1999 LX470 Question on Rusty frame (6 Viewers)

[ffl3883]

Hello
I have a 1999 LX470. The part of the frame where tow hitch is bolted on is very rusty on one side. The other side is in good condition. I am just wondering how much weight can I safety tow at this point. Please see picture for details.

1999 LX470 Rust On the Frame

• ffl3883
• May 6, 2017

Thanks

Felix

 

[97 AZ LC]

I don't think anyone could possible answer that question for you based on one picture. You need to take it into a hitch store for an inspection. Perhaps than can weld up a fix.

 

[taco47001]

Personally, it doesn't matter how many pics he throws up. I wouldn't be towing a bike carrier with that. Is that a bit exaggerated? Yes, but you get the point. Get it to a shop and gets those holes patched up pronto! Then, make an appointment at your local crown undercoating shop or buy yourself an undercoating kit of Fluid Film off of eBay and go crazy coating that thing.

 

[FxFormat]

Looks rotted through, I wouldn't even pull some kid along on a skateboard with that hitch.

 

[ffl3883]

Personally, it doesn't matter how many pics he throws up. I wouldn't be towing a bike carrier with that. Is that a bit exaggerated? Yes, but you get the point. Get it to a shop and gets those holes patched up pronto! Then, make an appointment at your local crown undercoating shop or buy yourself an undercoating kit of Fluid Film off of eBay and go crazy coating that thing.

The truck came with a newly installed hitch when i bought it. Does the fact that the trailer shop installed it suggest they feel confident about the frame ? I definitely will do something about the hole no doubt.

 

[planomateo]

Based on the picture, I wouldn't feel comfortable towing anything with that.

 

[Julian Stead]

The Tow hitch looks like it is missing a bolt aswell, not a very secure Tow bar even without the rust.

 

[Bripars40]

Looks like you need to replace that entire frame section. The area around your body mount is rotted away as well.

Have you looked thoroughly around the rest of the frame? Hard to believe that would be the only area of rust.

 

[ffl3883]

Looks like you need to replace that entire frame section. The area around your body mount is rotted away as well.

Have you looked thoroughly around the rest of the frame? Hard to believe that would be the only area of rust.

This is the worst spot, majority of the frame was undercoated however, rust made its way under the coating in many spots. I plan to strip all the coating , power wash the rust , and coat with some protectant. Frame repair sounds too expensive I got the truck for $7k may not worth the effort.

 

[taco47001]

It's worth the effort

 

[abuck99]

The hitch is probably adding some structural support to the frame, but those holes should be plated- if you can find some solid steel to weld to. I doubt you'll spend too much on the project.

As for towing, I wouldn't risk towing anything with the frame being compromised like that. If the frame is that bad how are the bolts or captured nuts holding the hitch in place?

With trailer attached, one major stopping event could be enough to create a serious problem for you and or other motorists.
Consider the liability, or the potentiality of causing harm to others before you hook something to the truck in its current condition.

 

[Bripars40]

I would take it back to the company who installed the hitch and give them a few words for their work.

 

[e9999]

damn, I'm glad I live in SoCal... (well rustwise anyway)