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Hybrid TechnologyUnique topics related to the 2016 up RX450h model hybrid drivetrain and other features/options found only on the RX450h. Please use the main forum for discussion about shared components with other fourth generation RX models.
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Hi. I can confirm that the Curt 13394 which is designed for the rx 350 L does fit the RX 450hl. There is an available installation video guide at the etrailer website for the rx 350 L which we referenced but did not follow . My brother in law did most of the work but definitely this installation is better when multiple sets of hands are involved. Note that we did not loosen/partially remove the exhaust pipe as the video suggests but the hitch frame still fit. The spare tire was also in place the whole time. There are 3 parts that need trimming ( follow the video, you will know because there is no way the frame will fit unless you remove or cut those some part from those 3 thick plastic parts ). It took about 2 hours to complete the installation. All holes do line up. But in our experience, don’t expect them to line up once you start tightening the screws. My suggestion is to make sure that the screws on both sides (6 ) are only partially tightened and only tighten 100 percent when the other screws are about maybe 60 percent tightened and still line up perfectly on their corresponding holes. Be aware that in our experience once you tighten the screws 100 percent there was one screw on each side that cannot be tightened because they were already misaligned. We had to use a mallet to bend the frame a few mm until you can tighten all screws at maximum. Hence my suggestion is to only tighten maybe alternately left and right screws, one at a time. Regarding the kick sensor: it will definitely will NOT work anymore. But so far, I did not have to disable it yet. I hope this helps.
Glad to hear that you got it installed and had someone help you. It definitely helped. It was tough to fix the alignment for me since I worked alone. I decided to disable kick sensor since it no longer worked properly.
Has anyone found a trailer hitch that will work on a 2021 RX 450hL with kick sensor. Very disappointed that I haven’t been able to pur a hitch on this vehicle.
Originally Posted by ravenuer
Do a search on here, I vaguely remember that being covered not too long ago.
I wanted a tow hitch on my 2021 450hL for a bike rack. I have read this thread and learned about the tow hitch. This is my first Lexus -- and very first luxury vehicle -- so I want to stay with a Lexus part if I can. My 450 does not have the tow package and the kick sensor. My Lexus dealer said that they could install the tow hitch so I let them do it for me. They installed the PT228-48180 Tow Hitch Kit. They also had to do some modifications to the bumper for the installation.
Thanks for your good input. The dealer handling my 450HL hitch indicates that the spare tire needs to be removed in order to install the Lexus hitch. Is this consistent with your experience? Thanks!
I don't remember if the spare tire was removed. They had to modify the bumper though. You can see it in the picture. Anyway, my spare tire is still there afterward.
Hi, I have a 2020 RX450HL in England, had problem that Lexus UK wouldn't supply the part. So I went to an independent Tow Bar specialist who installed a Towbar & 3 bike rack. The spare tyre is still there, didn't need to remove it. The 9 pin connector allows the lights on the bike rack to work. However I had to sign a disclaimer that I would not use a Trailer as the vehicle is just not designed to do so (hence only a small pin connector)
[QUOTE=twopaw;10660365]I just completed an install of the Curt 13272 on my 2020 RX450h. Piece of cake. Hitch was in in less than 20 min. The 13272 is for the 350 and requires a little extra cutting on the underbody cowl, but a box cutter does it easily. I also filed the exhaust mounting holes open ever so slightly to lower the exhaust 1/4” away from the receiver. Although the mounting holes are slotted, the spacing was dead center and no force or filing was needed. Note that my vehicle has the towing package. I still needed the towing cable ($15). It is a direct plug into the provided receptacle behind the left rear bumper. This receiver is completely hidden except for the 2” opening and it is slightly farther back than the rear bumper - no bruised shins![/QUOTE
Is there a location here in the Milwaukee Wisconsin area that I could go to have this done? Greg
Does anybody know if it is possible to install trailer hitch on *2018* RX 450hL? There is a spare tire underneath, and I could not find any compatible parts online.
11112711[/url]]Does anybody know if it is possible to install trailer hitch on *2018* RX 450hL? There is a spare tire underneath, and I could not find any compatible parts online.
i used Curt C13394 hitch from etrailer.com for my 2021 450hl. I had to remove the spare tire for installation then I put the tire back without any issues. So it should work with your 2018 as well.
i used Curt C13394 hitch from etrailer.com for my 2021 450hl. I had to remove the spare tire for installation then I put the tire back without any issues. So it should work with your 2018 as well.
Thanks for your response, nitalice. How confident are you that 2018 450hL looks exactly the same as 2021 in that area? Do you have any pictures from that installation that you could share here?
11113944[/url]]Thanks for your response, nitalice. How confident are you that 2018 450hL looks exactly the same as 2021 in that area? Do you have any pictures from that installation that you could share here?
I am not sure about that but it would be my best guess. Etrailer lists that Curt C13394 fitting with 2018-2020 RX350L while DigitalMan(post#45) successfully installed on his 2020 450HL and I did on my 2021. So I would assume that it should fit your 2018 450HL as well. If you decide to go with that, please make sure the hitch is not bent during the shipping. You can double check if it was bent or not by measuring the distance between holes under the car to make sure it match with the hitch. If it is off a little, then please bend the hitch as described in the manual before installation (my mistake that I did not check early which resulting one hole was not aligned properly).
Exhaust mount Modified trim panel, Drivers side
I just installed a Drawtite 75896 hitch on my 2018 RX450hl. It's for a 350L but there were no issues. I ended up reusing all the factory bolts with the exception of one. It also has a bracket to mount the exhaust lower for clearance but after installing it and looking it over I removed it and mounted the exhaust in the stock location with no clearance issues. to install, I used mechanics wire and suspended one side of the hitch while I started a bolt on the other side and then moved to that side. I had to slightly modify the passenger side trim and a bit more cutting on the driver's side to get it to fit. I could have left it off but I like the clean look and protection it adds to that area. Finally, just remove the spare tire. It's so much easier.
Now that I see the Curt hitch, I like it better because most of it is hidden.
But, I got this hitch from the Amazon warehouse for $80. It is brand new, never installed.
I just completed an install of the Curt 13272 on my 2020 RX450h. Piece of cake. Hitch was in in less than 20 min. The 13272 is for the 350 and requires a little extra cutting on the underbody cowl, but a box cutter does it easily. I also filed the exhaust mounting holes open ever so slightly to lower the exhaust 1/4” away from the receiver. Although the mounting holes are slotted, the spacing was dead center and no force or filing was needed. Note that my vehicle has the towing package. I still needed the towing cable ($15). It is a direct plug into the provided receptacle behind the left rear bumper. This receiver is completely hidden except for the 2” opening and it is slightly farther back than the rear bumper - no bruised shins
