I'm looking at a 2020 luxury gx460 which does not include tow package (only options are mark Levinson and panoramic view cameras). How hard would it be for me to add an aftermarket tow hitch (I'm fairly automotively inclined -i.e. have changed braked/rotors, axle bearing hubs, fuel injectors, etc)?
Is everything other than tow hitch present in non tow packaged gx460s, such as wiring to rear bumper, transmission cooler, etc?

 

The tow hitch itself took me 15 min to install. The parts for the transmission cooler can be had for $400 or so. I believe every model has the wiring harness already installed.

 

I am "mechanically challenged", and it took me about 10 minutes to install an aftermarket hitch (Curt). It's literally 4 bolts.

 

Thanks for the replies. I don't foresee myself doing major towing. May a uhaul trailer twice a year to carry 2000-3000 lbs of fertilizer or what not, and not for more than 60 miles in New England temps (rarely even close to 90 degrees). Would a transmission cooler be recommended for my purposes?

 

Sounds like it's not really necessary, IMO.

 

Unlike the Towing Prep Package (TO) on the V6 RX's which include
the Engine Oil Cooler, Transmission oil cooler, Heavy Duty Radiator
and Heavy Duty fan & coupling for $270 and raises the Tow Rating
from 2000 lbs. to 3500 lbs. the GX's have all that for the 6500 lb. rating.

 

So, if I'm understanding you correctly, the only difference between a gx460 with tow package versus no tow package is the presence of a tow hitch or not, because everything else is already present in both vehicles?

 

yup. the air cooled transmission cooler is not part of the OEM tow package, it's part of the "Offroad package, along with some other items".

it should be said that the Curt hitch is not the same as the Lexus hitch in terms of attachment point methodology and towing capacity/ vehicle handling. For smaller trailer load though it should be fine....

 

You are spending some serious coin on this vehicle ... so do yourself a favor and buy the Lexus Full-on Hitch ... the design that also has attach points to the side frame rails. Do not confuse the "Receiver" option with the full-on hitch ... the Receiver Hitch attaches only to the rear frame cross member with four bolts ... acceptable for light towing, but when someone in the future plugs in a towing situation assuming the capacity of the full-on hitch ? ... an accident waiting to happen. Just spend the extra $200 for the full-on hitch ... a rounding error in terms of cost given the purchase price of the vehicle. Upside capacity in terms of safety factor is always a good thing ... cheap insurance.

 

That makes sense and is likely the route, especially given my wife has kept her last car for going on 14 years, so who knows what the future will bring. Do you a link to the type of hitch you are recommending? How much do they typically go for?

 

$300-odd ... plus (an easy) installation that should be quoted for 1-hour labor max. The receiver electrical connector is included with the full-on Lexus Hitch ... and the GX already has the wiring harness and end-connector installed (on all trim levels), so the electrical is literally plug-n-play.

https://parts.longolexus.com/oem-par...-iv-pt22860140

 

Thanks so much ASE!

 

Metal tech 4x4 has a hitch that's supposed to be the full tow rating with 6 bolts for under $100...debating of if I should try it, or go for oem.

 

I noticed my class 3 is rated at 5000 lbs max. I assume class 4 is for the full 6500?

 

I had to look up but Class IV can do 14K lbs but of course 460 is rated for 6500lbs

OP: It wouldn't hurt to monitor to your AT temps while towing even if you aren't installing cooler. You can tailor your driving and find lockup to help keep the temps in check as well.