adamalbert

Hello,
In 'Building' the 2023 RX 500 on the Lexus site, under packages there is an option for "3,500 towing Capacity" package for only $160.
With Lexus options $160 doesn't usually buy you much.
What does this include?
Thank you,
Adam

ggebhardt

For $195 maybe a wiring harness for the trailer lights I believe you already have a transmission cooler as standard.

You will still need to have a receiver installed

Eingraham

My understanding is that it is the basic hitch mount only. Would not include lighting harness or the ball/ball assembly.. I say "would" because availability has been a problem. There is still not hitch available for the 2023 RX 350 - either through Lexus or the aftermarket. See the related thread on this site. Good luck!

adamalbert

Ggebgardt & Eingraham

Thank you for replies.
The Lexus corporation site - Build a 2023 RX500 ---under Packages "3,500-Lb Towing Capacity" @ $160 ---under Accessories 'Activity Mount" @ $515, 'Ball Mount' @ $75, 'Tow Hitch Receiver'' @$660.
I am still confused about what you get for the $160? For that matter why under 'Packages' , and not listed under 'Accessories' with the other towing stuff.
Thank you,
Adam

toyotaman7

Only the transmission cooler, HD rad Ava alternator.

All other items such as hitch or wiring are additional options.

Eagleboy99

AFAIK Canadian market cars have the transmission cooler as standard.

toyotaman7

Canadian RXs and NXs have always been including the tow prep package which includes the tag, transmission cooler and alternator. And I believe the RX also cubes with the tow converter installed.

adamalbert

Thanks guy, so what is the $160 for? I have only had one coffee this morning, what did I miss?

toyotaman7

In short form: you pay $160 for the ability to add a hitch and wiring at extra cost to tow.

Without the$160 option you can not tow with this car.

YWW

That $160 Tow Prep Pkg is the best deal in town because it includes heavy duty cooling (larger radiator), extra oil cooler and wiring for the hitch which is extra. Many dealers used to order that almost as "standard" because it was so cheap but not anymore on the 2023 RXs because I understand the optional kick sensor to open the rear hatch gets in the way. I would gladly pay the $160 tow prep pkg instead of the optional kick sensor because the tow prep pkg is extremely handy for people who drive long distance during hot summer days to ensure no cooling issues regardless of whether you plan to tow a trailer. I have owned 3 RXs and all came with the Tow Prep Pkg. I have never towed any trailer and no plan to in the future but glad to know I have heavy duty cooling and extra oil cooler to handle the heat from long distance driving especially during summer.

bert213

Yes, yes and yes! AGREED! Every opportunity that you have to get the Towing Package....GET IT. The larger radiator and extra oil cooler is one of the reasons why I believe that my 2012 has an easy 294k miles on it. Too bad my 2023 doesn't have it, but I was tired of waiting like many.

free888

Tried building a Premium+ online, and unfortunately it looks like the towing package isn’t available if you order the panoramic view monitor.

Den49

In my recent shopping for an RX350h, I have been asking the question as to what the 3500lb Tow Package actually includes. One of the salespersons I have been talking to actually took on the task of finding out. She asked the dealership service department and her contacts at Lexus. The answers she got consistently were that the 3500 Tow Package included only the hitch and wiring, nothing additional, no larger radiator, no transmission cooler, no larger brakes, etc. I tend to believe her because her dealership actually had an RX350h on their lot with the towing package, but it was sold before I could inspect it, and she seems to be genuinely honest.

I am posting this because I could not find any other credible answer to this question, and I want to throw this out to the forum see if anyone has any other credible information (not just opinion) that either confirms or contradicts what the salesperson told me.

chuckNX

From what I have read, there seems to be some confusion as the 2022 and prior years had an optional Tow Prep Package for $160 which included some coolers and wiring. For 2023/24 it appears that you only need the tow hitch package which includes the kick sensor if ordered from factory.

My car came with the factory hitch/kick sensor. There is no mention of any other towing related packages on the sticker.

It could be that Lexus determined the previous Tow Prep Package was not needed for the 2023/24 redesign.

Several folks have posted simply installing an aftermarket hitch was relatively easy and the pre-wiring for the lights is standard on all vehicles.

I think some dealers/sales folks are simply not up to speed with the new model and tow hitch requirements.

Incidentally, I don’t see the tow prep package as an option in the Lexus site. Maybe it was there before by mistake and was taken down.

Urlik

I pretty much figured that out a few months ago when I posted after cruising the parts listings that there weren’t multiple part numbers for radiators, oil coolers, and transmission coolers. You’re confirming that.