How to Determine Ground Clearance with a Trailer Hitch Installed on a 2016 Lexus ES 350

Updated 08/01/2016 | Published 07/30/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(19)

$212.76

Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1

(666)

$15.93

Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(23)

$211.84

Question:

We have a 2005 lexus es 330 - and had a trailer hitch installed on it - primarily for using a bike rack. The 2005 has a single exhaust on the passenger side - the hitch had a structural member that extended down, around the bottom of the exhaust pipe. The presentation does not look very good - and the structural member often scrapes the pavement when we back out of our driveway, if we are carrying any load, e.g., an adult passenger in the rear seat. We like the ES 350 - and want a hitch mounted bike rack - your product looks like it might fit the bill. The newer cars have dual exhausts - but the hitch design doesnt have structural members that are routed around the pipes - But, I am still concerned about ground clearance. Do you have any photos - videos of the hitch installed on a 2016 ES 350? How about dimensions, such as ground clearance - that I could compare to our present situation??

asked by: Mike Z

Expert Reply:

For the 2016 Lexus ES 350 I recommend Draw-Tite trailer hitch # 36530 for a few reasons. First, it is a Class II hitch which means you are not limited to carrying just 2 bikes like you would with Curt hitch # C11362. And second if you did use the Curt hitch then Curt requires the use of stabilization strap # 18050 when using the hitch for anything other than a trailer. Draw-Tite does not have that requirement.

The way the hitches had to be designed to fit the 2016 ES 350 means that there are no parts of the hitch that wrap around the bottom of the exhaust components like your other hitch and vehicle. We haven't installed one yet on a 2016 ES 350 but there is an easy way to determine ground clearance.

Refer to the picture I have included that shows the Draw-Tite hitch in position. Note that it is about 1 inch from the bottom of the rear fascia to the top of the receiver. The receiver itself is approximately 1-3/4 inches tall on the outside. So if you measure from the ground to the bottom of the rear fascia and then subtract 2-3/4 inches that will be the approximate ground clearance.

expert reply by: Michael H