Lexus GX460

Is anyone towing their boat with this vehicle? My wife's GX doesn't have a hitch, and I am looking at recommendations for one. It looks like there are two options, one that mounts underneath to the bumper (Class III 5000lbs), that is fairly inexpensive and easy to install, or one that mounts to the frame (Class IV), which is considerably more expensive and labor intensive. I would prefer one that mounts to the frame, but for the amount of towing I would be doing with it, I'm not sure its necessary. My boat is a Ranger RT188 aluminum boat and that is probably in the 3000 lbs range fully loaded. Any suggestions?

I weighed my RT188 at a scale on the way to the lake one day...2700 pounds. Our 2016 GX has the factory hitch, no issues pulling any bass boat. Heck, I pulled my Cougar with the 2010 V6 4-Runner. I'd opt for the more expensive factory hitch, if nothing else it looks like it's supposed too. I think the aftermarkets look like they were bolted on as an afterthought on the GX.

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Originally Posted by n2ratfishin

I weighed my RT188 at a scale on the way to the lake one day...2700 pounds. Our 2016 GX has the factory hitch, no issues pulling any bass boat. Heck, I pulled my Cougar with the 2010 V6 4-Runner. I'd opt for the more expensive factory hitch, if nothing else it looks like it's supposed too. I think the aftermarkets look like they were bolted on as an afterthought on the GX.

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Yeah, I called Lexus to see what they charge. $1075 installed :eek:. I do agree, I'd rather it look like it came from Lexus that way, than I put it on afterwards. And a big uhual or reese sticker on it would be a dead giveaway. :roll:

Class III hitch - you are towing under 3000lbs easily (2700 abouts). Trailer brakes would be nice.

It's not very often you get misquoted, and it's actually significantly less than expected. I told lexus to go ahead with the install, with their original quote. They did it yesterday and only charged $700. I was a little nervous when my wife called and told me that. I figured they ordered the wrong part, but it all looks good to me.

GX tows well. I tow with the bolted on hitch. Cheap, effective and it works. Have towed the same boat with 2 sequoias and each had a bolt on hitch. Boat is around 2900 lbs.

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Originally Posted by mizzoukispot

GX tows well. I tow with the bolted on hitch. Cheap, effective and it works. Have towed the same boat with 2 sequoias and each had a bolt on hitch. Boat is around 2900 lbs.

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Towed the boat to Dale Hollow this past weekend. The GX was servicable, it definitely knew there was load behind it but even in the hills it did a fine job.

I have towed a Ranger RT 178 and a Vexus 1880 with my wifes GX. It tows great. It has the class III hitch. The trailer light plug is a pain in the A__ to plug in.

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Originally Posted by crankwv

I have towed a Ranger RT 178 and a Vexus 1880 with my wifes GX. It tows great. It has the class III hitch. The trailer light plug is a pain in the A__ to plug in.

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What class III hitch do you have? My daughter has a GX and I want to get her one installed for a birthday present. All she would use it for is a bike rack so not much weight involved. I would like for it to look factory or at least not like it its just slapped on.

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Originally Posted by mak747

What class III hitch do you have? My daughter has a GX and I want to get her one installed for a birthday present. All she would use it for is a bike rack so not much weight involved. I would like for it to look factory or at least not like it its just slapped on.

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This is not the one I had installed but you could easily put that on your daughters GX, thats way more than enough for a bike rack.

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hit...hoCoVwQAvD_BwE

Hey guys sorry for resurrecting this thread from the dead. Can you guys open the rear hatch and get on the trailer tongue when you're on the ramp? I have a 4runner now and slip thru the hatch onto the tongue so as not to get wet.

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Originally Posted by gimmewar

Hey guys sorry for resurrecting this thread from the dead. Can you guys open the rear hatch and get on the trailer tongue when you're on the ramp? I have a 4runner now and slip thru the hatch onto the tongue so as not to get wet.

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That would be tough unless you are going through the rear window that pops open. The GX door swings open from the side not up like a traditional SUV.

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Originally Posted by n2ratfishin

That would be tough unless you are going through the rear window that pops open. The GX door swings open from the side not up like a traditional SUV.

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Thats exactly why I'm asking. Thank you

does the GX tow well say a 4000# boat. I've only driven one for a brief test drive.

You are not going to win any races with it, but it'll handle 4000 pounds fine.

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Originally Posted by n2ratfishin

You are not going to win any races with it, but it'll handle 4000 pounds fine.

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seeing you note a 4-runner. Does it tow about the same or better?

They tow about the same. I will drop the Runner down into 4th. That is a direct 3.73 gear. I just put the Lexus in drive, the extra torque available low with the V8 does it's thing.

thank YOU! good info

the 4-runner and the gx are always topcis when I talk about an additional SUV in the family

4runner tows my 189trx easily up hills and down them. You won't have an issue.