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Lexus RX: How to Install A Tow Trailer Hitch

The Lexus RX is capable of towing anything from 1,500 to 3,500 pounds. Here's how to install a trailer hitch and start hauling loads.

By Piyush Kayastha - December 29, 2014

This article applies to the Lexus RX (2005-2013).

It is not uncommon to see a tow hitch hooked to the back of an SUV or small truck, both of which have the power to haul different types of loads, like a set of bicycles, a small flat bed, or a U-Haul carrier. The process of installing the necessary trailer hitch is fairly straight forward. Read on for more information.

Materials Needed

  • Small hydraulic jack
  • Ratchet set
  • Torque wrench
  • Impact wrench

Step 1 - Remove lower fascia

On the bottom rear of the Lexus RX is a plastic fascia that covers the underside. It must be removed in order to access the mounting points to install the brackets for the hitch.

  • Remove 13 fasteners using your wrench.
Figure 1. Use a wrench to undo the fascia fasteners.

Step 2 - Remove existing tow lifts

There are one of these on each side, left and right. Remove them in order to attach brackets for the tow hitch.

  • Using an Impact wrench or your ratchet set, remove three bolts from each component on each side to remove them.
Figure 2. Bolts secure the tow lifts.

Pro Tip

These will be re-installed when the hitch is installed.

Step 3 - Install hitch

Now that the location is completely clear, the hitch can be installed in place of the original tow lifts.

  • Install the hitch with the fasteners toward the front of the vehicle to hold it up.
  • Install the remaining fasteners to re-install the tow lifts.
  • Torque down all fasteners to specs per included instructions.
  • Figure 3. Install the bolts in the pre-drilled holes.
  • Figure 3a. Install the bolts in the pre-drilled holes.
  • Figure 4. Torque the bolts per manual's standards.

Pro Tip

Alternatively, if you do not have access to a lift, you can use a small hydraulic jack to lift and align the hitch to the mounting points.

Step 4 - Cut out slot on fascia

In order to accommodate the tow hitch receiver, you will need to cut out a slot on the plastic fascia. You will also need to cut a section out on the passenger side to accommodate the tow lift.

  • Measure 6" x 4.5" and mark off with chalk or pen.
  • Use Dremel and cut slot.
  • Figure 5. Use a Dremel to cut slots.
  • Figure 6. Cut out a section on the passenger side.

Step 5 - Re-install fascia

Now that the necessary slots have been cut, adjustments can be made for fitment, and it is time to install it back under the vehicle.

  • Secure fascia and snug fasteners back into place.
Figure 7. Re-install the fascia fasteners.

Featured Video: Installation of a Trailer Hitch on a 2010 Lexus RX 350

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