Lexus 6500lbs tow hitch is here but
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Nevada
Hitch saga continues
My body shop ordered a new knockout (I guess we can call it that) to replace the stock one. The replacement was identical to thr original so he reordered. My stock knockout has the flare in it but not enough to clear the hitch, as you can see in the photo.
PS. It's too bad Lexus doesn't include a "smilie" with tears on it's face. Meanwhile....
PS. It's too bad Lexus doesn't include a "smilie" with tears on it's face. Meanwhile....
Last edited by bobgore; Dec 24, 2004 at 12:30 PM.
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Nevada
Hitch
I know, Cap, but I need the integral hitch. I actually use my 4X4 off road for business, so I need the extra departure angle the integral hitch gives over the add-on hitches (U-Haul, etc).
I am thinking to taking Lexus to small claims court to recover the cost of the "hitch mount" they advertised that I can't use. They knew when they sold me the car that they would not support putting a hitch on the car. Sounds like fraud to me.
I am thinking to taking Lexus to small claims court to recover the cost of the "hitch mount" they advertised that I can't use. They knew when they sold me the car that they would not support putting a hitch on the car. Sounds like fraud to me.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,669
Likes: 4
From: Palos Verdes, California
Re: Hitch saga continues
Originally posted by bobgore
My body shop ordered a new knockout (I guess we can call it that) to replace the stock one.
PS. It's too bad Lexus doesn't include a "smilie" with tears on it's face. Meanwhile....
My body shop ordered a new knockout (I guess we can call it that) to replace the stock one.
PS. It's too bad Lexus doesn't include a "smilie" with tears on it's face. Meanwhile....
This is the part you ordered. Hopefully, it will fit right.
~ Cap
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Nevada
Hitch
Cap,
That's the part we were hoping for and didn't get. If the second order brings the same flanged knock-out, I'll order a 2003 part. Every '03 I've seen has the notched knock-out whether it has a hitch or not.
Bob
That's the part we were hoping for and didn't get. If the second order brings the same flanged knock-out, I'll order a 2003 part. Every '03 I've seen has the notched knock-out whether it has a hitch or not.
Bob
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 485
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
Watching intently...
I'm watching this thread intently as I also recently picked up my Blizzard 2004 and will be needing that part in order to get the"factory look. I have the "no notch" version that came with my TO package (at least the wiring is back there).
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
I'm new here and my brand new GX had what I thought was a towing package. It has the wiring and the nicely curved rear bumper piece with a place to bolt a hitch on to, but no hitch receiver. I'm a little confused because I want a hitch receiver to carry a bike rack and a rack for a cooler. What specifically do I need to do? Just call my dealer? I really don't need an $800 towing package. I thought the piece would be 50 bucks, not really a big deal.
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
I got the hitch receiver and the knockout from LExus. But how do I install it? Do I have to remove the entire bumper? I can't even get the original knockout panel off. It has 2 vinyl screws, but thenit is snapped on. How do you remove it?
I think I now know why Lexus charges 1.5 hours to install it. If I have to remove the entire bumper, I may have someone else do that.
I think I now know why Lexus charges 1.5 hours to install it. If I have to remove the entire bumper, I may have someone else do that.
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Nevada
Hitch installation
I took mine to a body shop. He charged me for .9 hours. I did so after realizing I did not have the necessary tools.
There are four clips in addition to the two screws. My body shop did not reinstall the clips because you have to move the bumber out to get at them. Mine is held on by only the two screws, which I believe to be more than adequate. Not installing the clips gives me better access to the hitch for maintenance and cleaning if needed.
There are four clips in addition to the two screws. My body shop did not reinstall the clips because you have to move the bumber out to get at them. Mine is held on by only the two screws, which I believe to be more than adequate. Not installing the clips gives me better access to the hitch for maintenance and cleaning if needed.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,669
Likes: 4
From: Palos Verdes, California
Need 7/8 inch clearance for Sensors
Originally Posted by CivicFerio
rear bumper cover off
I have purchased a Reversing Sensor System for my GX. The sensors are the type you drill a hole in the bumper.
Based on your recollection and your pictures, do you think there is 7/8 of an inch clearance underneath what looks like a foam bar, between the bumper and the metal frame ??
After I drill the holes, I need 7/8 of an inch clearance so that the sensors seat properly on the bumper. Hate to drill the holes and then discover that the sensors hit something before seating.
~ Cap
Last edited by Capirato; Feb 27, 2005 at 12:57 AM.
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Nevada
Towing Experience
I was going to install a reverse sensor, too, but then I remembered, Hey, I have a camera back there.
By the way, Cap asked me to report back on my trailer hitch installation after I had some "tow" time. (I installed an integral 4Runner V6 hitch). I've made two round trips from here in Las Vegas to San Diego with my Kendon motorcycle carrier and my Yamaha FJR 1300--about 800 lbs--and can hardly tell it's there. Not only that, it looks great (See my previous postings)
By the way, Cap asked me to report back on my trailer hitch installation after I had some "tow" time. (I installed an integral 4Runner V6 hitch). I've made two round trips from here in Las Vegas to San Diego with my Kendon motorcycle carrier and my Yamaha FJR 1300--about 800 lbs--and can hardly tell it's there. Not only that, it looks great (See my previous postings)
Last edited by bobgore; Feb 27, 2005 at 06:29 AM. Reason: Uploaded photo does not show