SFocLA

looks great and hidden!

RXOwner

I was very happy as even the Lexus people had no idea what the installed hitch looked like. I asked to be brought back to the vehicle while it was on the lift so I could get great images from under but they forgot and brought it up to the portico and it was raining like crazy. I feared this huge hitch would be sticking out past the bumper.

Will post images of the wiring outlet and hitch from under the RX this weekend.

Very happy!

GSY

thanks for posting the pics!

jwrichter

Try $212 out the door for class 2 from U-haul. No wires.

RXOwner

What does it look like? Got pictures?

SFocLA

First off Uhaul wont have this until months from now. Secondly do you really want a uhaul guy working on your new car that he has never worked on before?

For those considering a tow hitch, I discovered the following info:

1. 2 types of tow hitch mounts- one that is bolted, other is welded. I never knew this. Most of the cars I have owned had factory tow hitches. Depending on what you are towing make sure you are choosing the right option. I also have had uhaul hitches installed my old prius which worked fine. Welding on hitches seem more secure from what I have been readin since its on the frame.

2. Welded on hitches- lexus sales rep explained "if you get something welded you may risk us not being able to accept your car if you trade it in because we can not certify it since it is affecting the integrity of the frame" This is all talk, but something to consider if true. I dont care, I am not trading in.

3. Lexus RX has a tow prep kit that needed to be ordered as an ption with your car could be an issue getting a lexus factory hitch because they will not install it unless you sign a ton of waivers.

After all my research I am probably going through a custom hitch company that I mentioned previously. Seems more secure and obviously cheaper than the factory if I could consider that as an option.

RON7

The factory hitch really looks great, I like how hidden it looks.
Is there some one who can tell me who manufactures the hitches for lexus. I would
like to buy one locally and install it my self. Thanks

sharkbite

The latest price quote from my local Lexus dealer for installing the OEM hitch on my RX:

$550 for the hitch
$176.57 for the bumper absorber (Apparently needs to be replaced to install the factory hitch... can anyone confirm? I don't remember reading about anyone else having to replace this part for previous OEM hitches.)
$495 for 3 hours labor

Total job = $1221.57!!!

RXOwner

If you look at post number 30 in this thread you will see my 4RX with factory hitch installed and the grey trim piece under the bumper has to be replaced with the one in my images.

Mine was a little over $1k out the door. I had to wait less than two hours for the job to complete.

Bearcat

Did you already have the tow prep package on yours as well?

sharkbite

Yes, my car came with the Towing-Prep option.

sharkbite

Hmm, I saw your photo in post 30 and it looks really nice. I just didn't know if the replacement trim piece for the cutout around the OEM hitch is also considered to be the "absorber." The Parts guy described the OEM hitch as requiring two separate purchases (the hitch and the absorber), which got me a little confused, as this would be significantly more complex to install than the aftermarket hitches I'm used to (if I understand the dealer correctly).

RXOwner

The Lexus tech said it was not hard to install and it was just about bolting it on. There was time involved in removing and replacing body parts and there was also routing of new wiring. Also he said an electrical module had to be replaced, likely a blinker relay of some sort.

All works well with my trailer which has all LED lights. Towing something the size of my jetski was no problem.

GSY

Looks great! I am looking to get one for myself!

johnandkri

The Lexus hitch part number is PT22848160 Told $500.00 and $300 to install