Anyone know if this can be installed by myself after buy the parts. How hard would that be? Just got the TX 2025 model recently and want to add the oem tow hitch. Could go with the dealership but wants 2K, parts seem to cost around $600-700. Thanks

 

I don't know for sure, but it should be doable. I specifically bought it on my TX. I knew full well that the $1,300 or whatever was at least 2X what paying U-Haul would cost, but I just didn't want to take the chance of something getting messed up. My TX 550h+ was so expensive to start with, what's another $1k here and there.

I've installed several tow hitches, included one on my wife's old RX, and in that case, I did have to cut away significant portions of some plastic shroud. I have no idea if the TX would require that. I also think the kick sensor for the back hatch has to be moved. Mine is offset to the left about 8-10 inches.

The basic mounting of the hitches is likely 2-3 bolts on each side. Really simple. I found torquing to spec to be a bit difficult. Also, I think it's common for hitches to be a bit wonky in their shape. Perhaps the heat from welding warps them a tad. You might have to do a little persuading to get all the bolts in. So you might have to apply a strategically located clamp to pull something over just enough to get a bolt started. Hitches are also pretty heavy, so you might find a helper, well helpful. The main thing is you need to kind of hold up both sides together to get the first bolt started. So, you might have to figure a way to hold one side up near final position while you push up the other with one had and put a bolt in with the other.

It's late now, but if I remember, I'll try to post some pics tomorrow of what it looks like under there. That way you could compare to what you've got. Especially concerning possibly having to cut away some of any shroud that is in the way.

 

It can be something you can do yourself. Although I haven't done it to my tx500h, it is on my to-do list, I've done the OEM running boards, OEM mudflaps, OEM rear cargo hatch lights. Based on the videos I've watched that I've linked, it seems the tow hitch is the most laborious of these projects.

 

I would note that the OEM hitch includes replacing the bumper with one that accommodates the receiver. The after market ones hang below the existing bumper. Not sure what is involved with removing and reinstalling a bumper.

 

Had the dealer install the hitch. It required a different bumper as well as moving the rear sensors. Ours was the first one they installed. Cost was $3 K

 

Do you have a 500H?

Ive read elsewhere that the 500h requires a new bumper piece whereas the 350 and 550h does not.

 

I have a TX 350 and with the dealer installed hitch and it does have a different bumper than one with no hitch.

 

lexus instructions for oem hitch.
easy-moderate to DIY, riskiest is probably breaking some clips on the bumper during removal but i bet dealers aren't perfect either.
i think it took me about 2 hours. list of tools required is in pdf.

 

the process is pretty much the same as grand highlander but uses different parts. search youtube

 

Thank you for the responses. I have not found anything in YouTube for the TX 350 oem hitch install. There is a good video about the grand Hylander. Does anyone have all the parts needed and part number for the oem install?
the bumper will need to be replaced and also the kick sensor
thanks

 

please read the pdf attached above.

 

Wow thanks I’ll take a look.
wondering if this process is exactly the same as the grand Hylander video shown on youtube
or is there some differences

 

I'm pretty sure the vehicle in the pdf is a grand highlander and they switched to CAD drawings for the Lexus specifics.
Here's the PDF in color.

 

Does anyone with a TX 500h have pictures of their hitch receiver installed? TIA

 

Has anyone done it themselves and can share their experiences? Picked up a TX 350 and want to get the hitch installed, and curious if it's reasonable to do at home.