Has anyone installed a tow hitch on the 7th gen?
04-05-22, 04:31 AM
#46
Just installed on 2022 Lexus RX350: CURT® 13272 - Class 3 Square Concealed Trailer Hitch with 2" Receiver Opening (4000/600 Weight Capacity)
Simple. Less than one hour. Remove 5 plastic plugs from frame drivers side. Remove 3 plastic plugs and 2 bolts holding tie-down bracket from passenger side.
Bolt hitch with 6 bolts and washers (provided) into factory weld nuts. Done.
Tip: You might have to use a putty knife or blade to remove the foam type caulk Lexus used to coat seams before the hitch will fit flat and snug. Check first. I didn't and had to remove to start over.
Now I am searching for a "hoppy" or other brand of quick connect wiring harness. But his Lexus did NOT have factory installed tow wiring. If anyone knows where to obtain, I would sure appreciate the tip. Otherwise it's cut-or-spice and Lexus wire colors don't exactly match the USA.
Simple. Less than one hour. Remove 5 plastic plugs from frame drivers side. Remove 3 plastic plugs and 2 bolts holding tie-down bracket from passenger side.
Bolt hitch with 6 bolts and washers (provided) into factory weld nuts. Done.
Tip: You might have to use a putty knife or blade to remove the foam type caulk Lexus used to coat seams before the hitch will fit flat and snug. Check first. I didn't and had to remove to start over.
Now I am searching for a "hoppy" or other brand of quick connect wiring harness. But his Lexus did NOT have factory installed tow wiring. If anyone knows where to obtain, I would sure appreciate the tip. Otherwise it's cut-or-spice and Lexus wire colors don't exactly match the USA.
Last edited by Peddler; 04-05-22 at 04:34 AM. Reason: Add comment
04-05-22, 08:33 AM
#47
Just installed on 2022 Lexus RX350: CURT® 13272 - Class 3 Square Concealed Trailer Hitch with 2" Receiver Opening (4000/600 Weight Capacity) .
04-16-22, 06:12 PM
#49
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Thread Starter
04-17-22, 08:11 PM
#50
There are no hitches that are advertised to fit the 2019+ ES at this time. Hence why my Curt required slight trimming. The Curt hitch is very hidden. The other hitch that fits the current Camrys which I based my research on is the Draw-Tite. If you look at the installed pictures, the whole tow bar is below the bumper. https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hit...leID=201963262
04-24-22, 01:36 PM
#51
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600 Thank you so much for sharing your valuable information. 
I just bought a 2019 Lexus ES 300H.
I traded my 2013 Lexus ES 300H that had the hitch. I used hitch for light towing of a Jet Ski and utility trailer. Used the utility trailer constantly for all kinds of projects.
Just ordered: From etrailer.com
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4" - C11576
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector - C34FR also part #56417
Hitch Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver with 5" Rise - HT5R "This is great if you want to use a Cargo Holder. There is a good one from Harbor Freight (Haul-Master 500 Lb. Capacity Aluminum Cargo Carrier)
Of course would not use more than 150 pounds if even that, never did in the past with my 2013 ES 300H.
Parts arriving 9/3/21 or possible 9/2/21.
I plan on towing a motorcycle just like you for track days or to that occasional Dragons Tail location in North Carolina etc. I have been to http://jenningsgp.com/ for the track.
"600 where do you live in Florida as I live here to, would be happy to pay you well to install my Htich Receiver etc.. Please let me know if possible my email address is attached to my user name.
I just bought a 2019 Lexus ES 300H.
I traded my 2013 Lexus ES 300H that had the hitch. I used hitch for light towing of a Jet Ski and utility trailer. Used the utility trailer constantly for all kinds of projects.
Just ordered: From etrailer.com
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4" - C11576
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector - C34FR also part #56417
Hitch Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver with 5" Rise - HT5R "This is great if you want to use a Cargo Holder. There is a good one from Harbor Freight (Haul-Master 500 Lb. Capacity Aluminum Cargo Carrier)
Of course would not use more than 150 pounds if even that, never did in the past with my 2013 ES 300H.
Parts arriving 9/3/21 or possible 9/2/21.
I plan on towing a motorcycle just like you for track days or to that occasional Dragons Tail location in North Carolina etc. I have been to http://jenningsgp.com/ for the track.
"600 where do you live in Florida as I live here to, would be happy to pay you well to install my Htich Receiver etc.. Please let me know if possible my email address is attached to my user name.
I am hoping there is NOT MUCH DIFFERENCE from Normal 2019 ES 350 and 2019 ES 300H in the frame or blocking items where hitch needs to go?
Did you install the trailer Hitch successfully? I am considering a 2022 ES 30h but really have a bike rack that we use on the Acura RDX that Im trading in and I need to have it on the ES.
Thanks
04-24-22, 10:57 PM
#52
To sell a vehicle with an optional tow hitch, the manufacturer or the third party aftermarket supplier must do safety crash testing to certify.
Because the manufacturer does not anticipate many customers purchasing the tow hitch option, the manufacturer has not provided formal crash testing for certification.
Hence we end up with examples where a vehicle comes optional with tow hitches in one country, but the exact same vehicle does not have optional tow hitches in another country.
Because the manufacturer does not anticipate many customers purchasing the tow hitch option, the manufacturer has not provided formal crash testing for certification.
Hence we end up with examples where a vehicle comes optional with tow hitches in one country, but the exact same vehicle does not have optional tow hitches in another country.
04-25-22, 06:40 AM
#53
To sell a vehicle with an optional tow hitch, the manufacturer or the third party aftermarket supplier must do safety crash testing to certify.
Because the manufacturer does not anticipate many customers purchasing the tow hitch option, the manufacturer has not provided formal crash testing for certification.
Hence we end up with examples where a vehicle comes optional with tow hitches in one country, but the exact same vehicle does not have optional tow hitches in another country.
Because the manufacturer does not anticipate many customers purchasing the tow hitch option, the manufacturer has not provided formal crash testing for certification.
Hence we end up with examples where a vehicle comes optional with tow hitches in one country, but the exact same vehicle does not have optional tow hitches in another country.
And leads to the next question: Are there any countries outside the USA where there are tow hitches explicitly marketed for the ES?
04-25-22, 05:26 PM
#54
I was against the locally available aftermarket Curts because they hang too low beneath the rear skirt, so are known to scrape the curbs.
If I'm not wrong, the Curts is a more heavy duty rated tow hitch than the European Lexus OEM tow hitch.
Last edited by peteharvey; 04-25-22 at 06:05 PM.
04-25-22, 06:32 PM
#55
But that European GS hitch, as I guess one would expect from an OEM option, is a very sleek installation. Thanks for sharing it!
11-12-22, 07:48 AM
#56
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U-Haul Ultra Lux Hitch Install
My 2021 ES 350 Ultra Lux has the lateral stability damper and the kick sensor that may physically obstruct a hitch installation. I want to install a hitch for a bike rack and called U-Haul and they say they can install a Draw-Tite CQT36643 (Draw-Tite Class II Hitch: Part Number:36643) on the ES 350 Ultra Lux. Has anyone had U-Haul install a hitch on your 2019 to 2022 ES 350 Ultra Lux?
11-17-22, 07:33 AM
#57
Re: towing
I’ve only had my 19 ES350 for a couple of months but I’ve noticed how incredibly soft the rear springs are. I wouldn’t be surprised if the low/zero tow rating has something to do with the soft springs. With less than 100lbs in the trunk forward of the rear wheels, the rear drops about 3/4”. Have anyone with a hitch installed notice this at all? Anyone aware of replacement springs for cargo/increased capacity for people hauling?
11-18-22, 07:43 PM
#58
I’ve only had my 19 ES350 for a couple of months but I’ve noticed how incredibly soft the rear springs are. I wouldn’t be surprised if the low/zero tow rating has something to do with the soft springs. With less than 100lbs in the trunk forward of the rear wheels, the rear drops about 3/4”. Have anyone with a hitch installed notice this at all? Anyone aware of replacement springs for cargo/increased capacity for people hauling?
02-17-23, 12:28 PM
#59
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My 2021 ES 350 Ultra Lux has the lateral stability damper and the kick sensor that may physically obstruct a hitch installation. I want to install a hitch for a bike rack and called U-Haul and they say they can install a Draw-Tite CQT36643 (Draw-Tite Class II Hitch: Part Number:36643) on the ES 350 Ultra Lux. Has anyone had U-Haul install a hitch on your 2019 to 2022 ES 350 Ultra Lux?
