tigmd99

Hey all,

I am thinking about upgrading my 4runner to another SUV...something that can off-road of course. Anyway, i went by Lexus dealership today (nice & quiet on Sunday). I saw a '04 GX470 with KDSS, RES, and ML/Navi. Now, i know that, previously, KDSS-equipped GX cannot tow.

However, on this GX (9700 G), there's a "hitch package" on the sticker ($50). It apparently has everything except ball joint. In the rear bumper, there's attachment for trailer lighting/brakes. There's also the square pop-out lid covering what looks like a frame hitch. So, my question, can KDSS GX470 tow?? I don't care if it's just 5000 lbs...can it tow without going to an aftermarket hitch???? Can it tow with just what factory provided??

Is "9700 G" the latest build date thus far (July 2004)??

Thanks in advance,
Thai.

Traturn

They redisgned the hitch to work with KDSS.

Vehicles built up to 11APR04 use PT228-60440
Vehicles built 12APR04 onward use PT228-60450

The only change was about 1/2" spacing for the hitch bracket, I assume to allow space for the KDSS rear bar.

You cant get these hitches from Lexus without some sort of divine intervention. The Distric ops manager has to release the parts to the store (to ensure only vehicles with TO get them)

Hope it helps

tigmd99

Thanks a lot! With this frame hitch, i can only tow 5000 lbs, right?? Remember, this is only the INTEGRATED hitch in the rear crossmember.

Traturn

Its not an integrated rear hitch, just the provisions to install a hitch.

factory hitch bolts up to each rear frame rail, then to the box that you see in the middle.

hitch costs $340 + tax/install from most dealers (If you can get one, good luck there!)

an aftermarket hitch should bolt up fine, assuming they have a 2nd design hitch for later (4/12/04 ->) production GX's.

Capirato

Factory hitch should look something like this.

~ Cap

Tony

Factory hitch costs well over 600 bucks the last time I priced one from the dealership. Someone else here installed a toyota 4-runner hitch for 600 bucks also. After market hitches like the one Cap has and Drawtite run about 375 bucks installed. The hitch prep package does not do a thing and is a waste of money from the factory.

Tony

Factory hitch costs well over 600 bucks the last time I priced one from the dealership. Someone else here installed a toyota 4-runner hitch for 600 bucks also. After market hitches like the one Cap has and Drawtite run about 375 bucks installed. The hitch prep package does not do a thing and is a waste of money from the factory.

Tony

Factory hitch costs well over 600 bucks the last time I priced one from the dealership. Someone else here installed a toyota 4-runner hitch for 600 bucks also. After market hitches like the one Cap has and Drawtite run about 375 bucks installed. The hitch prep package does not do a thing and is a waste of money from the factory.

Kash

is there anyway to get the package from lexus for a gx with kdss?

looknow12

Yes, same question. What do I do next to get the hitch? My GX was picked up early April.

Capirato

Check out U-Haul's hitch. ~ Cap

looknow12

Cap,

Does it hang to far down below the bumper? I remember the factory installed hitch was at the same elevation as the bumper, integrated together.

What's the Uhaul part number?

Thanks

looknow12

Ohh, and another question Cap. You have the KDSS, right? Just wanted to confirm.

Capirato

Looknow.....

No, I do not have KDSS. That's why I suggested that you check out U-Haul. You may want to check out Draw-Tite also. The hitches are below the bumper, but not below the tail pipe. Also, they hide the spare tire which sticks down below the bumper.

~ Cap

rgacpa

I just dropped my April '04 GX off at the dealer for the 5k service and asked if my KDSS equipped vehicle could get a tow package installed. He went and asked the service manager and this dealer (Magnussen Lexus of Fremont) is installing "C" class (up to 6,500lbs) tow packages on KDSS vehicles with wiring for about $650. He said it would work fine with KDSS and would be covered under my original and extended warranty.

Now I just have to buy a boat to tow!!!