4Runner Hitch Cover / Plug very PRICEY (replacement part number inside)

[HanousJim]

This may seem silly, but I thought it was worth mentioning. Someone stole my black rubber hitch cover out of a parking lot. Without much thought, I ordered a new one on Amazon for around $12. But when I received it, I realized that it's much smaller than the one that came with my 4Runner. So I went down to visit the dealer and looked at the one in the showroom. Sure enough, ONLY the 4Runner has an oversized "faceplate" with three vertical lines on the logo. Then I asked the dealer for the price. They quoted me $86.00 !!! I've gone online with the part number, and the cheapest I've found is 45 plus 15 shipping. I'll post pics below comparing the two.

The part number for the new 4Runner Plug is 51997-35010.
The smaller one for all other models is 00214-34936, with a number of variations out there.

Again, I know this is only small change, but maybe someone out there has a better idea.... I liked the way mine looked better than the smaller replacement.

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[Jakethewhippet1]

I've removed mine a month ago and put it the garage just for that reason. It's expensive because of the radar absorbing foam. Cops can't see you from behind LOL.

 

[beehaw]

I removed mine and bought this
https://www.etsy.com/listing/933901415/jurassic-park-weathered-red-trailerJurassic Park - Weathered Red - Trailer Hitch Cover - Etsy

super high quality and I bought a hitch lock for it so it doesn’t get stolen (lock not pictured)

 

[brumey]

Would drilling a hole in the OEM hitch insert allow a hitch lock? I realize it's plastic and could be ripped out but, they would destroy the insert doing so. I am not with my vehicle today or I would check. If possible, I'll slam one of my many hitch locks on it.

 

[beehaw]

Would drilling a hole in the OEM hitch insert allow a hitch lock? I realize it's plastic and could be ripped out but, they would destroy the insert doing so. I am not with my vehicle today or I would check. If possible, I'll slam one of my many hitch locks on it.

Line up the holes correctly and I dont see why not honestly. The one I purchased in the picture already came pre drilled

 

[Burgi]

I had mine for 2 weeks before someone stole it.

 

[alpa_chino]

I took mine out and put the Baja Designs hitch light instead. More functional for me

 

[MTN Dew]

Keep in mind automatic car washes will knock these of too. I would do welding repair for local car wash. They had a bucket full of the older style reciever plugs.

 

[bkw777]

oempartsonline $46

https://toyota.oempartsonline.com/o...yJnk9MjAyNSZ0PXRyZC1zcG9ydCZlPTItNGwtbDQtZ2Fz


The face is larger than normal because the receiver has an extra wall around the outside of the actual receiver.

That's also probably why the truck comes with a hitch pin too, to ensure you have a pin that's long enough for the wider-than-normal receiver.

 

[Speefk]

Would drilling a hole in the OEM hitch insert allow a hitch lock? I realize it's plastic and could be ripped out but, they would destroy the insert doing so. I am not with my vehicle today or I would check. If possible, I'll slam one of my many hitch locks on it.

I came up with a little 'security' for the rubber hitch cap.
I had this piece of 1 1/4" x 1/16 aluminum stock. The stock fit nicely in the cap.
So I put a bend in one end of the stock so that it would catch the hitch tube in the back by the spare tire, cut it to length, and attached it to the hitch cap. Thus providing a 'lock'.
All I have to do is reach up by the spare tie and pull down and then give it a little push the cap is off. The cap is on there really tight. My 16 year old couldn't figure out how to brute force it off.

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Looks stock when installed.

 

[HanousJim]

Cool!!

 

[Nodak]

https://www.diodedynamics.com/hitchmount-led-pod-reverse-kit-for-2025-toyota-4runner.html




snap off the tabs to slide a lock into it

 

[Joe Dirt]

Can anyone out here tell me where I can get a hitch pin lock that will fit our new extra wide trailer hitch receiver. I have the pin which is around 6 in long but that is not a lock. I have checked Harbor Freight and Walmart. Thanks in advance

 

[ToYoDaMan]

Can anyone out here tell me where I can get a hitch pin lock that will fit our new extra wide trailer hitch receiver. I have the pin which is around 6 in long but that is not a lock. I have checked Harbor Freight and Walmart. Thanks in advance

I have the diode dynamics installed with this

Extra Long Trail Hitch Lock

works perfectly!

if this is what you are looking for!

 

[Joe Dirt]

I have the diode dynamics installed with this

Extra Long Trail Hitch Lock

works perfectly!

if this is what you are looking for!

I have the diode dynamics installed with this

Extra Long Trail Hitch Lock

works perfectly!

if this is what you are looking for!

Yes I think that PIN will be the right choice to keep my hitch ball.

I have not had my hitch receiver rubber plug stolen yet but I could see my trailer hitch as it is also worth about $100 being easily removed.

I do like that diode light system you have is that a brake light? and is it plugged into your trailer connection I can't see the wires.
Thanks again for that info.

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