I've been shopping around for a hitch for my '14 GS350. I see that there's really only one option (https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hit...14/C11366.html). The hitch itself looks fine, but in the photos I've seen after installation, it hangs pretty low and when combined with the the length of the rear overhang, looks as though it would easily scrape on curbs, driveways, etc. I had a similar low-hanging hitch on my old '01 IS300, and that would kiss the pavement from time to time. This looks worse. Anybody here have a hitch, and if so, does it have clearance issues?

The alternative is a sea sucker or an ill-fitting roof rack, but I'm not huge on things sticking on the roof. In the mean time, the trunk allows for at least some of my bikes to come along...

 

In for more info.

Like you I also store my some of my boats and outboards in my GS.

Greatful our trunks are spacious but always looking for more options. Bigger and better.

 

If it scrapes on a steep incline whats the big deal, it's steel, not going to damage the hitch.

 

I'm not sure how often you travel overseas, but you can purchase OEM Lexus GS hitches from the UK or France etc and have it fitted in the US.

 

Would be expensive to ship from overseas and not worth it at that point. No need to travel there just contact a dealer in UK, ect.

 

Mine scrapes very often. There is significant superficial damage to the bottom of the hitch receiver. This does not affect the operation as the business happens where the bolt goes through.

 

Thanks for the replies. My driveway is such that I think the hitch will scrape pulling in, which is a bummer. No, it won't impact function, but it's annoying. The ROW hitch is much nicer, but I need a 1.25" receiver for my rack. Oh well... I suppose I'll get the Curt and see how it is.

I suppose it's not out of the question to cut off the receiver portion of the Curt, move it up an inch or two, and trim the lower bumper to fit, sort of like the OEM hitch.

Then again, 75% of my bikes fit in the trunk. It's just shame that one that's happiest in the dirt doesn't fit. My almost-a-MTB does though.

 

I have the same eTrailer C11366 hitch installed on my car. It does scrape occasionally on my steep driveway but have never scraped in day to day driving. I've driven low(ish) cars in the past and generally hit steeper inclines at an angle to minimize that risk.

This photo is a bit dodgy but you have roughly a 7.75" clearance on the rear of the car.

 

Have you tried emailing Lexus in the UK for an OEM 4GS hitch?
I think mine only cost about US$800 for parts and $2-300 for freight.
I paid about $400 to have it fitted at a local dealer, however some on this forum would fit it themselves.
I have fitted Lexus OEM tow hitches myself before [easy], but I am unfamiliar with splicing in the wiring [electronics].

 

Do you have the parts numbers for the oem hitch?

 

 

Sorry, it's all been disposed, but shouldn't be hard if we email Lexus.

 

The package is REALLY heavy.
Its easily 70kg.
The OEM hitch is no joke and after installing mine with all of the subframe bracing required I would never subject any GS to an aftermarket hitch.
Obviously these cars are too weak for a hitch thus needing tons of additional bracing.

I have a thread on it, look in my profile.

Also the OEM hitch will not scrape.

 

PZ408S155400

Then there’s electrics to it as well but you don’t have the round plug.
Heres the Swedish version:
PZ408S155400

 

That OEM hitch/install is built like it's meant to tow 10,000lbs. It's like 3x times reinforced compared to the bolt on hitches we get in the USA. Thanks for the swiss part number, but a jdm part number or UK is what I'm after. I assume this is a discontinued part and low stock worldwide.

This OEM install just looks super clean, this is what I want: