The RX330 CPO I just purchased has the trailer towing package. I don't ever intend to use the towing hitch so I'm thinking of removing it for aesthetics and gas mileage (I'll take even a very minor improvement at these gas prices). Would you or have you removed the large factory hitch on a RX330 for these reasons? Or, am I just being ****. The only concern I have is what to do with the wiring harness. I would keep the parts for resale with the car later.

 

Removing it will not make the slightest differnce in gas mileage. That hitch is far better than the roof racks. Towing a small trailer imparts far less drag than putting stuff on the roof. I removed my racks and I have the hitch.

 

Yeah, I'd leave it on. It won't do squat for gas mileage... even if it weighs 100 pounds, that's only about a 2% reduction in the overall weight of the car. And someday it might be more convenient than the roof rack. For example, a hitch-mounted bike rack is a lot better than putting bikes on the roof or something you would strap to the rear door.

 

I'd leave it on as well. The overall weight is not enough to affect your gas milage and as stated by others, use it for a receiver type bike rack instead of the roof or "hanging" racks. Another useage is the platforms that fit into your receiver to carry up to about 200 pounds off the hitch. This is another way of using it instead of the top racks. Less drag. Also look at the trade-in value. It may not add a lot but it is still a feature to be look at for trade-in or selling point. My self, I may hardly ever use a hitch but I still want it there for those times I might need it.

 

Thanks everyone for your comments. You talked me into it, I'm keeping the hitch. And it would be just my luck that if I did remove it, shortly thereafter I would find myself somewhere where I could have used the hitch.

 

Thats always how it goes.

 

Keep the hitch!

On my 4Runner, 2 people have rearended me and left me with ZERO damage, but a nice Tow Hitch Square tatoo on their bumpers!!

 

When I installed my hitch, I read the instructions (one of the few times )

Came across a strange warning ... essentially it stated that the hitch SHOULD BE removed to prevent damage in case of accident.

I understand that statement as
depending on the impact, the rear crumple zone is compromised and the impact energy is transferred directly to the uni-frame and occupant. Again depending on the impact, the occupants and the RX structure will fare differently with and without the hitch.

For minor fender-benders the hitch should add a level of protection.

Salim

 

That hitch might save you some bodywork in a minor collision - but I never thought about compromising the rear crumple zone. Sounds plausible.

I had a huge Class 3 hitch on my Suburbans and was struck in the rear at a stop sign by a lady with an old station wagon full of screaming kids who probably distracted her. She threw it in reverse and pulled away as I got out of the truck. Her front bumper had collapsed and split the radiator and water and (I assume) transmission fluid were pouring out.

She panicked and took off. I filed a police report, but there was absolutely no damage to my truck. She had struck the trailer hitch squarely, and it took the blow without so much as a scratch. She's lucky I'd removed the ball mount, spring bars, etc, and all she hit was the receiver, but that was plenty strong. I wish I knew what happened to her – hope the kids were OK . . . .

 

I'm thought about installing one on mine, but I'm thinking dealer would probably ask too much for it. Has anyone installed an aftermarket hitch kit on their RX?