Just installed a trailor hitch for my Rx. Came out nice. Took about an hour. Longest part was taking apart plastic splash guard. I purchased the Curt hitch model#13143 for F sport. Also ordered wiring for t-connector from curt part #56083 which fit the plug on underneath by driver side. Didn't know if I had tow relay fuse box. Was about to order it but popped open the rectangular cover next to trunk door and was happy to see it was already installed. Also used a utility knife to cut out space for hitch on splash guard instead of dremel. The plastic happened to sit in 90 degree sun while I was installing and the knife cut through like butter. Measured just enough to fit around the frame. Nice clean cut. The instructions make you cut too wide leaving a big gap. The otther thing I didn't do that the instructions had was to undo the exhaust from hanger. I was able to angle it in to go over the exhaust. Also ordered a rubber Lexus rubber plug. I think it was $10. Here some pics!

 

Are there already holes for bolts on the frame?

 

Yes. The instructions that come with it are pretty detailed. You have to take off the tow hooks which have two holes. There is another hole in the frame. The hitch requires 3 on each side. Easy to install. Just need socket wench. It comes with all the bolts so you don't use old ones. Also can't use tow hooks anymore but no need to use them if you have a hitch. I bought everything on Amazon. Pretty good price.

 

Yes, you will have to remove the factory tow hooks as that is what the hitch uses as pre-existing holes. I installed mine like 3 weeks ago, it is a great value. The only issue i had with it is that there is nowhere to attach the wiring harness to the hitch so it just floats around. I used a zip tie to have it blend in and it looks ok but not factory.

 

I was able to re-install my OEM tow hooks with the Curt hitch (but, I don't have the F-Sport).

 

Hmm interesting... You def can install them but I would be worried of the strength of the bolt as it is now not completely threaded into the frame. When you are maxing out the weight of the frame it could come into play?

 

Yes. Regular model can reuse tow hooks. Can't on Fsport because you have to hook the sway bar back on.

 

I believe that's how all hitches are installed. Even dealerships use the existing holes to mount the hitch.

 

That is why Curt provides longer bolts, to allow for the addition of the hitch.
If you did indeed re-use the shorter OEM bolts, your fears would be well founded.

 

Also your using a third hole that just has a plastic plug in it that you take out.

 

Same hitch installed here. Definitely use the longer bolts supplied by Curt. Overall, I'm happy with my purchase. No need to get OEM hitch over this one, especially since the function is no different.

 

DITTO!
And the saving of many $$$'s over the Lexus OEM hitch isn't bad either.

 

Checked with hitch shop?

 

Search using exact words of your thread nets this:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...installed.html

 

Thanks for the link. I knew the answer would be on here I just needed help finding it.