Tips for Fitting Curt Hitch # 13013 onto 2001 Toyota Tacoma with Rear Bumper

Question:

After installing the hitch, the bumper mounts were too far separated to remount the bumper again by over an inch. Is there longer bolts and a spacer needed to correct? 2001 Toyota Tacoma Reg cab

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

What you described is kind of a common issue with the install of the Curt hitch # 13013 that you referenced. We had a customer come back with tips on how to get everything lined up properly:

Re-install the bumper brackets and make sure the tabs go through the slots on the side bracket." Ok, but then they must move forward to align the holes but the slot between the tab and the now doubled metal is not wide enough. Hence, I had to grind the metal out in order for the tab to clear. Once done, EVERYTHING fit! Kudos for precise hole alignment.

Here's another take from a different customer:

Tips: 1) Before reinstalling the bumper brackets on each side, get the forward-most bolt on each side started through the hitch into the frame weld nuts first. Then install the bumper brackets. The bumper brackets have slots for the front bolts so as long as you leave those bolts loose enough it's much easier to get everything aligned this way. 2) If you have a hitch ball installed in the step bumper already, you may have to remove it before you can get the bumper back on.

expert reply by: Jameson C