Which hitch should I get? I want the one that is higher up where you need to replace the plastic cover with a notched one. It looks so clean cut. I heard the one off of older 4runner is the one. Not sure though. Anyone know?

 

Chris, I am not sure what your towing needs are, but I went through the same drill as you before I ended up settling on the Lexus Class 4 hitch rated for 6500 lbs.

The recessed hitch which you see on some 2003 and 2004 GX's and earlier 4-Runners is a Class 3 rated for 5000 lbs. I scoured dealers (Lexus/Toyota) looking for one and after finding out the weight limit rating and the fact that I would need to modify the bumper cover cap I went with the Lexus Class 4, not to mention the dealers I went to did not have the class 3 in stock and they had a heck of a time even locating the part in their catalogue. The Class 4 OEM hitch actually looks very cool and clean. It sits tightly up underneath the bumper. I have an "L" receiver cap which cleans up the look even further.

This is not the best pic of it, it's actually terrible come to think of it (see pic 2 in link), but it's hardly noticable - esp from 20ft away .

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...e-new-toy.html

 

Just get the official Lexus hitch part number PT228-60540. Cost about $270.00. Installation is actually pretty easy.
http://www.lexuspartsmall.com/product.php?id=329

 

You will be very happy with this one.

http://www.thehitchstore.com/class-i...tch-p-767.html

~ Cap

 

I bought the curt hitch which looks like the one in the hitch store posting in this thread. I went through all kinds of thoughts about which one. I am picky on the looks. Althought I wanted something that was hid I got this. It looks very good. After a week you get used to the look and wee you are there. It was easy to install. I recommend the curt hitch. I think the one from the lexus dealer in this thread is the curt which a nice lexus markup. Al

 

Thanks for all the input guys. All the photos at the online stores say "not actual photo". I really only want the receiver visible. All of the round tube versions seem the same. Lexus marks their stuff up like crazy!

 

The Lexus hitch is the only one made that has the extra 4 mounting bolts holding the center of the tow hitch to the chassis. All the off brands only mount the hitch using the side plates or at best they only have 2 bolts for the center mount.
That is not as solid as the Lexus mounting system. But if you are only going to tow a jet ski or similar, than it doesn't matter. Get the cheaper hitch.

 

I ended up ordering a hitch. Its the hidden hitch brand and has the mounting holes in the center as well. With shipping from an ebay store $170. I will post any findings with it.

 

I got a welded hitch from Ekhart's!! They did a great Job!!