2022-2023 Tow hitch receiver.
03-25-22, 06:40 PM
#61
Intermediate
This is an interesting topic and got me to do a little more digging. Here is some definitions from our discussion from Curt ManufacturesWhat is a receiver hitch?
A receiver hitch is a type of trailer hitch that bolts onto the underside of a vehicle, at the rear, and provides a tube for attaching a ball mount or other hitch accessory. Receiver hitches generally have a vehicle-specific design, a standard receiver tube size and fall within one of five hitch classes.
A receiver hitch is perhaps the most common type of trailer hitch. So common, in fact, that the two terms are used interchangeably
.
What is a tow hitch?
A tow hitch is simply another name for a trailer hitch. It is a hitch used for towing a trailer.
Usually, tow hitch refers specifically to a receiver hitch. However, a 5th wheel hitch, gooseneck hitch and other hitches may be called tow hitches. All trailer hitches -- or tow hitches -- are designed for a specific use and rated for specific weight capacities
.
What Is Towing Capacity?
Towing capacity is the maximum amount of weight your vehicle can tow when pulling a trailer. It is determined by the vehicle manufacturer and takes into account the GVWR, GAWR, GTW and more.
What does towing capacity mean? Very simply, it is how heavy your trailer can be.
Max towing capacity should always be observed in any towing situation. Exceeding this capacity -- or towing more weight than your vehicle is rated for -- is extremely dangerous. Be smart and know your vehicle's limits
The GX towing capacity is 6500 lbs. If you need to tow more than that you got to get a bigger vehicle.
A receiver hitch is a type of trailer hitch that bolts onto the underside of a vehicle, at the rear, and provides a tube for attaching a ball mount or other hitch accessory. Receiver hitches generally have a vehicle-specific design, a standard receiver tube size and fall within one of five hitch classes.
A receiver hitch is perhaps the most common type of trailer hitch. So common, in fact, that the two terms are used interchangeably
.
What is a tow hitch?
A tow hitch is simply another name for a trailer hitch. It is a hitch used for towing a trailer.
Usually, tow hitch refers specifically to a receiver hitch. However, a 5th wheel hitch, gooseneck hitch and other hitches may be called tow hitches. All trailer hitches -- or tow hitches -- are designed for a specific use and rated for specific weight capacities
.
What Is Towing Capacity?
Towing capacity is the maximum amount of weight your vehicle can tow when pulling a trailer. It is determined by the vehicle manufacturer and takes into account the GVWR, GAWR, GTW and more.
What does towing capacity mean? Very simply, it is how heavy your trailer can be.
Max towing capacity should always be observed in any towing situation. Exceeding this capacity -- or towing more weight than your vehicle is rated for -- is extremely dangerous. Be smart and know your vehicle's limits
The GX towing capacity is 6500 lbs. If you need to tow more than that you got to get a bigger vehicle.
03-26-22, 07:08 AM
#62
Pole Position
My point is that the GX460 (as a vehicle) is rated for 6,500 towing ... but only when the Class IV (full-on) hitch is installed ... not when the Class III (receiver) hitch is installed. Most owners only know that they have a "hitch" installed ... leading to a potentially bad outcome for those towing a heavier payload using the Class III (receiver) hitch. My opinion ... any "hitch" installed on a vehicle should match the maximum towing capacity of the vehicle ... plug-n-play with no overload risk for those that do not know the difference.
Last edited by ASE; 03-26-22 at 08:05 AM.
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05-05-22, 11:42 AM
#63
Pit Crew
Your GX looks to be missing the 'sub assembly bracket' part# 51908WY010 (search the number to see more). My GX (Oct/Nov production, US specs) came with the bracket which the Curt bolts up to.
There's one on ebay [no affiliation] that shows more detail as well as the needed bolts to attach it.
Last edited by GX4602011; 05-05-22 at 11:48 AM. Reason: added info
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SteveInCal (10-27-23)
05-07-22, 09:33 AM
#64
Agreed overall - but OEM availability is the issue
My point is that the GX460 (as a vehicle) is rated for 6,500 towing ... but only when the Class IV (full-on) hitch is installed ... not when the Class III (receiver) hitch is installed. Most owners only know that they have a "hitch" installed ... leading to a potentially bad outcome for those towing a heavier payload using the Class III (receiver) hitch. My opinion ... any "hitch" installed on a vehicle should match the maximum towing capacity of the vehicle ... plug-n-play with no overload risk for those that do not know the difference.
So I bought the Class III knowing all the pros and cons, considering it a temporary solution until OEM supply improves. It is inexpensive, a clean fit easy install, and looks good (not protruding out far beyond the bumper like others). It is rated for 5,000 lbs which covers a majority of use with the exception of a medium trailer or travel trailer.
Last edited by JimboLG; 05-07-22 at 09:38 AM.
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05-08-22, 06:48 AM
#65
What drives me insane is that while Lexus rates vehicle towing capacity ... that is TOTALLY dependent on the hitch. So when people see a "receiver" installed ... they assume it is at the vehicle maximum rated capacity. A "receiver" is NOT the same as a "full-on hitch". Go with a Class IV (full-on) hitch.
And I already mentioned in another thread, how about fabricating or have a a class IV hitch fabricated? Pretty darn simple. You could even modify a 4Runner hitch to fit with a little modification. For myself, the main purpose of a class IV would be to use in recovery. A lightweight internal bumper mounted class III hitch is not going to hold up to the forces being it only has one mounting point vs the three mounting point requirement of a class IV and above.
I know with 100% certainty a fabrication shop can easily build up a class IV hitch. For those that are purchasing a new GX460 this can be used as a negotiating tool. If you are willing to walk if the dealer does not offer the hitch, have them knock off the price of fabricating one. Most shops charge around 300-500 bucks for custom hitches. It's really not that big of a deal.
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JimboLG (05-08-22)
05-12-22, 10:04 AM
#66
A class 3 is a hitch with just a lower weight rating of 5,000lbs towing capacity and 500lb weight distribution tongue capacity. It is no different other than less mounting points and capacity.
And I already mentioned in another thread, how about fabricating or have a a class IV hitch fabricated? Pretty darn simple. You could even modify a 4Runner hitch to fit with a little modification. For myself, the main purpose of a class IV would be to use in recovery. A lightweight internal bumper mounted class III hitch is not going to hold up to the forces being it only has one mounting point vs the three mounting point requirement of a class IV and above.
I know with 100% certainty a fabrication shop can easily build up a class IV hitch. For those that are purchasing a new GX460 this can be used as a negotiating tool. If you are willing to walk if the dealer does not offer the hitch, have them knock off the price of fabricating one. Most shops charge around 300-500 bucks for custom hitches. It's really not that big of a deal.
And I already mentioned in another thread, how about fabricating or have a a class IV hitch fabricated? Pretty darn simple. You could even modify a 4Runner hitch to fit with a little modification. For myself, the main purpose of a class IV would be to use in recovery. A lightweight internal bumper mounted class III hitch is not going to hold up to the forces being it only has one mounting point vs the three mounting point requirement of a class IV and above.
I know with 100% certainty a fabrication shop can easily build up a class IV hitch. For those that are purchasing a new GX460 this can be used as a negotiating tool. If you are willing to walk if the dealer does not offer the hitch, have them knock off the price of fabricating one. Most shops charge around 300-500 bucks for custom hitches. It's really not that big of a deal.
05-12-22, 11:22 AM
#67
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Peacebay (05-13-22)
05-13-22, 08:47 PM
#69
The Lexus branded hitch is also only rated for 5000 pounds unless you are using a load stabilizing hitch setup. Then the rating increases. It says this directly in the installation instructions.
Personally, I do not consider the 4-Bolt "Hitch" a Hitch ... is is a "Receiver" intended for light duty towing given it only attaches to the rear frame cross member ... works great for pulling small trailers, etc but does not have the safety factor that the full-on Lexus hitch provides (that also attaches to the side frame rails) when towing heavier payloads.
05-13-22, 08:48 PM
#70
It's only rated for 5000 pounds unless you are leveraging a load stabilizing hitch even with the Lexus branded hitch.
My point is that the GX460 (as a vehicle) is rated for 6,500 towing ... but only when the Class IV (full-on) hitch is installed ... not when the Class III (receiver) hitch is installed. Most owners only know that they have a "hitch" installed ... leading to a potentially bad outcome for those towing a heavier payload using the Class III (receiver) hitch. My opinion ... any "hitch" installed on a vehicle should match the maximum towing capacity of the vehicle ... plug-n-play with no overload risk for those that do not know the difference.
05-15-22, 06:33 PM
#71
You should use a load leveling hitch regardless of trailer if it's more than one axle (if you have a dedicated trailer). Unfortunately not a lot of the motoring public follows a common sense approach to towing or keeping within the GVWR of a vehicle.
05-17-22, 08:38 AM
#73
05-17-22, 09:16 AM
#74
6th Gear
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05-17-22, 11:13 AM
#75