OEM Hitch / Tow Package
12-04-16, 04:14 PM
#92
Tow Hitch Receiver
I am planning to remove my tow hitch receiver on my current 2014 GX 460 before trading it in.
Does anyone know if its bolted on or welded?
It came with the vehicle when I purchased it.
And if it is bolted on rather than welded, is it a pretty quick job to remove it at the dealership?
Does anyone know if its bolted on or welded?
It came with the vehicle when I purchased it.
And if it is bolted on rather than welded, is it a pretty quick job to remove it at the dealership?
12-05-16, 05:41 AM
#95
Intermediate
When you buy the tow package it is not only the hitch receiver you are paying for but also for the wiring and the connector. Do you have the wiring too on your 2014? Are you going to remove the wiring and connectors too?
You can buy and aftermarket hitch receiver for about $100 and you can bolt it on in about 15 minutes. You can use it for bike racks or hitch trays but if you want to be able to tow a trailer,, boat, camper etc. ever, you will need the wiring harness too. If you are planning to keep the 2017 for a longer period of time I would invest in the factory installed tow package. And I am someone who doesn't just throw $500 worth of stuff on my vehicles without justification. I did buy the cross bars online and installed it myself because it was $80 cheaper than the dealer's price.
You can buy and aftermarket hitch receiver for about $100 and you can bolt it on in about 15 minutes. You can use it for bike racks or hitch trays but if you want to be able to tow a trailer,, boat, camper etc. ever, you will need the wiring harness too. If you are planning to keep the 2017 for a longer period of time I would invest in the factory installed tow package. And I am someone who doesn't just throw $500 worth of stuff on my vehicles without justification. I did buy the cross bars online and installed it myself because it was $80 cheaper than the dealer's price.
Last edited by NewB2Lexus; 12-05-16 at 05:49 AM.
12-05-16, 11:24 AM
#96
I do have the wiring along with the connector & the ball still unopened in its box & wrap. I just have the receiver on the vehicle. I also have the crossbars which I got free which I plan to remove & install myself on the new one. I plan to ask the dealership tomorrow when I go trade in my vehicle to remove the receiver & reinstall it on my new 2017. Can you guys tell me if its a quick job to do so by the service dept?
12-05-16, 06:02 PM
#97
When you buy the tow package it is not only the hitch receiver you are paying for but also for the wiring and the connector. Do you have the wiring too on your 2014? Are you going to remove the wiring and connectors too?
You can buy and aftermarket hitch receiver for about $100 and you can bolt it on in about 15 minutes. You can use it for bike racks or hitch trays but if you want to be able to tow a trailer,, boat, camper etc. ever, you will need the wiring harness too. If you are planning to keep the 2017 for a longer period of time I would invest in the factory installed tow package. And I am someone who doesn't just throw $500 worth of stuff on my vehicles without justification. I did buy the cross bars online and installed it myself because it was $80 cheaper than the dealer's price.
You can buy and aftermarket hitch receiver for about $100 and you can bolt it on in about 15 minutes. You can use it for bike racks or hitch trays but if you want to be able to tow a trailer,, boat, camper etc. ever, you will need the wiring harness too. If you are planning to keep the 2017 for a longer period of time I would invest in the factory installed tow package. And I am someone who doesn't just throw $500 worth of stuff on my vehicles without justification. I did buy the cross bars online and installed it myself because it was $80 cheaper than the dealer's price.
12-05-16, 07:27 PM
#98
Intermediate
Possible but as far as I can tell the connector is bolted onto the hitch receiver. So if you take off the receiver not sure what do you do with the wires and connector. I have never looked at it closely to be honest.
12-05-16, 07:38 PM
#99
the GX comes prewired. when you install the lexus hitch receiver you move the wires and connector from its current location to the hitch itself so that it is easier to access.
12-05-16, 09:40 PM
#100
my wires are in a sealed plastic wrap and the connector is in a cardboard box. thats how it was given to me when I purchased the 2014.
the only thing on the gx is the receiver which I plan to ask the dealership tomorrow to remove & reinstall it on the new 2017 gx I'm getting. just wanted to know if its a quick job by the service dept. since I do not want to pay extra for this job...
the only thing on the gx is the receiver which I plan to ask the dealership tomorrow to remove & reinstall it on the new 2017 gx I'm getting. just wanted to know if its a quick job by the service dept. since I do not want to pay extra for this job...
12-05-16, 09:47 PM
#101
I think I might have mis-explained it. The connector is attached to the receiver.
I was thinking about the ball rod along with the colored wires.
anyways is it a quick job by the service dept or are they going to make a fuss about it & try to charge me extra?
I was thinking about the ball rod along with the colored wires.
anyways is it a quick job by the service dept or are they going to make a fuss about it & try to charge me extra?
12-05-16, 09:51 PM
#103
They are talking about the wires under the GX attached to the hitch that let you plug your trailer into. Not the ball mount and pig tail connector in the box. I think there are 10 bolts holding the receiver bar. Along the driver side frame rail, by the spare tire, you will see 2 pigtail connectors from where the 2 receiver plugs connects too. Undo those 2 connectos, the 10 bolts and you should be good to go. No need to remove the connector from the receiver bar.
Last edited by BigRick82; 12-05-16 at 09:54 PM.
12-05-16, 10:07 PM
#104
thx Bigrick, so how long do you think it'll take for the service dept to remove & reinstall on my new 2017. is it an 1 hour job? just want to know so I can get some levetage on my deal to.orrow in case dealership wants to charge me extra.
12-05-16, 10:22 PM
#105
If they charge more than 1 hr it's robbery. But probably they're minimum charge is 1 hr. It shouldn't take more the 30 min total. If you're buying a new vehicle they should swap it for you.