I also installed the U-Haul Hitch and one of the Curt T connectors. What a pain in the neck!
The U-Haul hitch was a breeze. Took me about 10-15 minutes. No biggie. And yep, from pics I've seen, the OEM hitch does look nicer.
I originally got a Universal light module at U-Haul but decided to return it. I didn't want to cut into the harness + would have had to run a wire from the battery to the rear.
Looked around for an electrical connector ("pigtail") that would tap into the harness. No-go. The dealer doesn't have these either.
So, in searching around I got the Curt Mfg T connector -- part is 55563 (w/out seeing a real picture of it). Here's where the "fun" begins.
Auto parts stores have them as special order (in PHX anyway). I got mine from a eBay store.
Even with the Curt kit, you need to run a wire from the front (or other appropriate 12 volt source). To do that, I had to remove battery and air filter box to route the wire and secure properly. That was a bit of a pain too. Its not exactly a clean run with great attach points from from engine compartment to the rear. Had to use quite a few more wire ties and careful routing of the wire to stay away from running gear and "hot stuff". 8-)
I have the tow package. So there's a wiring harness/connector in the left rear cargo area (under all the cubbies). Ok, easy enough. Or so I thought. I figured, one connector into the harness, run the 4 pin flat bit and I'm done. Ohhhh, no. And this is the odd part. The car's hitch electrical seems to have all the right signals (turn signals, brakes, running lights). BUT. The Curt adapter has 3, count 'em 3 connectors. One goes to the trailer harness connector on the car. The other two "T" into the car's tail lights. One of them connects into the left side (a 4 pin connector) and other connects on the right side of the car (a 2 pin connector). Those other two required partially removing two other panels on the side.
If anybody has a burning need for pics, PM me or post here and I'll take a few and post them.
If I were to do it all over again, I'd just buy the Lexus hitch with the integrated wiring.
