I want to put a hitch on my RX300 and don't want to junk it up. I need to two a small trailer with my bike on it. Total weight is maybe 600 pounds or so. Believe it or not, I used to tow it with my Acura RSX.

Who makes the best looking hitch? URLs and photos would be great. I did a search for hitch and looked through several threads. Didn't see any photos though.

 

If you're in no hurry, I'd consider watching EBay for an original OEM RX300 hitch to come up for sale. I've seen some in the past.

Looking now, I see a wiring adapter kit (or so it appears), but no OEM hitches.

 

Actually, there are two for sale on eBay now and one of them looks OEM just like mine.

 

So it sounds like the OEM hitch will be "prettier" than something from UHaul or Hidden Hitch? This is my wife's car and she'll kill me if I make it ugly.

 

Hidden hitch actually looks better than the oem hitch, check it out at their website.

 

I was actually just on their website. Do you think I should get the ClassIII hitch which is round, or the ClassII hitch, which is square tubing. Personally, I think the ClassIII looks nicer on the website, but it's hard to tell without seeing it in person.

 

The class III round one is definetly the better looking one. I think it is #70777. Also a class III has a 2" square receiver opening, which is standard for most accessories like bike racks etc. A class II is only 1 1/4". It not only looks puny but you will need an adapter to attach most items.

 

It seems you will be towing something on wheels and that would require you to do electrical hookup for brakes, driving lights and turn signals. [You may not need turn signal if the trailer is low ... check your state laws]

With RX you will need electronic module to interface the trailer wiring.

With this in mind, yoir choices may be limited .. although there is nothing wrong with OEM.

Salim

 

Before reading your post, I ended up getting the class II. I figured since it was smaller, it would be more hidden. But then I came across this regarding the class III:

"Greatly improves the appearance of your RX300 compared to conventional square tube hitch receivers. Uses 2 1/2 inch bent round tubing to follow the contours of the vehicle's rear bumper and hides as much of the receiver as possible."

Uughghghg. I think I'm going to return the Class II and order the Class III. Seems to be better looking and more functional - worth the extra $30.

As for wiring, I also got this:
http://www.etrailer.com/mm5/merchant...egory_Code=VWH

Is this the right hookup?

 

Does yor RX have "tow package"?

Mine did not and I had to get the electronic module. I had to run wires from the tail lights to the module and from the module to the hitch.

Search should yeild you plenty of threads.

The link you posted expects the electronic module behind bumper. If you have one, you are all set.

Salim

 

If not pre-equipped with an converter, then this is closer to your needs...
http://www.etrailer.com/mm5/merchant...Category_Code=

I don't know if it will match the factory unit for the load on the lamp out error indicator.

 

I bought the car used - how do I know if it has a tow package? I guess I'll go try and look for this electronic module (just not exactly sure what I'm looking for).

 

I just looked under the car and don't see anything resembling the simple plug that I bought. I do see a large black plastic box (about the size of a shoe box) with wires running into it, but no plugs coming out of it.

Anyway, looking at the wiring kit link you posted, it says it's for the Highlander. Does this fit th RX300 as well? When I use their "hitchfinder" it recommends hardwiring the vehicle. However, they owners manual says not to do any hardwiring. I'm so confused.

 

The manual should state "not to hard wire without the module". The electronic module essentially isolates the additional electrical load [trailer lamps] from the RX expected load circuit [if the electrical load is out of expected range, your dash indicators light up.]

If you pass your vin number to RX dealership, they can tell you if the RX was factory equiped with "tow ready package". I am not sure which year the "tow ready" package was introduced. If my memory serves me right, the 99 either came with the hitch or without. I purcahsed my hitch through lexus parts and the electronic module was part of the after market hitch package.

Salim

 

"Powered converter with circuit protection" is what they call it on eTrailer. Is this what you are referring to as an electronic module? If I understand correctly, the powered converter powers the trailer lights off your battery, thus not overloading your electical system. Is this right?