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bobgore · 11-02-04, 05:46 PM

After two weeks of trying to buy a Lexus hitch, I discovered the problem. My Lexus dealer says that not all 470 V8s pass the EPA test while under tow. If you order a Lexus hitch, they have to send your VIN to Lexus who determines if your engine meets the EPA standard. If it doesn't, they will not sell you the hitch--period.

I looked around my Toyota dealers' lots. None of the 4Runner V8s have hitches, while all the V6's do. I believe this confirms the above because the 4Runner also uses the 470.

What I am doing is buying the Toyota 4Runner "pintle hitch", which is made for the V6. It's not a true pintle hitch because it has a standard 2-inch receiver rather than a hook. It is not as hefty as the V8 hitch, which is mounted to the frame like the HiddenHitch, but that's OK for my use because of the light loads I'll be towing. The cost is about $200. The part is only the receiver and six bolts. It appears as though it simply replaces the hitch mount which is already bolted to the frame. I'll have to remove the bumper to do this.

I also ordered the Lexus bumper knock-out that has a notch on the bottom to fit the receiver. You'll have to give Lexus your VIN so they can match the color. That's about $65 which brings the total to about $275.

I have decided to go this route instead of a HiddenHitch-type because it mounts about two inches higher--up into the bumper, hence the need for the knock-out.

I hope I've helped.

11-02-04, 05:46 PM	#19
bobgore Rookie Trader Score: (0) Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Nevada Posts: 53	GX 470 hitch After two weeks of trying to buy a Lexus hitch, I discovered the problem. My Lexus dealer says that not all 470 V8s pass the EPA test while under tow. If you order a Lexus hitch, they have to send your VIN to Lexus who determines if your engine meets the EPA standard. If it doesn't, they will not sell you the hitch--period. I looked around my Toyota dealers' lots. None of the 4Runner V8s have hitches, while all the V6's do. I believe this confirms the above because the 4Runner also uses the 470. What I am doing is buying the Toyota 4Runner "pintle hitch", which is made for the V6. It's not a true pintle hitch because it has a standard 2-inch receiver rather than a hook. It is not as hefty as the V8 hitch, which is mounted to the frame like the HiddenHitch, but that's OK for my use because of the light loads I'll be towing. The cost is about $200. The part is only the receiver and six bolts. It appears as though it simply replaces the hitch mount which is already bolted to the frame. I'll have to remove the bumper to do this. I also ordered the Lexus bumper knock-out that has a notch on the bottom to fit the receiver. You'll have to give Lexus your VIN so they can match the color. That's about $65 which brings the total to about $275. I have decided to go this route instead of a HiddenHitch-type because it mounts about two inches higher--up into the bumper, hence the need for the knock-out. I hope I've helped.