Hitch cargo carrier

[185]

i have a 460 that i want to install a hitch and cargo carrier for the rare times i need to move stuff with. I initially thought about adding the transmission cooler @Acrad has done, adding the lexus hitch receiver, then adding an amazon special foldable hitch or hitch with a side ramp.

However the cost is quite much, for something i will rarely use. Can anyone chime in if the alternative i am cooking up is a better application?

Alternative
since i dont tow, but major city driving with stop and go traffic, Im thinking of holding off on the cooler
grab a curt hitch
install just a cargo carrier for the few times i need to move items

 

[Acrad]

Lexus considers the following conditions for 60k mile AT fluid changes. IMO: Even your stop and go city traffic driving would benefit having the external AT cooler.

https://lexusgxor.com/_media/2023_gx_460_warranty_service_guide.pdf

 

[185]

Lexus considers the following conditions for 60k mile AT fluid changes. IMO: Even your stop and go city traffic driving would benefit having the external AT cooler.

https://lexusgxor.com/_media/2023_gx_460_warranty_service_guide.pdf

View attachment 3658199

Thanks @Acrad! Is this the severe schedule for all the fluids? I remember someone on CL (ASE) recommending 5k diff/transfers while atf was 25k. I'm planning to run 0w40 at 5k/6month intervals based on the severe case service schedule as well.

 

[Bang Bang]

Thanks @Acrad! Is this the severe schedule for all the fluids? I remember someone on CL (ASE) recommending 5k diff/transfers while atf was 25k. I'm planning to run 0w40 at 5k/6month intervals based on the severe case service schedule as well.

I'm sorry......are you saying someone is recommending changing the diff fluid every 5k miles and tranny fluid every 25k??

 

[Banandalorian]

Only thing to worry about with a hitch-mounted cargo carrier is keeping anything temperature sensitive away from the exhaust.

 

[185]

I'm sorry......are you saying someone is recommending changing the diff fluid every 5k miles and tranny fluid every 25k??

Yup a member said first diff/xfer fluid drop should be 5k and atf every 25k

 

[Rednexus]

Only thing to worry about with a hitch-mounted cargo carrier is keeping anything temperature sensitive away from the exhaust.

I had to make a 90 degree tailpipe for my rig to avoid that. I only really use the hitch carrier to haul the harvest home during deer season and don't want the meat to be exhaust-cooked. It also helps keep exhaust noise from bouncing off the front of our camper when towing (which was otherwise quite loud). I welded in a slip joint to the tailpipe that allows me to swap out the 90-degree end piece with a normal exhaust tip.

Most hitch carriers will be be right at the tailpipe line - so some kind of a turndown or 90-degree section will likely be needed to avoid cooking whatever is on the carrier.

 

[185]

Appreciate the insight from the community thus far. Didnt think to check the exhaust obstruction.

Im thinking of grabbing some High Performance Lubricants gear and transmission oil, After ordering the cooler kits. Just need to figure whether their fluid is compatible and whether for those lazy like myself can it run extended intervals (thats there thing over on Bitog).

 

[re_guderian]

Harbor freight for the hitch carrier...

 

[Acrad]

I have this Wilco hitchswing on mine and it keeps the cargo carrier well above the exhaust and makes easy use of the barn door if you have stacked cargo.

Hitchswing

The Hitchswing adds a secondary 2” receiver hitch mated to a swinging arm. Slide into the Hitchswing your favorite bike rack, cargo rack, or whatever-rack, pull the pin, and swing that entire load away from your vehicle.

wilcooffroad.com

Looks like it has doubled in price since I purchase mine in 2017... it was like $375 back then

No... I don't agree on those service levels. I'm more or less at the 30k mile intervals for F&R diffs, center, and AT drain and fill

 

[r2m]

If you're worried about price, check the usual places for used hitch carriers, e.g.: eBay, Craigslist, Facebook, etc.
I'm sure there are folks out there that are tired of storing something they never use and want to get rid of it for cheap.
If you only plan on using it infrequently, then a few scratches and maybe a little rust spot shouldn't bother you for the right price.

 

[185]

If you're worried about price, check the usual places for used hitch carriers, e.g.: eBay, Craigslist, Facebook, etc.
I'm sure there are folks out there that are tired of storing something they never use and want to get rid of it for cheap.
If you only plan on using it infrequently, then a few scratches and maybe a little rust spot shouldn't bother you for the right price.

Keeping an eye out on all platforms as you said. I dont know if the market is fierce on the new side or if some used sellers are out of their mind, but so far some of the used are going more then new.

 

[r2m]

Keeping an eye out on all platforms as you said. I dont know if the market is fierce on the new side or if some used sellers are out of their mind, but so far some of the used are going more then new.

Just as a side note, this is the wrong time of year to be looking for anything to add extra storage/carrying space to a vehicle.
Everyone is heading out on vacation so I'm expecting these little ditty's will be pricey.
I know hind sight is 20/20, but probably should have strated looking for one around late Winter.

 

[Rednexus]

I have the one linked below. They aren't too expensive brand new. It clears the door no problem.

https://www.northerntool.com/products/elevate-outdoor-alum-basket-cargo-carrier-capacity-500-lb-receiver-size-2-in-material-aluminum-model-hcca-2249-5035430?srsltid=AfmBOop-uoLbpfDAyAPt5s20Zvjc955OtlcHoB7XyylzH1lmc0KPcRLxX1g

 

[185]

Just as a side note, this is the wrong time of year to be looking for anything to add extra storage/carrying space to a vehicle.
Everyone is heading out on vacation so I'm expecting these little ditty's will be pricey.
I know hind sight is 20/20, but probably should have strated looking for one around late Winter.

Didnt think of that. Thankfully no immediate rush.