Rx300 hitch install help
03-17-05, 04:56 PM
#1
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Rx300 hitch install help
I've read lots of bits and pieces of information on this site regarding hitch installation. I own a 2000 rx300. It does not have a hitch nor can I find any wire pre installation. So I need your help. What I'd like to know is...
What wiring harness' do i need for a complete install, and expected cost (after market and/or OEM)
What hitch as well, expected cost. Again after market or OEM.
My understanding is that the OEM hitch is a 2000 lb. capacity hitch. Any other info would be appriciated such as, how can I tell if I have the oversized radiator and tranny cooler.
All your help is much appriciated....thanks
What wiring harness' do i need for a complete install, and expected cost (after market and/or OEM)
What hitch as well, expected cost. Again after market or OEM.
My understanding is that the OEM hitch is a 2000 lb. capacity hitch. Any other info would be appriciated such as, how can I tell if I have the oversized radiator and tranny cooler.
All your help is much appriciated....thanks
03-18-05, 12:32 AM
#3
Lexus Test Driver
I put a hitch on my 2000 RX300 when I bought it.
This is the hitch I bought.
http://www.etrailer.com/productdetai...rfrom=2000&h=e
If your RX doesn't have the wiring harness (which it most likely won't) then you will need to buy the trailer hitch wiring harness from Lexus, PN 08921-00031).
Here's a pic of the rear of my RX w/ the hitch installed. I hope this helps you out.
This is the hitch I bought.
http://www.etrailer.com/productdetai...rfrom=2000&h=e
If your RX doesn't have the wiring harness (which it most likely won't) then you will need to buy the trailer hitch wiring harness from Lexus, PN 08921-00031).
Here's a pic of the rear of my RX w/ the hitch installed. I hope this helps you out.
03-18-05, 04:51 AM
#4
Lexus Test Driver
I used the hitch recommened above (HiddenHitch #70777). It's a very easy install, high quality, looks better than the Lexus hitch and can be had on the internet for a little over $100.
I am not sure what is in the wiring kit part number mentioned above. But what you basically need is a Lexus controller and a short pigtail to go from the controller to the hitch. The controller plugs into a plug under the car located in a black plastic box just foward of the rear bumper. As long as you have this plug, and I bet you do, there is no need to use one of the more complex wiring kits that have you making all the connections manually. This link should explain all:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ng+prep+package
I am not sure what is in the wiring kit part number mentioned above. But what you basically need is a Lexus controller and a short pigtail to go from the controller to the hitch. The controller plugs into a plug under the car located in a black plastic box just foward of the rear bumper. As long as you have this plug, and I bet you do, there is no need to use one of the more complex wiring kits that have you making all the connections manually. This link should explain all:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ng+prep+package
03-18-05, 08:39 AM
#6
Lexus Test Driver
03-18-05, 11:18 AM
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Is this the pigtail i'm looking for???
Thanks for all the help. I found this pigtail on the drivers side rear cargo compatment. It is the only "free" one I could find. I have removed all the componets from behind the rear bench only to find nothing...bummer. Hopefully this is the one...thanks again to everyone for the help!!!
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03-18-05, 11:32 AM
#8
Lexus Test Driver
If that's all you have then you need the Lexus part # above which includes the controller and the wiring harness. It's all plug and play right into the factory harnesses so there's no splicing involved at all.
03-18-05, 11:46 AM
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Plug & Play
Thank you. So if I understand correctly I just need to install wiring harness part #PN 08921-00031 into this plug and run it to the hitch?
03-18-05, 12:18 PM
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The only black box located underneath the vehicle in or around the cargo area is attatched to the fuel tank. It appears to only house fuel related items. It is a plastic cover and measures approx 18" x 9". Can I assume I do not have any prewiring installed?
03-18-05, 12:36 PM
#12
Lexus Test Driver
Go to this link and scroll down to the pictures at the bottom. If you don't have this plug you need to hardwire the RX.
http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/me...egory_Code=VWH
http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/me...egory_Code=VWH
Last edited by mikey00; 03-18-05 at 12:46 PM.
03-18-05, 01:09 PM
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Thank you Mikey. I turns out I do not have this plug, so am now faced with hard wiring. The pict I attached in my previous post looks to be part of the wiring diagram #19 from the link you posted. Any thoughts? Could be a matter of plugging the convertor into this and running the harnesses to their respected positions? Thaks again...
03-18-05, 01:59 PM
#14
Lexus Test Driver
If you don't have the plug you have to hard wire it. The e-trailer link I supplied above has a link in it to click on if you don't have the plug. It takes you to the kit you need for hardwireing. I think another poster said the wireing kit is about a 4 hour install. I would check the yellow pages for places that do trailer hitch installs. They do these installs all the time and are usually pretty reasonable and quick. I would try to find one that sells the hidden-hitch #70777 and let them do the wiring with the method they recommend.
