ahild96

so i am buying a small boat and want to tow it with my 08 rx350. I don't have the tow package but was wondering if i could still have the dealer install the package and how much it would be.
If i don't get the tow package, would i be alright towing the package without it and just getting a trailer hitch? The boat weighs about 1300 with the trailer but i was wondering about the package incase i want to tow something heavier later.

Thanks!

smassey321

Are you saying you don't have the tow hitch or the tow prep package? Look for the transmission cooler under the drivers headlight to know if you have the tow package. Many have this without a hitch. The package also gets you the pre-wiring that makes install easier.

Without the package and included trans cooler you are rated to tow 2000 lbs. With it you can tow 3500.

robbyk

My RX AWD came with the towing package but without the hitch receiver, under the driver's headlight there is a small transmission cooler and the pre-wiring in the back.

I purchased an aftermarket hitch receiver made by kurt manufacturing. I wish I had bought a different one, but it is already too late for that, I just do not like the look of it. I have seen better designs out there.

But to answer your question you can install the trailer hitch without the trans cooler \ tow package. Keep in mind you should not tow more than 2,000 lbs. Also the inside wiring for the trailer's light is not there but there are several videos posted on youtube on how to do this. You can buy the wiring kit at a Toyota dealer. Last time I checked at my local Toyota dealer the wiring kit is around $50 dollars or so.

jamieZ

I put a hitch ( used) 100.00 and wired it for about 125.00 all in. It's fairly easy and straight forward. You do have to pop off the inside rear panels to gain access to the rear light wiring, run a hot wire from your battery and store the plug end ( That goes to your trailer) in the little box under the rear lift floor and just pull it out when you use the trailer. Pretty easy stuff. Watch some Utube video's on it. Jamie

robbyk

jamieZ,

What kind of hitch did you buy and where did you buy it?. I would not buying a used hitch with a different look.

jamieZ

I purchased a "Hidden Hitch" brand made for the RX330. Installing the hitch is easy. Make sure when you buy a used one the seller has the six bolts needed to bolt hitch to frame. The holes are already there. If I remember correctly you will have to remove the under frame eye towing bolts, so you can put the hitch on. Three bolts on each side. I got mine on Kijiji cheap. The connections are a little harder because you need to release the two back inner side panels to get to your rear lights. This made me a little nervous but they came off and went back on easily. I would also buy a wire kit for it from whoever has the best price. This, buy new because it should come with install instructions .All RX's come with a transmission cooler and are rated for 3500 hundred pounds pulling which would meet your requirements. Jamie

jamieZ

I see you are in NY. There is a factory hitch for sale in Toronto Kijiji. 100.00 Canadian or 70.00 American. The hitch includes mounting hardware as well. A steal at 70.00... APRIL 27 2015

mrmonster

OEM hitch looks way better than the aftermarket ones which have that ugly wrapping around the muffler. Highlander hitch is the same thing, might be easier to find.

If you have the towing package there's no wire splicing involved. There's a plug ready at the back of the car you just need to slide the wiring from underneath the car through a grommet. Plug&Play with OEM wiring.

mikli

Would you have the wiring kit parts number from Toyota?

toyoman29

Here's one 08942-48870-BB
check that number on Ebay

mikli

Anyone DIY the tow harness? Part #?

05RX330AWD

This link should help, appears as you may need to dig deep to install...
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...uestion-2.html