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You can also see the new Lexus tow hitch I installed over the weekend. I didn't need to access anything behind this panel, so not sure why it is a separate piece.
That is not correct. Those bolts are accessible from under the tow hitch. The nuts are welded on, so if the cover was installed, you just push the bolt up from the bottom, and then tighten.
When I installed the new tow hitch this past weekend, that is exactly what I did. There was no need to access anything that would be covered by that piece. Granted, it did make it "easier" to visualize where the hole was under the tow hitch without having to directly see it, but at no time did I need to reach into that area from the top.
Thank you for posting a picture of what's behind that cover. I tried searching all over the internet and could not find any pictures of it without the cover. I was just as curious as everyone else. I would've removed my own; however, being on the east coast and going through a tough winter, it was difficult.
Those two bolts on each side are not removable. If you look closely, there's another bolt towards the back for a total of 4 bolts. Those 4 threaded bolts allow some of us to install the CURT class 3 receiver hitch.
The previous owner probably was either curious to see what was behind the cover or thought that he/she could install a hitch in there like some vehicles can. For example, the Chevy Tahoes.
I hope you get the bumper cover situation squared away with the vendor. Toyota probably had reason for a cover there when they were designing the vehicle.
Now I see why. It's not for our market. It's for non US or NA markets. The two bolts that go to the crossmember would need to be accessed for this type of mount:
I know European hitches are different in that they don't use receiver type hitches. They use one long U shaped bar that looks rather phallic and is bolted where those two L brackets are in the picture you provided.
Thanks for sharing. I know more than I did before.
I thought I would add to this post to find out if anyone knows of another hitch cover part number that has an indent in it for a lower weight toyota hitch?
I've found that there is a bolt on toyota hitch (probably not the full weight the GX can handle, but plenty for me), that the 5th gen 4runner use. That part number is: Genuine Toyota 51909-35011 Hitch Plate
To mount it though, you do have to remove the plate shown in post #16, which means you have to get to 2 bolts even higher that you can't see in the pic. It is possible, even with the bumper cover on, as there is enough flex to get the bolts out.
Now that I've mounted mine, I was hoping to find a cover that has an indention for the hitch.
Does anyone know if a gx470 cover is a close fit?
Here are some pics of the 4runner tow hitch bolted to the frame with the 6 bolts: 4runner hitch bolts to GX460 - P/N: 51909-35011 Now Is there a cover that conforms to the hitch or do I need to cut it.
You can also see the new Lexus tow hitch I installed over the weekend. I didn't need to access anything behind this panel, so not sure why it is a separate piece.
Somun
So where’s the small OEM receiver someone mentioned is tucked away there for smaller items like a bike carrier?
So I found a new unpainted GX470 cover for $22 on ebay, and figured I'd give it a try to go along with the factory Toyota hitch (from a 5th gen 4runner) which bolts to the frame. As you can see, its not a direct fit. 2 of the tabs at the top would need to be slightly trimmed, but I may attempt to paint this and see how well it mounts up, even with the gaps on both sides. I do like the molded receiver look, so that's why I'm not just cutting my factory one.
And final result painted. I may think about filling the gaps with something, but for now this is how its going to sit. After trimming down some tabs and off a few more, I used 2 of those blue clips (that are a pain to reach) to hold the top, and then 2 zip ties near the bottom around the frame, so you can't see them. I prepped with 1500 grit sand paper and acetone. Then used 2 coats adhesion promoter spray for plastic, then 3 coats generic gloss black, followed by 2 coats clearcoat.
03-02-15, 01:14 PM
