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CURT makes a tow hitch that would fit a 2012-2017 LS460, however, this hitch is said not to fit the 2007-2012 models. They even have photos of the hitch on the 2013 models.
Does anyone know why this is? Were new mounting points added onto the 2013 models?
I did not think there would be structural changes to the 2013 models??
Last edited by 3GSShoe; 10-04-19 at 12:39 PM.
Reason: Correct spelling
Check out this link. This is the 2010-2012 refresh w/the hitch installed. So maybe the made an error having it fit the 2013-2017 models? I emailed the manufacturer to confirm but i'm not sure if they will check the fitment for this inquiry.
I searched all over when I was looking for hitch for my 2007 years back. Found it and purchased it from Amazon after reading one of the reviews saying it went on a 2007 perfectly.
Above is my car with the hitch installed, sorry don't have a better picture, but just to confirm it fits a 2007. Not sure if it was caused by me or the thickness of the hitch plate, but it created a gap between the bumper and rear panel (see area circle in red). Doesn't bother me now and just too lazy to remove the bumper to recheck. Also, I had to get longer M8 bolts (from HomeDepot) as the stock ones were not long enough to remount beam with hitch installed. I followed the installation instructions below.
Looks like the manufacturer could be confused on their own product firmest per the response below:
”Hello. Thank you for choosing CURT. I have looked up what we offer for you vehicle with the information you have given me. Based on that I have found that we unfortunately do not male a hitch to fit that year. The hitch for that 2010 and the 2012 are different so the one for the 2012 will not fit your vehicle. I asked my tech guys about it after investigating and finding the same information as you and I was informed that there were some minor changes that where made to the vehicle in 2012 making the hitch fitment different for those years.Sorry for the inconvience.”
Yes, and I love it!! Sold the Thule in the background. Love the design, function and small footprint. I removed the second rack and with just one in the closed position, only covers/sits 1/4 up the rear bumper. Unlike the Thule, it covered up the license plate when in closed position. If you are in the market for a rack, 1UP is the way to go!
Last edited by sakul2agi; 04-27-18 at 08:48 PM.
Reason: resize image
With the 1UP, 1 rack option, does it still trigger your parking sensor? Do you turn off the parking sensor when you have both racks on? I’m so glad 1UP is one of the few that doesn’t block your backup camera.
Do you have any rubbing issues? It looks really high up and I’m glad. Much better than the GS350 hitches which sit below the underbody panel for a car that’s alresdy low.
Yes, and I love it!! Sold the Thule in the background. Love the design, function and small footprint. I removed the second rack and with just one in the closed position, only covers/sits 1/4 up the rear bumper. Unlike the Thule, it covered up the license plate when in closed position. If you are in the market for a rack, 1UP is the way to go!
sakul2agi, I'm also curious if the bike carrier scrapes the ground when approaching a slope or leaving the driveway? I had the following cargo rack hitch on an LS 430 and the tow hitch was too low and the rack extended out too much in the back. On bumps and dips the rack would scrape along the ground. On the freeway the constant up and down contact with the road surface eventually sheared off a bolt head from the bottom of the rack. I am hoping your 1UP and LS 460 hitch offers better extended clearance. Also, the Curt website says some trimming is necessary. What part of the LS did you need to trim?
The LS430 hitch sits much lower than the LS460 which is installed behind the bumper and not under it. I recommend looking at the LS460 hitch install manual, you can see a side view of the hitch and the entire bottom side of LS460 is still stock with its underbody panel being the lowest point of the rear end.
The LS430 hitch sits much lower than the LS460 which is installed behind the bumper and not under it. I recommend looking at the LS460 hitch install manual, you can see a side view of the hitch and the entire bottom side of LS460 is still stock with its underbody panel being the lowest point of the rear end.
I have the LS460 hitch as well.
Oh, I see what you're saying. Very good then. Looks like the trimming is only done to an underbody panel cover in the rear. Surprising how much undercarriage protection, covers, and plates is on the underside of the LS. Protects everything nicely and probably reduces noise too.
Does anyone have insight into how this affects the cam and sensors? It's a great looking unit.
I am guessing we'll have to disable the sensors when the hitch is in use or at least while reversing or else the RCTA will blare incessantly. I imagine a set of loaded bikes will also obscure the rear camera when backing up. I will know first-hand soon as I'm about to click the buy button and hopefully have the hitched installed soon.
Just finished installing a Curt hitch on our 2013 LS. Only plan to carry bikes and camping cargo, no towing. I have not attached any carriers or bikes yet to test the effect on rear sensors. I will share findings a little later after we return from errands. Overall, it was a pretty straightforward install and much easier IMO than the LS 430 hitch install, even with the required trimming of the underbody tray. I didnt have to trim any foam blocks as mentioned in the Curt instructions, just cut a small piece from the underbody tray. I elected not to remove the underbody tray. The whole process took two hours as I worked slowly with my 7-year-old daughter that wanted to help. I am glad the hitch arrived undamaged despite how it was delivered. A few years ago I had to return a Curt hitch for a Sienna because it was noticeably bent. Below are some photos of the install.
I placed the white clip and screw back in to illustrate where it would be hidden behind the bumper and wheel well liner:
It doesn't look like it but there is still almost 9.5" of clearance between the bottom of the hitch and the ground. Much better margin than the LS 430 hitch.
04-15-18, 05:24 PM
2010 vs 2012 LS460 Tow Hitch options
