I've seen a few LX470/LCs with integrated trailer hitches into the bumper. Did this start after a certain year or was in an option. And if so can it be done aftermarket
Integrated trailer hitch
- Thread starter gamecock2009
- Start date
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It was 2003-2005 style.
Just to mention... A bolt-on Nato mount is a light-duty item, not made for towing anything like a larger trailer.
It's rated to tow 5000lbs, i've got one of those integrated hitch, i don't tow anything so it's fine with me, plus the extra departure angle is welcomed. Won't be dragging my hitch coming down a steep rock, drag my bumper off instead.
that's some good thinking!! 1500 pounds is a good amount to lose but if you don't tow then the departure angle is more useful.
What are you all with bike racks doing? I got a kuat pivot thinking that would solve the clearance issue but the rear tail gate hits the hinge on the kuat...any pressure on the tail gate will definitely break the tail light.
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2x4 with a $19 thru-axle mount bolted to it, it goes inside by the tailgate. Santa Cruz goes in rear wheel first, smaller back seat flipped up, front wheel off. Safe and sound inside the truck, can't steal the bike, no bike rack to worry about someone running into.
Makes sense, and I've being doing similar. Just a bit of a pain when the back is loaded with camping gear.
There are only a couple inches of clearance behind the pin on the integrated hitch before you hit the spare tire. Even less if you are running a plus sized tire (275/70/18). 99% of draw bars or bike racks will not work because they will hit the spare tire before you can insert the pin. You can use a hitch extender, but that cuts the load capacity in half. You can also cut the end of the draw bar or rack to fit, but I think it's easier to install the regular under frame mounted hitch and call it a day. I removed my integrated hitch and installed an OEM LC hitch.
Was that OEM LC hitch also through the bumper or does it sit below?
I have the integrated hitch (2003 LX470). My receiver was too long to insert the pin, so I cut off the extra length to match the rear length of the hitch with an angle grinder. Works great, and I tow an 18' Shallow Sport all the time.
It sits below, not through the bumper.
I had an 03 LC that had a drop hitch bolted to the frame. I just got an 04LX with this integrated receiver. I didn’t think it had a tow package with it until I found it. I plan on towing an 18’ aluminum fishing boat, probably 2k pounds with gear and whatnot. Glad to hear you have no problem with towing.