pprice

Has anyone installed an aftermarket trailer hitch (Curt, hidden-hitch) on the GX with KDSS? I'm not looking to tow, I just want to be able to use the hitch for a Bike-carrier, etc.

__________________
2004 GX470 - Silver, Gray Int., Spoiler, Nav/ML, 3rd Row

Tony

I dont think a bike rack is going to hurt the KDSS suspension system. Im like you I race road bikes and am a Cat 3 rider. I put a hitch on my GX just for the bike rack. I really dont think its going to do anything to your truck.

pprice

Thanks Tony.

Yeah, I don't think it will hurt anything, my main question is whether the after-market hitch will fit with the KDSS suspension system. Reading through the various threads, etc. I've seen two explanations why you can't have the tow package with KDSS:

1) Towing will compromise the integrety of the KDSS system and could actually cause the system to malfunction. Since I wouldn't be towing anything, I'm not worried about this

2) The tow hitch can't be put on a GX with KDSS due to the structure of the KDSS system itself. This was my main concern.

So basically, I'm looking to see if anyone has successfully installed an after-market hitch on a KDSS vehicle.

Thank

looknow12

I don't think anyone knows for sure from what I've read..

Tony

I was at the dealership today for another free car wash and a guy there had a KDSS truck with a tow hicth installed from Drawtite I asked him if it messed up his suspension and he said no. I know it was a KDSS truck because the roll bars are huge and you can see them.

IF you look up drawtite and other hitch manufacterers online they do not mention anything with problems with KDSS for the 04 GX. I seriously dont think you will have a problem buying a aftermarket hitch and installing. In Las Vegas there is a guy that owns a hitch and tow company ,all he does is mobile hitch installs and he did mine for 375 total with a Drawtite hitch at my house. I know he did the one that I saw at the dealership this morning because it looked pretty new.

Capirato

Hi Tony.....

When you get a chance, please post a picture of your Drawtite hitch. I want to see how it differs from a Curt hitch, when installed.

Thanks.


~ Cap

Tony

Cap I was going to wait till my new exhaust tip came in so I can just do both items at one time but I will post the hitch by itself as soon as I get home tonight.

Tony

It was dark out Ill take another pic in the morning

Tony

Another pic

Capirato

Tony.....

It looks good...... Would look less conspicuous if you peeled off the decals.

~ Cap

Tony

I saw a real rare 6000lb Lexus tow hitch on another 03 GX at the dealership and the hitch looks very similar to this one execpt the factory hitch uses a metal plate to cover up the bracket where the bumper cut out is.

pprice

Thank for the pics Tony. It looks good!

I've ordered the exact same hitch.......now, one more question. Did you already have the panel with the cutout for the tow hitch or did you have to order that? If you ordered it, what exactly did you order.

My vehicle with the KDSS has a full panel in place with no 'notch' for the Hitch

Capirato

P.Price.....

Buying the full panel for my GX may be my solution for the ugly Notch for the OEM hitch.

My guess is that since your GX has no Notch, you do not have the wiring harness.

~ Cap

Capirato

Tony.....

I just called the local dealer's Parts Department and asked about the plate to replace the Notch. He said it would cost about $85. Went on to say that they have to oder it by paint color.


~ Cap

Tony

CAP you should trade your notched panel for PPRICE's straight panel if your vehicles are the same color. PPRICE my notched panel came with the truck from the factory because it had the tow prep package.