aquatrax

Do you think the Toyota Highlander hitch, PT228-69045, would fit my 07 RX350?

I ask because when I checked the price of the Lexus hitch, PT228-48045, the price is over $400 while the Toyota hitch is less then $400 installed.

When I checked for aftermarket hitches the same hitch fits both the RX350 and the Highlander. I wonder if the only difference between the OEM hitches is the branded plug.

Thanks

mandyfig

Did you get a quote from a Toyota dealer? If so, ask them if they will fit a Lexus. I know the engines for the V6 are the same for the Highlander and Lexus but the rear frame and suspension, I do not know if they are identical.

aquatrax

Just an online quote, I wanted to get opinions before I go to the Toyota dealer. When I compared different hitches, U-Haul, Curt, Hidden, they have the same hitch for both the Highlander and the RX350, this is what makes me think I can buy the cheaper Toyota hitch.

mandyfig

You are probably right. Well, next step would be to look at a Highlander, take pics and compare. Post them and we will offer our observations.

sleepysurf

I suspect it would fit, but would definitely confirm before buying.

I just had my local hitch shop remove the Draw-Tite hitch from my 2000 RX 300 (before I sold it) and reinstall it on my wife's 2002 Highlander. He checked first and confirmed it was fully compatible. I presume the later year RX/Highlanders likewise share the common chassis.

Rainbird

There is a used hitch on ebay motors (item #110543215860). This item lists compatibility for Lexus RX and the Highlander. Both part numbers are listed.

kiwi

400 is still too much, i am in canada, i got a hitch, wiring, with tongue and ball for 230 tax in. i did however install it myself.

you will get nothing more buying a factory hitch (except maybe a slightly different look)

tlegend

curt/uhaul hitch is the same for highlander and rx330. i have it installed with pics, here is a link... https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...s-of-pics.html

i paid $135 and installation takes an hour or less with the right tools...

mandyfig

There you go. I remember seeing another post with detailed DIY on installing a hitch.

tlegend

installation is easy, the instructions by Curt are right on the money, unhook the towing hangers 2 bolts on each side and bolt on with new bolts that came with the hitch on each side, and your done...

only advice i can give is before you bolt on the hitch WD40 the bolt threads so that it can easily bolt up without snapping..

Rainbird

Wow, they must provide cheap bolts. Bolts used to install hitches should be hardened Grade 8 (six hash marks on the head).

pauljcl

There were two bolts on each side to remove + three rubber inserts on each side, which yielded 5 'holes' on each side for the hitch bolts. In addition, removal of the inside 'tray' was needed to access the wire harness connection.

JasDmw

I ordered a hitch from Sewel in '09, It came in a box marked "Toyota" and was also marked made in Japan. Came with the French label as required for Canada! It fits perfectly well. Sorry , don't recall the part number, but was the same hitch for both the Highlander and the RX.

When we switched to the '09 RX we have now, had the dealer do the installation. A muffler shop installed the hitch on our '08 RX; was dead easy, but they did not do the wiring instal. The dealer did that on the '09.

In summary, installing the hitch itself is no sweat, but search this site for wiring installation; tricky to say the least.

tlegend

which wiring harness kit did u use? i am looking at hooking up a harness for the trailer tails...

pauljcl

The harness and the connector came with the harness (on the Toyota/Lexus hitch).