BurgBoxstr

Tribeca-

The basic "tow prep" package (a port installed option not factory) is simply the 7 pin wiring harness for towing. On the original stickers it was added at $50 (now fetches $250+ from dealer parts dept). The receiver/hitch was not included as part of the tow prep package at $50. I don't know what the sticker price was for the hitch/receiver (they fetch $300+ at parts counter).

Since yours was built after 5/1/2004, you vehicle would use the 2nd gen hitch /receiver which mounts below the rear bumper cover. It bolts to the plate just behind the center knock out trim in the bumper as well as to the frame rails and is rated at 6500#.

Prior to 5/04, there was a hitch/receiver that was basically like the old pick-up truck style receivers which bolted under the step bumper. In the GX's case, it bolts to the plate behind the center knock out trim in the rear bumper which would come notched (as shown above). If it wasn't notched from the factory, they would replace that center bumper cover trim panel w/ a notched one for clearance.

Although they had a "disclaimer" about options, this one is "material" in nature as it most assuredly would have affected your buying/negotiating decision. You obviously could see there was no hitch, but you assumed it was tow prep (meaning wiring harness was there) based on their statement. Yes they include the CYA statement but it's kind of like using a parking garage. Yeah the ticket says they are not liable for anything under the sun but you are paying them for a service. As such, you're relying on them to provide a reasonable level of that service while parking there.

Tow prep is material in nature and was certainly easy enough for them to verify or exclude from print (if not there). I'd hold them to at least the wiring harness b/c. If the vehicle had no "tow prep" (hitch or wiring) I know I would have negotiated at least $500-700 lower. You can easily get an aftermarket hitch at U-Haul, Curt, etc. for under $150. The wiring harness they'll nail you on.

Good luck.

Capirato

Tribeca ....

Look under the rear bumper on the driver's side. The wiring harness will most likely be there.

~ Cap

Capirato

My GX was built in late 2003 and came with the Hitch Prep Package. I had a Curt under bumper hitch installed at U-Haul. Later, when I learned that Lexus was offering a similar under bumper version which was bolted from the center, as well as from the sides to the frame, I had the center welded to the frame for more support.

http://www.hitchsource.com/docs/cu/13445.pdf


~ Cap

CdeFabio

Like Cap said, don't worry about it, you can have one added if you need/want one.

Cap,

No worries, it was all very confusing back in 2004 when they were going through all the changes with the hitch. Everybody had a different story and you saw different parts on GX's even of the same model year. I seem to remember some talk about the US only allowing a certian amount of trucks imported with hitches which is why they were installed at the port, but I am not sure if that is true.

LexusBob

I have an '05 that came with the tow prep pkge and nice flat center bumper panel. The dealer added a Curt hitch.

Capirato

Wow, I've heard everything now !!

~ Cap

campfire

Anyone looking for a factory hitch? I have one that is excellent for $100 shipped. SOLD

I also have a brand new OEM 52169-60904 LOWER REAR BUMPER HITCH COVER GREY FOR 03-04 GX470 $40 shipped SOLD

dasgroup

Interested, email sent

dasgroup

Shipped quick, thanks, now to get it mounted. I have tow prep anyone know what the bolt specs are?

campfire

If you have a tractor supply store nearby, they have high grade bolts by the pound. Take the hitch in the store and size it up with fine thread metric bolts.

dasgroup

The nuts are welded to and integral to the mounting bracket on the frame, I the spec on the actual bolt so I can go and pick some up. I found a part number but no pdf instructions or bolt specs. My local Ace Hardware has graded bolts, I just need to know what to get.