177mph

I'm told the limit is 5000 lbs. Is this because of the hitch or the engine/ transmission? Later GX's can tow up to 6500lbs, yes? I have an early 2003 - and plan to tow are car/trailer combo that will be about 4700lbs. Should I worry?

CaptnPete

There are two versions of the GX. One that is rated for 5k towing and another for 6.5 K towing. The latter one has a "tow package" which has prewiring and a harness for an electric brake controller, and also a stronger hitch which can support a tongue weight of 954lbs. It also has an additional transmission oil cooler.

HTH
Pete

Rx900

I remember this topic back in 03. Wasn't it, with the 03 GX470s, that the towing capacity depends if the tow hitch is dealer installed, or factory installed? That's what i vaguely remember about this. If i'm not mistaken, it's the dealer installed hitch that can handle 6500 lbs and the factory installed can handle 5000 lbs.

So if I was correct, check to see what kind of hitch you have on your GX.

CaptnPete

Attaching a larger towing hitch does not change the tow rating of a vehicle. There is just a little more to that.

SacKen

Where did you get this info from? As I understand it, there were no changes to the truck itself. The rating difference between the 2003 and other years is soley due to the installed hitch.

The "tow package" is the same for each year and does not include any drive-train changes such as an additional transmission cooler (at least not as of 2004 model year. I think the electronic brake controller is the only difference and was added in '05 ). The 2003 brochure even states that the 2003 is rated at 5000 lbs with the factory hitch and 6500 lbs with a dealer installed hitch. The problem with the 2003 was that the dealer installed hitch wasn't available until the 2004 model year. So you could never order a 2003 with the 6500 lb hitch because it didn't exist.

So adding the now available 6500 lb hitch to the 2003 should be just fine.

I just noticed that this was my 100th posting. Bring on the balloons and confetti!

Capirato

Hi Ken.....

I have a '04 that came with a Brake Controller harness adapter. I have plugged the harness adapter onto the system under the dash, but have not yet bought a Brake Controller. I will, of course if the situation arises where I need it.

~ Cap

CaptnPete

The information about the two versions of GX towing capabilities refers to the 2003 model. At that time the information was posted on the Lexus site as part of the performance specifications.Only a limited number (30%?) of the GX were rated for 6.5 K lbs towing due to some EPA restrictions. I guess that was changed when the 270HP was added the following year. The tow hitch that I have was installed by the factory.
Sorry for any confusion I may have caused.

mm25fx35

Cap,

Dumb question, but do I need to have the Brake controller harness attached when I get ready to tow. I plan On towing a car trailer tomorrow and the trailer is equipped with electric controlled brakes. There is a box that contains the kit on the trailer.

this is the first time that I'm using the GX for towing so any advice would be helpful.

any help would be greatly appreciated.

Capirato

I would think that you will need more than just the harness attached, but will need that a controller be connected to the harness, which is under the dash.

I have not yet decided on which controller to use or where to mount it. Should the need arise, I will have to make a decision.

~ Cap