DIY: Toyota Highlander Tow Trailer Hitch Part# PT228-69045
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DIY: Toyota Highlander Tow Trailer Hitch Part# PT228-69045. FITS 04-09 RX330/350.
Hi all,
I have a 2008 Lexus RX350. I just installed a Toyota Highlander tow/trailer hitch part # PT228-69045 (wiring harness included) and would like to share my tip with installation. First off, this hitch weighs 50 pounds. Its a little tricky without any help but with my instructions, you can install this by yourself in about an hour. I did not install the wiring harness since I am only going to use it for a bike carrier.
I bought this hitch from Longo Toyota for $240 plus tax. The list price is $275. The wiring harness is included.
Disclaimer: PLEASE READ the instructions in the box! My instructions are "supplemental" instructions to help with installation without any help.
1. Read the included instructions.
2. Remove original tow hooks.
3. Install brackets. One on each side.
4. Place the hitch on a piece of cardboard. I used the box that came with it. This way you can easily slide it to align the hitch under the brackets. (See Step 1)
5. Lift the driver side of the hitch and use the nut (self explanatory if you read the original instructions) to temporarily catch this side of the hitch to let it "hang". (See Step 2)
6. Use a small jack to lift the passenger side of the hitch and align it with the holes on the bracket. (See Step 3)
7. Fasten all bolts according to specs.
8. Read the instructions again and double check everything!
Here is the Toyota part sticker:
Here's a visual to help you understand what I wrote:
Good luck,
Eric
I have a 2008 Lexus RX350. I just installed a Toyota Highlander tow/trailer hitch part # PT228-69045 (wiring harness included) and would like to share my tip with installation. First off, this hitch weighs 50 pounds. Its a little tricky without any help but with my instructions, you can install this by yourself in about an hour. I did not install the wiring harness since I am only going to use it for a bike carrier.
I bought this hitch from Longo Toyota for $240 plus tax. The list price is $275. The wiring harness is included.
Disclaimer: PLEASE READ the instructions in the box! My instructions are "supplemental" instructions to help with installation without any help.
1. Read the included instructions.
2. Remove original tow hooks.
3. Install brackets. One on each side.
4. Place the hitch on a piece of cardboard. I used the box that came with it. This way you can easily slide it to align the hitch under the brackets. (See Step 1)
5. Lift the driver side of the hitch and use the nut (self explanatory if you read the original instructions) to temporarily catch this side of the hitch to let it "hang". (See Step 2)
6. Use a small jack to lift the passenger side of the hitch and align it with the holes on the bracket. (See Step 3)
7. Fasten all bolts according to specs.
8. Read the instructions again and double check everything!
Here is the Toyota part sticker:
Here's a visual to help you understand what I wrote:
Good luck,
Eric
Last edited by koric; 08-10-11 at 10:20 AM.
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You're welcome!
I kinda like it. Looks "JDM".
Thanks! I didn't install the wiring but it looks easy from reading the manual. Just a few screws and clips to remove the trunk floor panels. I wanted to save the wiring since the hitch will only be used as a bike carrier.
Installation is pretty straight forward. Nothing tricky. I'd give it a 2 out of 5 for ease of install. You just need a small hydraulic jack and a torque wrench. It was just tiring on my arms bolting up the bolts to specs while on my back. There's quite a few. If you had an impact wrench, installing this thing will take 15-20 minutes, tops.
I kinda like it. Looks "JDM".
Thanks! I didn't install the wiring but it looks easy from reading the manual. Just a few screws and clips to remove the trunk floor panels. I wanted to save the wiring since the hitch will only be used as a bike carrier.
Installation is pretty straight forward. Nothing tricky. I'd give it a 2 out of 5 for ease of install. You just need a small hydraulic jack and a torque wrench. It was just tiring on my arms bolting up the bolts to specs while on my back. There's quite a few. If you had an impact wrench, installing this thing will take 15-20 minutes, tops.
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#8
I installed the same hitch over the week-end; your instructions helped a lot; I didn't have a floor jack, so I ended up using 2 standard car jacks for alignment. Bought the hitch from Tustin Toyota for $240.
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Just intalled a Curt Hitch on my 2008 Rx 350. Purchased via phone from E Trailer in Missouri on a Wednesday, and had it installed at my home in Charleston SC Friday. With wiring kit all total was just at $200.00 E trailer has a video showing how to do each job (Bolt on hitch and take out floor and wire trailer) Save yourselves another $50 and get a Curt Hitch. Very pleased
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Just intalled a Curt Hitch on my 2008 Rx 350. Purchased via phone from E Trailer in Missouri on a Wednesday, and had it installed at my home in Charleston SC Friday. With wiring kit all total was just at $200.00 E trailer has a video showing how to do each job (Bolt on hitch and take out floor and wire trailer) Save yourselves another $50 and get a Curt Hitch. Very pleased