Installing hitch

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Mar 25, 2002 | 02:38 PM

RX300_ATL

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From: GA

Installing hitch

I just ordered a hitch for my RX from Hidden Hitch, I've heard others say they have installed them on their RX's. Anyway, I know it will come w/ instructions, but I don't know how good those instructions will be- any words of advice from someone who's installed one of these? Anything you would have done differently or wish you had known when you were installing it the first time around? Thanks...

Mar 25, 2002 | 04:45 PM

salimshah

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From: Austin, TX

I installed the Lexus hitch, and that operation was smooth. Had to guess which bolt holes to uncover (they had plastic plug in them). You would need extra set of hands or devise a rig to hang the other side as you bolt it on.

Would you be getting the electronic isolator kit? If you intend to hang bikes, do not waste money and time on it.

Last of all, be careful as the paint on the rear bumper gets scratched easily.

Good luck

Salim

Mar 25, 2002 | 08:59 PM

RX300_ATL

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From: GA

Yeah, it's just for a bike rack. Great advice, I'll make sure I con a friend into helping me put it on. And I'll probably look for something to protect the bumper, maybe I'll trap an old blanket or something in the hatch door while I'm working to keep it from getting scratched.

I guess I could order a Lexus hitch cover for it, but that could be overkill. Don't want to get tacky with it.

Thanks for the advice!

Mar 27, 2002 | 07:27 PM

LexRX

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From: Georgia

I have a factory installed hitch (2000 style) if it helps I can take some pics under the RX to help you see where to bolt.

-Nick

Mar 27, 2002 | 08:03 PM

RX300_ATL

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From: GA

That would be great if you have time. This hitch I bought isn't the Lexus hitch, but it's made for the Lexus/Highlander... so it should fit into the same holes.

Hopefully the installation's idiot proof, I'd hate to have it (and my bike and bike rack) all fall off on I-75!

Mar 27, 2002 | 09:03 PM

LexRX

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From: Georgia

RX300_ATL, I'm sure the person driving behind you would hate that too :eek: The pictures are no problem. I am driving home - From Macon to Cartersville straight through I-75 tomorrow - so I can take them later tomorrow afternoon when I get home.

I have to make a short stop at Town Center Mall if you want to crawl around in the parking lot and look at them

BYOC (Bring Your Own Creeper)

Seriously, I'll be around tomorrow if you need me

-Nick

Last edited by LexRX; Sep 2, 2002 at 02:07 AM.

Mar 28, 2002 | 02:18 PM

LexRX

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From: Georgia

Okay, here are the pics. Now, I am not sure that the mouting areas are the same on the '01+ RX because the factory hitch is different from mine, but I don't see why it would be different. I have three bolts on each side - the location of the bolts on the left side looks like the right. The pictures show the driver side from a few angles.

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Mar 28, 2002 | 02:21 PM

LexRX

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From: Georgia

#3 - a closer view of #2

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Mar 28, 2002 | 02:23 PM

#10

LexRX

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From: Georgia

#4 - taken from the back side of the hitch looking at the driver side. This is the metal flange that hangs down.

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Mar 28, 2002 | 03:13 PM

#11

mikey00

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Jul 2001

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From: New Jersey

You can do the hidden hitch by yourself in about 30minutes. Directions are very good and tell you what holes to use.

Mar 29, 2002 | 10:45 PM

#12

01VaporBlueRX

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From: Los Gatos

haha nick youre always the first person to offer to go and crawl under your car to take pics for the rest of us lol.

Mar 30, 2002 | 08:21 AM

#13

LexRX

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From: Georgia

Mar 31, 2002 | 07:10 PM

#14

RX300_ATL

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From: GA

Thanks for the pics! Installation was easy. It took well under an hour, the only hard part was getting the screw in place above the muffler. Mine screwed into the frame at the same places as yours.

Before I installed it there were these two metal things at each corner (tow points probably) where the back two bolts for the hitch attach, so I just removed them to put the hitch on.

I like the way the hitch looks, as soon as I get a chance I'll put up a picture of it.

Now to shop for a bike rack... I think I'll pay extra for one that swings out to the side, instead of down, for better access to the cargo area.