Mulligan33

I just purchased a 2007 GX470 and it has the factory tow package. I will be towing a 20' boat with a loaded weight including trailer of 4,500 lbs. Would the Pintle Hitch that bolts onto the crossmember be sufficient or would I be better off going with the a traditional hitch? Thanks.

Rz500

You're right on the border line between the two. Personally I would go with a traditional hitch. It will be a good excuse to buy a larger boat down the road.

yackowski

I would second the traditional vote. I was in the same boat (no pun) as you and opted for the 6500lb OEM for $250. Should deliver today actually.

Mulligan33

Thanks. I think I will go for the traditional hitch.

Mulligan33

Thanks. I think I will go for the traditional hitch.

Mulligan33

Aside from the additional 1,500lb capacity, is there any other advantages to the traditional hitch if I never tow anything over 5k?

RushNatU

My 05 had the tow package and I just recently bolted on the traditional hitch and then had it welded to the frame because of somewhat rusty bolt holes. Its never coming off now lol. Does that mean I can tow 10000lb? Jk...

IanB2

I would think that tying into the frame rails like a traditional bolt on receiver hitch would add some torsional rigidity, and possibly improve stability compared to the pintle that is tied into only the rearmost crossmember of the frame structure. Bolt on receiver seems like a much more robust design, it would always be my preference.

Say you had to get pulled out of the ditch by your towbar someday, which style would you rather have? Of pull someone else out, which is much more likely, lol.

Mulligan33

Good point Ian. I think that a traditional hitch has too many advantages to ignore. Does any particular brand have any advantages over the others?

IanB2

Aesthetics, yes. Mine has the factory fitted hitch, tubular design, and tucks up nice and high using the OEM lower bumper trim piece. I'm not sure who makes this for Lexus, or if it could be sourced on your own to avoid the markup of the dealer. With the need for the bumper trim piece, it's going to be one of the pricier options regardless. After market stuff will likely hang down lower with the receiver hole below the bumper, and is often made from square tubing rather than round. I'm not at home to snap pics, and mine is looking pretty grubby from the road salt of 12 Manitoba winters, maybe someone else can post a pic of theirs for you.

Other than looks, any class 3 receiver hitch should be good to 5000+ lbs.

180ls1

If you can afford this vehicle you can afford another $2-300 for an aftermarket hitch IMO. Its worth the piece of mind. You dont want to be going boating (which is supposed to relieve stress) only to stress yourself out worrying about the hitch you have.

On the other hand I cant really suggest one brand over the other. Id get a good class 3 (Curt, Draw Tite, OEM, ect...) and not worry about it.

co4wheel

If someone has the Bumper installed hitch and want a frame mounted hitch I would be up for some sort of trade. I don't want the under bumper hitch.

chiph9

Agree that OEM is going to look the best, as it does tuck up under there pretty tightly.

Chip H.

Mulligan33

Does anyone have the part # for the OEM hitch?

yackowski

http://www.oemlexusparts.com/OEMPart...T22860540.html


I just installed the OEM over the weekend. Looks sharp!