Notices
GS - 3rd Gen (2006-2011) Discussion about the 2006+ model GS300, GS350, GS430, GS450H and GS460

Trailer hitch possible?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 31, 2008 | 07:21 AM
  #1  
Toasterdog's Avatar
Toasterdog
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
From: FL
Default Trailer hitch possible?

OK folks. I love my GS but I'm in a bind ATM. Called Lexus, Uhaul, Hitch King...nobody makes a trailer hitch for our car. I also took it to two different place that can fabricate hitches and said it couldn't be done. I want to tow my two kayaks with a small 4x8 trailer.

To make things worse, Thule and Yakima don't make roof racks for our cars either. This can't be true. Has anyone had a trailer hitch mounted on the 3rd gen GS. I have an 06 GS430 and don't want to throw my back out putting the yaks on the roof.....not to mention dripping salt water all over my baby. Thanks
Reply
Old May 31, 2008 | 08:37 AM
  #2  
Mesca's Avatar
Mesca
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (28)
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,468
Likes: 2
From: CA
Default

In the manual it says you should NOT tow anything with the Lexus. I could have sworn I've seen a 3GS with a roof rack, but I could be mistaken
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2008 | 02:34 AM
  #3  
mysteryan's Avatar
mysteryan
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 501
Likes: 1
From: CA
Default

I think someone on CL had a hard time finding a roof rack, but they eventually found one though. Maybe international?
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2008 | 10:17 PM
  #4  
Highflier's Avatar
Highflier
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Default

Out of curiosity and a "maybe needed someday" on the hitch, I looked around and found the same as you. Nobody doin it. Even if someone will/does have one that could be fab'd on, they would have to really mod out the underside to get to the frame for mounting. The frame is not very accessible, ie: a lot of cutting, which is a deal killer for me.
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2008 | 05:37 PM
  #5  
Evil Twin's Avatar
Evil Twin
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: New York
Default

Curt Manufacturing makes a class 1 hitch for the GS300, 400, and 430. About $160 I think. JC Whitney carries them.

Anthony
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2008 | 06:17 PM
  #6  
stvincent's Avatar
stvincent
Racer
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 60
From: MD
Default

i don't think the Curt Manufacturing has one for newer models. they even have one available for g35 coupe and 350z..

time for new SUV
Reply
Old Sep 21, 2009 | 09:28 PM
  #7  
perkedel's Avatar
perkedel
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: AZ
Default

ToasterDog, any luck finding a hitch for your car? I'm looking for a similar solution for my 2006 GS300. Thanks!
Reply
Old Sep 21, 2009 | 09:46 PM
  #8  
ivanz's Avatar
ivanz
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
Default

Yes, it's possible...but hard to find. In the UK, it is a standard available accesory. Maybe find the part number and get your dealer to order it?
http://www.lexus.co.uk/range/gs/acce.../exterior.aspx
PDF: http://www.lexus.eu/turnpages/gs/pdf/compleet.pdf
Up to 2000kg (4409 lb) towing capacity. However, it requires an "engine cooling kit"...whatever that is.
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2009 | 09:26 AM
  #9  
Kansas's Avatar
Kansas
Lead Lap
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 271
From: Kansas
Default

The same Curt hitch that fits the ISx50 fits the gen 3 GS. Attached are the installation instructions.

I've found that etrailer, where I bought the hitch for my LS, often has the best prices: http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2006_Lexus_IS350.htm
etrailer needs to update their "hitch finder" to show that the Curt hitch also fits the GS.

Here is a recent thread about someone installing this Curt hitch on his 08 GS350: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ler-hitch.html

If you are still concerned about this hitch fitting your GS, you can verify its applicability on the Curt website: http://www.curtmfg.com

It's usually not recommended to power trailer lights directly from the tail lights. My mechanic ran the power wire for my Modulite brand trailer light harness from the trunk to the fuse box in the engine compartment by running the power wire out of the trunk through an existing hole for an ABS wire and then attaching the power wire underneath the car with plastic zip ties. (I wasn't in the mood to crawl under the car and I had the car in for service anyway.)

The Modulite's power wire and its in-line fuse is attached to a free terminal on the engine compartment fuse box of my LS. If your GS fuse box doesn't have this powered fuse box terminal, the power wire would be attached to the positive cable at the battery.

Also, here is an active thread, with photos, about the same Curt model Curt hitch installed on an IS350: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...-on-is350.html

BTW, etrailer also sells the Modulite harness you will need. I found that they were very responsive when I had a question about installing the Draw-Tite hitch I bought from them for my LS.
Attached Files
Reply
Old Sep 30, 2009 | 11:30 PM
  #10  
slk_dds's Avatar
slk_dds
Lexus Test Driver
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 864
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Default

Just found it on eBay, hope this helps!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/06-07...Q5fAccessories
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2009 | 06:46 AM
  #11  
perkedel's Avatar
perkedel
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: AZ
Default

Originally Posted by slk_dds
Just found it on eBay, hope this helps!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/06-07...Q5fAccessories
Or you can buy it from AutoAnything.com for 133 bucks, free shipping. I'm still waiting for mine to arrive today. User coupon code CABIN for another 10 bucks off.

http://www.autoanything.com/towing/73A3874A0A0A2623863.aspx
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2009 | 07:20 AM
  #12  
stvincent's Avatar
stvincent
Racer
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 60
From: MD
Default

that's great! they have one available now.
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2009 | 07:37 AM
  #13  
kyang91's Avatar
kyang91
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,257
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Default

I am not sure if I would want to do it........
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2009 | 02:10 PM
  #14  
perkedel's Avatar
perkedel
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: AZ
Default

Originally Posted by kyang91
I am not sure if I would want to do it........
I'm not towing anything, I'll use it for a bike rack. After research, no way in hell I'm doing the strap style bike rack. Too risky.
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2009 | 04:54 PM
  #15  
stvincent's Avatar
stvincent
Racer
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 60
From: MD
Default

manual did mention that it's not recommended.. not too sure about the safety issues. i'm just hoping if i can hook up a motorcycle trailer next year or two..
Reply



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 03:22 PM.