Hello all, I have been reading these forums for months now...very helpful...we just picked up or GX Friday, dorado gold/nav/spoiler..very pleased with the whole package except the trailer hitch receiver...it almost looks as though it is an aftermarket install...I checked w/ my dealers parts shop and the parts manager confirmed that it is a Lexus part...but wow $50+k and it just looks like an afterthought compared to everything else with this vehicles fit & finish...does any one have pic of what their factory class III hitch assembly looks like...just want to make sure he is correct! Any help would be appreciated, also in the 05' GX brochure there is a pic of a receiver that is molded into the rear bumper...it looks nothing like mine...when I asked the Lexus parts manager he told me that this recover is only a light duty and not meant for heavy duty towing...can anyone please verify??

Thanks again for any help...

 

Try using the "search" feature on this site. You will find a LOT of discussion around the hitch.

 

Firecat,

I've got the 6,500 lb hitch from the factory. It's a bent tube and extends quite a bit below the bumper. It's bolted at both ends to the frame and is also bolted in the center through the center bumper cover. The dealer installed hitch is a light duty that is hidden pretty well.

To make sure you have the full-blown factory hitch, it should have a sticker on the right hand side close to the exhaust pipe. It should have a 6,500 lb. rating on it. Your window sticker should also reflect an option for "Tow Hitch with ball mount". Mine was $420 on our '04. Hope that helps.

 

Rent a trailer from Uhual and went to a business trip down south in the beginning of this month. My dealer told me that I need a hitch like this(picture). Cost me 900 bucks in total. I don't know why they installed like this even I have the trailer hitch ready.

 

I was needed that time, so I didn't ask them why...
We drove to GA for a week. It was nice there!!

 

AND lots of pics.... search for 6500 or 6,500 in this forum

 

Steevr.....

I got the idea from your posting where you state that the new hitches are also bolted at the center to the frame.

Therefore, I had mine welded to the frame.

~ Cap

 

Just got back from Home Depot with a load of plywood, 2x4s and 2x6s. They were heavy as they were wet.

I calculate the load as being close to 1500 lbs. including the weight of the Hitch Carrier which I converted to carry an ATV.

~ Cap

 

Careful Cap...

If I am not mistaken, the tongue weight is only 1000lbs and the way you have your wood sitting, appears to be 50% more than than the max! Hope I am wrong!