Ground Clearance for Trailer Hitch on a 2014 Lexus ES and a 2016-2022 BMX X1

Question:

Yes I know it doesn’t fit the Lexus. I’m thinking of moving to a BMW X1 which is why I asked it on this product page.

asked by: Joe

Expert Reply:

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13303 actually doesn't fit your 2014 Lexus ES.

If you have an ES 350 then the Draw-Tite trailer hitch those fits is part # 36530 which measures 9-1/8" from the top of the mounting brackets to the bottom of the mounting brackets. From the top of the mounting brackets to the receiver though is 8-1/8".

For an ES 300h the only trailer hitch that fits is the Curt # C11362 which has an overall height measurement of 8-3/16".

Attached are installation instructions and pictures showing the different dimensions given. A lot of vehicles that sit lower to the ground have the same problem that you are experiencing so you may need to just make sure you angle your car when going up your driveway unfortunately.

expert reply by: Jon G

click to enlarge

Joe

5/6/2019

Yes I know it doesn’t fit the Lexus. I’m thinking of moving to a BMW X1 which is why I asked it on this product page.

Jon G.

5/6/2019

Thank you for that information. When we install our trailer hitches we take a measurement from the ground to the inside top of the receiver. For the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 76018 this measured 11-3/4" for a 2016 BMW X1, it measured 12-1/2" for a 2017 BMW X1, and it measured 11-3/4" for a 2018 BMW X1. Since ground clearance is to the lowest part of the hitch (which is the safety chain loops) we will just need to subtract about 2-1/2". This means that the clearance changes to 9-1/4", 10", and 9-1/4" respectively. Attached are the installation videos that you can reference as well. This trailer hitch is designed to fit a 2016-2019 BMW X1.