SmittysGX

I know there are a few good threads on here already, however i noticed they are pretty old and wanted to create a new one. I have an 04 GX (build date 8/03) that does not have a hitch or a tow package, there is no wiring. I do see a flat black plug and a square white plug underneath the rear driver side. Not sure, is this where Lexus part 82169-60050 plugs into? is there anything else I need in order to add a hitch to this GX besides the obvious hitch Integral or Full Frame mount unit?

I just called Lexus and recieved some new prices on the Integral Hitch:

51909-35011 Tube Sub Assy $214.40 This looks to be the main part
90119-12361 Bolt, w/washer $2.10 Cant I just reuse the bolts?
82169-60050 Wire, Frame $251.99 Is this plug and play? expensive!
52171-60060 Reinforcement $23.32 Is this needed?
52172-60040 Reinforcement $23.88 Is this needed?
PT228-89340 Ball Mount $57.00 I already have one of these
52169-60051-B1 Cover Rear $80.80 I already have one of these
00228-60966 Hitch Plug Lex $11.63 I guess this helps with looks?

For me the Integral Hitch is going to run $478.02 and thats me installing it.

Today I also went down to the local U-Haul (suggested by a member here) and was given the following quote:

78445 Hitch Round Tube GX470 $169.95 Main Hitch
Hitch labor 1/2 hour $25.00
13493 Converter Wire Harness $39.95
Wiring labor 1 hour $50.00
Towing stater kit 2" $29.00 I wont need this
13302 Bracket for electrical $3.95
Hitch warranty $5.00
Miscellaneous labor 1 1/2 hr $75.00 Not sure what this is?

Total for the Full frame hitch installed with tax is $422.58

Im undecided to say the least. The U-Haul guy told me that the hitch quoted is a 5K rated hitch. So what is the benni for going Full Frame mount vs the Integral Hitch?

Any advise on this would be great!!

97JZA80

Those prices are fairly similar, really comes down to what capacity you require and what look you want.

SmittysGX

Thx, well I have almost answered all my questions here. I am still getting mixed information regarding the Integral hitch. I see that there are two reinforcement pieces pictured in another thread.



Are those required? I have just about everything else. Thx again!!

SmittysGX

Well I thought I was all ready to go and was getting ready to get the Integral Hitch. I just got off the phone with a parts guy at Park Place Lexus and was told that he wouldn’t recommend towing a boat with that hitch. He told me it was the equivalent to a class 2 hitch. What is the deal? I have read here on the site that the Integral was a 5000k rated class 3 hitch. Is there anyone on here that has the Integral Hitch and what do you tow with it?

HaveBlue

I don't know much about the lightweight hitch but if it's 2" then it should be rated to at least 3500lb. Doesn't help you much I know. I bought a Hidden Hitch, I think from http://www.hitchesonline.com/ $140 It's a class IV rated to 7300lb. My truck already had the 7 pin Bargmann but I had to cut the bracket and mount it to the underside of the hitch as it wouldn't reach their mounting spot. Pretty easy install once I figured out that UPS had dropped and bent a flange.

Boats usually use surge brakes and don't use a controller. However you can check to see if the wiring goes to under the dash. The 5 pin controller output is directly beneath the steering column on the backside of the panel on a bundle that goes across there. I removed my ash tray and installed my Prodigy there.

HaveBlue

Here we go. The pictures are wrong but the specs are right.

http://search.cartserver.com/search/...GX470&GO=GO%21

SmittysGX

Thx HaveBlue for the info::
Hey, I just spoke with yet another Lexus establishment, anyone on here heard of Lexology Auto Care? Okay well the head mechanic there advised me that he has done plenty of hitch installs and knows about doing them. He has installed several Integral hitches and was under the impression that it is a class III hitch hated at 5000lbs. Im pretty sure that is gonna be just fine for what im towing. Apparently I don’t need these
“52171-60060 Reinforcement $23.32
52172-60040 Reinforcement $23.88”
so that’s cool.

He also told me that I need to check in the engine bay and make sure the “trailer tow” relay is in there. If not I will need to get that as well. Anyone have info on this part? I will look in there maybe tonight.

Capirato

Smitty.....

I understand that for the 2003 and early 2004 GXs, the kits are slightly different.

Two factory hitches (PT228-60440 & PT228-60540) they moved some mounting bolt locations in the center; the side mounting remain the same.

If you get the wrong kit, the holes won't match.

~ Cap

hammer0008

I would go with a curt about 160$ + $30 harness adapter. It looks better and built better imho.

SmittysGX

Sweet!!

I was told the Integral hitch will not work on mine. Strange, thought it would work on any of them. I looked underneath the back of mine and it doesn’t look like it would work either. Oh, I was told by So Bay Lexus that it wouldn’t work. I guess I need the larger (full) hitch.

Here are the parts I need (i was told):

1-PT22860540 Class IV Hitch
1-8198560020 Adapter Relay Box (green)
2-9098702016 Adapter-Fuse Box Relay
1-Bumper insert for class IV hitch, unk part number

This whole "Hitch" thing for the GX is something else. Everyone I talk to has something different to say about it. Amazing! It’s clearly easier to just buy a GX with the hitch already on it. Next time

Capirato

Smitty.....

If your GX has the Plain Cover, for sure the Integral Hitch will NOT work.
Any installer worth his salt, can install the Curt Hitch and provide you with an Outlet for your Trailer Lights.

~ Cap

SmittysGX

Thx Cap, you hit the nail on the head!! Got it all sorted out today. I got the factory hitch PT22860540 and had the GX set up with factory equipped trailer light power. they installed the two relays and fuse box so all I have to do is plug in the wire harness at the rear. Im just waiting on the harness from Bob on this site, hope I can get it??? Anyway, ill take some pics and post them up when I get a chance.

Cap, I do have the flat cover and would really like to get the flared out one if there is someone out there that has one without a hitch. Ill give ya my smooth one for your flared one. Silver please!!!!

SmittysGX

Hey Cap where do you go for service on your Lexus vehicles? I now go to Lexology in Redondo Beach, awesome people and a super clean facility. Oh and prices are way better than the local Lexus dealer Michael over there is the man

Lojak

Smitty...do you happen to know where the relays install? I found where the large green one went. There is one tow slot in the small box behind the main fuse panel under the hood but I can't locate a second location? Does anyone know?

BTW-I just installed the integral hitch and I never could get a solid answer in the class rating either. But the place where it is attached is boxed in and welded to the main chassis. So I would guess this is capable for 5000lb. I was also told it was an original part for the Sequoia.

ROSCOGX470

Smitty, I wish you were in Boston. I want to get rid of the whole set up(I will never tow) and want the flush cover, Oh yeah, Mine is silver pine metallic.