I just need to haul a 160 Ibs Yakima trailer for our kayaks, addl ~160 Ibs. I'm not hauling a camper or boat.

For those of you who installed a hitch light kit without tow-package, what exact parts did you install and how did it go. I am very discouraged that my l-certified RX which reported to me to have the tow kit does not. Now I've got to install some invasive, time consuming, splice into existing wires kit just to get simple lights on a 4-flat. What did you install and is it still working well?

 

Ouch, sounds like a tough lesson. If you have a window sticker showing in installed, I'd go back and beat the dealer up and get them to do it.

 

I was initially looking at a 2011 RX. When I looked into the 2013 (I like the front end re-work), I asked about the tow package in it. Salesman said that in 2013, tow package was standard item in RX. I though that the RX had modifications beginning in 2013, it seemed plausible that other changes were made as well.

 

This is thoroughly covered in previous posts. Not invasive, no splicing. Search for hitch installation or some such.

 

Curt makes a wiring kit that is almost plug and play. Look it up on etrailers or the Curt hitch web site. I have one sitting in my garage that I never installed on my old CT200h, now I may install it on my HS250h, although I have not yet put a hitch on it. I only tow a kayak trailer that is so light I can pick it up and move it around.

 

No need to splice into wiring or trace wires. OEM connector for the towing lights adapter is behind the right tail light. You haven't really missed much by not getting the towing prep package. It's more of a gimmick, if anything.
As already stated, you can buy a plug-n-play adapter or use a generic one, as I did.

 

I just purchased a hitch and wiring harness for my CPO 10' RX. After looking behind the rear bumper I found it had the pre-wiring (tow package) installed. Called my dealer and they confirmed that all Canadian made RX's included the kit. Pleasantly surprised. Here's what I bought:

Hitch: http://www.curtmfg.com/part/13143
Wire T-Connector for included tow package: http://www.curtmfg.com/part/56083

This is what you'll need if you do not have the two package (no splicing of any wires): http://www.curtmfg.com/part/55563

Just do a search your year of RX to confirm the same part number but I believe they are the same.

Good video for installing the wiring kit for the tow package:
Good luck!