mrblister

I have read the long towing thread going back to 2003. I have read and re-read and now I still need a bit of advice. My towing needs for my 2004 gx470 is to pull a harbor freight trailer that holds one of my motorcycles. The trailer is 4 x 8 and has 12 inch tires. My truck did not come with any hitch but from what I have read that most of the gx470 came with the trailer option package. But no receiver supplied. Which as far as I can tell is pre wired with a frame mounted circular connector. I don't know if the so called tow package included a larger trans cooler or any other extra. My plan is to buy the printle hitch from sewell which comes with 6 new bolts. I will then need the ball receiver , the 8 pin to 4 pin converter , The bumper cover . I now find out I need to also purchase two relays that cost with discount $ 160.00. I did not look in my relay box to see if I already have them but I am betting I don't. I think lexus idea of tow package is basic prewired connector on frame and that's it. I did have a connector with wires in the glove box that say its a trailer cable supplied by lexus [ I think is has something to do if you install electric brakes not sure
if this is so.

I am ok with the prices of the printle class 4 set up. I am just getting a bit stressed out with regard to the relays, Can some one confirm I need the relays ? If this is so then the parts cost at sewel have swelled beyond $ 500.00.with discount.

Does some one have a better OEM solution for me. I don't need to go with the heavier larger lexus frame mounted hitch since lexus wants 3 hours labor to install . I would prefer the least invasive and clean install of a hitch receiver I am leaning to the printle option but I figured I wanted to ask the forum members who have been through this already


Hoping someone can point me in the right direction

RCsGX

From my Tundra days the way you knew if your Tundra came w/ the tow package w/o a factory mounted hitch was if you had a transmission cooler. Check to see if your GX has it, it's below the 2 horns (see pic below). If you do more than likely you already have the towing relays. You should really check to make sure you have the relays though to be 100% sure. It's easy to find out if you have the under hood relays. The rear relay you'll have to remove some trim pieces to see if you have it or not.



3hrs., it took me less than an hour to install it. Sometimes those "book" hours are b.s.!!