How to Determine Ground Clearance on a 2015 Lexus IS 350 After Hitch Install

Updated 03/03/2015 | Published 03/01/2015

Question:

Class #1 hitch for 2015 Lexus IS350 AWD. Your web site provides me with some options for my car: Draw-tite and Curt. To help me with my decision, can you provide me with measurements of the height above ground, and the length projecting beyond the rear bumper, for these hitches once installed? Many thanks,

asked by: Andy S

Expert Reply:

All of the hitches you referenced have about the same dimensions. We haven't had the chance to install any of them so while I can't give you the exact dimensions you are looking for I can help you determine it.

From the mounting surface of all of the hitches down to the bottom of the hitch opening the hitches measure 9-1/2 inches. If you measure from the frame of your vehicle down 9-1/2 inches that is where the hitch will sit. From that point you can measure to the ground and you will know how much ground clearance you have.

Now to determine how far out the hitch opening will stick out past the bumper you will need to measure from the attachment holes on the frame (the ones closest to the front of the vehicle) back 5-3/4 inches for the Draw Tite and then 5-1/4 for the Curt. Basically the Curt will stick out half an inch less than the other one.

expert reply by: Jameson C