Aftermarket tow hitch with 2" receiver-any recommendations?

My 2019 Tacoma SR 4x4 did not come with a factory installed trailer hitch.

I really am thinking of installing one myself after watching several DIY vids on YouTube.

Any suggestions for a trailer hitch and wiring harness kit?

Another option is to take it to a local U-Haul to have them install it.

Not sure how good of a wiring job they would do??

I definitely don't want to take it to local dealership cause they just farm it out I was told by service advisor.

 

There are actual shops in my area that specialize in hitch installation, sales and service. Had good luck them in the past. Try searching "trailer hitches" I wouldn't trust uhaul with anything. Most if not all are just franchises and are not qualified for technical work or repairs. Did you ask dealership who they "farm it out" to ?

 

Draw-Tite, Reese or Curt: Class IV and specifically made for the exact vehicle you'll be installing it on. With a helper and a floor-jack you can install it yourself. They're -heavy-. I did it once and then never again. I had an RV center do it when I had one installed for a utility trailer. (I didn't need a Class IV hitch, but installed one anyway to be ready to tow almost anything.) They use the correct hardened hardware to install it on the frame. It also included the draw-bar with three different sized hitch-balls and a pintle hook which I kept and used on different vehicles over the years.

 

Check out E-trailer. Williston's recs are good.

Buy the highest quality harness kit you can, and install it yourself if you can. Installers won't give a fuck about routing it well to avoid damage, or using good connectors and shrink wrap or at least 3M 33 tape. No one wants to try to find a short in the middle of nowhere. Go 7 pin and just buy a 4 pin adapter to have on hand for the most flexibility.

I have a bunch of pics from my 01 install to give you an idea.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/media/albums/2001-xcab.23373/?page=13

 

Good advice on the wiring connector(s) especially using a good quality 7-pin one. A good quality brand-name. It's worth it, especially in northern climates where it lives a tough life back there. Put some bulb grease on the connectors in there. I also have a 4-pin adapter which has small LED indicators on it which illuminate for each function: It's worth the few extra bucks: makes quick work of figuring out why half of the lights don't work when you plug the trailer harness in and which is the culprit: the truck or the trailer. Usually it's non-use, and a few re-connects fixes it. If you install it yourself, do a good/careful job on the ground connection(s). Sketchy grounds can cause all kinds of strange/phantom lighting symptoms.

 

etrailer.com for a hitch and wiring harness. Simple to do. I used them to put one on my Toyota T100 years ago.