GX - 1st Gen (2004-2009) Discussion topics related to the 2003 -2009 GX470 models

Best hitch? Curt or Hidden Hitch?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-15-12, 12:36 PM
  #1  
memphisto
Rookie
Thread Starter
 
memphisto's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: TN
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Best hitch? Curt or Hidden Hitch?

I've been partial to HH b/c on other SUV's, I like how the tow bar is completely tucked out of view behind the bumper.....not under it. Anyone using Hidden Hitch?

Does anyone know if CURT makes a similar version? I want a clean install where only the receiver is showing. My GX came with the tow prep kit. Thanks.
Old 11-15-12, 01:55 PM
  #2  
cssnms
Racer
 
cssnms's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: MD
Posts: 1,540
Received 34 Likes on 30 Posts
Default

OEM

http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accesso...2005/3825.html
Old 11-16-12, 04:53 AM
  #3  
Ancient
Pole Position
 
Ancient's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Ohio
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

These are pictures of my Curt hitch, under $200.00. Fairly easy install. I cleaned out the smaller threaded nuts, welded to the frame first with a tap. There are two small bolts installed toward the front and two larger bolts installed toward the rear, on each side. I used never seize on the threads of the bolts, because the hitch is powder coated and over time, that starts to peel on sharp corners. One of the eight mounting holes had to be enlarged slightly for the bolts to line up. For the most part, if you are standing up and walking around the car, only the center section sticks out. You have to release the rubber gromet, that holds the tailpipe, to move it outward, to get to the passenger side bolts. I used two jack stands (with rags taped to the top of them) to hold the unit in place, while installing.
Attached Thumbnails Best hitch? Curt or Hidden Hitch?-100_3936.jpg   Best hitch? Curt or Hidden Hitch?-spoiler.jpg  

Last edited by Ancient; 11-16-12 at 05:04 AM.
Old 11-17-12, 09:00 AM
  #4  
Ancient
Pole Position
 
Ancient's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Ohio
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

What I forgot to mention in the wiring receptacle. I had to bend the bracket downward, so I plug in behind the hitch, not in front. It is kind of protected in that area, shielded by the tubing on the hitch, but you have to kneel down, to plug in the connector. I don't tow that often, so it is not a problem for me.
Old 11-20-12, 07:06 AM
  #5  
memphisto
Rookie
Thread Starter
 
memphisto's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: TN
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Thanks....since my GX came with the towing package, doesn't that mean I can just bolt a receiver or integral hitch up to the frame underneath the bumper where there are holes? I really want something low profile that shows the absolute minimum of a cross bar. I'm only towing about 1500-2000 lbs. max.
Old 11-20-12, 08:01 AM
  #6  
Lumbergh
Driver
 
Lumbergh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: wa
Posts: 60
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I am going to go with the OEM class III on my 2008.

Since they all have the towing package installed in my year, just going to get the pintle and OE paint cover.

I never tow over 5000lbs.

Prefer the clean lines of OEM.

YMMV.
Old 11-20-12, 08:10 AM
  #7  
memphisto
Rookie
Thread Starter
 
memphisto's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: TN
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Where can you find the Class III pintle? I don't even know what that is...Thanks for reply b/c I think that's what I want.
Old 11-20-12, 08:14 AM
  #8  
RCsGX
Lexus Champion
 
RCsGX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: ★ᚱᚱ²²★
Posts: 1,812
Likes: 0
Received 13 Likes on 12 Posts
Default

Theres not a class 3 OEM pintle hitch, its a class 4. And if you go with a OEM pintle you might as well spend another $100+ on the frame mounted hitch. Its better to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it. I installed the OEM frame mounted hitch on my GX. It blends in nice and you can even noticed it.
Old 11-20-12, 08:21 AM
  #9  
memphisto
Rookie
Thread Starter
 
memphisto's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: TN
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Just found the Pintle hitch and custom cover online at Sewell Lexus.....that's just the look I want...very OEM and custom. Plus, it's class IV. Price with CL discount is $240 for them and I can do install myself. Would I still need the relay if I already have the Tow package electrical?
Old 11-20-12, 09:39 AM
  #10  
Lumbergh
Driver
 
Lumbergh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: wa
Posts: 60
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

This is what I am referring to:

Originally Posted by tarasgrosh
I believe 51909-35010 Tube S/A, PI 1pc. 197.21 is the part that bolts onto the frame (integral hitch)

CivicFerio posted this on 10-06-03: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...-here-but.html

tow hitch components

Here are the part numbers, description, quantity you will need and list price (price was quoted 10/03)

51909-35010 Tube S/A, PI 1pc. 197.21

90119-12361 Bolt, w/wash 6pcs. 2.92

82169-60050 Wire, Frame, SP 1pc. 215.25

52171-60060 reinforcement 1pc.29.14

52172-60040 reinforcement 1pc. 29.84

PT228-89340 Ball Mount 4 1pc. 68.02

52169-60050-B1 Cover, RR BU (Silver Pine) 1pc. 78.52

00228-60966 Hitch Plug, L 100 1pc. 14.30

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/att...112_1227es.jpg

This hitch is rated 5000lbs. and is for the MY03 GX470.
Attached Images
51909-35010 Tube S/A, PI 1pc. 197.21 is the class 3 pintle as far as I can tell.
Old 06-07-14, 08:26 PM
  #11  
SkiChump
Driver School Candidate
 
SkiChump's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: CA
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

memphisto, I'm in the same situation as you. Did you find out if the relay has to be added, or if it's already there?

Thanks.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
97JZA80
GX - 1st Gen (2004-2009)
23
04-11-21 08:18 AM
z0lt3c
GX - 1st Gen (2004-2009)
18
06-23-12 10:30 PM
GGGXXX
GX - 1st Gen (2004-2009)
17
04-06-06 07:52 PM



Quick Reply: Best hitch? Curt or Hidden Hitch?



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 01:31 AM.