Integrated hitch

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dnp

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May 2, 2004
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This may be a stupid question, but I just looked at my hitch for the first time today. On my '03 LX, I have the integrated hitch (behind the bumper fascia). Must I use the factory bolt-on hitch setup or is there some way I can use my standard 2" receiver in the hole in the middle of this hitch? I have an adjustable-height receiver that has plugged into every truck I've had for the last 10 years. It's gonna SUCK if I can't use it with this truck.........If you have any thoughts on this, please advise. Thanks.
 
i wish i had the integrated hitch as I really only use mine for a bike rack or moving small boat trailers around/pulling out of the water. Never used it for large/extended hauling.
 
dont you have to bolt something to the integrated hitch to be able to put a receiver in there?
 
https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/138432-hidden-hitch-question.html

toyota part # on the last post of this thread - works GREAT!!
OK. So if I understand correctly
, this part inserts into the hitch in the bumper and is secured with the 4 bolts shown. THEN, a standard 2" plug-in receiver slides into it? I'm asking, because it doesn't seem like there'd be enough room to slide a standard plug-in into it. Please advise. Thanks.
Receiver hitch.webp
 
had to modify 2" insert length to fit receiver

I have the bumper-integrated receiver sleeve. The 2" square insert for my hitch had to be cut with a Sawzall to a shorter length in order to fit, in order to clear the rear tire. There is not much room between the bumper and tire.

The locking pin fits through the Toyota receiver sleeve that is shown in the picture above.

No problem after modification.
 
i would be careful about shortening the length between the end of the tube and the pin hole, as when you brake there is lots of force exerted on that area.
 
dnp - yep, you got it - that is bolted into the hole, then the receiver sleve fits into it - doesn't look like it will fit, but it will... I am buying a new rear bumper so I'll be selling mine soon (hopefully), yours for $75 including the bolts if you want it... I'll ship UPS ground but you'll need to cover the cost..

let me know.
 
dnp - yep, you got it - that is bolted into the hole, then the receiver sleve fits into it - doesn't look like it will fit, but it will... I am buying a new rear bumper so I'll be selling mine soon (hopefully), yours for $75 including the bolts if you want it... I'll ship UPS ground but you'll need to cover the cost..

let me know.

Sent you PM.
 
reply on

"i would be careful about shortening the length between the end of the tube and the pin hole, as when you brake there is lots of force exerted on that area."
--------------------------------------------------------------

--The receiver sleeve was not modified, the solid steel hitch mount that goes in it had to be cut a little shorter so that it could fit in, with the spare tire still mounted... There still is a lot of solid steel left between the hitch pin hole and the cut. I am only pulling a lightly loaded trailer on this receiver.
 
i would be careful about shortening the length between the end of the tube and the pin hole, as when you brake there is lots of force exerted on that area.

If I understand him correctly, his square hitch "stinger" that goes into the receiver hits the spare tire. That part of the hitch doesn't provide anything structurally, just adds weight. It would hit the spare tire in a bolt-on hitch as well.
 
Not sure if this fits my 2004 LC

I bought the hitch insert (pictured above) from CruiserDan, but my bumper doesn't seem to be able to fit it. I haven't taken off my bumper yet to expose the rear crossmember to take a real good look yet. But, I can't feel a single large square hole in the middle. I only feel 2 smaller square holes (for the 2 bottom bolts) and then 2 bolt holes for the top bolts (except wider than expected). Does my 2004 have a different rear crossmember than some of you guys? Does it only fit an LX470 bumper?
Taj
 
Taj - I think that most LX's have this hidden hitch option after a certian year (probably '03 or '04) and I know a FEW LC's do (mine does). I am pretty sure you can tell by the plastic bumper insert cover that fits right into the middle of the bumper that hides the hole. If your rig does NOT have a cover my guess is there is not the large square receiver hole in the crossmember - thus nothing to cover up... sounds like you confirmed this?? My '03 does have the cover (and thus the hole in the crossmember) but honestly it's something I RARELY see on a LC but see all the time on the LX.

Just my observations...

Fish
 
I bought the hitch insert (pictured above) from CruiserDan, but my bumper doesn't seem to be able to fit it. I haven't taken off my bumper yet to expose the rear crossmember to take a real good look yet. But, I can't feel a single large square hole in the middle. I only feel 2 smaller square holes (for the 2 bottom bolts) and then 2 bolt holes for the top bolts (except wider than expected). Does my 2004 have a different rear crossmember than some of you guys? Does it only fit an LX470 bumper?
Taj
I had both my car and my camera handy......hope this helps.
IMG_0307.webp
IMG_0308.webp
 
my LC bumper doesn't look like that

My 2004 LC does not have a hole like that pre-cut. So, I theoretically have the wrong bumper for the hitch accessory I bought from CruiserDan. Any idea if I can replace the rear crossmember with the correct one with a square hole in it? I don't mind cutting a square hole in my bumper skin. Anybody been there, done that?
Taj
 
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