RX - 3rd Gen (2010-2015) Discussion topics related to the 2010 - 2015 RX350 and RX450H models

hidden tow hitch

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-30-19, 04:21 PM
  #106  
ISterguy
Rookie
 
ISterguy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: tx
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Wgregt - Yes, it looks like you do NOT have the harness. The harness will connect to that connector you are seeing. Normally there would be a cap over the connector. You should see pins in those connector holes.

Last edited by ISterguy; 06-30-19 at 04:24 PM. Reason: Added more comment.
Old 07-03-19, 09:18 AM
  #107  
wgregt
Pit Crew
 
wgregt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: ca
Posts: 105
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Went to the dealer. Had no idea about the missing cap. Everyone else here have one but me? Seems like a good idea to keep water etc out of the pin holes. Part number, anyone, since Lexus dealer couldn't find one? I'd love to find one if I could.
Old 07-03-19, 10:50 AM
  #108  
Clutchless
Moderator
 
Clutchless's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: VA
Posts: 5,908
Received 1,175 Likes on 1,003 Posts
Default

Those caps are pretty standard across Toyota, Lexus and probably most other makes as hitch connections are pretty standard. I would try a trailer hitch shop.
Old 07-03-19, 06:30 PM
  #109  
paperthin
Pit Crew
 
paperthin's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Ontario
Posts: 122
Received 17 Likes on 15 Posts
Default

Look closer at the connector. It looks to me like that the cap is there, but it is hard to tell from the picture. I know I made the mistake and starting pulling out each individual little rubber cylinder with a pick only to realize it was a cap that came off. Just take a second look, might be the case.
Old 07-04-19, 03:47 AM
  #110  
Clutchless
Moderator
 
Clutchless's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: VA
Posts: 5,908
Received 1,175 Likes on 1,003 Posts
Default

I agree now. I think that gray thing is the cap for the 4 plug harness connector.
Old 07-04-19, 07:42 AM
  #111  
wgregt
Pit Crew
 
wgregt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: ca
Posts: 105
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

I'll get under there once the hitch gets here and post back up with what I find.
Old 07-08-19, 09:07 PM
  #112  
wgregt
Pit Crew
 
wgregt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: ca
Posts: 105
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Hey gang: With Curt hitch # 13143, are the supplied bolts long enough to allow me to reinstall the tow hooks on each side? Or do I need to get new bolts to do this?
Old 07-09-19, 12:35 PM
  #113  
Raoul
Intermediate
 
Raoul's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: NH
Posts: 304
Received 17 Likes on 14 Posts
Default

The new bolts provided are longer than the OEM to allow for hitch and reinstall tow loops.
Old 07-09-19, 01:56 PM
  #114  
RX040
Driver School Candidate
 
RX040's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: ND
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I just did that install a few days ago and elected to reinstall the tow hooks, as it is an option. Glad I did.
Old 07-09-19, 03:03 PM
  #115  
wgregt
Pit Crew
 
wgregt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: ca
Posts: 105
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Cool. Thanks, peoples!
Old 03-07-20, 05:04 PM
  #116  
edvb
Driver School Candidate
 
edvb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: WI
Posts: 21
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

I just got my RX350 and it had a Draw-Tite hitch installed. The last owner cut most off the bottom splash shield and the hitch was rusty. I ordered a new Curt C13143 hitch,Wiring harness for vehicle with tow prep and bottom splash guard for under $300.00
Trust me the Curt hitch is worth the cost to replace the Draw-Tite in how it fits and no need to butcher the Slash guard to make it fit.

The way the hitch tube bends up make it seem like I had to cut the guard on top the side more than I should but it fits just right when you look at it at a different angle that I could not do with my camera.

The next time I have to remove the splash shield I will sand all the cut edges smooth but those are closeups are with a flash so you cannot see that it real life.

The width of the cut for the hitch is narrower than what is stated on the instructions. I think it looks better as the gap is smaller and making a small hole on the left side locks the wiring harness going to the flat 4 pin connector in place to prevent movement.

Just trying to help those that are thinking of installing a hitch


Side cut to clear hitch tube going up at an angle

Receiver cutout with half round cutout for wiring harness

Fastening wire harness to top of hitch

Receiver splash panel cutout

Receiver splash panel cutout

Side cut to clear hitch tube going up at an angle. The top could be cut a little tighter but at another view it looks fine

Bottom view of receiver cutout

Wire harness locked in by half moon cutout. Marks on receiver tube will just buff out.


Old 03-07-20, 07:32 PM
  #117  
wgregt
Pit Crew
 
wgregt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: ca
Posts: 105
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Clutchless
I agree now. I think that gray thing is the cap for the 4 plug harness connector.

You are correct sir. It was the cap on there.
Old 03-07-20, 07:33 PM
  #118  
wgregt
Pit Crew
 
wgregt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: ca
Posts: 105
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

I also put one of these on mine. I keep a $20 in there and a spare set of keys for the car and house. Works well.

http://hitchsafe.com/
Old 03-10-20, 07:10 AM
  #119  
sktn77a
Lead Lap
iTrader: (2)
 
sktn77a's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Posts: 4,643
Received 317 Likes on 275 Posts
Default

Hmmm............. So if they want to steal your hitch cap, they get your keys and money, too?



Old 03-10-20, 08:56 AM
  #120  
wgregt
Pit Crew
 
wgregt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: ca
Posts: 105
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

No. The rubber cap is just...a rubber cap. The safe is....a safe. With a 4 digit combo that I pick. It locks into the hitch hole with locking pins. The safe itself is a tray that slides out. The safe combo dial is covered with a tight weatherproof rubber cap that hides the combo face etc. Looking at it in traffic, all you see is the rubber cap.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
dpwct
GX - 1st Gen (2003-2009)
4
03-11-16 05:20 AM
2OnyxLexus
GX - 1st Gen (2003-2009)
15
04-05-12 01:01 PM



Quick Reply: hidden tow hitch



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 09:38 PM.