Has anyone here attempted to install a front mount receiver hitch?
There is one for the 4runner/FJ and I am wondering if it will bolt up but I don't have any experience with how the 2 vehicles may differ from one another in the front bumper region.

This is the one i am looking at:

http://www.curtmfg.com/part/31367

I have the tools and skills to fab or modify some if it is close. I am hoping to get my bike rack on the front so I can tow my Airstream and take the bikes.
I asked on ih8mub first but i nthe last week I have 95 views and not a single response.

 

I got a response from etrailer and they didn't say yes or no. I understand why they responded as they did. Looks like I may just try it on my own. Here is what they said:


Thank you for asking the following question:

I have a 2005 Lexus GX470. It is built on the J120 frame like the 4runner and FJ Cruiser. Will this hitch mount fit my GX470?



Answer:

I really wish I could say yes, but there aren't any front hitches we offer that have been confirmed as a fit for your vehicle and we can't recommend you try a different vehicles hitch as it has not been tested.

 

I’m looking to do the same thing and this is the closest one I’ve found for my 2007gx, but not one can tell me if it works.

 

I never got an answer nor did I get a front hitch to try it. We no longer have a travel trailer, we switched to a motorhome so the need went away.

 

I would love it if this works out. I pull an R-POD with my GX and have a really tight and twisty access to where we store it. Had a similar setup on a F 150 years ago with similar storage problem and it was awesome!

 

So the curt front hitch 31367 arrived today. No one could verify if it would fit (etrailer, Lexus, Curt, etc). Well it does fit! Like a glove on a 2007 Lexus GX470, with angled tow bolts Will post additional pictures soon. The plastic rock guard had to be taken off prior to mounting. I will have to modify it to re-attach if wanted. But the hitch covers up almost everything below. Mounting was simple and straightforward. Just watched the curt video, and once I got the lower frame bolts and opposite high frame bolt unattached, it took about 12-15 min. Depending on the basket used you may need a 2-3” hitch extended as it does sit under the bumper and isn’t quite flesh.

 

Thank you for letting us know. How much did your cost? What are you planning to use it for? Do you think we could rig up a small snow plow to it?

 

Do you think this will fit an ‘06?

 

 

thats for setting up at base camp right? or are you driving with it loaded?

 

When needed, I drive with it as you see it packed. It handles great. I do add a hitch lock to keep it more stabilized.

 

That is awesome and looks fun.

 

Hows the front suspension squat with that much weight so far forward? I just used that exact carrier on the back of the car this past weekend for beach camping and offroading and I could definitely feel that it back there over any large bumps with only my cooler and ezup on it

 

Thank you, that’s helpful

 

I wonder if it would work on a ‘11 460?