LX470 Hitch/Ball/Shank

[Dr Shafty]

Bought 2005 LX, it has that odd 'in the bumper' hitch receiver. The spare is right behind it so a normal hitch shank won't fit. Called the Lexus dealer who was like 'Huh?'.

Pretty sure there is a Lexus specific hitch shank/ball part. Anyone know the part number? or an aftermarket solution that doesn't involve installing a new below the bumper hitch?

TIA

 

[seanz0rz]

Mine is stamped with PT228-00380

PT228-00380 - Genuine Lexus Towing Options, Ball Mount

 

[Dr Shafty]

seanz0rz, is this the receiver you have:

 

[Dr Shafty]

You can see that a normal Toyota shank will impact the spare before allowing the pin to be deployed

 

[seanz0rz]

Yes, that is exactly what I have. PO had never used it and both the shank and the receiver were in boxes.

 

[MN CZ]

I also have a 2005, recently purchased, LX470. Had the same question, but searched more broadly using google. Most results came back to Mud, though. In short, everyone had the purchase the receiver if not included with sale.

And for the hitch shank, yeah, that's a tough one. Some people mentioned cutting down the shank, as it hit the spare tire behind.

 

[bamabrock]

I ran through the same issue. I found one hitch at Walmart that works with the factory spare tire and the Lexus in bumper hitch adapter. Hope the pics help

 

[Dr Shafty]

I ordered the part referenced by seanz0rz, and will post results when it comes. Oddly, I dropped the spare and tried to fit one of the hitch shanks which I have lying around, and the 2" shank wouldn't fit into the receiver. The Max Coupler which I use to tow my Baja trailer fit fine.

 

[bentonrover]

This answers a lot of my questions. Wonder what's the limit for this style? I have a 4x8 utility trailer for dump runs and Home Depot

 

[SgtMoonracer]

I had the same issues. The receiver mounted on the LX has rounded corners, which may be 50mm instead of a true 2". I bought an extension at U-Haul that would slide into the receiver. (They let me test fir it prior to purchase). Anything that doesn't fit into the receiver will fit into the extension. The extension fit without cutting off any excess that would strike the spare, however I did have to cut off a chunk of a pintle hitch I use to tow my M101A3.

Towing capacity is rated at 5000 lbs.

See this thread for more/similar info: Hitch Receiver, OEM Through Bumper