Capirato

This is my Before and After.

~ Cap

bobgore

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....

Capirato

This is how my hitch ended up looking.

~ Cap

bobgore

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.

Capirato

Bob.....

This is the part you ordered. Hopefully, it will fit right.

~ Cap

bobgore

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

bunka

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).

whazzup

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.

Capirato

Go to U-Haul and have them install a Curt Hitch.

~ Cap

whazzup

Thanks, but I would prefer to avoid an aftermarket hitch if I can.

SacKen

Although the one Cap showed is aftermarket, it looks pretty similar to the 6500 lb. one that came with my GX.

whazzup

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.

bobgore

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.

Capirato

Ferio.....

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

bobgore

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)