hidden tow hitch
03-12-12, 06:54 PM
#34
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Location: FL
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Has anyone experienced the tailpipe rubbing on an installed Draw-Tite hitch #75676 on 2012 Lexus RX350. The top of the tailpipe rubs against bottom of hitch and causes loud rattling and vibrations. Same issue when bolted in original frame or designated hitch holes. Aside from this the installation was smooth and is truly hidden when appearance panel is reinstalled with fascia trimmed. Thanks.
Last edited by soup; 03-19-12 at 06:52 AM.
03-12-12, 07:07 PM
#35
Has anyone experienced the muffler rubbing on an installed Draw-Tite hitch #75676 on 2012 Lexus RX350. The top of the muffler rubs against bottom of hitch and causes loud rattling .and vibrations. Same issue when bolted in original frame or designated hitch holes. Aside from this the installation was smooth and is truly hidden when appearance panel is reinstalled with fascia trimmed. Thanks.
Mine by the way was installed by the dealer
06-21-12, 03:34 PM
#39
Mine was installed at the port. No vibrations issues. Haven't used it yet. My only complaint is that they could have done a cleaner job of cutting out the hole where the receiver comes thru. It looks like someone did it with a handsaw. I've been tempted to show the dealer and suggest the facia be replaced, but you can't really see it unless you're looking from under the car.
06-21-12, 06:38 PM
#41
Moderator
I'm very happy with my port-installed (Long Beach) hitch which I negotiated as part of my total deal. It was simple from a purchase standpoint, may have perhaps cost a few dollars more than what other people get with aftermarket versions, but I'm very happy with the decision since my time is worth something to not have to go through an aftermarket installation especially on a vehicle that already costs nearly $60K, but we each get to make those decisions on our priorities and what's important for ourselves. The hitch on my 2-week old 2013 RX450h is a very refined installation, barely noticeable except for the cap when not in use unless I'm literally down on my hands and knees, and is a much better integrated solution than I had with my also Lexus-installed 2006 RX400h. If I had to do it all over again, I'd make the same decision, and get the Lexus version at time of purchase -- I likely will on my next ride a few years from now.
06-22-12, 04:55 AM
#42
I bought and installed the Curt hitch myself on my '10 RX350, and the installation was a piece of cake. When I was researching the hitches, I spoke to the Lexus parts guy and he said that the Lexus hitch was "a Beast" and you really needed 2 guys to install it. Since I only needed the hitch for a bike rack, I didn't feel it was necessary to go heavy duty(and heavy $$). Now this was back in '10, so things may be different now, but if you're planning on real heavy hauling, you might want to go with the Lexus hitch. I think the Curt hitch is solid and well built, but it's certainly not the 'beast' which the parts guy described.
06-22-12, 06:24 AM
#43
I assume mine is the "factory" hitch. It's listed as "PIO" on the dealer options list which means Port Installed Option. I believe the remote start is the same, as well as door edge guards and other stuff.
07-12-12, 07:33 AM
#45
Driver
I just had the Curt hitch installed on my 2011 RX. It cost only $220 so financially it was better than the dealer installed hitch which costs $427 plus shipping and duty before installation even with the Sewell discount. My install looks just like the other Curt hitches illustrated previously. You can only see the receiver unless you lie on the ground. Since we'll only use it for a bike rack it is certainly strong enough. It is rated a Class 3 hitch with a
3500lb towing limit.
3500lb towing limit.