koric

iTrader: (1)

Hi all,

I have a 2008 Lexus RX350. I just installed a Toyota Highlander tow/trailer hitch part # PT228-69045 (wiring harness included) and would like to share my tip with installation. First off, this hitch weighs 50 pounds. Its a little tricky without any help but with my instructions, you can install this by yourself in about an hour. I did not install the wiring harness since I am only going to use it for a bike carrier.

I bought this hitch from Longo Toyota for $240 plus tax. The list price is $275. The wiring harness is included.

Disclaimer: PLEASE READ the instructions in the box! My instructions are "supplemental" instructions to help with installation without any help.

1. Read the included instructions.
2. Remove original tow hooks.
3. Install brackets. One on each side.
4. Place the hitch on a piece of cardboard. I used the box that came with it. This way you can easily slide it to align the hitch under the brackets. (See Step 1)
5. Lift the driver side of the hitch and use the nut (self explanatory if you read the original instructions) to temporarily catch this side of the hitch to let it "hang". (See Step 2)
6. Use a small jack to lift the passenger side of the hitch and align it with the holes on the bracket. (See Step 3)
7. Fasten all bolts according to specs.
8. Read the instructions again and double check everything!


Here is the Toyota part sticker:


Here's a visual to help you understand what I wrote:


Good luck,
Eric

MerlinT

Great! Thank you for sharing

koric

iTrader: (1)

^^Thank you!

Here is the final result.

Howiefied

Nice work, looks great! Thanks for sharing.

Adamjeeps

Get that Toyota plug out of there ASAP!

lexus114

How easy is the wiring? (btw) looks good!

koric

iTrader: (1)

You're welcome!

I kinda like it. Looks "JDM".

Thanks! I didn't install the wiring but it looks easy from reading the manual. Just a few screws and clips to remove the trunk floor panels. I wanted to save the wiring since the hitch will only be used as a bike carrier.

Installation is pretty straight forward. Nothing tricky. I'd give it a 2 out of 5 for ease of install. You just need a small hydraulic jack and a torque wrench. It was just tiring on my arms bolting up the bolts to specs while on my back. There's quite a few. If you had an impact wrench, installing this thing will take 15-20 minutes, tops.

madmax2k1

I installed the same hitch over the week-end; your instructions helped a lot; I didn't have a floor jack, so I ended up using 2 standard car jacks for alignment. Bought the hitch from Tustin Toyota for $240.

koric

iTrader: (1)

Awesome! Glad my post helped you out.

evident

thx for the part number! looking to pick this up soon

koric

iTrader: (1)

Post pics!

evident

Did you guys get it for $240 shipped online or was it your local dealer? My local toyota dealer is quoting the List price of $275.

pluffmud

Just intalled a Curt Hitch on my 2008 Rx 350. Purchased via phone from E Trailer in Missouri on a Wednesday, and had it installed at my home in Charleston SC Friday. With wiring kit all total was just at $200.00 E trailer has a video showing how to do each job (Bolt on hitch and take out floor and wire trailer) Save yourselves another $50 and get a Curt Hitch. Very pleased

koric

iTrader: (1)

It was $240 plus tax at the local dealership.

Just wondering, does your hitch have that square bracket that goes underneath the exhaust? That was the part that wasn't aesthetically pleasing to me. There was someone selling a Curt hitch on Craigslist for $50 but I spent the extra $200 for that clean OEM look. Some people might not care about how it looks so more power to them.

evident

bummer. i will keep asking dealerships around here for quotes. hopefully someone will give me the $240 price.