LX470 Towing Setup is Dumb (8 Viewers)

[marshcat]

Interesting! Is this hitch factory? The way it integrates the 7-pole connector and wraps around the exhaust is more seamless than I imagine from the aftermarket

 

[w4lks0ftly]

That may be a factory hitch. Notably, you don't have the cutout in your bumper plastic that corresponds to the factory integrated bumper receiver, so a factory hitch for that vehicle would be a Curt-style frame mount even if port/dealer installed. My understanding is that Lexus moved away from the integrated hitch after '04-'05 for all the reasons folks have shared. Here's a picture of my '05 with the bumper mount hitch receiver (receiver hole is plugged).

 

[VinylSeats]

Worked on my towing setup today in my new to me 2004 LX470.

As others have mentioned in this thread, the integrated hitch in the bumper is a unique idea that requires some additional planning and possibly modifications to use when compared to a more traditional under the bumper setup.

For my setup, I intend to run 33" tires including a matching spare. To ensure the spare can fit in the stock location, I needed to shorten my ball hitch connection by about an inch. I made it about flush with the sleeve, which should provide just enough space to fit a 33" spare. I'll know for sure in a week.

Reese 3 and 1/4 inch drop hitch before cutting. You can see the hitch extends into void that houses the spare, limiting the size tire that can fit there.

Hitch after cutting flush with sleeve.

Other pics from the project

Space between OEM hitch sleeve and stock size tire.

 

[FLtrails]

This is maddening! I have a 2003LX with the in bumper receiver with the rounded corners. My canoe loader fits, but my new bike carrier will not because it’s too square. Someone mentioned a 200 series not having this problem. Can we just buy a 200 series bumper insert and bolt it up or will it not fit. Is there another solution? Thanks !!!

 

[westfaliacamper]

Do you mind sharing a pic of your modified 1Up rack? I've got the 2" version of this rack and would like to use the integrated bumper receiver. Also, curious if you are able to fold down the tailgate over the 1Up rack in its normal operating position once installed (perhaps you have to angle it down first?).

I had to grind down the corners of the quill on our 1*Up bike rack for this same reason. Broke my heart. Walking through Big R and Ace Hardware locally, billet receivers (extensions) generally don't fit, while tube receivers generally do based on corner radius.

The next problem is the hitch pin hole alignment, which hasn't been compatible on anything other than the Toyota OEM receiver (a very nice piece, BTW) and a Yankum Ropes Hitch Receiver Recovery Point. Alan at Yankum is a Land Cruiser guy, so maybe that's why... Toyota allows 1" between hole center and the end of the receiver before spare tire interference is possible. Most domestic products have 2" between hole center and the end of the receiver.

Once you make peace with the specifics of the design, it's a great hitch. Getting there is frustrating, though.