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We waited forever for the hitch to come in, took it to the dealer and dropped it off and this was how it came back, scratched to hell and with some sort of foam gasket around the cutout. Has anyone else had the OEM hitch installed by a dealer and did it come back mangled like this? This can't possibly be how Lexus intended for it to be installed.
There are a lot of scratches on your bumper and what looks to be a used Lexus rubber hitch cover. Are you saying the dealer made all those scratches on the black bumper trim piece?
I believe the lower black trim of the bumper should have been removed and replaced with the one designed with the hitch cutout. Did they mention there is a bumper trim piece when installing a hitch? I am not sure if that black trim piece with the cutout is available separately or if the entire bumper cover needs to be replaced which involves painting as well.
All things considered, the cutout they did for your install does not look that bad compared to other installs I have seen. However, the dealer should have done a better job informing you of what their installation entails compared to the standard offered by Lexus. Given the scratches, most likely from them removing the trim piece and reinstalling, I would get them to replace with the trim piece made for the hitch.
Yeah they scratched up the plastic while they were at it. There apparently isn't a replacement trim piece in the kit, the black part of the bumper needs to be cut, there is supposed to be a relief that you follow as a template. I don't think the hitch cover is used, I think it is just the lighting, but now that you say it I'll go take a closer look at it.
I also went back and measured it because it didn't look centered, and sure enough the cutout isn't centered and the foam is already coming off in once section.
I did talk to the manager while I was there, he's going to call me back tomorrow, he said he's going to talk to the tech. Worst case scenario I'll just fix it myself, but I just feel like this foam can't be Lexus's intended install.
There apparently isn't a replacement trim piece in the kit, the black part of the bumper needs to be cut, there is supposed to be a relief that you follow
Interesting. If that is the case, the port installers must be using a highly precise cutting process as my bumper does not look cut at all. It may come down to the skill level and professionalism of the person doing the cutting. But that seems rather random for Lexus to endorse.
There is a replacement part with integrated cutout. Your dealer messed up the cut and scratched that part. I would ask them to replace that part with a new part with the cutout.
Their hitch installation instructions for USA will have the part number on it.
They are replacing the whole trim piece, it seems that adding the foam wasn't in the instructions or anything like that, the Tech was just "trying to add a beauty trim and used that foam because he thought it was missing from the kit". They are making it right, that is what matters so I'm happy.
I have had a hitch on my last two RX's and current 2024 RX 350h. All three have been Curt. I just had my Lexus dealership install it $180 and I bought it on line for $220. I was concerned with the looks of it. Did not want it sticking out or looking to obvious. Very pleased. Bike rack holds two bikes. Does not interfere with the kick sensor.
Last edited by Freds430; May 23, 2024 at 12:21 PM.
Hi all - thanks for the great info on this thread.
I use a hitch only for bike racks in the summer time, and my last car had a cheap rusty one - so did not want that the my new 350h
I bought the Torlkift Stainless EcoHitch Part X6062S ($525) and it arrived after about 6 weeks of placing order.
I had installed a hitch previously on my old Acura and had to remove and trim a heat shield...so I did have a tiny bit of experience - but was still nervous, and the instructions that came in box were terribly printed (there is a good PDF of them on this thread btw)
However when I (with a helper - this thing is pretty heavy/sturdy) finally got up and under it was pretty smooth sailing. It takes some wriggling to get into position (I also did not remove kick sensor) but once it is in place, it neatly bolts into existing holes in the frame.
Without receiver it is invisibly flush with bottom of bumper, and receiver easy to add/remove as needed.
I am actually not sure if my kick sensor works with the hitch in place. The kick sensor appears to be aimed directly down the tube that accepts the receiver - and when receiver is not there I am getting "beeps" with my foot, but no opening of door. (I may have inadvertanly disabled it - havent had time to look into it)
Regardless, I am extremely happy with this product, and a moderately handy person (ie. raise car a bit, get down under, hoist hitch bar into place and wrench it into position) can manage in an afternoon.
with receiver in, from back with receiver in, from below
