Trailer hitch
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,507
Likes: 38
From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 959
Likes: 2
From: New Jersey
I just checked and as you said I have the blue converter box. I must have mixed up my 2000 with my 2001 because I know I had empty mounting studs there last time I looked. If you look in the black plastic compartment under the spare tire which you access fron under the car, you will find a connector. This is where the short pigtail connects that runs to the hitch.
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,507
Likes: 38
From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
I just checked and as you said I have the blue converter box. I must have mixed up my 2000 with my 2001 because I know I had empty mounting studs there last time I looked. If you look in the black plastic compartment under the spare tire which you access fron under the car, you will find a connector. This is where the short pigtail connects that runs to the hitch.
Sounds good. Now just pray that Lexus sell the short pigtail lead from the box to the hitch! 
If they don't, you should be able to buy an aftermarket extension harness that you can splice into that pre-wiring piece (that way you're not cutting into any of the car's core electrical wiring, just the prewiring sub-harness, which can be replaced relatively easily should the need arise).
Good luck!
If they don't, you should be able to buy an aftermarket extension harness that you can splice into that pre-wiring piece (that way you're not cutting into any of the car's core electrical wiring, just the prewiring sub-harness, which can be replaced relatively easily should the need arise). Good luck!
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,507
Likes: 38
From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
Sounds good. Now just pray that Lexus sell the short pigtail lead from the box to the hitch! If they don't, you should be able to buy an aftermarket extension harness that you can splice into that pre-wiring piece (that way you're not cutting into any of the car's core electrical wiring, just the prewiring sub-harness, which can be replaced relatively easily should the need arise).
Good luck!
If they don't, you should be able to buy an aftermarket extension harness that you can splice into that pre-wiring piece (that way you're not cutting into any of the car's core electrical wiring, just the prewiring sub-harness, which can be replaced relatively easily should the need arise). Good luck!
and its an o.e.m plug in........(YES!!!!), da,da,dada,dit,dit,dada,dit,dada!!!!!!!!!!!!
Last edited by lexus114; Sep 16, 2008 at 02:50 PM.
Rookie
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: va
as far as the hitch goes all 02 hitches I've seen have the muffler cut out. Some web sites do not show you the exact hitch, just a generic picture of a hitch.
Here's a web site for a 01, all cut out
http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2001_Lexus_RX300.htm
Here's a web site for a 01, all cut out
http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2001_Lexus_RX300.htm
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,507
Likes: 38
From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
as far as the hitch goes all 02 hitches I've seen have the muffler cut out. Some web sites do not show you the exact hitch, just a generic picture of a hitch.
Here's a web site for a 01, all cut out
http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2001_Lexus_RX300.htm
Here's a web site for a 01, all cut out
http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2001_Lexus_RX300.htm
Ryan
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,507
Likes: 38
From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
I have one more question re:the hitch wiring.As you all know I got the wiring from the converter box,to the hitch.Now,what about the part that plugs into a trailer? I have looked at some vehicles with class III hitches on them,and I see a coupler that is mounted on or near the hitch.Does that come on the hitch?
Last edited by lexus114; Sep 25, 2008 at 12:27 PM.
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The harness you got on ebay should have the car side connector (4 pin) on the end of it. That should screw into 2 holes in the hitch. The trailer (eg U-Haul) should come with a wiring harness that has a mating 4 pin connector to your car. They also have a secondary grounding arrangement (alligator clip for attaching to the ball stud on your hitch) on the trailer.
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,507
Likes: 38
From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
The harness you got on ebay should have the car side connector (4 pin) on the end of it. That should screw into 2 holes in the hitch. The trailer (eg U-Haul) should come with a wiring harness that has a mating 4 pin connector to your car. They also have a secondary grounding arrangement (alligator clip for attaching to the ball stud on your hitch) on the trailer.
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,507
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From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
I think I found it online,and it was like pulling teeth.Supposedly,they are grade 5 1/2-13 x 2 1/4 carriage bolts.I called my local dealer,and they just list a hitch cap,and hitch.No bolts
Rookie
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 74
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From: va
I pretty sure they are metric 10mm x about 1.5 to 2", you torque them to 37 lbs.
There are 6 pre-drilled and threaded mounts in the frame, you have to remove the rear tie downs.
There are 6 pre-drilled and threaded mounts in the frame, you have to remove the rear tie downs.
Last edited by lastplace; Oct 6, 2008 at 01:47 PM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,754
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From: Colorado
What do you plan on towing anyway? If you want to tow a trailer, don't forget the safety chain.