Eapele Tow Hitch Step for 2 inch Receiver, Universal Anti Slip Bumper Guard，Strong Steel 10000lbs Maximum Load, for Trailer Tow Truck Pickup SUV Pickup Van RV

The original factory anti-rattle pin (and likely the standard one you tried) didn't fit properly on your 2025 Tacoma because the rear hitch receiver has a thicker, double-walled "boxed" design for added strength and off-road durability. This makes the receiver wider than on previous generations, so many standard or older pins (from 3rd-gen Tacomas or generic ones) are too short to fully engage or allow the anti-rattle mechanism to work right. No big deal though—switching to a dedicated locking hitch pin was a smart move. For the 2024+ Tacomas (including your 2025), you typically need a 5/8-inch diameter pin with at least 4 inches of usable shaft length (some folks go up to 4.25–4.5 inches for a perfect fit). That ensures it clears the thicker receiver walls and still locks securely. Many owners report success with options like Trimax, TowWorks, or similar extended-span locking pins from places like Amazon, Home Depot, or specialty towing sites. Adding the Nilight Trailer Hitch Tightener is a great upgrade too—it's a heavy-duty U-bolt style clamp (with rubber coating to reduce noise and vibration) that slips over the receiver and tightens everything down snug. It eliminates rattle and wobble from any remaining play in the hitch connection, whether you're using a ball mount, bike rack, cargo carrier, or just towing. Reviews show it works well on Tacomas and similar trucks, making towing quieter and more stable while providing extra protection against wear. Overall, solid solutions—your setup now has better security from the locking pin and much less annoying clunking/vibration thanks to the tightener. If you're hauling anything regularly, it's a worthwhile combo for peace of mind and easier access to the bed without constant rattling

My “new” (to me) last year 22Toyota 4 runner got backed into in a parking lot. a few months after I got it… I was heartbroken and had to have it repaired - -what looked like just the back tail light and a little scratch ended up being almost the whole rear end & bumper as it’s mostly plastic, to a tune of almost $3000. I bought this hitch initially so I could reach my roof racks when I go to the beach. BUT ! Let me tell you this thing has saved me at least four times already from having to have my truck repaired. Three times already people have rear-ended me at lights and caused significant damage to their vehicles but none to mine granted nothing was high impact -but with people on their phones these days a small bump causes costly damage and even if it’s not your fault, you’re very inconvenienced. I LOVE ❤️ this thing it has protected my truck extremely well. And saved me bump or two backing up as well.. A little grease and it’s easily removed changed as need arises on my hitch. It’s solid as a rock and makes a wonderful step. I’ve had it on almost a year now and I see no rust or damage other than a few scratches where people have thrown their own cars against it. Great buy at a competitive price.

Good product sturdy and durable

Looks great, haven’t bumped my leg into it like a tow hitch ball. Thought it came with a coating but it has started to show surface rust quickly. Not a problem just really appears like it’s already protected but it’s not. Step feels sturdy. Jumped on it and didn’t feel it wiggle at all. I’ll admit this step serves not only as a step but as a deterrent for people pulling up too close to my bumper and it’s doing a great job.

Super strong, good looking and make getting in and out of my lifted truck be much nicer.

Bumper Protection: Provides reliable protection for the vehicle's bumper. Tow Rope Connection: Simple and convenient to connect, enhancing usability. Sensor Compatibility: Notably, it does not interfere with backup sensors, adding to its practicality for everyday use.

Very well built and well designed. A heavy, solid steel step that also acts as an excellent recovery point. It's solid and stable with no rattles using the supplied bracket kit which is also exceptionally heavy duty. The u bolt is quite thick and plate that stabilizes the hitch is about ¼" contoured steel. Finish seems good, though I suspect that based what it and where it's located periodic painting will be needed. (all hitches take a beating over time). And, it's unlikely anyone will be bumper tapping in the parking lots with this mounted. At least not without serious damage to their vehicle. I have it on a 2016 Sequoia and its perfect. Recommended. Update: the finish is garbage. Started rusting after the first rain. If you chose this, paint and clear coat it before installing. And I wouldn't trust it for any recovery efforts that push it close to its 10K max, light duty pulling should be ok.

The step shaft fit the receiver hitch on my Tundra just fine. In order to get the U-bolt to grab squarley I had to use the second pin hole so the step went in far enough. With the U-bolt in place it is very solid. The paint was fine-no chips/rust/scratches. In order to remove the step you need to carry a 17mm wrench or ratchet. You can slip the U-bolt, with bracket and nuts, over the shaft before inserting it in the receiver hitch. It simplifies tightening the nuts. In order for someone to steal the step they'd have to have an appropriate wrench or ratchet. So, it's not impossible just time consuming. You can of course buy a locking pin if desired. The U-bolt should have come painted so as to not rust and match the step. It gives a real nice solid step from which you can swing your leg over the tailgate to get in the truck bed. The step bumper is just too narrow to do this safely. Someone referred to it as a Prius Spear-LOL.

Lightening fast shipping, great addition to my truck.

As others have pointed out paint could be a little harder. They could've put grip on both sides of the step so it could be reversible I wish the hitch part was a little longer so it would protrude more from the rear of the vehicle. There's no reason for the square tube inserting into the hitch to be full because if it where hollow it would be possible to install an anti-rattle inside the tube as well as use the supplied ubolt-type one. Broke the bolts to the supplied ubolt-type anti-rattle and because of design choices it will be difficult to find a replacement that fits. Anti-rattle makes it harder to steal. Overall good purchase.

This did not fit 2024 Toyota 4Runner standard 2” hitch. It was very tight and could not be inserted unless you shave off quite a bit. The return postage cost me $41. The seller said it will be refunded on return. However all my emails and follow up was ignored by the seller after the return. Amazon refunded the shipping cost and offered a full refund.