b67

Hi New to the forum but have been prowling for a while, anyway...

I put a Curt hitch on this past weekend, took less than 2 hours, most of the time spent removing, triming and reinstalling the fascia. Cost was $153

It looks good but I am all for a finished look and the Curt does not have the bracket that the lexus has for the flat plug. Anyone install a plug to give it a nice finished look?

I see etrailer.com has some brackets but the hidden nature of the hitch changes things up a bit... There is an intersting magnetic one they have that would at least prevent a dangling wire and give a somewhat finished look

Thanks

beckysdad

I installed a Curt Hitch on my 2010 FWD RX350, and have been looking for a way to get trailer lights installed.
Yesterday I had my 6-month service done and while there asked the parts department to research on how to wire trailer lights to my SUV since no towing package was available for the FWD RX. He copied my VIN and spent about 15 minutes on his computer and talking with other parts departments, and then told me that there are no parts available to enable trailer lighting.

So the question is if anyone without the towing package found a way to wire a trailer connection to the FWD RX? Because of the LED Brake lights, I know it takes a special way of doing this so as to not screw up the Lexus.

Finally had personalized settings changed also: Windows open with key remote; Bluetooth transmit volume raised; and obnoxious seat belt warning chime disabled. While there they also completed the Limited Service Campaign to replace the AC sub-assembly. And they added another yellow sticker to the door frame changing the vehicle gross weight capacity.

Now to just get the trailer wiring completed - U-haul was no help as they say to contact the Lexus dealer.

Tom

4482

Tom: I've never heard of the AC sub-assembly campaign. Could you elaborate on what it's all about please.

Thanks,
Carl

beckysdad

Check out this link, it has the details. If it applies to you, you should have received a notice by now.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...10-rx350s.html

Tom

tazdevl

Terry... you notice more wind noise in the back of the vehicle after they cut out the bumper? Had the OE hitch put on and I'm pretty sure there's more turbulent wind noise in the back of the car.

Also noticed all of a sudden more roof wind noise... not sure if there is something up with the sunroof or it's crossbar wind noise and I just didn't notice it before.

tnb1

Dealer put it on before I picked it up so I don't know what it sounded like before. Don't notice any excessive wind noise.
Terry

wlexusnh

Ok, looking for some advice from those that have gone down this road already-

Looking to firm up the part numbers needed, as most online sites list two very different hitches for the RX 350.

Model: 13539 and Model: 13541 Both are Class 3, 2" hitches by CURT.
Also, what is the proper wiring kit part number? I'm finding T-Connector # 56083.

Thanks everyone.

beckysdad

The Curt hitch I installed was number 13539, which cost $153.43 including shipping. Installed by myself easily in about a half hour.

My RX350 is FWD and the towing package was not available, so I had to buy the ModuLite adapter wiring kit, rather than use the pigtail adapter that plugs into the receptaclel under the left rear bumper. I purchased the adapter kit from redtrailers.com for $49.99 delivered. Kit number 118478.

Tom

np0531

The dealer actually told you the towing package wasn't available?

I got my FWD RX350 last month with the towing package installed. There was a small problem with the electrical at first, something about installer a converter box that wasn't included in the original installation instructions from Lexus.

Price I think was around $700-$800 including labor...but so far everything seems to work properly.

wlexusnh

Hello,
Just a quick update-
Wife's 2010 AWD RX 350, I spoke to Discounthitches.com this AM,
Confirmed that both models will fit, one is being phased out. Purchased the newer model (13541) , + wiring harness (56083) plus picked up a hitch lock, all with free shipping! Installation will be a breeze, and this will end up costing me under $200. Will follow up here with a post if there are any snags with install or wiring.

iralynn

I just installed the Curt hitch. Simple bolt on install. You have to remove the tie down brackets and the fascia and cut it to allow the hitch receiver part to fit and then reinstall the fascia. You can leave the tie down brackets off. The harness is for the hitch wiring , but it requires a "modulator" to be installed for it to be functional. Without it the wiring does not function, at least on the FWD model without the towing prep package installed. I had this done by "The Hitch House" in Sarasota Florida.

wlexusnh

Weird, I just put the Curt in ( like you said, piece of cake) and the wiring adapter plugged right in. Oddly, the part number I have shows a modulator on some sites and not others. The unit I received did not have a modulator. It did attach right to the harness, as decribed. Will test it tomorrow and post the results.

BillON1

First time with a trailer on the Curt hitch.... wiring worked as advertised, no additional parts required, just plugged in the harness that shipped with the hitch, plugged other end into trailer wiring and it all works.

Bill

b67

Hey iralynn,

The plug for the trailer, is that just attached to the plastic cover or did they attach to some sort of metal underneath?

I want to add one of those plugs instead of shoving the wire away when not in use

adamalbert

Hello all,
As with others, my dealer has quoted me over $1,000 to install a hitch. He states that it takes the place of the main cross bean in the back and that the bumper must be removed to do so.
My question: how much of a difference do the OEM hitch make in performance and appearance? Base on the posted pictures, both look good.
Thank you,
Adam