Trailer hitch on RX350
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 416
Likes: 20
From: VA
This particular forum topic was very helpful to me in deciding if I should pay the dealer to do mine for $1000, get Uhaul to do it, or do a self install. I ultimately decided to give the self install a try even though i know nothing of cars. My buddy let me borrow his shop and his tools since i do not have any of my own and it literally only took 20 minutes to do so.
$140 Curt Class III receiver
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ef=oss_product
$16 wiring harness
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ef=oss_product
$340 Softride Bike Mount
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ef=oss_product
Thanks all for your helpful posts!
$140 Curt Class III receiver
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ef=oss_product
$16 wiring harness
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ef=oss_product
$340 Softride Bike Mount
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ef=oss_product
Thanks all for your helpful posts!
Only thing I did different is I didn't trim the end to end but instead cut a hole and slid the cover back on as pictured using utility knife. I did this after looking at other completed pictures. cutting hole instead of end-to-end, it looks more "flushed" and even. 
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: CA
I'm a klutz...
who has trouble putting Ikea stuff together. But I was able to put the Curt hitch on in about 2 hours, by myself. If you're hesitant about trying this--give it a shot. The only difficult part was putting the fascia back on. It's pretty easy if you follow the instructions with the hitch and the tips given in this thread.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: WA
I installed my Curt 13451 hitch today. I got it at Amazon.
Total install time was 2.5 hours. I have no experience working on cars. I was working alone and didn't hurry.
I didn't install the electrical. All we ever use the hitch for is holding our bike rack.
I had all the tools needed except I did go get a torque wrench at Harbor Freight.
Glad I could save a few bucks.
Total install time was 2.5 hours. I have no experience working on cars. I was working alone and didn't hurry.
I didn't install the electrical. All we ever use the hitch for is holding our bike rack.
I had all the tools needed except I did go get a torque wrench at Harbor Freight.
Glad I could save a few bucks.
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 366
Likes: 9
From: CA
Well, 8 months after I received my Xmas present of a Curt hitch, my husband installed it on Sunday. 
He spent about 2 hours on the installation, and another 2 hours manufacturing, painting, drilling and installing a bracket to hold the wiring harness. It looks very awesome.
Pics to follow...I've got to find my camera's USB cord.
Sandi
He spent about 2 hours on the installation, and another 2 hours manufacturing, painting, drilling and installing a bracket to hold the wiring harness. It looks very awesome.Pics to follow...I've got to find my camera's USB cord.
Sandi
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 5
From: New Jersey
Hey, guys
I'm new to the forum just bought the 2010 RX350.
I have a question, my dealer charges $974 installed, I wasn't sure about getting them at almost $1000 but sales person told me that it's going to be welded. and on and on and on about there quality, so I got them thinking that should me better than after market. And today I found out that the hitch is bolt on and it cost only $467 so I call the dealer they told me that they do not welded on and due to 4hrs labor it $974. Is it really take 4 hrs to put the hitch on? If I would've known it bolt on I could taken to my shop for cheaper labor, because of stupid sales persons I feel like I over paid.
What should I do, can I speak to someone like sales manager for some kind of refund?
This over paying is really upsetting.
I'm new to the forum just bought the 2010 RX350.
I have a question, my dealer charges $974 installed, I wasn't sure about getting them at almost $1000 but sales person told me that it's going to be welded. and on and on and on about there quality, so I got them thinking that should me better than after market. And today I found out that the hitch is bolt on and it cost only $467 so I call the dealer they told me that they do not welded on and due to 4hrs labor it $974. Is it really take 4 hrs to put the hitch on? If I would've known it bolt on I could taken to my shop for cheaper labor, because of stupid sales persons I feel like I over paid.
What should I do, can I speak to someone like sales manager for some kind of refund?
This over paying is really upsetting.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: WA
My salesman quickly steered me away from a Lexus branded hitch because of the high cost. He actually recommended a local hitch place. I was going to visit the local hitch place but got enough advice from this forum to convince myself that I could do the installation myself.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 5
From: New Jersey
I really can get this off my head, if i knew it was bolt on i would've never ever got it done. After I found out about bolt on I called the parts and service they told me 467 + 1 1/2hr job(187.50) and when I complain to sales man someone call me from service and told me it's 3 hrs job, so let do dome math even 3hrs doesn't make to be 1000, than he tells me it might be 4hr job, I had to go through so much BS. Now I got my lesson NEVER EVER INSTALL ANYTHING FROM DEALER ESPECIALLY THIS ONE. PRESTIGE LEXUS IN ROUTE 17.
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: WA
This thread has saved me time and money!
I have been lurking this forum for several years. 
It has always been useful. We have two Lexus RX. (RX's RXes, RXi ?) A 2002 rx 300, and just got the 2010 450h with tow package. I looked here first for advice when it came time to get a hitch. Dealer quoted a high price with sketchy details. It was clear they would rather not tackle the job. Mind you, the dealer is excellent.
Based on the advice here and excellent posts with lots of pictures and details, I got the Curt Hitch from Amazon.
Curt Manufacturing I-728 Protective Rubber Cap $7.71 (to hold and hide the flat 4 plug)
Curt Manufacturing 56083 T-Connector $16.77
Curt Manufacturing 13541 Class III Receiver Hitch $140.38
Free shipping.
I installed it with very little troubles. Having the right tool to cut the fascia would have made it with no trouble. I would recommend a disc cutter on a rotary tool.
The directions that came with the hitch were excellent with pictures and everything. (I think there is a link to a copy of the directions in this thread somewhere.)
So, thanks to all who take the time to post instead of just lurk. (I being the most guilty of all lurkers have taken steps down the path to recovery as of today, and have created an account just to say thanks!)
Thanks again!
Eric
It has always been useful. We have two Lexus RX. (RX's RXes, RXi ?) A 2002 rx 300, and just got the 2010 450h with tow package. I looked here first for advice when it came time to get a hitch. Dealer quoted a high price with sketchy details. It was clear they would rather not tackle the job. Mind you, the dealer is excellent.Based on the advice here and excellent posts with lots of pictures and details, I got the Curt Hitch from Amazon.
Curt Manufacturing I-728 Protective Rubber Cap $7.71 (to hold and hide the flat 4 plug)
Curt Manufacturing 56083 T-Connector $16.77
Curt Manufacturing 13541 Class III Receiver Hitch $140.38
Free shipping.
I installed it with very little troubles. Having the right tool to cut the fascia would have made it with no trouble. I would recommend a disc cutter on a rotary tool.
The directions that came with the hitch were excellent with pictures and everything. (I think there is a link to a copy of the directions in this thread somewhere.)
So, thanks to all who take the time to post instead of just lurk. (I being the most guilty of all lurkers have taken steps down the path to recovery as of today, and have created an account just to say thanks!)
Thanks again!
Eric
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: ca
Which Curt Hitch? 2010 RX350
I'm about to buy the Curt Hitch for my 2010 RX350 - which appears to be the recommendation here at Club Lexus. But when I went online, I found two versions of the hitch: #13541 and #13539. I think #13541 is the preferred hitch. Am I correct? Is it simply a newer model number?
Also, anyone know the model number for the T-Connector I need?
And finally, where the best deal might be found?
Thanks in advance!
Also, anyone know the model number for the T-Connector I need?
And finally, where the best deal might be found?
Thanks in advance!
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 8
Likes: 2
From: FL
Pep Boys Installed my hitch
I went with Pep Boys and their hitch since installation was free (installed total $209 after a $49 rebate).
However, the hitch vibrated against the muffler and we took it back to them. Their only solution was to lower the muffler but it looks whack. Did anyone else have this type of trouble with the curt hitch? I assume not, since no one has complained here.
Thanks.
However, the hitch vibrated against the muffler and we took it back to them. Their only solution was to lower the muffler but it looks whack. Did anyone else have this type of trouble with the curt hitch? I assume not, since no one has complained here.
Thanks.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 20
Likes: 7
From: ca
I too installed my Curt hitch myself. This summer was the first season it got used to pull a Yakima kayak trailer withe two kayaks. I am happy to report that there is no noise
I realize this doesn't help your Pep Boys issues, but just so others know.
Thanks
Adam
I realize this doesn't help your Pep Boys issues, but just so others know.
Thanks
Adam
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: WA
I'm about to buy the Curt Hitch for my 2010 RX350 - which appears to be the recommendation here at Club Lexus. But when I went online, I found two versions of the hitch: #13541 and #13539. I think #13541 is the preferred hitch. Am I correct? Is it simply a newer model number?
Also, anyone know the model number for the T-Connector I need?
And finally, where the best deal might be found?
Thanks in advance!
Also, anyone know the model number for the T-Connector I need?
And finally, where the best deal might be found?
Thanks in advance!
I got the 13541. If you go to the curtmfg.com web site, put in 2010 Lexus, RX, it selects the 13541.
I did some web digging and found pictures of the 13539 and it looks like it will work, but don't take my word for it...
Bye Now!
Eric