How much does it cost to put a hitch on a Tacoma?
Most Toyota Tacoma owners spend about 350 to 900 dollars for a hitch installation, depending on the hitch type and whether you choose aftermarket or OEM parts, plus wiring or brake-controller needs.
What to expect in the cost breakdown
Pricing for a hitch on a Tacoma breaks down into the price of the hitch hardware itself, the labor to install it, and any optional wiring or towing accessories. Regional labor rates and whether you buy OEM or aftermarket parts heavily influence the total.
Prices below reflect typical ranges seen at automotive shops and retailers in North America as of 2025. Individual quotes can vary based on model year, local demand, and the specifics of your tow setup.
- Aftermarket Class III (2-inch receiver) hitch (uninstalled): commonly 120–250 USD
- Aftermarket Class IV (2-inch receiver) hitch (uninstalled): commonly 180–320 USD
- OEM Toyota hitch kit (uninstalled): commonly 250–500 USD
These figures cover the hitch hardware alone. Installation and any required wiring add to the total cost.
Installation labor costs
Labor charges cover mounting the hitch to the frame, torqueing hardware, and any factory wiring harness installation or integration with the vehicle’s electrical system. Rates vary by shop and region, with dealers typically on the higher end.
- Bolt-on hitch installation (independent shop): roughly 100–250 USD
- Wiring harness installation (if needed) and setup: roughly 60–150 USD
- Dealer or specialty shop installation (often higher): roughly 200–500 USD
In practical terms, most customers see a combined installed price for aftermarket hitches fall in the 350–800 USD range. If you opt for OEM parts and additional wiring, expect toward the upper end of that spectrum or higher.
Wiring and towing accessories to consider
Many trailers require electrical connections beyond a simple hitch receiver, such as lights, brakes, and auxiliary functions. These add-ons affect total cost and may be essential for legal towing in some regions.
- 4‑pin electrical harness: typically 20–60 USD
- 7‑pin or more robust wiring harness: typically 40–150 USD
- Trailer brake controller (optional but common for larger trailers): 50–200 USD for parts, plus 50–150 USD for installation labor
Note that some aftermarket hitch kits include basic wiring or simplify wiring installation, which can save money. If you’re towing a trailer with brakes or modern electrical requirements, a dedicated brake controller can be a prudent addition.
DIY vs. professional installation
Installing a hitch yourself can reduce labor costs, but it requires basic tools and mechanical comfort. DIY installations are more common with aftermarket hitches and kits that include straightforward mounting hardware and simple wiring. Professional installation remains the most reliable path if you want guaranteed fit, proper torque, and warranty coverage on OEM parts.
Pros and cons at a glance
DIY: lower out-of-pocket costs, more time, and careful attention to instructions. Professional: guaranteed fit, warranty protection, and often included wiring integration and test.
In summary, the total cost to put a hitch on a Toyota Tacoma typically ranges from about 350 to 900 USD for aftermarket parts with installation, and 600 to 1,100 USD or more when choosing OEM parts plus wiring and optional brake controller. This is a broad guide; local prices can swing based on region, model year, and the specifics of your towing needs.
Summary
For most Tacoma owners, expect to pay a few hundred dollars for the hitch hardware, plus roughly an additional hundred to several hundred dollars for professional installation and any required wiring. OEM options push the price higher, especially when wiring and accessories are included. If you’re budget-conscious, an aftermarket Class III hitch with basic wiring installed by a shop is typically the most economical path; for maximum compatibility and warranty, consider OEM parts and professional installation. Always obtain a written quote that itemizes the hitch, wiring, and labor to compare apples-to-apples across providers.
