We just received our 2014 GX 460 and I bought a 2" ball to mount on the included ball mount that goes into the factory receiver.

Okay, so here's the question:

1. The orange tag on the ball mount says to mount the ball differently for the V8 engine as opposed to the V6 (for the V6 it has the tongue of the mount in the "lower" [more typical] position, for the V8 it has the tongue of the mount in the "higher" position). The difference is just flipping the ball mount upside down to mount the ball.

This sounds like an instruction for a different model truck than the GX 460 because there is no 2014 V6 model--don't think any of the earlier models are V6 either.

With the ball mounted in the lower or typical position it lines up within .5" from the height of my trailer tongue (leveled out). With it in the higher position it's 1.5".

Anyone with info on this? I just wanted to ask before I torque the ball down. I have to use special borrowed wrenches to do that and only want to do it once.

Thanks in advance.

 

I installed an OEM trailer hitch and ball on my GX460 and I never came across any such information. I'm wondering if you might have gotten a hitch for a 4-Runner?? You need to get the hitch that is made specifically for your GX. Likewise, you'll be happily rewarded by doing so.

 

Just flip it which ever way is going to be closer to level. You should be good to go!

 

Just installed an aftermarket $90 hitch from Amazon (it is attached with 4 thick bolts, took 5 minutes) and pit in a regular ball and mount from Home Depot. I am not going to pull anything big - just my small utility trailer... Anything wrong with that?
Thank you,
Kevin

 

Nothing wrong with that and I'll be doing the same to tow a motorcycle trailer.

 

You will need the Wiring Harness to provide lights for your Utilty Trailer.

~ Cap

 

Third party....... I have the exact same question as you. Just picked up 2015 gx. My trailer tounge has a tag on it too. I agree that the boat / trailer should be level......but am also wondering why the specifically recommend upside down install for "v-8" models. I installed as recommended and will be checking the level on them boat as soon as the snow melts in Rochester ny!!!!! If it is too high then I will flip it to normal set up. But I am also very curious if Toyota / Lexus included these instructions for a specific reason. They made it very clear on the tag.

Anyone that has info in this or talked to lexus/ Toyota about it please reply. Thanks!!

 

Yes, I stated researching on that wiring harness then decided, just out of curiosity to look under the car.... And the harness was there already! Tried to connect trailer harness, everything works perfectly

 

Did your OEM hitch come with the ball? When I opened the sealed box, only the hitch and pin was in there plus the orange tag stating which direction to install the hitch based on model.

 

Dont know if this applies to a hitch bought in NA market tho, but the GX is offered in Chinese Markets with a V6

 

I think the V6 vs. V8 description is a carry over from the 03-09 4Runner that had both options.

I use the mount from my V8 4Runner, which has the ball on top.