Non-OE tow hitch alternatives? (merged threads)
08-22-16, 12:56 PM
#47
Just orderd the Curt, a 4 bike carrier and a lexus hitch cap from Amazon for less than $390 shipped.
Will install this weekend.
I just saved $1000 vs what the dealer quoted me for just the hitch. :P
Will install this weekend.
I just saved $1000 vs what the dealer quoted me for just the hitch. :P
09-01-16, 07:47 PM
#48
Hi,
I didn't use the Lexus OEM hitch, too expensive. Found exact fit from CURT for $119, excellent quality and easy install. Took me only 30 minutes and anyone that's capable of screwing a bolt will be able to do this. while you're under the car, on the driver side, on the inside of the rear bumper, you'll find connector for the lights, it has a cover plug that needs to be removed before connecting the extension CURT 56083 T-Connector. Next locate the connector for the towing converter. It is right behind the removable storage basket on the passenger side inside the car's cargo area. It was covered with black plastic insulation tape. There is a hole right next to it that you can use to secure the converter in place either with the included screw or a tie-rap. Part number for the converter is: PT725-48160. I found it on eBay Total cost: $283
$119 CURT Receiver Hitches - 13272, comes with free 2" receiver plug.
$14 CURT 56083 T-Connector
$150 Relay, Towing Converter PT725-48160 available on ebay
Enjoy
I didn't use the Lexus OEM hitch, too expensive. Found exact fit from CURT for $119, excellent quality and easy install. Took me only 30 minutes and anyone that's capable of screwing a bolt will be able to do this. while you're under the car, on the driver side, on the inside of the rear bumper, you'll find connector for the lights, it has a cover plug that needs to be removed before connecting the extension CURT 56083 T-Connector. Next locate the connector for the towing converter. It is right behind the removable storage basket on the passenger side inside the car's cargo area. It was covered with black plastic insulation tape. There is a hole right next to it that you can use to secure the converter in place either with the included screw or a tie-rap. Part number for the converter is: PT725-48160. I found it on eBay Total cost: $283
$119 CURT Receiver Hitches - 13272, comes with free 2" receiver plug.
$14 CURT 56083 T-Connector
$150 Relay, Towing Converter PT725-48160 available on ebay
Enjoy
10-04-16, 09:34 PM
#49
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I bought Curt hitch from Amazon, but have negative experience so far. While 5 bolts fits, 6th opening is displaced 1-2mm, so 6th bolt does fit. 
Waiting for replacement.
Otherwise, no problem with installation of hitch and wiring. Car has tow prep package.
Waiting for replacement.
Otherwise, no problem with installation of hitch and wiring. Car has tow prep package.
11-11-16, 04:12 AM
#50
Driver School Candidate
I had the same issue with the hitch I ordered from Amazon. It was the 3rd hole on the left (furthest from bumper). What did you end up doing? I am currently only using the hitch for a bike rack but am concerned if I end up wanting to pull something.
11-11-16, 08:35 AM
#51
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As per review on Amazon, professional installation should help: good mechanic can drill this hole larger. I am looking for good mechanics close to my house, or will try to do it myself. Will update, when done trying. 
11-23-16, 12:09 PM
#54
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Just to finish my experience: using file with very fine teeth and 20 minutes of time, removed ~2mm of hitch near the border of bolt hole (which did not fit originally), and easily installed hitch afterward. The same can be done much faster, using tools, like dremel. Finally, all done and happy!!!
01-04-17, 08:15 AM
#55
Driver School Candidate
The forum was very helpful .
Installed a Curt brand hitch for my 17 RX and the entire process took less than 15 minutes.
Thanks all for your installation pictures etc.
Purchased the hitch for 120 from etrailer.com and hitch cover with Lexus logo for 10 bucks from local dealership.
Installed a Curt brand hitch for my 17 RX and the entire process took less than 15 minutes.
Thanks all for your installation pictures etc.
Purchased the hitch for 120 from etrailer.com and hitch cover with Lexus logo for 10 bucks from local dealership.
01-04-17, 08:53 AM
#56
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Just got my curt hitch delivered. Did you have to jack the car up for the install? Also, do you need a torque wrench or just hand tighten with some elbow grease is fine?
01-04-17, 09:07 AM
#57
Driver School Candidate
I did not jack it up and hand tightened it . I am pretty sure it will work .
If you you are not comfortable , stop by local mechanic and he can tighten with a torque wrench
01-04-17, 12:35 PM
#58
Get it properly torqued if you plan to do any sort of serious towing. A torque wrench is only $10-$15 from harbor freight and the amount of torque needed is going to take a lot more than elbow grease. You don't need to jack up the car, I had mine on ramps but you can probably do without.
01-04-17, 04:39 PM
#59
Driver School Candidate
Get it properly torqued if you plan to do any sort of serious towing. A torque wrench is only $10-$15 from harbor freight and the amount of torque needed is going to take a lot more than elbow grease. You don't need to jack up the car, I had mine on ramps but you can probably do without.
Thanks
01-04-17, 07:12 PM
#60
Every bolt should be at a bare minimum be really tight using a 1/2" drive ratchet drive and socket. Ideally it should be torqued.
The car has LOTS of vibrations and bumps. If the bolts don't have enough torque to stop them from gradually turning, they will loosen and fall off.
The car has LOTS of vibrations and bumps. If the bolts don't have enough torque to stop them from gradually turning, they will loosen and fall off.
