lexus114

Thanx Harrier.

mikey00

I just checked and as you said I have the blue converter box. I must have mixed up my 2000 with my 2001 because I know I had empty mounting studs there last time I looked. If you look in the black plastic compartment under the spare tire which you access fron under the car, you will find a connector. This is where the short pigtail connects that runs to the hitch.

lexus114

Oh,okay thats what I found,its kinda small,and it was under the plastic cover,that covers the charcoal canister.(like you mentioned)

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Sounds good. Now just pray that Lexus sell the short pigtail lead from the box to the hitch! If they don't, you should be able to buy an aftermarket extension harness that you can splice into that pre-wiring piece (that way you're not cutting into any of the car's core electrical wiring, just the prewiring sub-harness, which can be replaced relatively easily should the need arise).

Good luck!

lexus114

Just found one on e-bay $23.00.... and its an o.e.m plug in........(YES!!!!), da,da,dada,dit,dit,dada,dit,dada!!!!!!!!!!!!

lastplace

as far as the hitch goes all 02 hitches I've seen have the muffler cut out. Some web sites do not show you the exact hitch, just a generic picture of a hitch.

Here's a web site for a 01, all cut out

http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2001_Lexus_RX300.htm

lexus114

Thats very good information,thank you.
Ryan

lexus114

I have one more question re:the hitch wiring.As you all know I got the wiring from the converter box,to the hitch.Now,what about the part that plugs into a trailer? I have looked at some vehicles with class III hitches on them,and I see a coupler that is mounted on or near the hitch.Does that come on the hitch?

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

The harness you got on ebay should have the car side connector (4 pin) on the end of it. That should screw into 2 holes in the hitch. The trailer (eg U-Haul) should come with a wiring harness that has a mating 4 pin connector to your car. They also have a secondary grounding arrangement (alligator clip for attaching to the ball stud on your hitch) on the trailer.

lexus114

Thanx sktn,I appreciate your reply.

lexus114

Hey Guys,do any of you know what size the hitch mounting bolts are? Length,size etc.?

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

You could try calling the dealership parts department - they should have this information in their parts catalog.

lexus114

I think I found it online,and it was like pulling teeth.Supposedly,they are grade 5 1/2-13 x 2 1/4 carriage bolts.I called my local dealer,and they just list a hitch cap,and hitch.No bolts

lastplace

I pretty sure they are metric 10mm x about 1.5 to 2", you torque them to 37 lbs.

There are 6 pre-drilled and threaded mounts in the frame, you have to remove the rear tie downs.

HarrierAWD

You can buy the hitch pin and other towing accessories at any auto store or U-Haul. The folks at U-Haul are generally very helpful and knowledgeable since they rent trailers.

What do you plan on towing anyway? If you want to tow a trailer, don't forget the safety chain.