My car came with two packages/options: a 2,000 Lb Towing Package and Activity Mount.


I had to put an extension on for a bike rack because the bike rack was too close to the car when connected directly to the 1,25 " activity mount hitch.

Here is how to calculate the weight you can add to your NX, look at page 122 of your Owner's Manual:




The 2,000 lbs towing weight is based on Lexuss's recommended tongue weight which is 9% ( 180 lbs) to 11% (220 lbs). In many other recommendations, tongue weight can be 15% or 300 lbs. The activity mount says only 150 lbs, which is very conservative, only 7.5% of the tow weight. The places that are tellingLexus NX owners that their bike rack can only be 50% of 150 lbs or 75lbs maximum are incorrect as I will show below.

I did some moment arm calculations as to the actual loads that fit within the recommend 150 tongue weight spec Lexus throws out with its accessory port. It is pretty easy to calculate starting with their diagram. see below:

So the Lexus recommended tongue weight is 9% ( 180 Lbs) to 11% (220 lbs) of the recommended towing weight limit ( 2,000 lbs), If you extend the towing moment arm this reduces the effective tongue weight.

Some examples: of moment arm calculation."
Assuming 0 inches ball is maximum = 220 lbs ( not Lexus'a conservative 150 lbs also shown below in examples)
If you add a hitch that extends 6 inches =43/(43+6) * 220 = 193 lbs ( Lexus 131,6)
if you add a hitch that extends 12 inches ( typical bike rack to not hit var or 1.25" to 2,o " adapter) = 43/(43+12) *220 = 172 (Lexus 117)
if you add a hitch that extends 18 inches =43/(43+18) *220 = 155 ( Lexus =105)

You can get an adapter that will fit into your 1.25" receiver and convert it to a 2.00" hitch, But you still have the same towing limits as before, a maximum of 2,000 lbs towing and a typical maximum tongue weigth of 300 lbs.

The bottom line is the 2022 Lexus NX is not a big tower and you can't tow very much.

YMMV,
Midcow3

__________________
2022 NX 350h Luxury Package, Mark Levinson - Redline
2022 RAV4 Hybrid Limited - Ruby Flare Pearl
2020 Avalon Hybrid Limited - Parisian Night Pearl
2018 Focus RS Limited- Race Red 6-speed manual shift



midcow3 is online now Report Post
Edit Quote Multi Quote Quick Reply

 

As pointed out in the other thread, the activity mount explicitly prohibits towing (i.e. it has a rated "tow weight" of zero). The activity mount "tongue weight" and the vehicle towing capacity (with or without towing package) are unfortunately unrelated.

Again from the other thread... the activity mount is rated at 150lbs with the center of mass 16 inches beyond the load pin.
16" = 150 lbs
20" = 136
24" = 119
28" = 106 (12" ext)
32" = 95
(You may notice these numbers don't scale quite the same as in your examples. This suggests the load pin location for the activity mount and the load pin for the actual trailer hitch are slightly different.)

 

Interesting, I must have missed the other thread and I read or scan most Anyway, not that I care, but whoever said the tow rate is zero is wrong That sounds like Lexus Liability Corporate Disclaimer. Lexus has an option of a 2,000 lb tow rate. The addition of the activity mount, i.e. Lexus fancy name for hitch receiver, of 150 lbs, does not logically equate to 0 lbs tow weight IMH engineering based O.

However, I do agree that tow load or tongue weight of the NX is very low and a 1.25 " hitch is more than adequate tow or "activity mount" * (whatever that actually means} 150 lbs. What I am really wondering is why people are putting on aftermarket 2" receivers ?

I have a bike rack and it works fine.

Peace and Good Will to All


YMMV,
MidCow3

 

Thanks, this is very helpful detail. I have a great Kuat bike rack that I use in my current 2" hitch, and was wondering what to do for my NX that will have the Activity Mount. I was seeking a clean solution without using a 1.25 to 2" adapter, and so considered replacing Activity Mount with an after-market 2" hitch, or even buying a new Kuat rack designed for a 1.25" hitch and selling my current one. Reading the above and reflecting on foot sensor issues with after-market hitches, I'll just make my peace with the adapter. As MidCow notes the additional ~6" clearance provided by the adapter is probably needed or beneficial anyway depending on the rack, and I think I recall hearing that the Activity Mount didn't interfere with the foot sensors when not in use so it is a nice clean solution.

 

One word of caution when backing with a bike rack you need to Turn the PKSB (Parking Support Brake) system OFF. Otherwise, Lexus thinks you are going to back into your bike rack and Automatic Brakes for you.

YMMV,
MidCow3

 

[QUOTE=midcow3;11360995]My car came with two packages/options: a 2,000 Lb Towing Package and Activity Mount.[quote]

Your NX is equipped the same as mine with both the towing package and activity mount. I'm confused why did I pay $160 for the 2000# towing package when all I will use is the activity mount? Is the towing package some kind of pre wiring for a harness? I've had issues with Toyota in the past with towing packages. Any info will be appreciated.
roger

 

midcow3,

Saw your thread with RXHtoNXH. Just bough a 2023 NX 350 with activity mount. Did you need an extension in order to properly attach a bike rack? Thanks.

Chuckz

 

I just bought Thule EasyFold XT and it fits the activity mount without using an extension. Personally I wouldn't recommend using any extension for a 1.25 inch hitch. The two racks that I think they might fit were

- Thule EasyFold XT
- RockyMounts Guide Rail

Since the Guide Rail is out of stock in my local stores, I bought the Thule EasyFold XT and just tried it on the weekend. I also posted in https://www.clublexus.com/forums/nx-...bike-rack.html

 

Thanks FWCA