Install help / Towing with with OEM receiver for 03-04 GX470

[Mike NXP]

Hey,

Having issues getting this receiver hitch installed. After researching more I learned there are two different style receivers as well as center mount support. I think what's going on is that I've got the newer style receiver but the older style center mount installed on vehicle


Part ordered - PT22860540
> I believe this is for the 04+ GX470 and will not fit my vehicle unless I adapt the different style center bracket (08925-35870)

Part needed for 03-early04
> PT22860440

• I secured the four center bolts, hand tight
• When I do this, the side holes are off by like 1-2+ inches
• For troubleshooting, I installed the side bolts to see where that puts me at center, and you can see how far off it is...

Here is the first attempt with the center bolts installed , but then you can see how far off the sides are

I removed the center bolts and secure tow side bolts for troubleshooting, and you can see how far off the center is. I'm starting to think there must be a different center mount plate ?

 

[Mike NXP]

Hmmm so they either sent me the wrong hitch or I need to order a new center bracket. I don't think I should have to swap the center bracket, this is the proper one for this vehicle so I think they need to send me a different hitch.



Quote below mentions the older style require hitch part number PT228-60440 but its looking like this isn't available anymore so I need to try and find the different center plate where the holes sit further back

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Source provided by @Rednexus

Trailer hitch install with photos!!! - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

GX - 1st Gen (2003-2009) - Trailer hitch install with photos!!! - Here are the parts I used for my Hitch detail (Class IV 6500lb). Take in mind that my 2004 GX did not have the tow package and needed everything from the relays to the wire harness. Oh, and I wanted this hitch as if it was from...

www.clublexus.com

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Now make sure you have the correct center support as there are two. The hitch (PT22860540) I ordered called for the 08925-35870 center support. Here are the two different ones side by side. I originally got the wrong one. I do not know the part number of the first one I got but I understand it is for the 20003 and early 04 GXs and the hitch part number PT228-60440.

As you can see the new one on the right shows the mounting holes located more to the rear of the vehicle.

The new one is now on the left showing the part number.

 

[Mike NXP]

It looks like that older receiver is no longer available..same goes for the newer style center bracket that would fit this receiver I have (08925-35870)

I think my options are
- See if the Lexus dealer I ordered from can still source either of these parts
- If not, mount the current receiver with only the side wing bolts, which is all the aftermaket hitches like Curt use anyway
- Consider mounting side wings with bolts and having someone weld the center area, but that seems stupid maybe ..idk
- Pull all of this off and install an aftermarket hitch , but probably cant return the Lexus part

 

[Mike NXP]

After searching for stock on the center mount and not having any luck, I think I'm going to have to end up just using the side mounts and doing nothing in the center .... Not what I was hoping for but since all the aftermarkets mount the same way I guess it should be fine...I'll only be towing about 3000-3500 lbs

 

[Rednexus]

I'd suggest mounting w/o the center bracket for now (it will still be stronger than the Curt hitch) and then getting the bracket from an '05+ V8 4Runner or GX out of the junkyard. I can't imagine many people are harvesting that bracket. If there is a V8 4Runner or GX in a junkyard somewhere near you, it probably has that bracket on it.

 

[Mike NXP]

I'd suggest mounting w/o the center bracket for now (it will still be stronger than the Curt hitch) and then getting the bracket from an '05+ V8 4Runner or GX out of the junkyard. I can't imagine many people are harvesting that bracket. If there is a V8 4Runner or GX in a junkyard somewhere near you, it probably has that bracket on it.

Good idea, I'll have to dive down the rabbit hole and start looking around. We have minimal options around here for junk yard picking.

My concern is I'll end up with the same bracket , but you think if I stick with the later model 4runner or GX I Should be OK?

I think I might post up a 'in search of' parts request in my local area too.....Its my understanding when folks go to aftermarket bumper they ditch this part? so maybe some folks have it

 

[Rednexus]

Good idea, I'll have to dive down the rabbit hole and start looking around. We have minimal options around here for junk yard picking.

My concern is I'll end up with the same bracket , but you think if I stick with the later model 4runner or GX I Should be OK?

I think I might post up a 'in search of' parts request in my local area too.....Its my understanding when folks go to aftermarket bumper they ditch this part? so maybe some folks have it

It seems like the bracket must have changed between the 03-04 model runs and the 05-09 model runs. So in theory if you get a 05+ bracket, it should work. But, my GX is an 07 and I have not personally examined the back of a 03-04 GX to verify. The bolt holes certainly look the same though.

You may also be able to call a big out-of-state junkyard that has a 05+ GX or two and have them pull and ship this part. It's probably not very expensive and it would not be hard for them to remove one. I had actually gotten one for my GX (not realizing it was already on the rig) when I upgraded the hitch. I later eBay'd it (this was in 2021). Or, as you suggested, see if someone has one laying around.

 

[aztoytec]

There is a difference. I put a hitch from a 2005 on my 2003. Had to use the 2005 bracket.

 

[Mike NXP]

It seems like the bracket must have changed between the 03-04 model runs and the 05-09 model runs. So in theory if you get a 05+ bracket, it should work. But, my GX is an 07 and I have not personally examined the back of a 03-04 GX to verify. The bolt holes certainly look the same though.

You may also be able to call a big out-of-state junkyard that has a 05+ GX or two and have them pull and ship this part. It's probably not very expensive and it would not be hard for them to remove one. I had actually gotten one for my GX (not realizing it was already on the rig) when I upgraded the hitch. I later eBay'd it (this was in 2021). Or, as you suggested, see if someone has one laying around.

Sweet, hopefully I can source one. I just did some searching on car-part and managed to find a handful of options. fingers crossed. thanks for the assist.

There is a difference. I put a hitch from a 2005 on my 2003. Had to use the 2005 bracket.

Yeah shoot, now Im on the hunt for that part. Will see what I can turn up

 

[Mike NXP]

Money shot. I found a 2006 gx470 in a junkyard out in washington.

Fingers crossed this is what I need. Definetly a bit paranoid and wish I knew for sure but ill find out in a few days

And the guy only gouged me $100 bucks for it, bastard

 

[Rednexus]

Perhaps you find unsuspecting salvage yards to get them at a cheap price, then flip them in the future . Wish I had held on to mine as I'm pretty sure it only cost $33 or so new, and I sold it at a slight loss on eBay (considering seller's fees). I would have unloaded it for let's say $40+ shipping to at least break even!

 

[Mike NXP]

Perhaps you find unsuspecting salvage yards to get them at a cheap price, then flip them in the future . Wish I had held on to mine as I'm pretty sure it only cost $33 or so new, and I sold it at a slight loss on eBay (considering seller's fees). I would have unloaded it for let's say $40+ shipping to at least break even!

Haha right? Oh if I had a nickel for all the old crap I threw out but wish I still had

Will report back if this all works
Fingers crossed this is what I need and its the same bolt pattern.

Worst case scenario was thinking I could shim my current mount out a bit and add longer bolts to acomodate

Worst worst case all else fails then I will just run it with only frame rail mounts and be sure to keep my towing weight down

 

[Mike NXP]

Great success. Junkyard center hitch mount was what I needed. Can't believe how close they are, maybe 1" different in the lower mounting holes

Pics below for reference. Thanks to all who chimed in with help, another big win for MUD and how helpful it is....

Next step, install Redarc brake controller and start pulling the camper around to test it out

Oh and whoever says installing a trailer hitch is a one banana job, is full of s*** lol. Maybe with two people but it was a bitch.

 

[Rednexus]

Great! Glad you got it sorted out.

 

[Mike NXP]

Alright I got a test drive in today with the 470 hooked up to the camper. The trailer is about 2500 lbs and 16 ft long.

Observations so far

• The air ride system is really awesome and it did instantly adapt to the extra weight. As I lowered the weight onto the hitch the back end dropped about 2 inches then the compressor kicked on and leveled me back out. Its also nice being able to set it to low to help with removing the trailer and driving off.
• That being said my paranoia levels have increased. I just can't see myself taking this thing on a long distance trip without fear of this system failing. Is that stupid ? I was all ready to pull it 3k miles on my next road trip but this morning decided we should just take my ol' reliable 100 series instead
  
  
• Otherwise, it still rides really smooth and barely feels the weight back there. I suspect once I install the brake controller it will feel even better
• I need to get a straight shank receiver, currently with a 2" drop the trailer is angled a bit downward

I'm hoping to take it on a few local shake down test to see if the compressor is running excessively or if any issues pop up.

So what does the MUD world think....Does the air system really fail that often? If yes is it bags that leak or do sensors fail? Maybe the compressor gets too hot and s***s out?

 

[Rednexus]

At 2,500# total, that's only around 250# of tongue weight (assuming the trailer isn't overly tongue-heavy). That's about the same weight as you'd have on the back with a bike or two and camping gear for a weekend, and is maybe a 10% increase in weight on the bags over an empty GX. So, a trailer of that size isn't adding much new load to your bags, although I can't speak to the overall condition of your system (outside of the bags which looked fine in the pics).

If you are worried, you could throw in a set of spare airbags in the trailer. Or, you could also carry (in the trailer) a set of spare stock-height 4Runner coils, spring isolators, and a coil conversion kit (the latter of which I have sitting around from my rig and would sell you cheap). Then you could coil-convert fairly easily as a trail repair and drive it home. 250# of tongue weight is enough that it should tow just fine on coils-only.

 

[kody472]

I haven't heard of the air system failing often, only bags getting up there in age and dry rotting. I'm still running my same factory compressor with Airbagman bags. Towed my camper all over the place with no issue or worry.

 

[Mike NXP]

Ok cool, thanks

At 2,500# total, that's only around 250# of tongue weight (assuming the trailer isn't overly tongue-heavy). That's about the same weight as you'd have on the back with a bike or two and camping gear for a weekend, and is maybe a 10% increase in weight on the bags over an empty GX. So, a trailer of that size isn't adding much new load to your bags, although I can't speak to the overall condition of your system (outside of the bags which looked fine in the pics).

If you are worried, you could throw in a set of spare airbags in the trailer. Or, you could also carry (in the trailer) a set of spare stock-height 4Runner coils, spring isolators, and a coil conversion kit (the latter of which I have sitting around from my rig and would sell you cheap). Then you could coil-convert fairly easily as a trail repair and drive it home. 250# of tongue weight is enough that it should tow just fine on coils-only.

Good point, I was also sort of trying to relate it to a few fat people sitting in the back row and some gear in the trunk . The trailer is spec'd at #330lbs hitch weight

It's one of those things, the current system is probably fine but I suppose the smart thing to do would be to take it on a few close trips to shake out any issues...On the flipside we are headed way north in Canada in October and it would be really nice to take this rig instead of coffin camping in the back of the 100 series

I really like the idea of keeping the air ride, but I've started thinking about going with springs. I'll keep you in mind if I end up needing those springs

I haven't heard of the air system failing often, only bags getting up there in age and dry rotting. I'm still running my same factory compressor with Airbagman bags. Towed my camper all over the place with no issue or worry.

OK that's cool to know, so its usually more of an issue with the bags not holding air, rather than compressor failure.....I love how this thing self levels and adjusts to the weight so it would be cool to keep the system in place
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What say you @lndshark , did the air ride in this rig ever give you grief? I know you weren't towing with it but what would you do, full send through Canada on the current system, or swap out to coils ?

 

[Rednexus]

Here is what I run. Coils with $120 Firestone airbags inside them. I can stiffen up the rear when towing but am not totally screwed if a bag fails . It's more of a pain to adjust and fool with than the OEM bags, and the Firestones are 30 psi max (OEM bags are much thicker and go up to 100 psi I think). But, it is definitely more reliable, and the bags can be inflated with something as small as a bike pump.

 

[Mike NXP]

yeah for sure, it does seem like I should go that route eventually if I wanted to eliminate and bag-paranoia....

BUT , that air ride is so nice and functional for my new tow setup so in the meantime I've made my peace with being a test subject and will continue to run this stock setup. All things will fail eventually but everything is still working and I don't plan on doing super remote travel with this rig, so for now, full steam ahead

Local Toyota mechanic told me today to stop worrying so much and just drive the thing lol ...I'm used to my 100 series where we go really remote off road and I cant take the chance of a failure