Hitch Question
05-01-04, 02:04 AM
#33
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Re: RX 330 2000 Lexus Tow Hitch
Originally posted by nodefect
Just got a quote for a 2000# Lexus hitch for $265.00 plus $150.00 labor(2 hrs). The part is in stock and they are installing as we speak during my 7500 mile service. I am sure this is a bit too high, but I need this thing asap and I do not want to risk an aftermarket version looking crappy. They told me there is no way I can install this myself, does anyone have an opinion on that? I already have the pre-installled tow package. What a joke! They charge us for an incomplete towing package, then hit us again for the hitch.
This is being done in the Chicago area.
Just got a quote for a 2000# Lexus hitch for $265.00 plus $150.00 labor(2 hrs). The part is in stock and they are installing as we speak during my 7500 mile service. I am sure this is a bit too high, but I need this thing asap and I do not want to risk an aftermarket version looking crappy. They told me there is no way I can install this myself, does anyone have an opinion on that? I already have the pre-installled tow package. What a joke! They charge us for an incomplete towing package, then hit us again for the hitch.
This is being done in the Chicago area.
What Pre-Installed Tow Package you get in your RX?
05-03-04, 06:28 PM
#34
Lexus 3500# factory hitch
I installed the Lexus 3500# factory hitch this weekend - lined up and went in easily without at "hitch" so to speak. A few things you should know. The first is that this hitch is far superior (no surprise) in both cosmetic looks and attachment to the vehicle than the aftermarket hitches supplied by DrawTite or Curt. The aftermarket hitches attach with (6) M10 bolts to the frame. The Lexus hitch includes reinforcement plates that give you (10) M10 bolts attaching to the vehicle frame. The wiring harness is included and routes perfectly to the knockout plug in the driver's side trunk area to access the preinstalled towing package lighting module. As far as cosmetics, the Lexus hitch is made of tubing bent to clear the
exhaust pipe and the electrical connector is mounted on the hitch. The DrawTite and Curt hitches both convert from tubing to flat steel to "box" around the exhaust - not as pleasing cosmetically from the rear,
even if structurally sound, plus there is no mounting for the electrical connector so it must dangle or temporarily be tied up when not in use. As I said, the hitch assembled and mounted with all plates and holes lining up exactly - I was impressed! I took pictures with my digital camera of the hitch on my car so you will have a visual if anyone wants to know: What does it look like installed?
exhaust pipe and the electrical connector is mounted on the hitch. The DrawTite and Curt hitches both convert from tubing to flat steel to "box" around the exhaust - not as pleasing cosmetically from the rear,
even if structurally sound, plus there is no mounting for the electrical connector so it must dangle or temporarily be tied up when not in use. As I said, the hitch assembled and mounted with all plates and holes lining up exactly - I was impressed! I took pictures with my digital camera of the hitch on my car so you will have a visual if anyone wants to know: What does it look like installed?
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06-06-04, 04:42 PM
#38
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Electrical Problem
Thanks to everyone for all the hitch info for the RX330.
I just installed a Drawtite hitch from etrailer.com and plugged a Lexus wiring harness in the prewired connecter under the storage compartment.
Everything seemed to go fine, but when I hooked up the trailer there was no power.
With the engine running, the headlights and left turn signal on, there was no power at the connecter in the storage bin. I checked the “trailer” fuse under the hood ( I think it was #15.) It looked fine, but I replaced it anyway. Still no power!
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Dan
danharris@bellsouth.com
I just installed a Drawtite hitch from etrailer.com and plugged a Lexus wiring harness in the prewired connecter under the storage compartment.
Everything seemed to go fine, but when I hooked up the trailer there was no power.
With the engine running, the headlights and left turn signal on, there was no power at the connecter in the storage bin. I checked the “trailer” fuse under the hood ( I think it was #15.) It looked fine, but I replaced it anyway. Still no power!
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Dan
danharris@bellsouth.com
06-08-04, 08:10 AM
#39
Trailer tow prep package?
Does your RX' have the factory-installed "tow prep package"?
I suspect that package includes an extra module that drives the four-pin trailer plug you installed. I don't know the exact items that the tow prep package adds.
I suspect that package includes an extra module that drives the four-pin trailer plug you installed. I don't know the exact items that the tow prep package adds.
06-08-04, 11:43 AM
#40
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I ordered a Hidden Hitch last week for $127 and $16 for the stock wiring harness which the car is already equipped to accept. Installation took about 10 minutes and I am ready to take out my jet ski for the season. 
06-16-04, 05:37 PM
#41
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Update
The dealer told me that since I do not have the factory towing package
I need an Electronic Control Unit (ECU.)
It costs $300 installed under the rear seat. All it does is connect
the RX's lighting system to the trailer connection. Pretty expensive
connection!
Are there any other solutions or perhaps a "different story" from your dealer?
Dan
I need an Electronic Control Unit (ECU.)
It costs $300 installed under the rear seat. All it does is connect
the RX's lighting system to the trailer connection. Pretty expensive
connection!
Are there any other solutions or perhaps a "different story" from your dealer?
Dan
06-17-04, 07:05 PM
#42
RX-330 Towing package
Be advised that the towing package includes more than just the lighting convertor. The cooling system and electrical (alternator, etc.) are heavy duty among other things. That is why the Towing Package cars are rated at 3500 lb, and without the package, only 2000 lb capacity, regardless of the hitch installed.
Oliver
Oliver
01-24-05, 11:01 AM
#43
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Originally Posted by oseidler
I installed the Lexus 3500# factory hitch this weekend - lined up and went in easily without at "hitch" so to speak. A few things you should know. The first is that this hitch is far superior (no surprise) in both cosmetic looks and attachment to the vehicle than the aftermarket hitches supplied by DrawTite or Curt. The aftermarket hitches attach with (6) M10 bolts to the frame. The Lexus hitch includes reinforcement plates that give you (10) M10 bolts attaching to the vehicle frame. The wiring harness is included and routes perfectly to the knockout plug in the driver's side trunk area to access the preinstalled towing package lighting module. As far as cosmetics, the Lexus hitch is made of tubing bent to clear the
exhaust pipe and the electrical connector is mounted on the hitch. The DrawTite and Curt hitches both convert from tubing to flat steel to "box" around the exhaust - not as pleasing cosmetically from the rear,
even if structurally sound, plus there is no mounting for the electrical connector so it must dangle or temporarily be tied up when not in use. As I said, the hitch assembled and mounted with all plates and holes lining up exactly - I was impressed! I took pictures with my digital camera of the hitch on my car so you will have a visual if anyone wants to know: What does it look like installed?
exhaust pipe and the electrical connector is mounted on the hitch. The DrawTite and Curt hitches both convert from tubing to flat steel to "box" around the exhaust - not as pleasing cosmetically from the rear,
even if structurally sound, plus there is no mounting for the electrical connector so it must dangle or temporarily be tied up when not in use. As I said, the hitch assembled and mounted with all plates and holes lining up exactly - I was impressed! I took pictures with my digital camera of the hitch on my car so you will have a visual if anyone wants to know: What does it look like installed?
Thanks in advance for any help/advice you can offer!
01-24-05, 11:27 AM
#44
Hitch
Mine came with about 8 page set of instructions documenting EXACTLY how Toyota wanted it installed including torque values for the bolts which is really important. I think I downloaded a PDF file of it from the Toyota site for my files but it's at home. I'll post later if I find it. Everything lined up perfectly - hardest part was lifting the hitch into place - definitely need a helper for this!
Oliver
Oliver
01-24-05, 05:12 PM
#45
Hitch Instructions
Unfortunately this forum will not let me upload the Hitch instructions. The PDF file is about 3.6 meg. If you cannot get them from the dealer, contact me and I'll see if I can email them directly to you.
Oliver
Oliver