Aftermarket Class Iii Hitch - '04 W Tow Package

[Alpha470]

I recently purchased a 2004 GX470 which appears to have the tow package installed without the receiver. The light harness is there as well as the plate to mount the factory receiver.

I was planning to purchase an aftermarket hitch receiver to have the Class III, perhaps save a few bucks, and perhaps the self-installation might be simpler. However, it looks like the lighting harness would get in the way. Has anyone done this type of installation? What hitch did you buy, and did you have to rework the lighting harness to get it to work?

The hitches I am looking at are:

Curt 13445, Hidden Hitch 70779, Draw Tite 75155, and Reese 44548

Thanks,

Tim

[BobsGX470]

I recently purchased a 2004 GX470 which appears to have the tow package installed without the receiver. The light harness is there as well as the plate to mount the factory receiver.

I was planning to purchase an aftermarket hitch receiver to have the Class III, perhaps save a few bucks, and perhaps the self-installation might be simpler. However, it looks like the lighting harness would get in the way. Has anyone done this type of installation? What hitch did you buy, and did you have to rework the lighting harness to get it to work?

The hitches I am looking at are:

Curt 13445, Hidden Hitch 70779, Draw Tite 75155, and Reese 44548

Thanks,

Tim

This is the official hitch that is made for the vehicle. http://www.lexus-parts.com/partdetail.asp?...ubCategoryID=16

Easiest one to install and the best, most clean installation. All the other brands hang down to low and none of the other brands have the hitch secured to the frame with as many bolts as the Lexus hitch. Lexus uses at least 4 extra large bolts which holds the hitch right in the center of the hitch. This is a very important mounting point which is overlooked by the other brands. It may cost more, but in the end, it's worth it. I've heard where many dealers will deduct more for an aftermarket hitch come trade in time.

[Alpha470]

Thanks Bob. Based on your advice, I'm going with the factory hitch. My local Lexus dealer was willing to match the lowest online price, which brought me from $800 dealer installed to $300 self installed. I'll reply once I finish the work. Making sure I have the right tools before beginning.

[BobsGX470]

Thanks Bob. Based on your advice, I'm going with the factory hitch. My local Lexus dealer was willing to match the lowest online price, which brought me from $800 dealer installed to $300 self installed. I'll reply once I finish the work. Making sure I have the right tools before beginning.

No special tools are required. Just a 1/2" and 3/8" ratchet wrenches and I believe a 12 and 17mm sockets.

I did the installation myself but having a helper would make the job easier. Good luck.

[Alpha470]

Installed the hitch, and it looks great, especially with the black paint on my GX! The only obstacles I ran into were:

1) Bolts on tow hook were on very tight. Hard to loosen. Penetrating oil helped with that.

2) Working around the exhaust was difficult. Is there a trick to removing the muffler from the exhaust hanger without using the designated remover tool?

Now time to get the boat out to the lake! Thanks again, Bob, for the help.

[BobsGX470]

Installed the hitch, and it looks great, especially with the black paint on my GX! The only obstacles I ran into were:

1) Bolts on tow hook were on very tight. Hard to loosen. Penetrating oil helped with that.

2) Working around the exhaust was difficult. Is there a trick to removing the muffler from the exhaust hanger without using the designated remover tool?

Now time to get the boat out to the lake! Thanks again, Bob, for the help.

I usually spray some silicone spray on the metal part where the hangar goes into the rubber doughnut and use a large pry bar to slide the rubber doughnut off the hangar.