alha

First let me start by saying that yes, I did do a search, and did read a number of hitch threads, some even pertaining to the late model LS400. I didn't really see an answer to my question, and my Googling around has been futile as well. Basically what I want to do is install a class III hitch on my LS. Haven't found the magic mfg who makes one yet, all are class 2. The biggest thing I am looking for, more than the capacity (I'm going to be pulling a fairly light jet-ski or 2 and trailer) I want it to have a 2" receiver. They are all 1 1/4" that I can find. Can anyone direct me to someplace that sells a 2" receiver for my LS? I actually don't care if it is designed/labeled as a class 2 or 3, just want the bigger hole. Any thoughts/suggestions are appreciated, thanks!

YoshiMan

I imagine that a 2" receiver would hang rather low and end up scraping on the ground under certain circumstances, which means they may not make one. A class 3 hitch is also ALOT more than what the LS is rated to pull, so i highly doubt that there is one that exists for it. They didn't even make a class 3 hitch for my 89' Toyota Landcruiser.

I worked at UHaul for several years, and the hitches designed for cars rarely, if ever, had 2" receivers.

All that really matters is that you have the correct size ball, and they have a variety of draw bars that will fit into it and they will easily support the LS400s max towing weight.

Kansas

I've can absolutely guarantee that nobody makes or has ever made a class III, 6,000 pound capacity, 2 inch receiver trailer hitch for an LS400. Hitch manufacturers aren't known for being stupid.

Just buy a normal class I or class II hitch. I bought the Tow 'n Go class II hitch on my 2000 LS400 from www.etrailer.com and I see that they currently sell Curt class II hitches for the 2000 LS400 which look the same.

I also put a class II hitch on my first LS400 in 1990 and towed my 4x8 utility trailer with it countless times.

Kingsoup

I had a class 2 on my Celica and WRX, both pulled large loads on trailers with more weight then the jetski with no problems. The smaller hitch might seem pweny, but they are very capable of pulling the loads you are talking about, I had the same doubts when I got my Celica hitch originally but it pulled 2000lbs for 3600kms no problem on that little fella, up and down mountains and everything!

alha

Well, then I guess that explains why I couldn't find one after all the searching. I see Curt is one brand that has been mentioned, are they the go to one for the LS, or are they all pretty much the same in terms of fit and finish? The Curt I've found advertised for around $218, is that average for a hitch for an LS400? Thanks for the responses guys.

dveneman

Amazon offers the ClassII Curt for about $165 with prime/free shipping.
I have been looking at hitches for my '98 myself. I would prefer a lighter class 1 but have yet to find one.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

i can imagine but can you guys post pics of your LS with a trailer? this thread needs it .

dveneman

This link shows a photo of the unit offered.
You remove some exhaust clamps and sandwhich the hitch flanges underneath using the provided longer bolts. The receiver hangs below the bumper. Not elegent, but effective.
I just wish there were a lighter unit available, since I dont like the idea of carrying around an extra 35 lbs forever.
I wonder how difficult it would be to remove the bumper and craft my own hitch that would be recessed in a carefully sculped aperture half way up the rear face of the bumper.

Edit: Hitch weight is 24 lbs.

Brand Curt
Item Weight 24 pounds
Product Dimensions 44 x 15 x 7 inches
Item model number 12230
Exterior Black Powder Coat
Manufacturer Part Number 12230

Sc0pe

iTrader: (1)

Here are some pictures of Dengman's 2.5LS towing a Uhaul lol.





At some point, I hope to be able to tow a racing Miata on a reasonably-sized trailer with my '99 haha.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

^^^ Which hitch is he using?

Sc0pe

iTrader: (1)

He's using the Curt Manufacturing C12230 hitch. He's also towed significantly heavier things (think engine blocks and car parts) with it, and it all holds up fine.

Largefarva

I had one on my '93 when I got it but yanked it before my first drive, lol. It was a bumper mounted class one I think, still have it at work, I'll grab a part number if it has one....

dengman

the key is weight distribution = tongue weight around the recommended 350lbs.

I've hauled a 6x12 uhaul box with some weight through Chicago with no problem.

The heaviest I hauled was an open trailer that weighed 1200lbs with a honda full h22 long block(475lbs) and a h22 short block, 98 prelude axles, suspension, knuckles, brakes, my stock ls400 suspension, 2 full sets of wheels 17 and 16s, a lawson screen printing unit and exposure unit with some 2x4s and a desk and some other stuff that i cant remember. Id guess it was near 3000lbs.
http://statigr.am/viewer.php#/detail...81081_31944363
http://statigr.am/viewer.php#/detail...71103_31944363

But really I just haul stuff like this most of the time.
http://statigr.am/viewer.php#/detail...40148_31944363
http://statigr.am/viewer.php#/detail...54678_31944363

Kansas

I've seen a class I hitch only for the 90-94 LS400 which had factory drilled, threaded holes in the bumper bar for a trailer hitch. All the class II hitches I've seen for the 95-00 LS400 look essentially the same. My Draw-Tite hitch is certainly "beefy". The following thread has three photos of it including before it was installed: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...-to-ls400.html

I don't think it is very noticeable but I don't really care.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

I don't have an instagram acct so I can't view the pics.