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Lexus dealers did it for me.
It did cost a bit.
I did install an ES300 OEM bar DIY, but I still had to get an aftermarket hitch specialist to do the electrical harness.
However, joeh80 is right - these new bars are a bit of work.
Local dealer confirmed my NX 450h+ F-Sport included the TF accessory code for 2,000 lb towing capacity then quoted me five hours labor ($220/hr) to install:
PW960-78005 Tow Hitch kit ($350)
PT725-78221 Towing Wire harness ($387)
When I expressed disbelief at the $1837 pre-tax cost just to use a hitch mount bike rack, they offered the activity mount for $295 and only 4 hours labor totaling $1175.
Are there more reasonable alternatives for adding a hitch for a bike rack to a F-Sport?
Would an independant still need 5 hours to do the OEM hitch, hopefully at a lower rate?
What impact would a non-dealer install or a non-OEM hitch (e.g. Curt or Draw-Tite) requiring a bumper cut (and not claiming F-Sport compatibility) have on the warranty?
The problem with the sport hitch is that it only is rated at about 100 pounds
Most racks are 30 - 40 pounds, then depending on your bike that could bring it well over 100 pounds
I called around to U-Haul, e-Trailer, several custom hitch stores near me none of them had an F-Sport. 2 of the Custom Hitch stores if I got the parts from Lexus the hitch place would install it. U-Haul told me there a 6-8 month wait to fabricate a hitch.
I called a few Lexus service / parts departments I did get differing prices but nothing as high as 1800. I also reached out to Lexus Corporate they said that using unauthorized parts could void parts of the warranty. For that reason alone I am taking it to Lexus service. They can not say anything about the hitch or installation.
If you are willing to take a small chance I would get it from Lexus then have a hitch shop install it. Another thing is a big part of the installation is running the light wires to the engine which if you are only using it for bikes you would not need the light kit and installation
I am not sure why. I called U-Haul, e-Trailer and a few custom hitches they all said they do not have a hitch for the F-Sport
Could you elaborate what needs to be cut? Lexus are VERY against changing the vehicle to the point of voiding the warranty if covered parts are are impacted.
thanks
@MiamiEddie It's my understanding that if you purchase Lexus Parts and have Lexus install them, then IT IS COVERED under the warranty.
Including the 18% discount on parts orders through the online store by July 5th, a different dealer is now quoting me $1351 to install PW96078005 hitch kit and PT72578221 harness ($701 parts, $650 labor). They think the install will require a 8910A78010 Liftgate Motion Sensor to relocate the kick sensor.
Not impressed that Lexus advertised towing capability as included in my vehicle with only a $400 accessory needed to add the physical tow hitch. Now looking at paying several times that to actually get my vehicle equipped for the job!
Last edited by pstrasma; Jun 30, 2023 at 01:08 PM.
You have to run a wire from the battery all the way back to the hitch. Lexus says you would put too much of a load on the LED system if you try to splice in at the rear end. You have to remove the windshield wipers and the wiper motor plus the metal and plastic panels that they rest on. You have cover the wire with lithium grease just to pull it through the firewall and then remove the three panels under the steering wheel. Then you have run it next to the drivers seat and then next to the rear seat pulling plastic panels all the way. You have to remove everything in the rear compartment on the floor and both side panels. You then have to remove the complete rear bumper that you see sitting on the floor. Cars now days are just plastic panels that snap together and require a good set of non scratching nylon tools to push and pull the panels and the connectors. I didn't see George's plan but Lexus will supply you with the instructions if you buy the parts. The wiring instructions were 16 pages long and mostly just pictures with vague directions suited to a trained technician. I got the car back together and ithe wires are working correctly. Oh and you have to disconnect the negative battery cable the whole time you are working so you don't accidentally set off an airbag.
Joe
Looked over the instructions (the dealers will email them upon request), and WOW, what a pain. I do not understand why you just can't tap into the 12v outlet in rear. On the other instructions, it looks like the power is tapped into the existing lamp system and that is all. No connection to power that I could find. A shop manual sure would be helpful.
Can anybody confirm this will work on a 23 or 24, my local dealers won’t confirm and won’t offer an alternative. They also said no refunds on accessories. I know the Curt part numbers are the same but wondering if you guys had more input.
Can anybody confirm this will work on a 23 or 24, my local dealers won’t confirm and won’t offer an alternative. They also said no refunds on accessories. I know the Curt part numbers are the same but wondering if you guys had more input.
Post https://www.clublexus.com/forums/nx-...ration-15.html #225 I list the part numbers. Mine is a 2024 gas model, not the F-Sport. I think if you look around the posts you might find the answer if it will work. I recall others using it on the F-Sport. BTW, the 2023 and 2024 are the same car as the 2022.
Installation time was 7 hours for Gas
I estimate Hybrid will be 5-6 hours.
Took my time on the install, been working on cars, motorcycles as a hobby for 20 years/professional maybe 10. I had all the right tools. I modified the Hybrid harness on a Gas cause I ordered the wrong one. Everything was straight forward and a breeze. Also took several coffee breaks texted my girl made some phone calls all in all really happy with the outcome and can probably be done faster.
