All things Towing thread, weight, trailer type, etc..

[Bluetribal]

So I am a little bummed out. Today I installed the factory Lexus tow hitch (PT228-60540) and I ran into an issue with the trailer plug bracket being in the way of the hitch. I knew this would be the case for an aftermarket hitch because I saw it in a YouTube video an their solution was to just zip tie it to the hitch tube. This ended up being my solution right now but something must be different for these two items to not work with each other! I would love to see pics of others who had a hitch from the dealer to see if the bracket is different.

Discontinued Part No.

Used OEM town hitch in excellent shape. I don't think it was ever used.

Specs

And here is the issue WTF! Even if I trim the bracket the flap cover would not be able to open.

 

[GXO]

I moved my wiring when I did my bumper. Not to bad if you get it welded somewhere else

 

[UTFJ]

Mine came with a new bracket that relocates the 7-pin.

 

[The Great Him]

this is because you are not using the correct harness/plug hanger. the correct hanger is mounted of drivers side of the tow bar/hitch. its a metal bracket that mounts via 2 8mm bolts. in your second picture you can see the mounting holes, they are located at the rear most end of the hanger just past the tube.

So I am a little bummed out. Today I installed the factory Lexus tow hitch (PT228-60540) and I ran into an issue with the trailer plug bracket being in the way of the hitch. I knew this would be the case for an aftermarket hitch because I saw it in a YouTube video an their solution was to just zip tie it to the hitch tube. This ended up being my solution right now but something must be different for these two items to not work with each other! I would love to see pics of others who had a hitch from the dealer to see if the bracket is different.

Discontinued Part No.

Used OEM town hitch in excellent shape. I don't think it was ever used.

Specs

And here is the issue WTF! Even if I trim the bracket the flap cover would not be able to open.

 

[billmc]

this is how it looks

 

[Bluetribal]

Mine came with a new bracket that relocates the 7-pin.

That explains it! I will have to figure out this part number.

 

[Bluetribal]

So I found the IssB for the tow hitch install , unfortunately it does not give me the part number for the bracket that attaches to the hitch. https://www.lexuspartsnow.com/installation/53C297158912408888256FF9005FA315_Hitch'05GX470IssB.pdf

And apparently I am missing some spacer plates for the middle cross bar but it seems fine without those.

This was all I could find for a possible bracket but it doesn't quite look right.
58275-35020 - Lexus Parts Now

 

[The Great Him]

just buy a 7 pin hanger from NAPA... drill it to fit the tow hitch

 

[Bluetribal]

It's zip tied right now and that will be fine until it gets some use. But brackets seem to be pretty reasonably priced from what I have seen in trying to find it so it would be nice to have a bracket that is a perfect fit.

 

[Bluetribal]

So next up is a luggage hitch basket for coming home from a trip this summer from LAX back down to SD with 7 people in my GX. Anyone want to say they have the best hitch basket?
I don't plan on using it again much maybe just once a month for recycling when I fill my two trash cans with bottles and cans. So probably just going to find a larger model but don't want to buy a crappy one because I will need it to hold about 7 pieces of luggage down the freeway from LAX.

Oh and just thought about may install a hitch receiver on the future travel trailer so the hitch basket could get some use their to carry the washer machine drum and wood for camp fires in the state parks.

I like the Tow Tuff TTF-276KR because it can double as a bike carrier with removable tire chalks. This would be handy on the back of the travel trailer for sure!

I wish it had the bent hitch bar to allow more ground clearance like the Pro Series 63153 but not a deal breaker.

 

[phishtaco]

On my t4r, my exhaust melted part of my plastic cooler on my harbor freight hitch basket. Just be aware of the rear exit exhaust.

 

[Bluetribal]

Yeah, that is where the bent hitch bar would come in handy! A little sheet metal screwed in at the corner could help prevent that as well.

 

[Onefastrx7turbo]

Just bought the Lexus hitch kit, but does it need the special Toyota ball mount? I bought my ball and mount from U-haul when I was towing with my Nissan Titan.

 

[Cringe]

They are all a standard size, unless I have been doing it wrong for years!

The wife and I have started looking at travel trailers. I will be having to learn about weight distribution and sway control hitches soon.

 

[Bluetribal]

The ball mount I have that is on a decent drop, fit fine in the Lexus hitch and I hope the drop will work out when I get this beast lifted.

 

[Onefastrx7turbo]

Im buying the ball mount today from Uhaul, thinking of a 2 inch drop unless someone thinks I should go lower? Its lifted 3 inches or so and its riding on 33s. I know its mostly trailer dependent but I thought 2 inches was a good start.

 

[Bluetribal]

Anyone have preferences on tow mirrors?

I have not been able to confirm any extended towing mirrors that fit our trucks but this one should work.
CIPA Universal Towing Mirror

And these might work?
CIPA Custom Towing Mirrors - Slip On - Driver Side and Passenger Side CIPA Custom Towing Mirrors CM11300

 

[Nothinghead]

I use these: Fit System 3891 Deluxe Universal Clip-on Trailer Towing Mirror Amazon.com: Fit System 3891 Deluxe Universal Clip-on Trailer Towing Mirror: Automotive

 

[jonshonda]

Im buying the ball mount today from Uhaul, thinking of a 2 inch drop unless someone thinks I should go lower? Its lifted 3 inches or so and its riding on 33s. I know its mostly trailer dependent but I thought 2 inches was a good start.

I think I have a 2" drop and I am stock height. Works good for my trailers and uhaul trailers.

 

[stevezero]

They are all a standard size, unless I have been doing it wrong for years!

The wife and I have started looking at travel trailers. I will be having to learn about weight distribution and sway control hitches soon.

How large of a trailer are you thinking about? If you are considering a smaller teardrop type of camper, check out Rustic Trail Teardrop Campers They are a family run shop in Pilot Mtn, NC, and have several models. I'm having them put together their Grizzly Bear model for me, and adding electric brakes to the 2200lb torsion axle. It is small enough to fit in the slipstream of the gx, and is large enough for me to sit at the dinette with 4 inches of headroom (im 6'1). Their Polar Bear model allows just a hair under 6ft of headroom. They are also working a new design called the Kodiak, that will be more angular, similar to the current trend in offroad trailers.