trs23

OK sorry to bother everyone with my stupidity ... I plan on getting the Curt hitch ... if I have the towing pkg already on the RX 330, I will STILL need the what's listed as "Universal Circuit Protected/Modulite" ... I'm assuming this is the wiring harness? Tell me if I'm wrong please. Thanks again.

I will most likely hire someone to put the hitch on.

Here's the site where I'm finding this -- http://www.hitchesonline.com/lexus_cl34_rx_330_04.htm

You'll just need the HITCH plus the lexus wiring harness.

That site doesn't sell the wiring harness so they sell you a 'universal' one that will work on any vehicle. It probably requires figuring out and cutting the wires to your brake lights to wire in. NO THANKS!

The lexus wiring harness ~ $30 or so just plugs into the connector in your cargo area.

The RX330 forum of clublexus.com has detailed pictures on the installation process.

If you have the trailer towing package, there is a wiring socket under the left plastic compartment in front of the taillight. You have to remove alot of stuff including the compartment door. It is not difficult but takes time if you have never done it. Sells for about $48.

jim s

I took apart the cargo trays in the back last weekend. -- It was pretty easy removing those plastic bolt things. However, I found a white connector on the passenger side near the tail light.

Which left are you referring too? As you look at the vehicle from the front or behind?

I didn't have to remove the compartment door but I didn't get a good look at it either. I removed the middle cargo tray and reached up and felt for the connector.

Is the correct one? Or do i need to keep hunting?

Wow!

Thanks for the info. A guy on the townhall board bought the lexus hitch, and after he installed it discovered it was only rated for 2000lbs!

Why Lexus makes a hitch that is 1500 lbs short of the limit of their vehicle is beyond me!

I'll be at the dealer in the next few weeks and I'll be sure to ask about this part.

You don't happen to have any pictures of your install do you?

I have a 2004 RX330, which I picked up a week ago (silver with Navigation system). I have the towing package (only Lexus would have a towing package which does not include a hitch receiver) and would like to get a hitch receiver to use for a bike rack and other options. I doubt I would ever tow a trailer as I never towed one with my 9 year old GMC truck. My dealer wants $240 for the receiver plus $340 labor for installation. The labor seems high as http://www.hitchesonline.com/lexus_cl34_rx_330_04.htm installation instructions shows only 6 bolts - nuts already welded to frame. Has anyone had an experience with the installation and is it is easy as Hitches Online leads one to believe?

Thanks,

Cheapest place for a hitch only (no wiring) is drophitch.com -- $111.

Its very easy to put it on yourself. You might need a second person just to hold it up there, but if you can put six bolts in holes and wrench them down you'll golden.

The lexus hitch includes the trailer wiring harness and a cover for the back.

townhall.edmunds.com in the rx330 forum has more info.

I've been looking for the same thing.

Here's what I've found so far.

A guy on the edmunds rx330 townhall discussion list has called Curt Manufacturing -- They make a trailer hitch that will fit the RX330. However, they aren't making the wiring harness yet. I guess its in design right now but they don't know how long its going to take.

Here's the relevant section of his post:

The Curt hitch, part #12530, is available from Drophitch.com for $111.98 and is the best price I've seen yet, courtesy of Cotmc. I spoke to someone from Curt Manufacturing and was told that they are currently trying to put a harness together for the RX330. Their number is (877)287-8634. Maybe you can get more up to date info or get on their notification list.

He went ahead and bought the Lexus hitch since it includes the hitch and integrated wiring harness. -- The wiring harness for the Lexus hitch runs through the tube to a recepticle mounted on the hitch. He said it was around $265 from his dealer. I've asked for a part number from mine and they told me PT22848035.

I've also asked for pictures of the hitch when he picks it up which should be in the next few days.

I'm going to hold out until I see what the Lexus hitch looks like. I've already found the wiring harness connector under the cargo bins in the back. Its under the right side cargo bin of my AWD RX330. I think I removed about 4-6 plastic plugs to pull the bin out.