I've read somewhere that the 4th digit in the VIN indicates whether or not the car in question is equipped with the factory towing package - that if the 4th digit is "H", then it has the towing package. Is this correct? What if it doesn't have a trailer hitch? Does this mean that it has the transmission cooler, and is pre-wired for towing, but just doesn't have the hitch installed yet?
Also, if all this is correct, does this apply to the other RX models as well?
Thanks for any information...

 

Even within first gen of RX300, there are differences in harnesses. I would only trust Lexus parts counter to dig the information you are looking for. Internet at times is not the best (most reliable) source of information.

Are you seriously looking to tow? And how much weight? I would recommend light load and rare use of towing. Well maybe more than a few times if you have AWD.

Salim

 

According to this the 4th digit is the body type, where H is a 4 door sport utility 4x4.
http://www.vehicleidentificationnumb...lexus-car.html

According to my window sticker mine came with the "towing prep package and transmission cooler". I don't seem to have the connector for the trailer wiring and it didn't come with the hitch. I used aftermarket for both.

 

The towing package consisted of the aforementioned transmission cooler and body/trunk wiring harness/isolator module. The short wiring harness from the trunk to the hitch and the hitch itself were port-installed options.

Given the history with the early RX300s' transmission issues, towing the specified 3500 lbs is not recommended.