I have a RX350 with premium and tow prep package. Now I’m planning on installing a trailer hitch to haul a small U-Haul trailer on occasion.
Can someone please help me with the parts I need to buy for this? I originally thought of installing at a U-Haul location but they’re fully booked for weeks so I’m planning on doing it from a local garage. Is it going to be ok? I just don’t want to risk the car’s electric system with incorrect installation.

also when I bought this car 10 years ago, I remember that the dealer told me about a small piece that I need to pull out (next to the shift stick); what is it for? And how do I pull it out?

 

Would you [and other members] please make the title more meaningful before starting a new thread. It will help future readers as well as members if they choose to respond to your post [make it easy for them and they will be more inclined to help].

Back to your question(s):
Would you be providing parts to the mechanic or the mechanic will make the purchase for you? We have no idea about the ability of your mechanic to find the right parts for you. You certainly do not need Lexus trained tech to install the hitch. Typically, hitch and trailer facilities have mechanics who have the know how [just keep in mind they prefer to use what the carry in the shop, which may or may not be cheap/correct. Check if U haul can sell you the appropriate kit. I bought my kit for First gen RX from Lexus parts. It was slightly more expensive, but I installed it myself and eventually saved some $$.
There is a peg by the shifter, which can be removed with a small screw driver [levered off] to expose a release for the shift lever. The issue is discussed in the owner's manual. The safety switch is normally released when you have your foot on the brake.

Salim

 

Go to etrailer.com and get a Curt tow hitch. That is what I and many others have. It is not difficult to install and they have instructions and videos. 6 bolts but you have to remove and trim the plastic underneath, then reinstall it.
I have installed a few hitches and although it is best to have help because they are heavy, it can be done by yourself if familiar with such things and if you have the right tools. Almost any local car repair shop can do this installation. It will help them if you print the instructions from etrailer or send them the video link.

If you have the tow package, then the wiring is simple plug and play once you dig out the connection point. I think etrailer has instructions and a video for that too.
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hit...leID=201214983

 

Thank you. Can you also suggest the other parts needed with this for a trailer and bike rack? Appreciate your help.

 

Thank you Salim for your quick reply. I will keep in mind to put meaningful titles in future posts.
I called local Lexus dealer and the receiver itself costing $500+ so I guess I will go with Curt hitch. But I will enquire in UHaul if they can sell me a complete kit even if its little expensive. Thanks again.

 

Call the folks at etrailer with your questions. It will be a lot cheaper.
Note that all of these hitches are almost exactly the same, they have to be in order to fit the RX. All are designed to bolt into the same 6 holes in the frame.
Some make you remove the exhaust from the rear hanger (takes 5 minutes) to install, but the Curt does not.
The wiring is very easy. You locate the end of the factory wiring which is shown by etrailer, then plug in your new piece that connects to the trailer.
There are etrailer videos on installing the hitch wiring but youtube will not let me post links. They are also on the etrailer site. The connection point is next to the hitch on the driver side.
The below link shows hitch installation.


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The below paste is from the UHaul site.

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Reasons Why To Purchase A U-Haul Hitch

For just over seventy-five years, U-Haul is the industry standard when it comes to getting a custom or fitted tow hitch to your vehicle. More importantly, we have helped millions of Americans and their families move a nation to where it is today. Our continuous innovation in both our hitches and trailers can offer an unsurpassed service that we strive to benefit you, the customer. While giving unrivaled service is what we push for the most, U-Haul pushes the envelope to provide the very best affordable prices and provide more availability to our consumer base.

Through our various partners such as Curt, Draw-Tile, B&W, REESE, and Hidden Hitch, U-Haul can provide unsurpassed value in the industry. Since our inception in 1945, we have brought innovative and simplistic solutions to lives' most challenging moves. We have always made it a mission to provide the very best towing equipment to our consumers to help move your life forward no matter what the job may entail; whether you're moving across the country or around the corner, U-Haul has you covered.

 

This is the Curt Hidden hitch I got, super easy to install as others have mentioned before and it looks great imo this is the best hitch for these suvs.
http://amzn.to/2eo7o7f

The wiring will depend on if you have the tow package or not. You will have to remove the rear covers and check for the plug to see if it's there or not.
This is the link to the full wiring kit if you do not have the tow package:
http://amzn.to/2eo76xj

Think is the link to the end harness for tow packaged vehicles with the converter already installed: https://amzn.to/2rPJJ4x

 

i have a curt tow hitch that i bought from amazon. love it

 

I just ordered a tow hitch and wiring from etrailer. They’re sending me wiring part#:

118478 Tow Ready T-1 T-Connector - 4 Wire - Modu-Lite

Looking at the installation instructions, it looks like I don’t require it since my car already has a factory installed tow prep package. Could someone please confirm that so that I can ask them to send me the correct wiring module? Thank you!

 

You ordered the wrong part, as you already know. You need the one for vehicles with the factory tow package.
Telephone etrailer and consult with them to get the correct part.


I think these are what you need but there are others that fit. I have the Curt one and it plugged right in to the factory harness.

https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-...ID=20121174043

The T-One looks just like the Curt for half the price
https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-...ID=20121174036

Here is the page with all of them
https://www.etrailer.com/t1-2012_Lex...ry+Tow+Package

 

Thank you. I ordered the correct part from etrailer.com.