Non-OE tow hitch alternatives? (merged threads)
#31
#32
You can def do without, it looks like it was there just for a tow loop attachment, I can post a picture later.
#34
#35
Driver School Candidate
Sorry I'm not too savvy when it comes to this sort of stuff. I'm thinking about installing a hitch but the OEM one at the dealer is way too expensive. Would you discourage someone who doesn't know anything about this sort of thing to install this on their own? Does installing this require jacking the vehicle up? Or can it be done just laying underneath it?
#36
Sorry I'm not too savvy when it comes to this sort of stuff. I'm thinking about installing a hitch but the OEM one at the dealer is way too expensive. Would you discourage someone who doesn't know anything about this sort of thing to install this on their own? Does installing this require jacking the vehicle up? Or can it be done just laying underneath it?
this install is 2
here are the steps:
1. remove plugs underneath the car by popping off with screwdriver (instructions are clear and have pics from etrailer)
2. remove the bolts for the tow bracket (you will need a socket wrench and a extender)
3. ask a friend or get a jack so you can both lift up the tow hitch underneath the car. no need for jacking up the car. if you are solo you will need a jacket to help lift up the hitch into place
4. screw in the 6 bolts. boom, done in less than 30 mins and you save yourself at least $600 and feel a little more handy than you did 30 mins ago.
#37
Sorry I'm not too savvy when it comes to this sort of stuff. I'm thinking about installing a hitch but the OEM one at the dealer is way too expensive. Would you discourage someone who doesn't know anything about this sort of thing to install this on their own? Does installing this require jacking the vehicle up? Or can it be done just laying underneath it?
#38
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Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: TX
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1-10 difficulty, 10 being a mechanic level
this install is 2
here are the steps:
1. remove plugs underneath the car by popping off with screwdriver (instructions are clear and have pics from etrailer)
2. remove the bolts for the tow bracket (you will need a socket wrench and a extender)
3. ask a friend or get a jack so you can both lift up the tow hitch underneath the car. no need for jacking up the car. if you are solo you will need a jacket to help lift up the hitch into place
4. screw in the 6 bolts. boom, done in less than 30 mins and you save yourself at least $600 and feel a little more handy than you did 30 mins ago.
this install is 2
here are the steps:
1. remove plugs underneath the car by popping off with screwdriver (instructions are clear and have pics from etrailer)
2. remove the bolts for the tow bracket (you will need a socket wrench and a extender)
3. ask a friend or get a jack so you can both lift up the tow hitch underneath the car. no need for jacking up the car. if you are solo you will need a jacket to help lift up the hitch into place
4. screw in the 6 bolts. boom, done in less than 30 mins and you save yourself at least $600 and feel a little more handy than you did 30 mins ago.
#39
#40
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Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: NY - New York
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Today installed Curt hitch (C13272) on my 2016 rx350 ( ordered from etailer and made them price match , there are a few websites which offer this part for less than 120 ). The whole thing ( including taking the pictures) took me about 15 minutes to install by myself . NO bumper cutting is required. The hitch looks nice.
Only one thing needed to be done - bend a heat shield a little bit so it will not touch nor hitch nor bumper ( picture 4)
Comparing with OEM hitch : quotes from lexus dealers were in 1000- 1300 range ( with parts and labor ) - to 114 i paid for curt and 30 minutes of my time.
Only one thing needed to be done - bend a heat shield a little bit so it will not touch nor hitch nor bumper ( picture 4)
Comparing with OEM hitch : quotes from lexus dealers were in 1000- 1300 range ( with parts and labor ) - to 114 i paid for curt and 30 minutes of my time.
#41
Today installed Curt hitch (C13272) on my 2016 rx350 ( ordered from etailer and made them price match , there are a few websites which offer this part for less than 120 ). The whole thing ( including taking the pictures) took me about 15 minutes to install by myself . NO bumper cutting is required. The hitch looks nice.
Only one thing needed to be done - bend a heat shield a little bit so it will not touch nor hitch nor bumper ( picture 4)
Comparing with OEM hitch : quotes from lexus dealers were in 1000- 1300 range ( with parts and labor ) - to 114 i paid for curt and 30 minutes of my time.
Only one thing needed to be done - bend a heat shield a little bit so it will not touch nor hitch nor bumper ( picture 4)
Comparing with OEM hitch : quotes from lexus dealers were in 1000- 1300 range ( with parts and labor ) - to 114 i paid for curt and 30 minutes of my time.
#43
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Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: NY - New York
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check eBay , it seems they have it for 136 and change with free shipping.
#44
Check this out. It might help. http://www.draw-tite.com/support/ins...ion/N75540.pdf
http://www.curtmfg.com/masterlibrary..._13272_INS.PDF
Looks like the main difference between the Curt and the Draw-tite are the number of bolts used to secure to the frame.
Curt uses 6 total bolts while the Draw-tite uses four.
#45
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Location: PA
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Hi,
I didn't use the Lexus OEM hitch, too expensive. Found exact fit from CURT for $119, excellent quality and easy install. Took me only 30 minutes and anyone that's capable of screwing a bolt will be able to do this. while you're under the car, on the driver side, on the inside of the rear bumper, you'll find connector for the lights, it has a cover plug that needs to be removed before connecting the extension CURT 56083 T-Connector. Next locate the connector for the towing converter. It is right behind the removable storage basket on the passenger side inside the car's cargo area. It was covered with black plastic insulation tape. There is a hole right next to it that you can use to secure the converter in place either with the included screw or a tie-rap. Part number for the converter is: PT725-48160. I found it on eBay Total cost: $283
$119 CURT Receiver Hitches - 13272, comes with free 2" receiver plug.
$14 CURT 56083 T-Connector
$150 Relay, Towing Converter PT725-48160 available on ebay
Enjoy
I didn't use the Lexus OEM hitch, too expensive. Found exact fit from CURT for $119, excellent quality and easy install. Took me only 30 minutes and anyone that's capable of screwing a bolt will be able to do this. while you're under the car, on the driver side, on the inside of the rear bumper, you'll find connector for the lights, it has a cover plug that needs to be removed before connecting the extension CURT 56083 T-Connector. Next locate the connector for the towing converter. It is right behind the removable storage basket on the passenger side inside the car's cargo area. It was covered with black plastic insulation tape. There is a hole right next to it that you can use to secure the converter in place either with the included screw or a tie-rap. Part number for the converter is: PT725-48160. I found it on eBay Total cost: $283
$119 CURT Receiver Hitches - 13272, comes with free 2" receiver plug.
$14 CURT 56083 T-Connector
$150 Relay, Towing Converter PT725-48160 available on ebay
Enjoy
Last edited by tomekRX; 08-31-16 at 04:50 AM. Reason: spelling