alvinson

Hi, my name is Jeff and I just purchased a 2004 GX470 with 158,000 miles.
It Looks and runs good and The Car Fax shows all the services that were done, plus I made phone calls to all the various servicers to confirm work done, or needed.
The timing belt was never replaced, so that's at the top of my list to do.
Toyota Dealer wants $800 (including water pump).
Lexus Dealer wants $1,200 (including water pump).
It also needs brakes (last replaced since 66,000).
"All fluids," filters and spark plugs were replaced at 123,000. (They even resurfaced the front brake rotors at 123,000 but didn't replace the brake pads?)

My question to anyone who has this year and model is:
(I need to pull a small lightweight 14 ft boat, 8 HP motor and trailer, ( 100LB Tongue Weight / 2000-2500LB Maximum total with boat, motor, trailer and gear.)
"Under the rear bumper and dead center I see a built in mounting plate with 4 welded nuts, that is welded to the final horizontal frame member."
"Is this a built in Class 2 (3,500LB Max.) Hitch Mount that Lexus created for us?" (Its certainly looks like one.)
(I notice the trailer wiring connector is also already built in.)
Doing some research it looks like a Curt 13133 would fit right on it.

Thank you for any help, thoughts, or idea's you can offer,

Jeff

Hmcrae2

I believe with the factory Tow package it has about a 6,500 or so tow rating but you will want to refer to the manual. The factory tow pkg. has the trailer wiring built into the receiver hitch. I am doing research on weather my 2003 had a factory tow so I can replace the 7-pin trailer connector. Looking to pull a travel trailer with trailer brakes.

GXinSD518

I did a bit of research on this when I was decided on a tow hitch. Here's what I came up with... the center plate (with the four bolts) can be used to attach an OEM Lexus hitch plate receiver which is good for 5000 lbs. The hitch plate has a more integrated look and is the cheaper option at about $180.

There are also mounting holes on both sides of the frame rails, look under the rear next to the spare tire on both sides. These can be used to attach an OEM Lexus tow hitch which is mounted directly to the frame and that's good for 6500 lbs. The tow hitch hangs a bit lower and isn't as concealed as the hitch plate, it's also more expensive at around $360. Just depends on what your needs are.

There are also aftermarket tow hitches that attach to the frame mounts which are good for 6000 lbs, those are in the $150-200 range.

Hitch Plate: p/n 51909-35011
: p/n 43331-92065

alvinson

Thank you both for the great answers! I believe that I will try and get the OEM Lexus hitch plate receiver. The boat, motor and trailer is only a maximum of 2,500 lbs and its very easy attaching only 4 bolts.

GXinSD518

There's also an aftermarket hitch plate from SSO that's rated for 3,000 lbs. It's pretty inexpensive at $85 and I've read a couple GX and 4runner members are running this plate with good results.

SSO Lightweight Hitch Plate

mrblister

I installed a draw tite tow hitch # 75155 rated at 6500lb as the oem lexus It frame mounts I paid on ebay $ 120.00 brand new easy install I have same vehicle as you. You will need to check fuse box and make sure you have the two extra relays you need to activate the tow hitch wiring The relay part number is 90987022025 cost was 54,50 It installs in the relay fuse box close to the battery. Then you will also need the 7 pin dongle to 4 pin if your tow harness uses the standard 4 pin trailer connector. After I installed the relay then everything worked as it should

I had originally bought two relays but only needed the one I mentioned above

alvinson

mrblister, thanks for the relay info, that's a really good tip. I never would have thought to look for a relay. I figured if the rear mounted 7 pin connector was already there, it would just work.