desmo907

Just picked up 2013 RX 450h.
I was looking to add a tow hitch for occasional small trailer towing (nothing more than 1 ton) and my bike rack.
[Could not find threads directly related to Hybrid.]

I have searched web and found some sites that offer bolt in models that seem easy to install but may require some fascia trimming. eTrailer seems to have different model numbers but i am not sure the difference and was curious to see pics of what needs to be trimmed.

I have not even looked to see if the light socket it under the rear.... I would assume it is wired for towing but perhaps not and, if not, what needs to be done?

Any suggestions or experiences?

Thx,

cavedawg

Here is a video from this forum:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...ll-videos.html

I checked Curt website and the hitch they list is the same as the one in the post and is listed for hybrid and non hybrid. I had mine put on at the dealer as part of the negotiation (Lexus OEM). The OEM is a real beast of a hitch as the RX is rated at 3500# towing and was told it does not stick out as far as an aftermarket. The video seems like it would be very helpful. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

Cavedawg

cavedawg

desmo907:
Replied to your PM. Hope it helps you.

Cavedawg

desmo907

thx.
i notice in the Lexus book it does not recommend towing without the tow prep package.
I wonder how true that is for light, short towing?

cossie1600

I have a hitch on my 450h. It requires trimming of the bottom splash shield (car is noisy without it). There is a cutout that you can use to roughly follow what you need to cut. It really isn't bad. I would have helped you except I moved away from CT

I do have the CURT hitch, the other brand's quality are suspect IMO

VVRX

Towing is not possible because without a tow prep package Lexus does not recommend installation of a tow hitch.

cossie1600

desmo907

I did call the Lexus dealer and service told me it is ok to tow light loads without a prep package with the the Lexus hitch (installed ~$800). I may have do that to be safe...

busurfer

The Curt hitch has a 4000 lb. rating, took me 1.5 hours to install and was delivered with the wiring harness and hitch cover for $154.00. Most muffler shops will install the Curt (hitch plus install) for less that $300. Don't pay $800 for the Lexus logo on the hitch cover.

desmo907

Having trouble locating the proper wiring kit as I do not have the tow package so no plug under the bumper. Assume I need a kit to interface the lights.
Curt site shows items that do not match my car and those that appear to match then say they do not when I view details ):

mklemovitc

You can always buy the Lexus rubber plug. $10 (plus S&H) at Sewell.

http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accesso...2013/4627.html

vlad_a

Towing prep does very little to your vehicle, particularly the hybrid. That's just a money-maker item for Lexus.
Here's the link to wiring kits. I just plugged wires from a generic one I already had into the factory plug behind the right taillight.
The plug for the 4-pin square connector piece is on the left side under the bumper.

P.S.
Turn the rear fascia upside-down. You'll see the factory markings where to make the cut. Makes things much easier.

desmo907

etrailer says neither of those wiring kits have been tested for the 2013 model (RX 450h) so they do not recommend them yet. Guess I will wait it out....

vlad_a

Same car, same plug. You can wait if you want. Trailer wiring is not rocket science.

desmo907

Thanks. Thats what I figured too.
I do not intend to tow anything until maybe fall (load of wood).

I do want to maybe mount my bike rack so may order the Curt hitch (13541) and install it.

I assume I can add the wiring harness later and that the hitch does will not interfere with my wire install?