Non-OE tow hitch alternatives? (merged threads)
09-01-16 | 07:47 PM
#48
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 491
Likes: 33
From: PA
Hi,
I didn't use the Lexus OEM hitch, too expensive. Found exact fit from CURT for $119, excellent quality and easy install. Took me only 30 minutes and anyone that's capable of screwing a bolt will be able to do this. while you're under the car, on the driver side, on the inside of the rear bumper, you'll find connector for the lights, it has a cover plug that needs to be removed before connecting the extension CURT 56083 T-Connector. Next locate the connector for the towing converter. It is right behind the removable storage basket on the passenger side inside the car's cargo area. It was covered with black plastic insulation tape. There is a hole right next to it that you can use to secure the converter in place either with the included screw or a tie-rap. Part number for the converter is: PT725-48160. I found it on eBay Total cost: $283
$119 CURT Receiver Hitches - 13272, comes with free 2" receiver plug.
$14 CURT 56083 T-Connector
$150 Relay, Towing Converter PT725-48160 available on ebay
Enjoy
I didn't use the Lexus OEM hitch, too expensive. Found exact fit from CURT for $119, excellent quality and easy install. Took me only 30 minutes and anyone that's capable of screwing a bolt will be able to do this. while you're under the car, on the driver side, on the inside of the rear bumper, you'll find connector for the lights, it has a cover plug that needs to be removed before connecting the extension CURT 56083 T-Connector. Next locate the connector for the towing converter. It is right behind the removable storage basket on the passenger side inside the car's cargo area. It was covered with black plastic insulation tape. There is a hole right next to it that you can use to secure the converter in place either with the included screw or a tie-rap. Part number for the converter is: PT725-48160. I found it on eBay Total cost: $283
$119 CURT Receiver Hitches - 13272, comes with free 2" receiver plug.
$14 CURT 56083 T-Connector
$150 Relay, Towing Converter PT725-48160 available on ebay
Enjoy
10-04-16 | 09:34 PM
#49
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Ca
I bought Curt hitch from Amazon, but have negative experience so far. While 5 bolts fits, 6th opening is displaced 1-2mm, so 6th bolt does fit. 
Waiting for replacement.
Otherwise, no problem with installation of hitch and wiring. Car has tow prep package.
Waiting for replacement.
Otherwise, no problem with installation of hitch and wiring. Car has tow prep package.
11-11-16 | 04:12 AM
#50
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
I had the same issue with the hitch I ordered from Amazon. It was the 3rd hole on the left (furthest from bumper). What did you end up doing? I am currently only using the hitch for a bike rack but am concerned if I end up wanting to pull something.
11-11-16 | 08:35 AM
#51
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Ca
As per review on Amazon, professional installation should help: good mechanic can drill this hole larger. I am looking for good mechanics close to my house, or will try to do it myself. Will update, when done trying. 
11-23-16 | 12:09 PM
#54
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Ca
Just to finish my experience: using file with very fine teeth and 20 minutes of time, removed ~2mm of hitch near the border of bolt hole (which did not fit originally), and easily installed hitch afterward. The same can be done much faster, using tools, like dremel. Finally, all done and happy!!!
01-04-17 | 08:15 AM
#55
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
From: GA
The forum was very helpful .
Installed a Curt brand hitch for my 17 RX and the entire process took less than 15 minutes.
Thanks all for your installation pictures etc.
Purchased the hitch for 120 from etrailer.com and hitch cover with Lexus logo for 10 bucks from local dealership.
Installed a Curt brand hitch for my 17 RX and the entire process took less than 15 minutes.
Thanks all for your installation pictures etc.
Purchased the hitch for 120 from etrailer.com and hitch cover with Lexus logo for 10 bucks from local dealership.
01-04-17 | 09:07 AM
#57
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
From: GA
I did not jack it up and hand tightened it . I am pretty sure it will work .
If you you are not comfortable , stop by local mechanic and he can tighten with a torque wrench
01-04-17 | 12:35 PM
#58
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,304
Likes: 176
From: WA
Get it properly torqued if you plan to do any sort of serious towing. A torque wrench is only $10-$15 from harbor freight and the amount of torque needed is going to take a lot more than elbow grease. You don't need to jack up the car, I had mine on ramps but you can probably do without.
01-04-17 | 04:39 PM
#59
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
From: GA
Get it properly torqued if you plan to do any sort of serious towing. A torque wrench is only $10-$15 from harbor freight and the amount of torque needed is going to take a lot more than elbow grease. You don't need to jack up the car, I had mine on ramps but you can probably do without.
Thanks
01-04-17 | 07:12 PM
#60
Racer
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,750
Likes: 609
From: Ontario
Every bolt should be at a bare minimum be really tight using a 1/2" drive ratchet drive and socket. Ideally it should be torqued.
The car has LOTS of vibrations and bumps. If the bolts don't have enough torque to stop them from gradually turning, they will loosen and fall off.
The car has LOTS of vibrations and bumps. If the bolts don't have enough torque to stop them from gradually turning, they will loosen and fall off.