RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009) Discussion topics related to the 2004 -2009 RX330, RX350 and RX400H models

Trailer Hitch questions

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Old 10-25-12, 05:38 AM
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LexiRX
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Default Trailer Hitch questions

1. Where to go to get this done?

* Should I just let U-Haul install?
There are plenty of DIY videos but I'm not sure I'm up to the task. I'm not sure a local shop would be any less than U-Haul.

2. I'm not keen on them cutting up the wiring harness - this is strange though....for DIY wire kits -

2010 Wires - plug and go - $15

2009 Wires - you get a kit that's a chaotic mess of stuff - starting at $50.
Old 10-25-12, 06:22 AM
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RX330inFL
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Originally Posted by LexiRX
1. Where to go to get this done?

* Should I just let U-Haul install?
There are plenty of DIY videos but I'm not sure I'm up to the task. I'm not sure a local shop would be any less than U-Haul.

2. I'm not keen on them cutting up the wiring harness - this is strange though....for DIY wire kits -

2010 Wires - plug and go - $15

2009 Wires - you get a kit that's a chaotic mess of stuff - starting at $50.
Please keep in mind the 2010 was the start of the new(er) 3rd Generation RX. The 2009 was a 2nd Generation RX. You are not comparing same with same.
Old 10-25-12, 08:36 AM
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lexus114
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Wait a minute, what year is your RX?
Old 10-26-12, 03:13 AM
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LexiRX
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Originally Posted by lexus114
Wait a minute, what year is your RX?
It says in my profile right there - 2009.

Due to limited choices in this area I might have to just go to u-Haul...ugh.
Old 10-26-12, 05:06 AM
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Kostyan
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LexiRX - dont go with aftermarket, too ugly
Contact one of the forum's favorite OEM part vendors like Sewell Lexus parts dept for a quote. OEM part was under $300 back 2007, if remember correctly, comes with all needed wiring and installation instructions.
Old 10-26-12, 05:22 AM
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LexiRX
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Originally Posted by Kostyan
LexiRX - dont go with aftermarket, too ugly
Contact one of the forum's favorite OEM part vendors like Sewell Lexus parts dept for a quote. OEM part was under $300 back 2007, if remember correctly, comes with all needed wiring and installation instructions.
$370 now. and it looks like it sticks out just as much as all the others - not low profile at all -





UHAUL

$190 hitch ($30 labor)
$110 wiring ($63 parts)
$30 warranty and tax ($20)

$312 out the door.

Last edited by LexiRX; 10-26-12 at 05:25 AM.
Old 10-26-12, 07:41 AM
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lexus114
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Factory hitch look`s much better than after market on the RX. Highlander`s dont look that bad with after market hitch`s. And the factory hitch comes with the plug n play wiring harness. And is held on with something like 12 bolts compared to only six. I got my hitch from my local Toyota dealer.
Old 10-26-12, 08:15 AM
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Originally Posted by LexiRX
$370 now. and it looks like it sticks out just as much as all the others - not low profile at all
No, it is not low profile. None of them for the 2nd Generation are that. However, if you look at a 3rd Generation RX you will see the trailer hitch for those is much different. Lexus made modifications to the body to help integrate the hitch better.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...tow-hitch.html
Old 10-26-12, 10:31 AM
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yeah none of the hitches for the 2nd gen are low profile...kinda sucks but nothing you can do about it. I wasn't concerned with the wiring for mine as I use it for a bike rack.
Old 10-29-12, 03:17 AM
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And how about the wiring? There's a lot of different "kit"s for this - but would this one work? It seems to be cleaner and maybe even the original Lexus versions -

http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accesso...2009/4833.html
Old 10-29-12, 08:38 AM
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lexus114
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Originally Posted by LexiRX
And how about the wiring? There's a lot of different "kit"s for this - but would this one work? It seems to be cleaner and maybe even the original Lexus versions -

http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accesso...2009/4833.html


Thats what mine looks like ^^^^
Old 11-01-12, 07:29 AM
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I needed to have a hitch and contacted the local dealer and was surprised that they wanted so much. Then searched Craig's list for about a week and lo and behold a Lexus RX hitch showed up. Seems the fellow leased his RX and when it was time to turn it in he pulled the hitch and was selling it. $125.00 but no wiring. He had all the bolts and cap plus he cleaned it up so it looked like new. I ordered the wiring off the internet, plug & play, no cutting. Took me less than 1 hour to install laying in the garage with the aide of a borrowed floor jack. It is not a hard job at all for my 2008.
Old 11-01-12, 09:21 AM
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madmax2k1
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I bought the RX350 OEM hitch from a Toyota dealer for $250 including the wiring harness; the Toyota version is identical to the Lexus except for the plastic cover.
Old 11-04-12, 04:37 AM
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jamieZ
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hitches have to ":stick out". How else would you get the safety chains on? The guy who said there are 12 bolts holding a EOM hitch on the frame is puffing something. There are 6, 3 on each side. Buying a 100.00 hitch from the dealer for 300.00 isn't the way to go. You can get them on E-bay, Kijiji etc for 75.00 (Used. but who cares). The paint will be coming off and rust spots will be showing after the first winter. If your RX doesn't have a trailer wires (connector) you will have to put one in, about $40. To make all neccessary connections you have to take some interior side panels and floor panels off to do it. If you don't feel comfortable take it to U-haul or dealer to have them do it. The RX pulls a small trailer with a ATV or Snowmobile very well with a 10 - 15% loss to gas mileage. Jamie
Old 11-05-12, 09:34 AM
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lexus114
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I`m not puffing anything bud, I should know, I installed it. It might have been more like 10 bolts, but definitely more than 6 like the after market ones. I did this a while ago so I dont remember the exact number.

Last edited by lexus114; 11-05-12 at 09:39 AM.


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