Non-OE tow hitch alternatives? (merged threads)
#62
Curt Hitch Install on 2016 RX 450h
I installed my Curt hitch on our 2016 RX 450h yesterday. It took about 2 hrs start to finish & I wasn't in any hurry. Since I'm not real familiar with the RX, I took my time rechecking everything. The biggest chunk of time went to trimming the plastic panel under the hitch. I used an Exacto knife & a Leatherman serrated knife blade to make my cuts. I highly recommend the Curt design over the others that require the exhaust system to be moved. There is ZERO cutting on the bumper.
#63
I installed my Curt hitch on our 2016 RX 450h yesterday. It took about 2 hrs start to finish & I wasn't in any hurry. Since I'm not real familiar with the RX, I took my time rechecking everything. The biggest chunk of time went to trimming the plastic panel under the hitch. I used an Exacto knife & a Leatherman serrated knife blade to make my cuts. I highly recommend the Curt design over the others that require the exhaust system to be moved. There is ZERO cutting on the bumper.
#64
#66
The plastic panel that is directly under the cargo floor has to be removed first & cut on the RX 450h to allow the receiver tube of the hitch to protrude. I'm not sure if the RX 350 has the same panel. There was no metal cutting or drilling whatsoever. The plastic panel has about 12 plastic fasteners & screws holding it on. It comes off very easy, but there is one hidden on the driver's side behind where the mud flap would go.
I kept the tow hook since the original bolts were long enough to go through both pieces. Does anyone know if it is dangerous to keep the hook on as I did? I may contact Curt today, just to make sure it's safe.
I kept the tow hook since the original bolts were long enough to go through both pieces. Does anyone know if it is dangerous to keep the hook on as I did? I may contact Curt today, just to make sure it's safe.
#67
#68
Trailer hitch receiver on 2017 RX350 base
i have searched the forum for info on after market receivers for my '17 RX - to no avail. Amazon says the Curt and Draw-Tite receivers that fit the 2016 will not work on the 2017, while etrailer and other suppliers say '16 and '17 installs are identical. Have any of you installed a receiver on a 2017? Thanks
#69
i have searched the forum for info on after market receivers for my '17 RX - to no avail. Amazon says the Curt and Draw-Tite receivers that fit the 2016 will not work on the 2017, while etrailer and other suppliers say '16 and '17 installs are identical. Have any of you installed a receiver on a 2017? Thanks
Curt hitch works perfectly for 2017 and I purchased from etrailer. Installation was a breeeze and fit is perfect
Check this link for dedicated thread on aftermarket trailer hitch
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...ternative.html
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c5bob (01-19-17)
#72
If you're not a strong guy, you'll have a hard time torquing the bolts to proper spec. Definitely wouldn't recommend it for people who have bad backs as I can easily see old dudes throw out their back trying to jerk the torque wrench.
#73
Surprisingly torquing the bolts to 86lbs wasn't the hardest part for me. But (struggling) holding the hitch 12 inches over my face as I panic to find, fiddle, and hand screw in a bolt nearly caused me to have an aneurysm.
#74
We used a lift to do the hitch install. I had an assistant holding one side of the hitch while I did the other side. For me, the hardest thing was trimming that damn plastic panel underneath. The template supplied is not even close. The trimming had to be done (with exacto-knife) overhead while it was in place, since the instructions had the dimensions so far off. I used a large torque wrench on the bolts & had no problem reaching the torque specs.
#75
We used a lift to do the hitch install. I had an assistant holding one side of the hitch while I did the other side. For me, the hardest thing was trimming that damn plastic panel underneath. The template supplied is not even close. The trimming had to be done (with exacto-knife) overhead while it was in place, since the instructions had the dimensions so far off. I used a large torque wrench on the bolts & had no problem reaching the torque specs.