitch has a max trailer weight of 5,000 lb., a line pull limit of 9,000 lb. and a vertical load limit of 500 lb. There is no welding or drilling required for this installation.
Tools needed:
- Safety glasses
- Flathead screwdriver
- Power drill
- Torque wrench
- 19mm socket
2017 Toyota Tundra Hitch Installation Steps
1. Remove the Tow Hook (if necessary)
If your Toyota Tundra has the optional tow hooks installed, use the 19mm socket fitted on the power drill to remove them. There is one on both sides of the vehicle held in place by two bolts. Set each pair of bolts aside, as you will be reinstalling them.
2. Remove the Access Hole Covers
Locate the rectangular access holes on the outside of the frame on both sides of the vehicle. Use the flat head screwdriver to wedge the plastic hole covers out.
2. Position the Hitch
Using a second pair of hands, lift the hitch into position so the attachment holes on the hitch brackets and frame align. Loosely install the M12 bolts and conical washers , teeth facing up, in the bottom attachment holes. Be sure the tow hooks are installed with the M12 bolts.
3. Thread the Hardware
Feed the fish wire coil side first through the side mounting hole and out of the access hole. Attach the spacer block and carriage bolt to the coil and pull the wire until the carriage bolt thread drops through the side mounting hole. Repeat this step on the other side.
4. Tighten the Hardware
Install the conical washers and hex nuts on both side mounted carriage bolts. Tighten with your hands first, then secure using the 19mm socket. Be sure the tow hook bolts are secured as well.
5. Torque the Hitch
Use the torque wrench fitted with the 19mm socket and torque the M12 bolts to 68 ft. lb. and the side mounted carriage bolts to 75 ft. lb. The wrench should make a clicking sound after the correct amount of torque has been applied.
Once installed, the hitch should measure:
- 5 in. from the receiver to the end of the bumper
- 7 ½ in. from the pin hole to the end of the bumper
You should now have your Draw-Tite 65051 trailer hitch installed on your 2017 Toyota Tundra.
Whatever vehicle you drive, we have a trailer hitch for you. Don’t have the time to install yourself? Schedule a professional installation at uhaul.com and we’ll do the work. If U-Haul doesn’t have a hitch for your vehicle, nobody does!
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