kopy kat

has anyone attached a standard 2" reciever hitch to a 2010 model 450h yet? I'm not towing anything, but my bike rack mounts this way. Any advice, pictures or prices would be appreciated.

thanks, Larry

tnb1

Here are pix of my dealer installed hitch on AWD 450h.
Terry

hensta

That is a very clean and well-hidden trailer hitch install. Thanks for the pictures.

Can you describe the last picture? Is part of the fascia cut out to make room for an electrical attachment?

tnb1

Yes the dealer cut the fascia. It can't be seen unless you get under the car. The car has the towing prep package option.
Terry

kopy kat

thanks for the reply and pics. Is this something you'd like to try to install yourself? The stealership wants $550 + installation for the Lexus hitch. Go figure.

Larry

ebarron

Looking for a hitch myself. A previous thread reccomended TheHitchStore and the Curt hitch, but they don't show one being available for the 450h.

tnb1

The dealer installed the hitch at my request at no charge before I picked it up. I also had them change out the tires to Michelins at no charge. I paid MSRP. It was the first AWD they had.
Terry

ebarron

I talked with Curt Manufacturing today, the guy on the phone said they have a new hitch part for the rx 450h, and it's starting to go out to warehouses now. Check back around the 28th and their web pages should be updated, and the part should be available.

The part number for the hitch will be: 13541

wraithmojo

I ordered a hitch from etrailer.com and installed it rather easily myself. You do have to cut the fascia in two places but if done correctly you really can't see it without looking directly underneath... and even then it's not that noticable (I cut off a little less than the instructions recommended and made it rather snug). The hitch brand is 'Hidden Hitch' and it was around $150 shipped... much better than the dealership! :^)

dennison17

My dealer wanted $1000. I went to a local (and renound) store called TL Central and they installed for $500.

http://www.tlcentral.com/store/pc/home.asp

Apparently they have installed many of these on the 2010 RX models. In fact, I understand the dealer just sends them the cars for install when the dealer is too busy. Hmmm

You do have to cut the Facia and I was freakin about that, but as others have said it's no big deal.... can't see anything except a very, very clean job. All is fairly well hidden and looks terrific. (Mine is for a bike rack too.)

ebarron

I installed the Curt 13541 over the weekend. The instructions came with detailed color pictures of a 2010 lexus hybrid.. and the install was pretty straight forward. For $160 bucks it's certainly worth doing yourself.

avam

Any chance you could post some pictures of your install? Did you have to do any trimming?

Edit: I found the Curt Mfg installation instructions. They seem to be pretty thorough and much better than etrailers instructions.

ironring

Were you able to find a hitch for your GS450h? If so, where? Thanks

mdv

I install the Factory hitch. It was pretty easy to install and took about 2 hours. The only hard part was really need two people to take rear bumper off and put back on. Otherwise pretty straight forward job and the instructions that come with it are very good. The aftermarket hitch do not compare to the quality and fit of the factory hitch. Like they say you get what you pay for.

wyau01

May I ask how much and where? I would like to get one as well.