RX300 towing package?
06-23-01, 08:47 AM
#1
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I was led to beleive that my 2001 rx300 already had a wiring harness installed and it was just a matter of a plugin in the rear to complete the wiring. The parts dept at my dealer told me I needed a $350 wiring harness installed that was 20 foot long and would take 2-3 hours to install. Does anyone know about this?
The sticker on car says it came with a towing preparation package w/transmission oil cooler. What does that include? I have installed the trailer hitch frame from another rx300.
Any help on this would be appreciated.
The sticker on car says it came with a towing preparation package w/transmission oil cooler. What does that include? I have installed the trailer hitch frame from another rx300.
Any help on this would be appreciated.
06-23-01, 11:12 PM
#2
Moderator
I added the Lexus trailer hitch to my 99 FWD RX. Whic haad the hitch, mounting bolts, instructions and elctrical stuff listed below.
The Lexus kit included the electrical isolator and wiring harness. The wiring harness had to be connected to the left and right rear lights connector [no splicing required] and the third end connected to the isolator block. Another cable from the isolator block had to be run to the hitch to form the connector for the trailer. It took me almost 2hrs to work on it and skilled professional who have done it before can maybe do it in an hour.
All of this electrical work was in the trunk around the spare wheel well and inside the rear trim.
I have no idea about the sticker that you mentioned.
Before anyone goes trogh the trouble/expense, do consider the end purpose ... bike rack or real trailer]
Salim
The Lexus kit included the electrical isolator and wiring harness. The wiring harness had to be connected to the left and right rear lights connector [no splicing required] and the third end connected to the isolator block. Another cable from the isolator block had to be run to the hitch to form the connector for the trailer. It took me almost 2hrs to work on it and skilled professional who have done it before can maybe do it in an hour.
All of this electrical work was in the trunk around the spare wheel well and inside the rear trim.
I have no idea about the sticker that you mentioned.
Before anyone goes trogh the trouble/expense, do consider the end purpose ... bike rack or real trailer]
Salim
Last edited by salimshah; 06-23-01 at 11:17 PM.
06-23-01, 11:17 PM
#3
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My 2000 RX came with the towing package too and I had the trailer hitch installed at the dealer as part of the deal b/f I bought and picked it up. That included the trailer wiring for trailer stop lamps.
I was told that for the '01 models the trailer hitch has to be factory installed. Something to do with the wiring - not exactly sure. I do know that the hitch itself does look different for '01. For me having one is a must and i keep the trailer ball on all the time for extra protection against getting rear ended....oh, and of course towing when needed.
I was told that for the '01 models the trailer hitch has to be factory installed. Something to do with the wiring - not exactly sure. I do know that the hitch itself does look different for '01. For me having one is a must and i keep the trailer ball on all the time for extra protection against getting rear ended....oh, and of course towing when needed.
06-23-01, 11:24 PM
#4
Moderator
The trailer hitch may provide extra protection for minor fender benders but can cause more damage to the RX structure when hit a little harder.
I saw a disclaimer or be aware note which came with the kit. It essentially stated to REMOVE the hitch when it is not be used to prevent damage in case of accident.
Salim
I saw a disclaimer or be aware note which came with the kit. It essentially stated to REMOVE the hitch when it is not be used to prevent damage in case of accident.
Salim
06-24-01, 09:38 PM
#5
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salimshah, thanks for the warning. That makes sense with the RX's unibody construction. My Yukon's frame construction was more durable with the rear-ending I endured on the highway one afternoon. The trailer hitch on that beast was bolted to the frame and I had to ball on.
This guy in a chevy astro van slid behind me in my lane quickly, while I was slamming on the brakes b/c someone else swirved in front of me. I got as close to the car in front as I could to prevent the wreck - i knew what was going to happen...BAHM! The van hit me, it dented his front bumper, but hit the Yukon's trailer ball and all was okay with the Yukon...luckily.
This guy in a chevy astro van slid behind me in my lane quickly, while I was slamming on the brakes b/c someone else swirved in front of me. I got as close to the car in front as I could to prevent the wreck - i knew what was going to happen...BAHM! The van hit me, it dented his front bumper, but hit the Yukon's trailer ball and all was okay with the Yukon...luckily.
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