I've looked at etrailer.com at the three primary hitch receivers for the 2013 RX 350; Curt, Hidden, Draw-tite.

From the side profile picture which etrailer displays for each, the Curt has one hole and the other two have two. Those two appear to be different sizes. The one on the Curt seems to appear smaller than the larger of the other two holes on the other two hitch receivers.

I called etrailer and the person I spoke with could not tell me why they were different, they just read the specs I see on the page, tongue weight, load, blah, blah.

With my hitch, I will need to haul a Yakima trailer, about 450 Ibs total, it is a very lightweight trailer, or a 2" Yakima bike rack. Maybe some day, I'll need to haul something of substance, but I have no plans.

I'm also wondering if a hitch which is recessed back, will it be difficult to work the pin in and out?

Thanks.

 

Curt,

Hidden,

Draw-tite,

Groups up at this location, https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2013_Lexus_RX+350.htm

 

I have a Curt hitch mounted on my 2010 RX for a Thule bike rack. I find the recessed hitch really ascetically pleasing being so hidden. Picked up a Lexus plug from the dealer to make it look OEM. The hole for the bolt was the perfect diameter and the edge of the bolt is probably right up against the under bumper fascia but it's not too difficult to mount and tighten. Wasn't too difficult to install either. Hopefully that helps.

Not sure if the mounting is different for the newer RX's or maybe hybrid models but I noticed that the photo with the Curt has the exhaust pipe sitting higher up than the other two photos.

 

Hidden Hitch and Draw Tite have the same parent company.
In this particular application it is the same hitch so, there are really two choices.

The Curt hitch is raised on the passenger side to accommodate the exhaust and the other brand(s) isn't.
Seems that would make the install a little more difficult. The hole pin on the Curt is standard.

If you do decide not to get the Curt at least get the cheaper of the other two.

 

I installed the Curt, and am thoroughly happy with it.

Yakima articulating bike rack (swings away to permit opening the tailgate).

 

Curt hitch here also...................... looks and works great!

 

Love my Curt! One of my requirement was that it had to look like it came from the factory and not just an aftermarket add-on. Works great with my 1UP bike rack.

 

Would one of you mind posting a few picts of your Curt hitch installed? Thanks.

 

We just purchased our 2013 RX350 and had a hitch installed. I had specifically asked for a quote on a Curt hitch, and was given an informal estimate. The next week when we had it installed, they put on a Draw-tite. As soon as we looked at it, we knew there was something wrong- it was rubbing against the exhaust and rattled horribly. We made them change out the hitch to the Curt, and all is well (besides my being very displeased with them for changing the hitch without asking, the loss of the car for 3 days and the greasy fingerprints on the headliner they left behind....)

Go with the Curt

 

There are many threads with photos of the installed Curt hitch along with installation instructions and a link to a video. Here is one with a photo from the rear https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...tow-hitch.html

 

Do your bikes hit your car at all? I have the same rack and thinking of getting a hitch on my 13 RX for my bike. Like the FD sticker btw. I'm on the job in NYC

 

I have the SwingDaddy; and no, if opened deliberately, the bikes do not touch the car.

And no, they don't touch the car when going down the road.

See: https://www.yakima.com/swingdaddy